2021 Kona Honzo DL Review: How Does Kona's Updated Aluminum Flagship Hardtail Ride?

The Kona Honzo Dl received a lot of updates for 2021: sliding dropouts, a slacker head angle, shorter seat tube, new graphics, and more. Today we take it out on the trails in Sedona, AZ to see how it rides in this ride review. Do you have a Kona Honzo DL? What do you think of it?
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[@corylandmark6752]

Anybody else a little sad for him every time he says to a hiker "I'm all alone"? Trail looks awesome!

[@timzuber6682]

We’re all along for the ride. Perhaps Steve should say “That’s all of us” like his riding in a group.

[@davebrydon9954]

Haha noticed that too. For a moment you can't help but get a little choked up.

[@isaacbrooks5999]

I actually prefer riding alone. Just myself, my thoughts, and my bike.

[@joshuaweir1264]

Loving every upload mate, this channel is awesome. Pretty much the only MTB channel where I watch every single video start to finish.

[@isaacbrooks5999]

I never realized it, but that is so true! I watch every single episode

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks guys. I try to make sure I add educational info in every video, even if it's not a bike you're otherwise interested in. I really appreciate the kind words.

[@OravuArm]

Same here man. Quality content for sure

[@mrsmith326]

I haven’t ridden a hard tail in years and I watch it 🤣.

[@Cliftyman]

Just picked up a XL Kona Honzo DL frame... they're on sale and I think it'll make a great fast hardtail for light racing and zipping on blue trails

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Thanks Kenny - hope you heal up soon!

[@ardaonen260]

You know what the worst part of this channel is? You've absolutely RUINED every other bike reviewer for me. Nothing even comes close to the depth and knowledge you bring, the genuine honesty, and most importantly, the consistency between reviews that really allows viewers of your channel to not just understand how a bike rides, but also precisely compare it to other bikes you've reviewed on the channel as well. I hope I find someone who reviews full sus bikes with half as good quality as you do, but I have low hopes.

[@tomerg2]

Couldn't agree more, I can't view or read any other reviewer (especially if it's for a hardtail), all other feedback seems shallow and superficial in comparison to Steve's in depth comments and comparison to other models

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I wish i had the bandwidth to review full sus too. I ride different full sus bikes i consulta on them via patreon, but I've decided to keep my focus to just hardtails on this channel. Maybe one day I'll start a full squish party channel with reviews on it.

[@gabrielgarcia367]

#truth

[@twilightcerberus]

@@hardtailparty full squish party has to be the channel name now if you review full suspension bikes

[@acbacb15]

There are reviewers out there who are good at reviewing and comparing suspension systems, but they seem lost when trying to notice differences between how the frames feel on various hardtails. Steve seems uniquely talented at that.

[@Marc28031984]

Those trails are beautiful. That scenery looks insane.

[@bhamlax6]

As someone down in Tucson riding a Honzo it’s awesome to hear your take on the alu HTs in the desert chunk 🏜

[@wtyeti3735]

I really appreciate all the work you go though to do these reviews. When I was looking to build a single speed I spent a lot of time watching your reviews, including this one. As you mentioned a larger rider like me 6"5' 250lbs would have a different ride impression. So speaking as a large guy the ride quality of this frame is awesome. With 2.6 tires at 30ish psi i don't have any of the ankle pain that was present in my last hard tail.

[@hardtailparty]

Glad to hear it!

[@squishlefunke]

"Hey have a great day"... Yes it really is that simple to have a positive interaction with hikers and other trail users. Thanks Steve.

[@jasoncass8771]

Yep, Steve sets the gold standard for trail etiquette. He's an awesome example of how we should all act around other users.

[@pipas6217]

No one can review a frame better than you man, i love these detailed videos! Could you review the Merida Big Trail too?

[@Steve-Utah]

Finally! A review I don't fall asleep watching.

[@theshredneck7296]

That trail looks like a blast

[@paulv8453]

I love hope courteous you are with other riders & hikers. I don’t see that in other reviewer’s videos. 👍

[@trailladymtb7700]

From time watching, and I really appreciate your.Honesty. Its great!! 👍😎

[@ryanmiskin]

The stabilization is good. I can see the trail better that way. You can still see kind of how rough it is by seeing how much your hands bounce around in the frame.

