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Kona is well known for style, and the Kona Dew collection of street hybrid bikes have that in abundance.
Primarily aimed and fitted out for street riding - commuting to work, or out-and-about on the lanes at the weekend - they will also let you explore paths and gentle trails when you want, which is what hybrid bike riding is all about. How do the various models compare?
All are aluminium-framed, using 7005 alloy, butted for strength. The sloping top tube has two benefits - a safe standover clearance and all models are unisex. The geometry varies somewhat through the series. All will take mudguards - probably indispensable on a commuting bike.
They all run on 700 mm road (rather than MTB) wheels, and all aside from the FS suspension model carry Kona’s own Project Two aluminium fork. The triple chainset fitted to all models gives utmost flexibility on hills and for road speed.
The different models show improvements and upgrades in the components you would expect - gears, brakes and wheelsets.
The Kona Dew City is the entry-level bike of the range:-
o 21 gears with practical ratios, from simple Shimano components. The EZ Fire shifters are great to use.
o Powerful and simple Tektro V-brakes.
o Comfort saddle, 35 mm tyres and flat pedals all make for a practical, no-nonsense bike.
o Priced very competitively.
Next in the collection is the Kona Dew . In virtually all respects it’s identical to the City. Particular to this model:-
o 24 gears in three slightly wider ranges.
o Minor improvements to the front derailleur and the wheel rims.
o More durable Tektro V-brakes.
o All this adds up to a very practical bike suitable for almost all situations.
The Kona Dew Plus is the next bike up the collection. The major upgrade to this model is in the brakes:-
o Shimano hydraulic disc system for increased power and weather performance.
o More reliable gear changes from the upgrading to a Shimano Deore rear derailleur.
The Kona Dew Deluxe is the next model up:-
o Twenty-seven gears from the upgraded Shimano 9 speed cassette.
o Upgrades to the quality of the front derailleur, the shifters, the rims and the brakes.
o A key change to the frame which now has a stunning taper to the top tube.
o The tyres are narrower - 32mm - which would give better road performance, although maybe less flexibility off-road.
If you want suspension, the Kona Dew FS is the model to go for:-
o The front fork is altered to a Suntour suspension unit, superb for smoothing out the ruts.
o There is more help with ride smoothness from the suspension seatpost.
o The frame is modified too, with even more slope given to the top tube.
o Extra help on the hills from smaller chainrings.
o Upgraded front gear mech for smoother shifting between chainrings
o A bike with suspension for a very competitive price.
The Kona Dr Dew is the top of the range. This is a bike designed for speedy commuting:-
o Rigid Project 2 aluminium fork on Kona's tapering tube frame.
o Hydraulically-operated disc brakes by Shimano - increased stopping power, especially in the rain.
o The use of more Shimano road bike components, from the Sora range, demonstrate that this is a bike designed for road performance.
o Enhanced wheel rims and a narrower saddle.
o A better handlebar, along with lighter pedals.
o There's little doubt that the eye-catching graphics and paintwork will turn a lot of heads.
So the Kona Dew range has a bike that will suit virtually everybody, with a great choice of specifications and competitive prices.