FIRST LOOK: The 2021 Kona Honzo DL - Updated, Slacker, and More Dropper Clearance

[@AndrewWardell]

Cicadas: “We’re the loudest thing in this desert!” Industry Nine: “Hold my beer…”

[@buckroger6456]

😂😂😂🤣🤣 only those of us who live in the desert will really appreciate this joke.

[@80nodrog]

That is one sick looking bike. Cant wait to see the review

[@outsider1733]

I believe this is the first Honzo aluminum frame with sliding dropouts too. Really excited for this review!

[@hardtailparty]

Great point, i forgot to call that out. That's a big deal.

[@buckroger6456]

I'm glade to see more hardtail bikes with sliding dropouts.

[@1speedbrian]

I bought one of these for my daughter this past spring, it booster her confidence and elevated her riding immediately. She came off a Transition Ripcord, wasn't sure about going from FS to hardtail for her but she loved it. I like the profiles of the rear end not sure if it adds compliance or not.

[@nmnate]

You ever tried Onyx hubs? Thinking about a new wheelset. I think I'd absolutely love the quiet and immediate engagement.

[@hardtailparty]

They're my favorite hubs. I'm not a fan of the vespers though, I've had issues with mine.

[@cmeek65]

Ordered this bike back in February. Should finally get it next week. So looking forward to your review.

[@yegmtb8377]

I just picked up a 2022 Kona Big Honzo DL have not ridden it much except for today but it was raining all day

[@itsmisterbojangles]

I’m on 2019 big honzo, love it. I’m 5’10”, ride a medium. Custom build. No plowing here, if you’re tall enough.

[@MudSweatGears_TT]

I have this bike as well it’s great to ride. I’ve done everything from drops to jumps with this bike and it handles it like champ. Feels real stable and confident at speed. I would love to hear your thoughts after you’ve spent sometime on it.

[@hardtailparty]

Review coming soon

[@bimmerfan729]

Super interested in the ST model too now that they got a refresh. Though the paint on this DL looks pretty dang good!

[@michelemartini6422]

Hi, I'm 5'10'' tall (177cm.) with a 31,5'' (80cm.)inseam and I'm looking for a Kona Honzo DL in size L, could be the right size for me or better going to M size? I'm all torso and short legs so I'm always in between sizes. Tnx

[@sixate]

Always been a fan of Kona bikes, will be looking forward to another amazing review.

[@andycjohnston]

Unreal, can't wait to see the review of this, and really looking forward to the ST review too!

[@rotorwind177]

Looks like some nice updates. Look forward to seeing how you like riding this one

[@mellissanash7517]

I do like the paint color. Should be ask Kona to see if you can review one of the Big Honzo models?

[@hardtailparty]

Sure!

[@johnc5188]

I just built up a 2021 Kona Honzo ST, full XT Pike ultimate, Ibis wheels. rides like a giant BMX super fun. got tired of waiting for my Canfield

[@shaunroach7829]

Great first look, can’t wait for the review to drop. Sad thing is I’m sure there is not many Hozo Dl to buy if any are still available at all. New ones dropping most likely pre-ordered. It is still great to see what you think of the 🚲 if the improvements make for a better ride or not!!! 👍👍

[@hardmtnbiker]

I run the Maxxis Recon rear and and DHF front combo on my Esker Hayduke but wider. 2.6” tires on i35 rims. It’s a great combo, especially with Rimpact to allow me to get rowdy and not dent my rims.

[@tomerg2]

Looks very cool, sliding dropouts FTW! 😎 can't wait to see the review, any chance for a SS experiment? (I guess the bike is probably back with Kenny)

[@hardtailparty]

sadly, the bike is back with kenny.

[@day1strength917]

As a Kona fan, I'm looking forward to this review.

[@philippebenard1075]

Hey Steve just noticed the chainstay length s is adjustable. Did you happen to try the bike in the longer setting. It’s too bad you didn’t try that on the esd as well it would of been nice to hear your feedback on the different feel between the different chainstay lengths available. Thanks for all the great reviews. Always a good day when your videos pop up!