[@rebekahstrege412]

Great review! I’ve been waiting for someone to review this bike. The only comparison I didn’t hear that I was looking forward to was how does it compare to the esd overall? I know you said the esd is more compliant, but I’m curious as to handling comparisons. Having trouble deciding between the two. Thanks and you do awesome work!

[@charltonmoore452]

I have a Mahuna and love how responsive and quick it is. I chose the Mahuna because the equally equipped Honzo was 1800 and I was limited to 1500 or less and I am happy with my choice.

[@Bushey4545]

The honzo is a grand now on Jensen bikes

[@MrDeano41]

Great review. This bike is deffo on my short list 👍

[@juansanchez-tr1dq]

Nice review Steve, do you think 29×2.6 would fit? That may help the smooth it some

[@Jdreynolds2]

I was on an old Honzo ST for about a year and I completely understand what you mean about feeling "dead." I sold that frame and just swapped my build to a 2021 Ragley Big Al frame and the difference is amazing! It feels so lively and quick and still supple. Your review of that frame is the main reason I bought it sight unseen. Thanks Steve!!

[@isaacbrooks5999]

I'm in the process of building up my Big Al! I'm just waiting on my wheel set (Nukeprood Horizon V2) and I'll be good to go. Super excited to break her in!

[@hardtailparty]

It's a really special bike.

[@va941]

Nicenicenice, good as Allways. Any words/thoughts on how this compares to the new Laufey?...wich One would you take for yourself?😉

[@user-hz5kb6bx4d]

Hi, any chance you can review the Turner Nitrous Hardtail? Love the channel!

[@Theriver56]

Everything you said about the previous Honzo is spot on. I have a 2017 and it's a ton of fun, but I won't take it out on my local trails. I mostly use it for gravel and xc stuff. Bumpy rocks are no fun on that frame, instant arm pump

[@hardtailparty]

yeah. It's got so much potential though, and it seems like each version gets closer and closer to a great bike. I'm excited to try the 2021 st model to see how it stacks up.

[@davidh7414]

Based on some of the tube shaping discussion. I'm super interested to see what Steves own design hardtail looks like. Heres hoping that he gets the opportunity to specify both the geometry AND the tubing. It should be a phenomenal bike.

[@hardtailparty]

I'm going to be relying a lot on my partnering company for tubing and design info. It's going to be a learning process, that's for sure.

[@darrylsweeney2713]

Lmao @ 20:29 'i do think this bike could be improved on.....' list nearly every aspect of frame geometry changed' =P completely new bike... Enjoy your honest reviews..... You manage to tear a bike down, critique it very well while explaining your preferences, your riding style of course the description of you local trails for comparison......and then, spend just as much time selling the bike, pointing out strengths for whom this bike/terrain would best suit. recently had surgery on bicep, my season is a right off....so I ordered '22 Honzo ST frame for my mental well being lol My last 'new' build would date back to 2003 i think, On-One 456 excited to say the least!! Keep up the great work, and those positive vibes with those you meet on the trails!!!

[@austindean4035]

Another good one!

[@badge1094]

How does this compare to the ‘Big’ Honzo DL 27.5er ?

[@tomerg2]

Sounds like a pretty sweet ride minus the harshness, would definitely ride it SS if it was my rig, many thanks to Kenny for letting you review it! I hope Kona will send you a ST for review too 🤞

[@hardtailparty]

He just received an SS frame and he's building it up now. He already asked if i was interested in reviewing it, so we'll see it on the channel in the future.

[@tomerg2]

Sweet 🤘

[@YuichiTamaki]

Hi Steve! another great video! thank you so much! how does it compare to the Fuse you reviewed weeks ago? on paper they look similar.

[@hardtailparty]

Fairly similar, but they have different attitudes.

[@chrishickey1451]

Every time you say "I'm all alone" in your videos makes it sound like a cry for help! Good videos, loving the content.

[@invisiblealex007]

What kind of wheels were on this model? I've bought 2022 model the day before yesterday with the 27,5x2,8". They feel fat and slow, but grip much better than I had last time (2,1")

[@SCnative64]

I got a 2023 Honzo Alu, put carbon wheels on it's a great HT for all around riding.

[@dreamstationAU]

Love your videos man! Hell tell me, where can I get a hardtail party sticker? Cheers!

[@hardtailparty]

I distribute stickers via patreon.com/hardtailparty

[@gr8fulride]

what a fun day at the office.

