As the owner of two Units and a Honzo ST, I was very happy to hear this news. It is going to be very interesting to see what happens in the industry over the next few years.
I have a Rove DL and it’s a great bike. The fact that they’re one of the few companies that still produces steel frames is really cool. I would love to them make a titanium frame again. Also, bring back the “Roadhouse.”
Had a couple of Kona bikes through the years, I love the brand. I have a kona hei hei trail 27.5 2017 for the second time. Bought one brand new and sold it two years later for a so called bigger more capable bike and brand. Sold that and went back to the hei hei as it just rides better in every way. Hope they manage to keep the brand alive👍
That is great news indeed! I'm glad the orginal owners have control of the company again. I bought a used Kona Mahuna during Covid that I was SO lucky to find because it looked almost brand new in a used bike shop... like literally one customer walked in behind me and was eyeing the bike seriosly, but he was too late. That was my first introduction to quality bikes as I had a Giant hybrid and a road bike brieffly when I was in the military, so when I realizded how much more comfortable the fat moutain bike tires made riding feel, I was hooked on mounatian bikes forever! Plus I love how many different typoes of surfaces and trails I can easily go on. Good bikes were SO hard to find during Covid and I I almost gave up looking until I found the used Kona. Even th big box stores were all out of the cheapies that I was so glad I never bought as I started to learn more about build and component quality. There is just something about how Kona bikes ride and handle plus they have incredible paint jobs and designs... I get "Nice bike" all the time on my 2012 metallic emerald green Mahuna 29er; especially when I added WTB tires with tan sidewalls. My 2012 Mahuna rides nicer than a 2024 Trex Caliber 8 I test rode recently and a $1500 Scott hardtail. Next week I am buying a 2023 Kona Mahuna in plum purple and it is STUNNING from frame design geometry to the gorgeous color. I test road it today and got a "nice bike" from another biker going by in the bike store's large parking lot before I could even make it 10 meters out of the door. It handled like a dream and looked better than any bike by other brands in the new bike shop I went to. I have even watched some of the TH-cam videos on Kona's origins and would love to visit the copany headquarters and/or manufacturing/distribution center!
@ryanjewell9832: That’s a very point. If all else failed, I wouldn’t have minded KENT INTERNATIONAL BICYCLES buying KONA. They make some OK bikes these days. But, I’m glad it didn’t happen.
Kona would be fine stocking some of their models in REI or Dick’s which would be far better than ever being bought out by Kent International. Kent would be a disaster for the integrity of Kona. At least Kent outdoors didn’t significantly change the line up or start slapping the name Kona on whatever BOS they felt appropriate as Kent international would have. Kent International is a death sentence to be taken seriously as an enthusiast focused brand, ending up at REI is not.
Here in India i am planning to buy kona dew plus but one dealer is trying to divert me to trek ,giant bergamont etc by saying that I won't get derailleur hanger if broken & bike will be unusable but the real distributor said I won't regret buying a kona & everything regarding kona is available with them. Whom to trust???😇😇
My fiancé just got back into bicycle riding after 15 year hiatus. I gave her some time with my Kona due deluxe. She absolutely loves it now she wants one. The problem is is we’re trying to get a 2024 and we can’t find one anywhere I had no idea that the company had sold out. I’ve been away from bicycle Gnuse for quite a while .
that's awesome news, thank you! new subscriber/mtb guy here, actionvid told me about your channel, much respect to you. Can't wait to watch from here going back 👍
My first Kona is a Rove. I actually wanted one of the steel versions, but couldn't get one during supply chain issues and ended up buying a very lightly used (aluminum) model from a Kona rep. Great bike to ride; good value at the price; and honestly a nice bike to look at (deep red/brown with gold graphics). I'd like to say looks don't matter, but looking at it makes me want to ride it! Keep delivering performace, value and design and I'd absolutely consider another (though im not done with the Rove yet!)
