K
KonaBig Honzo
01
Origin
Spun off from the original Honzo as Kona's answer to the mid-2010s plus-tire experiment. While most brands abandoned plus when 29ers won the wheel war, Kona kept the Big Honzo for riders who wanted the cushion and traction of 3-inch rubber. Returned to the lineup in 2025 after a hiatus — Kona explicitly framing it as 'beloved Big Honzo returns' in the founders'-buyback relaunch. Note: despite the 'Honzo' DNA, this one is aluminum, not steel.
02
Specifications
- Frame
- Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted, plus-tire trail hardtail; designed for 27.5+ with the ability to run 29" wheels
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- 1× wide-range. Base: Shimano Deore 11-speed (11-51t) or Microshift Advent X 10-speed (11-48t), 30t single ring. Earlier DL builds ran SRAM NX.
- Brakes
- Base: Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc, 180 mm front / 160 mm rear centerlock rotors. DL: Shimano MT410 hydraulic. (Older M315/M315 builds widely criticised.)
- Wheels
- 27.5" (650b), WTB ST i35 TCS 2.0 rims, Boost hubs (110×15 mm front, 148×12 mm rear). Convertible to 29".
03
The verdict
+Strengths
- Exceptional traction and roll-over from 27.5×2.8" plus tires — confidence over roots and rocks for less-experienced riders
- Playful, nimble handling thanks to ultra-short chainstays; easy front-wheel lifts, great on berms, flow trails and jump lines
- Surprisingly efficient climber — steep 75° seat angle and short rear end put the rider over the pedals for seated technical climbs
- Versatile and convertible — runs 27.5+ or 29" wheels, equally at home on singletrack, mixed terrain and bikepacking tours
- Strong value: capable modern geometry and a dropper post at an entry-level price (~€1,099 base)
−Weaknesses
- Harsh, unforgiving ride on rough/rocky terrain — the stiff aluminum hardtail rear transmits chatter despite the plus tires
- Entry brakes are the weak link — older M315/MT201-class brakes are criticised for weak stopping power, especially in the wet
- Basic coil/entry fork (Suntour XCR34 / RockShox 35 Silver) on cheaper builds feels overwhelmed when pushed hard
- Low BB combined with 175 mm cranks causes pedal strikes on raw, technical trails
- Mediocre Deore freehub engagement and press-fit/centerlock details that complicate maintenance and travel-packing
Where to buy Kona Big Honzo in Estonia
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