[@simonerecaldin278]

Hi Steve, thanks to your review I've buyed a Kona Honzo. Such a great do-it-all bike in my opinion. I've upgraded it with a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 140 to make it more capable for my abilities :D Ciao from Italy! ;) Simone

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats! I'm glad you're loving your Honzo.

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

Bit late but according to your review the Big Honzo in 27.5" + could be the answer to the stiffness problem ?

[@bicycleit2383]

As far as I know fat chainstays are for power output, I have them on my Bianchi racing bike. Tim from UK

[@kris8165]

Beautiful bike! Always wanted one 😅

[@shaunroach7829]

Another great 👍 review Steve!!! Now you’ve left us with...Will he review a 2021 Honzo St!!! I hope you can get your hands on ☝️ one. To compare the 3 Honzo’s would be great to see!!! With this bike so far steel is real!!!

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, coming in the future, but it'll be awhile.

[@leanrivas5789]

Awesome review. Looking to get into a hardtail soon. Saw a couple of reviews by you and kudos to you for being honest and detailed. Are we getting a review for the 2021/2022 steel version soon?

[@hardtailparty]

Hopefully. My buddy has a honzo st and he said I could take it out any time. I've got a few brand new bikes backing up in my shop awaiting reviews, so once I get through those I'll have time for the st.

[@leanrivas5789]

@@hardtailparty for sure. Appreciate you man. Ride safe out there!

[@hardmtnbiker]

I agree that 120-130mm is the sweet spot for hardtail trail bikes. The mentioned feeling to much over the front with steeper HTA and slacker is better for leaning into turns. I’m curious how fork offset plays into this. All my 29er hardtail’s are 51 120 and 130 forks 51 and I have the ENVE Mtn carbon on one that could be adjusted. But I like the fork more forward and think it’s better for leaning into turns. Maybe you can do a video on that topic?

[@hardtailparty]

see my video on fork offset

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@hardtailparty I can’t find your video labeled “Fork Offset” but I’ll be flipping my ENVE MTN fork chip and seeing if I like the closer setting.

[@hardtailparty]

@@hardmtnbiker see my enve fork video

[@danielrgusa]

Still patiently waiting for my Nimble9 to come in. Shipping delays suck.

[@mooseracer6109]

The honzo has flat stays to make the rear end stiffer while putting down a lot of power.

[@donnienall1325]

I was wondering if you might do a review on nukeproof scout hardtail or what’s your thoughts on the nukeproof scout?

[@01toni01]

Question is can he get one these days...

[@alexanderwolfe9167]

The new Honzo ST looks very promising: good updated geo, external routing on top tube all the way down, reduced seat tube gusset height, great color. And "only" $600 for the frame. I hope you will have an opportunity to review it.

[@hardtailparty]

Kenny just got one And he's offered to let me review it. So we'll hopefully see it on the channel soon (once my local trails open up again)

[@ohsweetnothing]

It would be awesome if Hardtail Party could review a Soma.

[@andrewclarke7396]

Cool bike!

[@terrywoods4597]

I wonder how this would run in a size small with 27.5 wheels and tad over forked?

[@dolphin-studio]

when is this party and on which mountain?

[@mellissanash7517]

I want the Honzo ST or Big Honzo DL to be my next bike but in the size I am looking at the frame triangle is a bit small for what I want to use it for Do you know if the tubing on the ST Is the same as the ESD? Thank you for the excellent review as always. Edit: it looks like the Big Honzo ST is no more as is the carbon Honzo CR. It also looks like the geo(& no sliding drop out) on the regular Honzo & Honzo DL are different too. Odd.

[@kennethelliot8164]

Chainstays are definitely odd, it forces all the lateral deflection to happen near the BB, where some aluminum frames like to crack. I was looking at one of these frames but ended up pulling the trigger on an al chameleon instead. Just happy to find a frame in stock, but glad I did based on your comparison!

[@ald_ald]

Does Norco change tube thickness on all of their bikes (hardtail and full suspension)?

[@hardtailparty]

They do on some bikes, but I'm not sure if they do it on their hardtails. I know esker definitely does.

[@tylerpierce3935]

Have you figured out what makes aluminum compliant? Are there different alloys, or is it a function of tubing diameter/thickness?