[@hardtailparty]

I've experimented with different chainstay lengths on a handful of other bikes before. Long cs = more planted, more relaxed feel. Short cs = more playful and easier to dump into turns for me.

[@Big_Boi23]

I have this bike and have tried the different dropout positions. I very much prefer the shortest chainstay length on this bike. It makes the bike much more playful and agile when cornering.

[@Big_Boi23]

I was one of the first people to buy this bike as a frame and build it up. It's a great bike. Very fast and agile but has enough length and slackness to handle steeper and rougher stuff. It's also extremely versatile. I've used it for everything from commuting, dirt jumping, to rough downhill trails. There is a design flaw, however. Due to the odd chain stay shape that is noted in the video, there is no curve to create clearance between the cranks and the chain stay. The end result is that certain cranks (especially with boots) will actually knock the frame when riding in a way that creates lateral flex in the crank. Best to go with an aluminum crank and no boots on this bike.

[@cmeek65]

We’re you posting about this on Reddit?

[@inreellife7372]

Did you happen to get a weight on this bike? I can't seem to find a good average weight (stock or otherwise).

[@chrisgarland9381]

Can’t wait to hear how it rides

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Can’t wait to hear your review! Looks great on paper. : )

[@davidh7414]

I run a 120TPI 29x2.4 Rekon Race on my HT. Its certainly soft and gives a nice ride. But I'll probably go 60TPI next time as the tyre tends to squirm a bit.

[@williamkinzel3635]

literally almost how i have my big honzo ST setup. XM421's with Hydras and 2.3 Purgatory's. Trail bike! Pike ultimate. so fun!

[@MrTrav36]

Love for you to review the new 2021 Hozo ST , as the geo has been updated a bit and as they say the ride feel to .

[@hardtailparty]

Kenny just told me he got one in and I can take it out for a ride review in the future.

[@va941]

Had to make a choice between this and the 2021 laufey, went with the laufey, better components for less money, but it was still a hard call, would love to hear you compare the two Since youve ridden both!

[@marklyon5646]

When you said you were designing a bike, similar geo to this (only ti) came to mind... Minus seat tube and gusset.

[@hardtailparty]

It'll be a fair bit different from this bike.

[@chickensendies]

Some very nice changes!!! Looks great too!

[@blinkerfluid7728]

Have you gotten a chance to ride the Honzo CR? I'd be curious about that one. Haven't seen a great in-depth review on youtube of that bike.

[@xoseruy7326]

Hello . Got a Honzo st 29 and big honzo 27+ , . Both very capable and fun to ride . Not super agressive but balanced Bikes

[@hardtailparty]

Does anyone know why those seatstays and chainstays are shaped the way they are?

[@Big_Boi23]

No clue. But I do own this bike, and the chain stay design is flawed. When you get a chance, check out how little clearance there is between the cranks and the chain stays. Certain cranks will actually knock the frame when stressed laterally.

[@kevdad3587]

I read somewhere the the chainstays and seatstays had a certain shape on the DL that acted as “leaf springs”. Definitely different on the DL compared to the regular Honzo.

[@hardtailparty]

@@kevdad3587 yeah, the ESD and st models have flat spots in their chsindtays that look like they act as leaf springs, but i question if this design actually makes them stiffer?

[@kevdad3587]

@@hardtailparty Seems to me like it would. It's more of a teardrop or triangular shape, right? That typically makes me think of something that is stiff and strong. I only had a few minute test ride on this one so I didn't get a good read on the compliance or ride harshness, unfortunately.

[@ohiomoto]

My guess is that those chainstays are designed to direct flex to specific points of the frame.

[@nytnapoli8327]

Yes! A kona!

[@masanchez34]

What brand saddle is that?

[@austindean4035]

Stoked on this one

[@armandoaguilera2969]

That ending sounds like a horror movie.