Well that explains it. Had a Kona shopping cart ready to check out and now its gone. Can't order. Was trying to get some stickers and beer mugs to match my bike accessories. LOL Dang it! I do think the new model will increase the value of the Kona bikes so it makes sense. Especially since a scored a killer last minute deal
Okay Kona people, I hope the lights have been permanently turned on and welders and production people in full swing building up inventory. I bought a Dew about three weeks ago and love it of course. In a few weeks time I'm buying a second Kona model based on the good news of them starting up again and I'm leaning toward a gravel bike - any suggestions folks? I love the brand and i take my Dew everywhere for fear of it getting ripped off. 4 bikes in the last 15 months have been stolen here in downtown Toronto, it's gotta be the worst place in north america for stolen bikes. I need a Charles Bronson-style boobytrap but that's an issue for another day. The good news is they're back! And I'm very happy.
Kent Outdoors bought a bike company without knowing what to do with it. They were presented with a $100 million investment that required them to divest of their bike division and focus on what they actually know how to do, which is water sports. It's unusual that the OG owners would get the opportunity to buy Kona back, but it is good news.
Good news. I switched to Specialized bikes when the Kent sale happened. No I can think about buying a new KONA Cross bike in the near future ! Saw-weet !
I don’t know if this is good news. I don’t know if this will help save the brand. But for sure this is an interesting news. Thank you for sharing and for your job.
got my 2024 norco fluid c2 for $3999 cad. Couldnt imagine being someone who paid $6199 for the same bike before june! 35% off was to ogood to pass up. I also got a revolver this year for a huge discount. I dont think i will ever pay full price for a bike.
Yeah I think it comes down to what they got the inventory for. If they got a deal on that...it should be ok. That wasn't disclosed which means they might have gotten a good deal on it.
There are too many overpriced bikes on the market and manufacturers that depend on those very high margins will face ferocious competition. The low to mid market bikes which most normal people buy needs to be better served. The rule of diminishing returns is especially true with bicycles. While there are umpteen bike brands, there need to be a few more quality brands but with a few less model choices in the mid and lower range. Get back to doing the basics right!
Hi, planning to buy Kona dew plus in India but one retailer is trying to divert me for trek, giant, bergamont etc by saying that I won't get derailleur hanger like parts & bike will become unusable but the real distributor said that they have everything regarding kona whenever i need..& i will never regret buying a Kona. Whom to trust?😇😇
Glad to see them back with the original owners. You know, people that actually give a shit. I have two hei hei's and will never part with them. If I ever buy a new bike it will be a Kona. 👍
I don't think they're actually moving to Delaware, just Incorporated there, Delaware is something of a US tax haven for companies along with having very favorable laws towards businesses incorporated there.
Yeah they didn't move to Delaware...there are just a lot of companies incorporated there. "Heilbron and Gerhard own Kona’s longtime offices in Ferndale, Washington, and North Vancouver, British Columbia, and the brand will continue to use them. "
@@Aka.Aka. yeah it was full price for one bike but basically two for the price of one, which is an insane deal for two new bikes. I couldn’t make a move on it either.
Yeah Kent Outdoors did the buy one get one deal before they announced they were selling to try to unload inventory. I think they would have had a better result with just doing 1/2 off as how many people can afford the new bike price or need two bikes?
Don't forget to check out our latest shirts, hoodies and merch at www.shop.bike198.com/!
As the owner of two Units and a Honzo ST, I was very happy to hear this news. It is going to be very interesting to see what happens in the industry over the next few years.
There are going to be a lot of shakeups for sure. At least this seems like a positive one.
I have a Rove DL and it’s a great bike. The fact that they’re one of the few companies that still produces steel frames is really cool. I would love to them make a titanium frame again. Also, bring back the “Roadhouse.”
Same here. My Rove DL has given me more grins/dollar than many other more expensive bikes.
As a small, independent retailer I would consider carrying Kona now that direct to consumer sales are no longer a thing.
Happy to hear this news. I love my Kona Unit.
Had a couple of Kona bikes through the years, I love the brand. I have a kona hei hei trail 27.5 2017 for the second time. Bought one brand new and sold it two years later for a so called bigger more capable bike and brand. Sold that and went back to the hei hei as it just rides better in every way. Hope they manage to keep the brand alive👍
That is great news indeed! I'm glad the orginal owners have control of the company again. I bought a used Kona Mahuna during Covid that I was SO lucky to find because it looked almost brand new in a used bike shop... like literally one customer walked in behind me and was eyeing the bike seriosly, but he was too late. That was my first introduction to quality bikes as I had a Giant hybrid and a road bike brieffly when I was in the military, so when I realizded how much more comfortable the fat moutain bike tires made riding feel, I was hooked on mounatian bikes forever! Plus I love how many different typoes of surfaces and trails I can easily go on.