[@hardtailparty]

Excellent queation. I'm not an engineers so i can only assume it's the same thing that makes some steel frames more complaint than others: tubing thickness in different locations, shape, length, and locations/shape of junctions.

[@kennethelliot8164]

Tyler, its a pretty loaded question and Steve gave a great answer. I am a hardtail tinkerer and design engineer that deals with running gear on heavy equipment so strap in for a way-to-long comment. Everything below is my opinion, somewhat oversimplified and I'd love to discuss and learn further. Front and rear triangle deflection both happen. I'll focus on rear triangle as most of us are running suspension forks that lessen the front triangles input on frame feel. To dive deeper, vertical compliance on hardtail rear triangles is achieved in two main ways. Traditional rear triangle relying on tension/compression of the stays OR a modified triangle (more like a rhombus) with a short "4th" side - see el mariachi/timberjack/esker/al chameleon etc. If the rear is a "true" triangle as in 3 sides and joining in sharp points then the forces are mainly tension and compression in each leg of the triangle. A triangle can only be one specific shape with set angles with certain length legs. Try it with a drinking straw. The vertical compliance is really just deflection of the axle end of the triangle. To push the axle up you would have to stretch the chainstays and compress the seat stays. Seat tube contributes less and for simplicity let's leave it out. The material property that affects this stretch per force is elastic modulus but for common metals bike frames are made of changing length of a stay more than a few mm (~.5 to 1%) will cause failure. That small length change will limit your total axle deflection to a very small amount, a few mm. Not very much cushy deflection. The modified triangles introduce bending stresses at the corner joints. This bending stress and presence of a 4th "side" allow angular deflection of the whole rear triangle, almost like a 4 bar full suspension rear-but somebody went and welded the pivots. This allows much more (maybe even 10mm or more) of axle deflection. Downside is the bending stresses are high at the corner joints so thick material and smooth toe-radii welds, along with good FEA stress flow design are critical to prevent fatigue cracking. That's why most hardcore hardtails have traditional rear triangles, strength. Unfortunately they beat you up with their durability. Banshee Paradox is unique in that they isolated the bending stress in a machined billet dropout. Welds or heat affected zone nearby will typically fatigue fatigue crack before the parent material. Keeping the bending stresses (and deflection) mainly in the dropouts keeps them away from the welds and hopefully a longer lasting bike. Of course there is some art, trial and error and voodoo to the overall attitude of the frame as well. Additionally the natural resonance frequency of the frames can fall into more or less perceptible ranges of the human body (spank vibrocore has a great white paper on this and HAVS). This frequency has nothing to do with deflection, but is definitely perceptible. It also changes depending on components, tires, tire pressure, water bottle half full etc. All of this is why what Steve is doing is so beneficial, boots on the ground bypass all of this theory and what ifs.

[@Anthony-ob2lb]

@@kennethelliot8164 Hey Ken, this was an awesome comment. Maybe you should post it up on Reddit as well, so more people can find it. I just upgraded my frame from a Vitus Sentier to a Ragley Marley. Did my first big ride yesterday. The Sentier frame is HELLA stiff compared to the Marley. The geo charts are very similar, but the difference in compliance is very obvious. I'm amazed how well the Marley soaks up the hits. And the supple-to-almost-springy feel in the pedals gives a feeling of being more connected to the bike. The chainstay lengths are the same between the two frames, but I can see now how the shape/welding/reinforcement is different in the rear triangle, with much thanks to your summary.

[@flipper2gv]

Do you plan on reviewing the Devinci Kobain? It's kind of in line with the Orbea Laufey but I'm curious of your opinion on it.

[@hardtailparty]

I've tried to get one, but i never heard back from devinci.

[@flipper2gv]

@@hardtailparty Bizarre, they sent demo bikes to lesser known youtube channels. Oh well, thanks for answering.

[@hardtailparty]

@@flipper2gv I'm guessing they were Candian channels? A lot of Candian companies favor Canadian media outlets. Sometimes, if a handful of my viewers reach out to a company, they'll choose to send one. That's happened with Marin, Paul components, and a few others.

[@flipper2gv]

@@hardtailparty I'll shoot them an e-mail then.

[@stefromfortworth]

0:55 Surely these are oval tubes to help add some compliance?

[@hardtailparty]

more like triangular. If they do add compliance, I can't imagine how stiff it would be without them.