[@דורוןווליכמן]

When does the banshee mullet video drops?

[@hardtailparty]

Already dropped. It's the flying monkey video

[@Dark__Thoughts]

Hm, going to be curious about how supple it is. Whenever I see square stays I imagine them being very stiff.

[@hardtailparty]

Same here. They're almost triangular stays.

[@wesleywermuth9545]

Looks like a sweet bike!

[@BgRdDg40]

Whether it rides good or not it is a very good looking bike.

[@theshredneck7296]

Agree about the “it’s a trail bike, not enduro”. How is my ST considered Enduro hardtail with 120mm travel it was meant for? Definitely a trail bike. Also, they discontinued the Carbon honzo. 😭

[@SprSonik13]

a bike is defined by how it is ridden, and Enduro is a race type ;) I raced a 120mm Chameleon (took 2nd) in an Enduro, so it is most definitely an "Enduro bike". Too many people believe labels and the associated limitations. I also have a buddy who rides a Session on the trails.

[@theshredneck7296]

@@SprSonik13 yeah I say that and I’m racing enduro on my H.ST in September if my new bike doesn’t show up in time. 😂

[@davidh7414]

Looks like it has sliding dropouts?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes

[@ds1755]

That’s a very nice build. Sorry if I missed it, what’s the travel on your Helm fork? I’m a big fan of the Helm forks, looking to get one in the future. Also when you’re riding with a slack headtube like what’s on the Kona, if that front end wants to naturally pop up would a longer stem help with keeping the wheel down? Thanks for your reviews, very much appreciated.

[@hardtailparty]

yes, but it would hinder the steering. Slide forward on your seat if your front wheel comes up on climbs

[@isaacbrooks5999]

I wonder how this compares to the bike you're designing? 😉

[@hardtailparty]

Quite different

[@isaacbrooks5999]

@@hardtailparty The anticipation is like waiting for Christmas. I know I'm not the only one that is super excited to see what is behind curtain number 1.

[@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.

[@modulblok-e3168]

And is the xl frame with 175 cranks ok. ?

[@chewbaccadrums]

Can I run 27.5's on this frame? This came right on time because I've been looking at this frame for a bit and my LBS happens to have one in my size. I just bought a set of Nukeproof Horizons (your review put me over the top on my decision btw) and really would love to be able to run them on this frame. The standover, seat tube angle, and stack are all more appealing than what's on my Specialized Fuse 27.5. Love the videos hardtail party!

[@hardtailparty]

You can always run 27.5s on a 29er frame, you'll just have a lower bb and different trail measurements.

[@jonmeade6754]

Hi I want to contact you because my local shop has some knight plus rims cheap Thought it would help you out with the crack The email on the site doesn’t seem to work If you let me know how I can’t contact you I’ll give you the details Thanks

[@hardtailparty]

thanks. the best way to contact me is through instagram. I might be interested... budget is SUPER tight right now.

[@5150abbott]

Me want.

[@ttattx]

color scheme is very GTA Vice City

[@jhomarjosemondana435]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Cobrass2]

I feel like this bike waaay overpriced for what it offers, SRAM SX-Eagle lower end GEAR, Shimano MT410 Brakes are beginner grade brakes you get on a 700$ bike. RockShox Revelation is OK fork bout i think it could be better for this price point, the frame looks amazing tho.

[@AMGplays_]

first.

[@stevecabrera6718]

Lost me at 66 degree HTA yuck

[@1speedbrian]

A little on the steep side but they do make a slacker version too.

[@hardtailparty]

We'll have to see how it rides. I've ridden 67* hta bikes I've loved and 64* hta bikes I've hated (and vice versa). Hta is one part of the equation. 66* is a lot better than the 68* they used to have.

[@stevecabrera6718]

@@hardtailparty very true. I guess there qre many variables to consider

[@UnEmploymentDude]

Best thing I did with my 66 degree WideAngle was add a -2 headset.