Good bikes were SO hard to find during Covid and I I almost gave up looking until I found the used Kona. Even th big box stores were all out of the cheapies that I was so glad I never bought as I started to learn more about build and component quality. There is just something about how Kona bikes ride and handle plus they have incredible paint jobs and designs... I get "Nice bike" all the time on my 2012 metallic emerald green Mahuna 29er; especially when I added WTB tires with tan sidewalls. My 2012 Mahuna rides nicer than a 2024 Trex Caliber 8 I test rode recently and a $1500 Scott hardtail. Next week I am buying a 2023 Kona Mahuna in plum purple and it is STUNNING from frame design geometry to the gorgeous color. I test road it today and got a "nice bike" from another biker going by in the bike store's large parking lot before I could even make it 10 meters out of the door. It handled like a dream and looked better than any bike by other brands in the new bike shop I went to. I have even watched some of the TH-cam videos on Kona's origins and would love to visit the copany headquarters and/or manufacturing/distribution center!
2002 King Kikapu still going strong. Had it since new and love it.
It is exciting to see, glad to still have kona around and not go extinct or turn into a big box store brand.
It is rare to see a brand not just get passed around when this happens. Good to see it go back to them and I hope it works out for the best.
@ryanjewell9832: That’s a very point. If all else failed, I wouldn’t have minded KENT INTERNATIONAL BICYCLES buying KONA. They make some OK bikes these days. But, I’m glad it didn’t happen.
Kona would be fine stocking some of their models in REI or Dick’s which would be far better than ever being bought out by Kent International. Kent would be a disaster for the integrity of Kona. At least Kent outdoors didn’t significantly change the line up or start slapping the name Kona on whatever BOS they felt appropriate as Kent international would have. Kent International is a death sentence to be taken seriously as an enthusiast focused brand, ending up at REI is not.
Here in India i am planning to buy kona dew plus but one dealer is trying to divert me to trek ,giant bergamont etc by saying that I won't get derailleur hanger if broken & bike will be unusable but the real distributor said I won't regret buying a kona & everything regarding kona is available with them.
Whom to trust???😇😇
My fiancé just got back into bicycle riding after 15 year hiatus. I gave her some time with my Kona due deluxe. She absolutely loves it now she wants one. The problem is is we’re trying to get a 2024 and we can’t find one anywhere I had no idea that the company had sold out. I’ve been away from bicycle Gnuse for quite a while
.
that's awesome news, thank you! new subscriber/mtb guy here, actionvid told me about your channel, much respect to you. Can't wait to watch from here going back 👍
They also brought back legendary rider Cory Wallace! Rad!
So sick!! I just got a Kona Process 134!
Your customer service experience will be a lot better now if you ever need it!
My first Kona is a Rove. I actually wanted one of the steel versions, but couldn't get one during supply chain issues and ended up buying a very lightly used (aluminum) model from a Kona rep.
Great bike to ride; good value at the price; and honestly a nice bike to look at (deep red/brown with gold graphics). I'd like to say looks don't matter, but looking at it makes me want to ride it!
Keep delivering performace, value and design and I'd absolutely consider another (though im not done with the Rove yet!)
I love it! might be time to add a Process to my Honzo
Well that explains it. Had a Kona shopping cart ready to check out and now its gone. Can't order. Was trying to get some stickers and beer mugs to match my bike accessories. LOL Dang it! I do think the new model will increase the value of the Kona bikes so it makes sense. Especially since a scored a killer last minute deal
Okay Kona people, I hope the lights have been permanently turned on and welders and production people in full swing building up inventory. I bought a Dew about three weeks ago and love it of course. In a few weeks time I'm buying a second Kona model based on the good news of them starting up again and I'm leaning toward a gravel bike - any suggestions folks? I love the brand and i take my Dew everywhere for fear of it getting ripped off. 4 bikes in the last 15 months have been stolen here in downtown Toronto, it's gotta be the worst place in north america for stolen bikes. I need a Charles Bronson-style boobytrap but that's an issue for another day. The good news is they're back! And I'm very happy.