[@eisenong7956]

Can you review the Dartmoor Hornet or Primal next? I love your channel btw, I'm a hardtail user as well

[@rockefelleragent1357]

Nice bike but you don’t sound like you liking that bike all that much as I can almost tell by watching the video that the bike feels stiff (very bumpy) and not planted on the road as good as the other contenders of steel bikes. I have a new bike (2021 Canyon Exceed CF7) and is stiff and nimble and I was going to ask if you could get your hands on one of these bikes to review but I fear you might not like it in the rough rocky terrain you ride on. Btw love the terrains you ride there must be a lot of fun.🙂

[@hardtailparty]

i always encourage people listen to the words I say more than the excitement in my voice. I know it takes more work, but I do choose my words carefully to explain what I'm feeling when I ride it.

[@michaelpedonti6285]

What is the widest tire you can run on the DL Steve?

[@hardtailparty]

Sadly, i forgot to test it while it was on the stand.

[@michaelpedonti6285]

Thank you looks good. I cant wait to see the updated ST with slacker HT. Lots of roots in NE Florida!

[@henrythefifth9993]

What does honzo mean?

[@rpiian]

Thumbs up before I even watched 😂😂

[@conecarver]

FYI if you are near Chattanooga TN … Suck Creek Bikes has 2021 Honzo DLs available for rent 😎

[@barfo281]

In 2024, their "flagship" still does not have internal cable routing like their entry-level models do. Why?

[@timdean909]

Wings might assist compliance and vibration damping when plowing through rocky ground at pace.

[@hc7185]

was my thinking as well. should limit lateral movement and give a little more vertical.

[@kubagajda7347]

I've had this frame and honestly, it has not been standing anywhere near the compliance :P Extremally stiff vertically and quite punishing after a long chattery ride. To me, that's said.

[@hc7185]

@@kubagajda7347 yeah, still a hardtail.

[@kubagajda7347]

@@hc7185 You know, it's probably partly because the rear end on it is really short - just 415mm for a 29'er. Bike doesn't pivot around the bb as much but transfers the shocks vertically to your legs more.

[@hardtailparty]

Yet the honzo esd has the same short 415mm chainstays and is FAR more complaint. Sure, longer chainstays can help make a bike more compliant, but not all short chsindtays are stiff.

[@tracymcmanus550]

You mentioned not getting on well with the Rekon. I switched over to the Dissector in the rear, and it has been a game changer for me here in Tulsa. We have hard pack, sand, roots, and lots of rocks. It’s a great all around tire. Thanks for the review

[@hardtailparty]

The dissector is one of my all time favorite tires front or rear

[@kingrat738]

Larger volume tyres FTW!! If you want more compliant ride 🤘 2.5-2.6" wide minimum 👍

[@hardtailparty]

Or... You could get a more compliant frame. If you see my other videos, you'll find I'm quite familiar with higher volume tires. But one of the purposes of a review is to mention how stiff or complaint a frame is because it matters. Even with 3.0" tires, a stiff frame will fatigue you.

[@kingrat738]

@@hardtailparty Roger that... Shouldn't a review be conducted with bike in close to stock setup?? i.e. 2.4/2.5 tyres... just a thought.

[@hardtailparty]

I always prefer to review a bike on stock form, but this bike didn't come from Kona to me. My buddy lent me his bike so i had to review it as is. That's one reason i have my first look videos, so people can see the details of the bike I'm riding. I figured that's better than no review at all. While 2.4s would make a SLIGHT difference, it's still a stiff frame. I'd argue that the 120 tpi sidewalls would make the ride softer than 2.4s anyway. I know people love their honzos, and they were hoping I'd say it wasn't a stiff frame, but the fact of the matter is, it's not nearly as supple as some other aluminum frames.

[@raivkka4313]

Hey Kona, if you want to know how to weld an aluminum bike frame, look at a Knolly.

[@scottyh72]

If you want to pay over double to have a perceived prettier weld then go for it. Me, I will put my money into better components.

[@Big_Boi23]

If you plan on running 175mm cranks on this bike, think again. There is no relief built into the chainstays of this bike, resulting in only a few millimeters of clearance between the crank and the chain stay. When the frame flexes under heavy torque, the cranks nail the chain stays. I’m on my second warranty frame, and they all have this problem. Size small, medium, and large frames with 170mm cranks should be fine.

[@kingsuperbus4617]

I'm having a hard time finding one