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SOC13: First Look at Kona’s New Carbon Operator DH & Major Jake Disc Cyclocross Bikes

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Kona Supreme Operator

Over the past few years, Kona has begun to reinvent itself with a host of great new products ranging. As part of the transformation, the company has completely overhauled their world cup down hill contender with a whole new look wrapped in a carbon fiber package.

The new Kona Operator will be available as either one of two complete builds or as a frame only. We took a close look at both bikes and put them on our scale. Hop past the break to check it out.

Kona Operator Supreme CockpitKona spec’d a full Raceface cockpit which offers owners a lot of built in adjustability. Mounted one way and the stem is 50 mm long and 15.5 mm lower, flip it for a slightly higher rise 30mm stem. The matching murdered out bar with the stealth logo is an ultrawide 780, which is plenty of room to grow into or trim down.

Kona Supreme Operator Cock pitLook down and you’ll notice the Operator rolls on Hope Pro Evo hubs. These hubs are light weight, easily serviceable, and bombproof. We know exactly why the Product Managers are proud to say these hoops come stock.
Kona Supreme Operator Headtube Badge

Kona Supreme Operator Bump Stops Up front, careful attention was put into created the cleanest possible internal routing option.
Konda Supreme Operator Top Tube Not down with internal routing? Swap out two bolts for frame mounts and you can just plug and chug.
Kona Supreme Operator Downtube Protector Underneath, a plastic shield protects the carbon downtube from rock strikes.
Kona Supreme Operator Linkage
Kona Supreme Operator Shock ShuttleWhen redesigning the Operator, Kona engineers looked at a variety of different suspension designs but ultimately choose to go with the tried and true four-bar system you’ll find on all their full suspension bikes.

The shock placement here in the frame keeps the RC4 clear of most mud and debris.

Kona Supreme Tire ClearanceTire clearance with 2.5 Maxxis tires is good.

Kona Supreme Operator WeightThe top of the line model with a Float 40, full Saint Groupo, and other shiny bits, weighed 36 lbs 12 oz.

Kona Supreme Operator Weight (2)The entry level Operator, with a coil Boxxer, smart mix of Shimano/Sram components, and heavy rims, weighed a very reasonable 37 lbs 14 0z.

Major Jake

Kona Major Jake Disc

Also completely revamped for 2014 is the Major Jake. The new frame is now Disc compatible, will be available as a complete build with SRAMS new disc groupo, has a couple of great features for commuting, and just looks great.

Kona Major Jake

In the front, you’ll notice internal routing, and the ports can be swapped out for Di2 compatible components. Head to the back and you’ll notice little tabs which screw into the frame. For everyone who has ever wanted to put fenders on a really-doesn’t-need-them-go-fast-race-bike, a manufacturer has listened. Fender away, just don’t let us see it!

Kona Major Jake Geometry

When it comes time to upgrade components, nothing is worse than trying to figure out the right size and standard. For Kona owners, a quick glance behind the seat tube is all it takes. All 2014 frames will feature both geometry and standard charts so you’ll never be stuck guessing again. Amen.

Kona Major Jake Disc Brake Mount

On this model, disc brakes bring things to a quick stop. We would have loved to get this bike on our scale but she wasn’t built up to proper spec and would not have provided an accurate depiction of stock weight.

Bonus: Kona Hei Hei Weight

Kona Hei Hei WeightThis is Kona’s top of the line XC racer, the Supreme Hei-Hei. Priced at a competitive $5499 USD, the carbon 29er weighs 24 lbs 10 oz.

 

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Ajax
Ajax
10 years ago

The Major Jake is gonna be a hot seller. Kona is making some great changes. Would like to see more affordable hard tail 650bs though.

Swint
Swint
10 years ago

When will you guys understand 19th century is over and people should use the metric system?

Ripnshread
Ripnshread
10 years ago

Really misleading to call that a “four bar system”. I guess you get away with it cause you say “system” and not “linkage”. Misleading to say the least. Its a single pivot design. I don’t care how many “bars” you put between the shock and the swingarm. Fact is the rear axle attaches to the swingarm.

David French
David French
10 years ago

Wow, that DH bike looks brilliant! And I’m proud to see UK made hubs featuring!

MMyers
MMyers
10 years ago

@ ripnshred

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-bar_linkage

Don’t be fooled by Specialized marketing.

Out for a Ride
Out for a Ride
10 years ago

Ripnshred does have a point… that rear wheel travel path is a fixed circular arc (due to the single chainstay pivot). Doesn’t matter how many bars you shove in the rest of the system.

Jake
10 years ago

@Swint

When will American’s understand that English units are ridiculous, make no sense, and confuse everyone. Three countries in the world still us the English system of measurement. When will we get in line with everyone else?

Besides, since you are a cyclist, you should be used to seeing everything in Metric anyways…

Also, all those Kona’s look sweet…

bin judgin
bin judgin
10 years ago

seeing metric in the usa right here…

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