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Today’s Deals2021 Kona
Libre CR/DL
A carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and shimano grx 800 hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price
$3,799| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 |
| Groupset | GRX 800 |
| Brakes | Shimano GRX 800 Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
Summary
The Kona Libre is a versatile gravel bike that excels in comfort and performance, with a lightweight carbon frame and a geometry that balances agility and stability. It's praised for its numerous mounting points, making it ideal for bikepacking, though some riders may find the gearing too low for heavy loads. The bike's handling is generally responsive, but it can feel sketchy at high speeds on steep gravel.
Lightweight carbon frame with a comfortable and performance-oriented geometry
Numerous mounting points for bikepacking and accessories
Responsive handling and good climbing capabilities
Versatile with options for 700c and 650b wheels
Solid component spec with no significant shortcomings
Geared too low for bikepacking out of the box
Fork bottle mounts may not accommodate all cage or bag setups
Somewhat tight tire clearance with larger tires
Stack height may be too tall for riders seeking an aggressive position
Mechanical disc brakes lack power compared to hydraulic options
A carbon gravel bike such as the new Kona Libre can be up to 48% lighter than other rigs often used for bikepacking.BIKEPACKING.com
The Libre DL is a gravel bike that pushes the limits and challenges your idea of what a gravel bike is.Bicycling
Regardless of what your bikepacking adventure may entail, the Kona Libre AL will be your companion through testing times!
Gran Fondo MagazineFeedback?
View all reviews
Jul 2021 · RBA Staff
Kona’s Libre EL steps up with an eye towards value and performance
Sep 2020 · Steve Fisher
Kona updates their Libre gravel bkes for 2021, adding a pedal-assist EL model and updating components on the CR DL and CR models.
Nov 2019 · Benjamin Topf
Regardless of what your bikepacking adventure may entail, the Kona Libre AL will be your companion through testing times! We gave this new aluminium bike the spurs and ragged it through our gravel testing grounds. Find out how it performed here. Click here for an overview of the best gravel bike 2020 group test. On […]
Calm and stable ride
Numerous mounting points
Purposeful concept
Sluggish acceleration and handling
Limited comfort
Middling braking performance
Jun 2019
Go-fast gearing, a million mounts, big-tire clearance, and dropper-post compatibility—let the fun begin.
Carbon frame and fork
Takes 700c and 650b wheels
Huge tire clearance
Some riders may want lower gears
Stack height may be too tall for riders who want an aggressive position
Apr 2019 · Clifford Lee
The Kona Libre DL is a carbon gravel/adventure bike built for exploring and long days in the saddle. We put it to the mixed terrain test for this review.
Nov 2018 · Logan Watts
Where does Kona’s new carbon gravel bike fit in to an already versatile range? We tested the Kona Libre DL to find out. Here’s the full review...
Nice geometry that hits a sweet spot between comfort and performance—surprisingly nimble, climbs extremely well, and feels exceptionally fast on gravel and pavement.
Tons of mounts, including five pairs of bottle cage mounts.
Solid component spec with no significant shortcomings.
Unbelievably lightweight carbon frame with a nice color and graphics scheme.
Geared too low for bikepacking out of the box—a 34 or 36T chainring will be a necessary upgrade for most mortals with the 700c/45mm tires.
Fork bottle mounts are not spaced correctly for a triple mount cage or bag—the bottom one is spaced a little too low.
Somewhat tight tire clearance in the chainstays when running 45mm tires, and 27.5 x 2.1″ from what I can gather.
Kona Road Bars are nice and wide, but I’d prefer a little more flare, such as a Cowchipper for this style of bike.
| Frame | Kona Race Light Carbon BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Color: Gloss Metallic Black w/ Magenta, Yellow & Supernova Fade Decals |
|---|---|
| Fork | Kona Verso Full Carbon Flat Mount Disc |
| Shock | n/a |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano PF86 |
| Headset | FSA No.42ACB |
| Stem | Easton EA90 |
| Handlebar | Easton EC70AX |
| Saddle | WTB SL8 |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | n/a |
| Grips | Velo Shock-Proof Bar Tape |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano GRX 810 |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | n/a |
| Crank | Shimano GRX 810, 40t |
| Shifters | Shimano GRX 810 w/ Integrated Dropper Lever |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX 11-42t 11spd |
| Chain | Shimano 105 |
| Chain Guide | n/a |
| Brakes | Shimano GRX 810 Type: Shimano GRX 800 Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano GRX |
| Rims | Easton EA 70AX Wheelset |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Easton EA 70AX Wheelset |
| Front Hub | Easton EA 70AX 100x12mm |
| Rear Hub | Easton EA 70AX 142x12mm |
| Tires | WTB Riddler TCS DUAL 700x45c |
| Disc Rotors | Shimano RT54 160mm (centerlock) |
First added September 2
Last updated January 7
Not listed for 1,968 days