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Today’s Deals2015 Kona
OPERATOR
A 26″ carbon frame full suspension downhill bike with high-end components.
| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 200 / 200mm |
| Fork | RockShox BoXXer |
| Shock | RockShox |
| Wheels | 26″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 10 |
| Groupset | X9, X7 |
| Brakes | SRAM Code R Hydraulic Disc |
152cm – 171cm
157cm – 183cm
175cm – 196cm
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Kona Operator is a downhill bike that combines confidence-inspiring performance with a robust build, designed for gravity-focused riding. Its updated suspension platform offers better bottom-out resistance and improved pedaling characteristics, while the geometry has been modernized for steeper and gnarlier tracks. Despite its noticeable weight and some component compromises, the Operator excels in high-speed scenarios and bike park environments.
All aluminium frame built to take the knocks
200mm of travel at either end
Updated suspension platform with a more progressive leverage curve
Confidence inspiring and competent at high speeds
Geometry modernized with lengthened front center and slackened headtube angle
No carbon option
Noticeable weight at 18.42kg / 40.6lbs
Boxxer RC fork feels harsh and unsettled with repeated hard hits
Component compromises in the DL spec
Kona DH handlebars feel horribly backswept and narrow
The new Operator is a bundle of fun, with the new rear suspension curve being particularly praiseworthy.
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.
MTBRIf 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.
BikeRadarFeedback?
View all reviews
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.
Apr 2014 · Dirt HQ
The new Kona Supreme Operator is one of Kona’s ‘new wave’ of bikes that have been designed and engineered by the team of Chris Mandell and Jack Russell...
Sept 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 C-40 No.42 |
| Stem | Kona Jerk |
| Handlebar | Kona DH |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Sport SE 250 |
| Seatpost | Kona OB Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | n/a |
| Grips | Kona S-LOG |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X9 Type 2 |
|---|---|
| Crank | 36t |
| Shifters | SRAM X7 |
| Cassette | SRAM PG1050 11-28t 10spd |
| Chain | KMC X10 |
| Chain Guide | The Hive SS |
| Brakes | Avid Code R Type: SRAM Code R Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Avid Code 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 G2 Clean Sweep 200mm |
First added 22 April
Last updated 22 April
Not listed for 2,595 days