Not particularly known for their road bikes, Kona is more of a staple in freeride films and on the North Shore of Vancouver. Nonetheless, their road bike lineup offers an amazing value for what you’re getting. carbon forks or even full-carbon frames mated to top-notch parts specs at competitive price-points and you’ve got yourself the Kona road bike lineup.
The Kona Zing is the entry-level bike in the 4 bike lineup, which consists of the race-worthy, full-carbon King Zing, the still capable and still full-carbon Zing Deluxe, the competitive Zing and the old-school steel Kapu. Between all 4 bikes in the line, you’ve got full carbon, carbon/aluminum and full steel construction. I don’t know of any other major bike line that has so much variety in their framesets, so there’s something for everyone in this line.
Specifically, the Zing is an awesome example of a competition-worthy, yet budget-friendly road bike. With a carbon fork mated to Kona’s 7005 butted aluminum tubes, you’ve got a solid frame/fork combo and stellar parts spec for the $1199 MSRP. And, the Bianchi-esque champion blue color scheme will definitely stand out in a crowd.
Highlights of the Kona Zing
- Components: Shimano 105 with an Ultegra rear dérailleur
- Wheelset: Mavic Aksium
- Frame: Kona 7005 butted aluminum
- Fork: Kona Carbon
- Sizes: 49, 53, 56, 58 and 61 cm
- MSRP: $1199
- More Info: Specs
I think you’d be hard-pressed to find another road bike with the components and build of the Kona Zing at such a competitive price-point. Kona’s road bike lineup has been steadily garnering more and more attention and deservedly so. The Kona Zing won’t break the bank, but delivers quality for not much money.
05.05.2008 at 10:22 am - by Brig Graff
looks like a very solid entry level bike at a good price….could be worth casting an eye at it.
05.07.2008 at 7:48 pm - by Jason Mitchell
Looks like I’ll have one of these as my road bike for the season, so I’ll post a review in the coming months. I’m stoked to get out on a roadie again after a year hiatus!
09.30.2009 at 6:50 pm - by Yakima King Cobra Long-term Bike Rack Review - FeedTheHabit.com
[...] best solution for rooftop bike carrying. Mine has held up well while carrying everything from my Kona Zing roadie to a burly 40-lb. Norco Six freeride mountain [...]