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Today’s Deals2016 Kona
OPERATOR
A 26″ carbon frame full suspension downhill bike with high-end components.
Manufacturer Price
US$4,299($5,935)| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 200 / 200mm |
| Fork | RockShox BoXXer |
| Shock | RockShox |
| Wheels | 26″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 10 |
| Groupset | X9, X7 |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide R Hydraulic Disc |
152cm – 171cm
157cm – 183cm
175cm – 196cm
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Kona Operator is a robust downhill bike designed for high-speed performance and durability, featuring 200mm of travel and an all-aluminum frame. Its updated suspension platform offers better bottom-out resistance and improved pedaling characteristics, making it more capable on steep and gnarly tracks. While it inspires confidence at speed and in technical sections, some components like the Boxxer RC fork may feel harsh under repeated hard hits.
All-aluminum frame built for durability
200mm of travel for aggressive downhill riding
Updated suspension platform with progressive leverage curve
Confidence-inspiring at high speeds
Modernized geometry for better handling
Noticeable weight at 18.42kg / 40.6lbs
Boxxer RC fork can feel harsh
No carbon frame option
Component compromises in certain specs
The new Operator is a bundle of fun, with the new rear suspension curve being particularly praiseworthy.
BikeRadarWind it up to speed and it’s hugely competent and confidence inspiring, with a change of direction that belies such a long travel machine.
BikeRadarFearon has been racing prototypes for the past year and claims the new bike handles similar to the 26” Operator, but is more capable on steeper and gnarlier tracks.
MTBRFeedback?
View all reviews
Oct 2017
"A strong case of business in the front, party in the back here, doubled up with Hello Wheely Wednesday..."
Mar 2017 · McCoy
Kona's Operators tame the Pacific Northwest
Nov 2016 · Saris Mercanti
The new Kona Operator is a World Cup ready DH racing machine that's designed to still be playful enough for bike park laps. - Mtbr.com
Oct 2016 · Jon Woodhouse
However, if you’re after a bike that will handle endless bike park runs or gravity trips in the big mountains while giving you the confidence to send it over those big doubles and not worry about coming up a bit short, then the Operator DL certainly won’t let you down.
Oct 2016
Riding Retallack on the Kona Operator and Kona Hei Hei Trail.
Sep 2013 · Danny Milner
We check out the new 2014 bikes from Kona, including the Process Enduro models and the Carbon Operator downhill bike, in Austria
| Frame | Kona DH Carbon w/6061 Aluminum Stays 200mm Travel BB Standard: BB86/BB92, 104.5mm, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Boxxer RC 200mm 20mm DO Travel: 200mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | RockShox Kage RC Travel: 200mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano Press Fit 104.5mm |
| Headset | FSA Orbit 1.5B ZS No.57-1 |
| Stem | Kona Direct Mount |
| Handlebar | Kona DH |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Sport SE 250 |
| Seatpost | Kona OB Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | n/a |
| Grips | ODI Ruffian MX |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X9 Type 2 |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | fd |
| Crank | 36t |
| Shifters | SRAM X7 |
| Cassette | SRAM PG1030 11-28t 10spd |
| Chain | KMC X10 |
| Chain Guide | The Hive LG1 Turbo |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide R Type: SRAM Guide R Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Guide R |
| Rims | Sun MTX33 Sleeved |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Sandvik Stainless 14g |
| Front Hub | Formula 20mm |
| Rear Hub | Formula 157x12mm |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis DHF DH 3C 26x2.5", Rear: Maxxis DHF DH 3C 26x2.5" |
| Disc Rotors | Avid Centerline 200mm |
First added April 18
Last updated April 18
Not listed for 3,328 days