2021 Kona Honzo ESD // Review

Welcome back to the channel! Today we review the 2021 Kona Honzo ESD (Extra Slack Dude). This was a frame-up build so all parts were hand selected, but I did try and keep it close to Kona's original build. All geometry numbers are based on a size LARGE frame and the focus was on the Cromoly Steel offering from Kona. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments section and I'll try and answer them as best as I can. Enjoy!
Kona Honzo ESD - konaworld.com/honzo_esd.cfm
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:01 Geometry
1:28 Climbing
4:31 Parts Spec
6:15 Descending
12:31 Final Thoughts

[@matrixracing8268]

Surprised to see this came out an hour ago when I looked up Honzo ESD, I am picking up my 2022 frame in Purple here in a week so I am super excited

[@dinglenutzog]

I love that frame! Right now I ride the ragley mmmbop. No complaints 🎉

[@daveandmerlin]

A great video. I had a ESD this Summer just gone and what a bike ! Took it on holiday in the French , Italian Alps and in all honesty it was a dream to ride in the big bike parks and the natural,steep stuff in La Thuile etc. Swapped it for a Steel Full Suss. Getting myself a OnOne Hello Dave tomorrow!

[@mtbct]

Sounds like you had a blast with it for sure!

[@ktom300]

I'm running an angle set from works components on mine for 64.5 degre HT. This bike rips on fast and tech DH . I had my chain stays all the way forward about for about a year and recently moved them back 2/3's of the adjustment and the bike is even more "Wow" now.

[@mtbct]

I thought about running an angle set but then what makes it different than the normal Honzo?

[@ktom300]

@@mtbct The current Honzo ST head angle is 66 degrees and runs a 51 offset fork. The ESD is 63 degrees with a 42mm fork offset which is a pretty significant difference. So with a 1.5 angle set I'm at 64.5 degree HT but have the option to run 63 if I want. The reach on the medium ESD also slots right in between the M and L Honzo ST which fits me perfect.

[@guillemc8219]

I love the trail. I wanna buy one!

[@jeremyprovonsil7886]

If that bike is lifting during climbs you definitely need to change something. It’s basically a chopper compared to rice rocket hardtails. Could be climbing technique, saddle might want to be slid forward some. Something to try would be dropping the stack height and swapping to a longer stem (in conjunction with moving the saddle forward some). If you want or need to get a bar with more rise to get your overall cockpit back to the number you like, but you’ll have more weight over the front by default…unless I’m doing it wrong all these years. Which is possible. Haha. Sick bike! Looked hard at them before getting my Chameleon.

[@mtbct]

It's most definitly the short chainstay in the rear. Like I stated in the review its on VERY steep climbs, which I'm willing to live with for the playfulness. Thanks for the comment, I know a few people that also run Chameleon's and have nothing but high praise for them!

[@michaelbondad3912]

I think it’s also the short chainstsy position that makes it lift

[@29jayr]

Im looking for the same frame you have and build it

[@Mbtharp1]

How tall are you? I’m 6’ with a long torso and stuck between sizes. I’m afraid the reach will be cramped when seated on the large

[@mtbct]

I'm 6'1", and I was also worried about the reach, but due to the steep seat tube angle, we have to look at reach numbers in a different way now. The fit is perfect for someone 6ft.

[@vstags]

Would you recommend a large for someone 5’11? Thanks bruddah

[@mtbct]

That height would be more in the medium range. I would drop an email over to Kona just to verify.

[@vstags]

@@mtbct Thanks Brother. Who is Poseidon? A shop?

[@mtbct]

@@vstags sorry I ment Kona

[@guillemc8219]

The bike not the trail

[@ashton8499]

💃 P r o m o S M