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Kona's singlespeed dualie

For the time's when a singlespeed is just too simple...


Posted: 19 July 2002
by Danny Milner


Plugging the niches; the Kona A


Here’s one for all the mountain bike journos; Kona have released details of their ’03 singlespeed full-suspension bike, the A. Having previously launched a bike with the longest name in the world (the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a), their new niche-of-niches full bouncer has been bestowed with the shortest name in the world; the 'A'.

Taking their pseudo four-bar as a starting point, they’ve reconfigured the design with a main pivot around the bottom bracket shell to keep chain length constant. Rear travel is a cross-country–worthy 3.5 inches provided by a Fox Vanilla RL shock, matched by a Marzocchi MX Comp fork up front. The frame’s built from 7005 aluminium, there are Avid brakes and a Race Face Prodigy chainset with Rockguard. Gearing follows current singlespeed 2:1 gospel, with a 34/17 combo. Price is to be announced.

Availability of the special edition A is limited, but we don’t expect people camping out in tents to secure one. Kona wouldn’t comment on a whether they are planning to introduce a 29” version with onepointfive headset. Who was it that said "the only true singlespeed is a BMX"?


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Discuss this story

That's absolutely fantastic... what a great idea.
Posted: 19/07/2002 16:47

looks good.
Posted: 19/07/2002 16:52

I thought the true singlespeed was a unicycle? James, Dawes do a singlespeed too, it'll probably cost half the price of the Kona and have better equipment on it.
Posted: 19/07/2002 22:49

Id rather buy a cut down trike chopper thing. Spooky™
Posted: 19/07/2002 23:31

I want one, where when and how much
Posted: 20/07/2002 00:22

Unicycles? Dawes? Actually, come to think of it, if somebody could get handy with a welding torch, a few big brass door hinges and a large spring, I could convert my Inbred to full sus - even cheaper than the Dawes
Posted: 20/07/2002 10:06

Can't see it working myself, except as a Dual Slalom bike perhaps. Riding SS you spend a lot of time stomping on the pedals, something that on an FS bike will just get you bouncing up and down. Even suspension forks are a bit of a dubious idea for singlespeeders. Maybe if you have lockout on the shock though......
Posted: 22/07/2002 08:46

The poodles plums! WANT WANT WANT!!! Anyone got any more details/information? Where, when, how much?!
Posted: 22/07/2002 10:29

Dr. Dolittle said: " Even suspension forks are a bit of a dubious idea for singlespeeders." totally disagree, I run 5" travel bombers on my singlespeed DMR Trailstar and I have no problems; in fact it's the best hardtail I've ever ridden / owned. Just learn to ride smooth and you can ride any bike!
Posted: 22/07/2002 10:33

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