Kona Honzo ESD Dream (RE)Build

I tore down the ESD to its frame and built it back up with some fresh parts:
-OneUp EDC steerer tool
-OneUp 35 rise carbon bar
-GX Eagle AXS kit
-Santa Cruz Reserve 30 carbon wheelset
-SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes
-RockShox Pike Ultimate
-Maxxis DHR2 2.6 and Dissector 2.6
Here's the initial build of my ESD: • MTB BUILD THERAPY | Ko...
follow me on Instagram: @dr_j_mtb

[@rivercloud33]

2022 is purple can't wait

[@JustSnowglow]

The ESD really is the muscle car of hardtails. Looks sick!

[@JamesRobertMTB]

Good choice of components! So tempted to build my own aggressive hard tail. They look so good for developing good bike control and technique 👍👍

[@DrJMTB]

Thanks! They definitely provide a unique challenge, especially if you’re like me and much more comfortable on a full suspension!

[@tcline8600]

That bike is freaking amazing!! 🙌🏼

[@mkhitarkhodaverdian7159]

My dream hardtail🔥

[@mountaingoat8788]

Such a sexy Frame!! that was a good color too... I have a Chromag Stylus in Crimson tide red. she is a wee Hefty on climbs for a Ht but also smashes the DH for a Ht with 2.60 tires cushcore front and rear Feels so good even in chunk..

[@CCWclassic]

Wish you could get some more views dude I like your content. Keep it goin.

[@DrJMTB]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@HissLikeSteam]

I would love a follow up on this build. Especially if you like the original 63 deg head tube angle better than the 64.5 deg hta. Also, I was going to buy a versatile hardtail, the bike shop has an ESD in my size and I’m tempted to get it. I was afraid the ESD would be more like an enduro hardtail. In the intro you called this your “XC Race bike”. I know it’s not a true race bike, but is this thing good to pedal around for hours?

[@robc1014]

100% adding this badboy to my garage.

[@DrJMTB]

Have a medium complete in the shop right now if interested. 2022

[@robc1014]

@@DrJMTB i’ve already ordered the frame this evening from a supplier here in the uk. Prefer building them frame up instead of prebuilds. Thank you though.

[@DrJMTB]

@@robc1014 happy building!

[@DrJMTB]

@@robc1014 happy building!

[@Bohwie]

That is a SICK build. I'm thinking of getting a medium for it to be a bit more playful. I'm 180cm with a 33-34' inseam, (i'm all legs), do you think i'm still okay on a medium? Thanks Man!

[@MEGAMAZE]

do you have 180 or 200mm rotors? I want to ride 200mm, do you know which post mounts I need to get?

[@DevelopingNL]

How do you set up your cleats?

[@unordinaryman]

OMG - i haven't laughed this hard in months!

[@paulmanias8269]

With all the weight weenie gear on it, how much does it weigh? Can't wait for ride impressions!

[@jamesdamman8389]

What size headset did you use?

[@manuelgaribay8348]

WhT are your thoughts on going from the large you demoed today the medium I’m really stuck on this I currently ride a process 153 29 CR custom build and went with the large im 5’8” but have really long arms the bike feels a bit big but I sat and rode an esd in a medium and I felt crammed in the cockpit hopped on a large and it felt like I was more inside the bike than on top the real test will be taking my friends large out on the trail this weekend any advice would be great! I’m really torn between the two sizes of the honzo esd.

[@DrJMTB]

I'd say you're winning either way. You're shorter than me and I am glad I went with a medium but also felt comfortable on a large.

[@archie68x]

I’m 5’10” and got the Medium which is perfect for me as I love a more poppy bike that’s easy to bunny hop but in saying that the Honzo loves the DH 🤟 If you’ve heard of your RAD measurement, I find that more accurate than the manufacturers sizing as I can go either way (MED OR LGE) I know my reach is .440 - .460 max but RAD measurement is way more accurate as from what I’ve seen no one takes into account your actual arm length , they go off your height & inner seam only ! When I did mine on the Trek site , it told me to check my measurements 🙄 I had a Trek Fuel ex 8 in a M/L which I found slightly to big , sold that & bought a Scott Ransom 920 in M which is perfect 😍 & a month ago the Honzo M , perfect also ! Cheers 🍻

[@zanelobetos4276]

Where did you get your headset? Size?

[@brandiharris3905]

What would you recommend for a previous mountain biker turned road cyclist for 20 years, wanting to get back into mountain? Looking for a custom build due to previous cervical spine fusions. Recommendations appreciated! Thank you in advance! Dr. B

[@DrJMTB]

Cuz?!

[@brandiharris3905]

@@DrJMTB :)

[@DrJMTB]

@@brandiharris3905 Definitely with the cervical history, I'd be looking at a full suspension. www.konaworld.com/hei_hei_cr.cfm The Kona Hei Hei is super light and efficient, but still extremely capable.

[@brandiharris3905]

@@DrJMTB I know inventory is low all over, I’ve been trying to get something here in Cincinnati for a while. Do you have any inventory at your shop, if not how far out are you looking for delivery from manufacturers.

[@ESKJC]

What is the length of the stem that comes with this bike?

[@janeblogs324]

Gotta be a 45mm

[@juliusmia5386]

Have you tried running 27.5 wheelset on your esd

[@DrJMTB]

I tried it as a mullet setup (which I did like), but never full on 27.5. BB would be super low.