Kona is certainly no stranger to unique and weird bikes. They first introduced the Humu back in 1992. The klunker-style cruiser was originally the brand's bar bike - getting employees around town, while paying homage to the bikes that paved the way. And the Humu definitely does that, but with some updates for those inevitable times when you've gotten a bit over your head.
The Unity is on a mixed-wheel setup, which is somewhat out of the norm for a bike in this category, but what category is this bike? While mixed-wheel setups are often associated with enduro and DH, Kona chose it here for pure utility, and when you look at the point they're making, it all makes sense.
Kona is one of the brands that seems to recognize this more than most and has maintained a healthy selection of affordable hardtails in its lineup for years. After all, the brand started out and built its early reputation on hardtails. And despite some uncertainty surrounding its future, the rider-owned brand isn't forgetting its roots. For 2026, Kona has refreshed three of its most accessible entry-level hardtail models with updated geometry and size-specific wheel sizing to improve handling, fit, and stability for riders just starting out on their mountain bike journey.