I have 2 konas and will definitely be getting another one 😂 ihave lava dome and a honzo
Kent Outdoors bought a bike company without knowing what to do with it.
They were presented with a $100 million investment that required them to divest of their bike division and focus on what they actually know how to do, which is water sports.
It's unusual that the OG owners would get the opportunity to buy Kona back, but it is good news.
Good news. I switched to Specialized bikes when the Kent sale happened. No I can think about buying a new KONA Cross bike in the near future ! Saw-weet !
Kona definitely have to bring back the Paddy wagon
I don’t know if this is good news.
I don’t know if this will help save the brand.
But for sure this is an interesting news.
Thank you for sharing and for your job.
Nothing sucks more than paying full retail then seeing your bike on sale for 25% off 6 months later.
got my 2024 norco fluid c2 for $3999 cad. Couldnt imagine being someone who paid $6199 for the same bike before june! 35% off was to ogood to pass up. I also got a revolver this year for a huge discount. I dont think i will ever pay full price for a bike.
Hope they bring back the glow in the dark frame stickers
Those were really cool.
With all that is going on, I’m betting that this will work very nicely.
Yeah I think it comes down to what they got the inventory for. If they got a deal on that...it should be ok. That wasn't disclosed which means they might have gotten a good deal on it.
I hope they bring back the Stinky and the late 90s and early 00s paint schemes and graphics, that’s when it was the best
There are too many overpriced bikes on the market and manufacturers that depend on those very high margins will face ferocious competition. The low to mid market bikes which most normal people buy needs to be better served. The rule of diminishing returns is especially true with bicycles. While there are umpteen bike brands, there need to be a few more quality brands but with a few less model choices in the mid and lower range. Get back to doing the basics right!
Hoping that Kona got enough of a deal on the current inventory that the pricing will reflect more of what is normal for that brand. That would help.
Hi, planning to buy Kona dew plus in India but one retailer is trying to divert me for trek, giant, bergamont etc by saying that I won't get derailleur hanger like parts & bike will become unusable but the real distributor said that they have everything regarding kona whenever i need..& i will never regret buying a Kona.
Whom to trust?😇😇
Glad to see them back with the original owners. You know, people that actually give a shit. I have two hei hei's and will never part with them. If I ever buy a new bike it will be a Kona. 👍
Get that cyclocross team going again!
Really surprised that Kona couldn't sell bikes during covid, everybody was buying bikes during covid.
What bike shops need inventory? Where do they hope to find all these customers?
No Kona dealers in my area anymore and likely never will be.
I thought I'd wait still another year to buy a new Kona Dew Plus. But will they still exist? Should I buy it now?
Awesome! Maybe some regret for selling? I hope the owners got a good deal both ways. They deserve it.
That good news 😊
Sucks they moved to Delaware, would have been great to bring it back to Washington.
I don't think they're actually moving to Delaware, just Incorporated there, Delaware is something of a US tax haven for companies along with having very favorable laws towards businesses incorporated there.
Yeah they didn't move to Delaware...there are just a lot of companies incorporated there.
"Heilbron and Gerhard own Kona’s longtime offices in Ferndale, Washington, and North Vancouver, British Columbia, and the brand will continue to use them. "
What happened to "covid" exactly?
Was hanging out for the latest variant 😑
The flew returned...or waiting for disease x 😆
Aw man I wanted a closeout sale
They already had their close out sale. At one point they were doing buy one get one!
@@blakekennard7700 damnnbn i missed it or maybe it's too expensive for me Even when it was on sale haha
@@Aka.Aka. yeah it was full price for one bike but basically two for the price of one, which is an insane deal for two new bikes. I couldn’t make a move on it either.
@@blakekennard7700 yeah I can't justify spending more on a bike than a motorcycle 😭😭😭
Yeah Kent Outdoors did the buy one get one deal before they announced they were selling to try to unload inventory. I think they would have had a better result with just doing 1/2 off as how many people can afford the new bike price or need two bikes?
Kona bikes is the worst absolute terrible bikes. I don’t know if they got better after they sold, but yeah, hopefully bankruptcy.
the world does not need another bike company.
Kona is not "another" brand, but an old one that obviously is just not gone yet.