FIRST LOOK: Kona Honzo ESD - A Modern, Slack Steel Hardtail
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- Опубликовано: 20 авг 2020
- The Kona Honzo ESD is one of the most exciting hardtails to come out lately. With a 63* head angle, 417mm chainstays, and a 465mm reach on a size Med, it's pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a hardtail. Today we take a close-up look at this amazing machine. I really want to thank all of my amazing viewers who reached out to Kona to let them know about your love for the channel. I wouldn't have this bike in my hands today if it weren't for you. Learn more about the bike here: bit.ly/2QcXDKJ
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#honzo #steelisreal #hardcorehardtail 
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I have the best subscribers on the planet. You guys are amazing. I want to give a huge thanks to everyone who reached out to Kona to tell them about the channel and why you thought I should review one. You convinced them far better than I could. You guys rock.
If there are any other bikes you want to see reviewed on this channel, feel free to write to the companies that make them or comment on their Instagram account.
Stay tuned for the on-board review, along with a couple other interesting videos coming of this bike.
Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty.
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hardtail party Have you talked with Pole about their Taival ?
@@jamessher6956 yes. They didn't have any to send me at the time, and I'm not sure they were convinced it'd be beneficial for them to ship one to the US for a review.
hardtail party They don’t understand your influence on Hardtail lovers in the States.
@@jamessher6956 Not only in the US... I live several thousand miles away 😎
Michael from Chromag bikes here. Ive had probably 20 emails this month of people asking me to send you a bike for a demo.
Not sure why HTP doesn’t have more subscribers at this point, great material! - please review growler 40/50. I will email Rocky!!
“Hardtail” probably has people thrown off but is EXACTLY the reason I tuned in. But yes, he’s very knowledgable and gives information that’s applicable to ALL MTBs
I’ve been wanting a growler review as well. I should email them too😄 it’s between the honzo and the growler for me
Because alot of people aren't 5'6, so his review compared to mine at almost 6 feet is a big difference.
No chromag.
Probably because idiots like me keep seeing these videos recommended and watch them all the while thinking we're subscribed but we arent. Just went and subscribed lol
11:25 pm Friday night, my wife is snoring, my dog is farting, all of this fades out when I get to check out a sick bike reviewed well, looking forward to the ride vid.
Sounds like the life man
The audio of the freehub sounds more like a two-stroke dirtbike
Can't wait for the ride review. I've been waiting for this before I drop some $$$ down.
Great reviews mate.
I've watched Hardtail for a while now , I love the content you put out . absolutely one the most well rounded, informative, fun , channels . Nothing but respect !
Good job, Kona!! (for building it, and for sending one to Steve to demo) And congrats Steve! Really looking forward to hearing how it rides.
Awesome 😎 so glad the emails we all sent paid off!!! Can’t wait to see you shredding on the trails and your review of the bike!!! 👍👍👍🤘🤘🤘🤘
Glad Kona sent it to you for review! Hopefully they continue to support your awesome channel. Enjoy! Look forward to the review
Awesome review as always and I'm stoked that you were able to get your hands on the new Honzo ESD! I ride a 2017 Explosif myself so I'm partial to Kona and glad they were able to work something out in terms of getting you a model to demo!
No no.. Thank you. Your reviews are the final word. Excellent work.
Great overview Steve. I’m glad they sent you one to test.
Great Channel here. I'm the only one out of my buddies who still rides mainly hardtails... They make you a better a rider especially when you roll SS. Keep up the great work I wish u much success..
This looks great, I wish it was out a bit earlier when I was looking for a hardtail shredder. Ended up with a Norco Torrent which I love, but this would have been a contender. Looking forward to your riding review.
This channel needs to take off already. Constant stream of quality content with honest opinions! Sedona was the first place that I rode a mountain bike on actual trails and fell in love. Now I can't wait to get back out there with some experience under my belt! Great stuff Hardtail Party.
Thanks for the kind words Andrew.
I’ve been waiting for you to get this bike. I drove 2hrs to the Kona shop in Bellingham to look at one they had there. Sadly due to covid and me showing up 15 minutes before closing, they didn’t bring the bike outside to look at. I was only able to look through the window.
I can’t wait to see how one sizes up for me. Anxious to see your videos.
I just built a Honzo for a buddy using the XT wheel set.. Hub had the same thing going on..... After he put a ride in the hub broke in and it doesn't do that anymore.. Head scratcher for sure. I love my Honzo 🤙
Okay, I'm interested in the frame only, really curious of the ride. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
I love the way it looks, and that spec is just about perfect for the price. Nicely done, Kona! Hope it rides well.
Also, I put that hub on my bike and it did have kind of an intermittent sound at first (though it was quieter), however while riding it doesn't seem to really make any sound (which I prefer).
Wahoo glad we all made it happen, look forward to the ride. :) Cool review, super happy to see.
So happy to see this you are the only person I trust with hardtails!
Thank you Esteban.
Totalll agree with you on the derailure/shifter theory. My bike came with a Deore derailure and a Microshift shifter of an unknown model but Ive had zero issues with it. Ive been through 2 chains and its needed some barrel nut adjustments here and there but I cant imagine needing anything fancier, myself. Id love to get the SRAM AXS mostly just for getting rid of the cables! Great video man, keep em coming!
Really appreciate your informative approach to hard tails, specifically the Honzo ESD, I’m in.
Love it! Glad we could help get one in your hands
Indeed. I have the best viewers.
"See if we can get this in for review" - how could Kona NOT get a rad hardtail to Hardtail Party :) - Keep it up Steve!
Edit: That free hub is... uh... something.
I think there is something wrong with the pawls in that freehub. Best pull it to check before going out on the trail.
@@DRSpalding I have the same hub, slx 7100 hubs and they are awesome compared to. My hydras on my main bike they are almost as good. I don't know why but it sounds like two cats in a dumpster but awesome engagement
Freehub on my test bike sounded more normal than on this video but still funky at times: sometimes making sound while coasting and sometimes just dead quiet, sometimes sound disappearing while middle of coasting. No issues with engagement though.
That hub sound is Eeevilll and I love it!😂
It looks killer! Looking forward to seeing the review!
Honzo ESD looks amazing. I love hcht so much!👌
Great review Steve! keep up the good work. That hub sound though! Interesting...
This is the bike I wanted earlier this year. Don't get me wrong, I love my Nukeproof Scout, but this thing looks amazing!
In the sameeee freaking boat, just bought a nukeproof scout 290 expert But will most likely be buying this frame.
Same here! I got my scout 275 expert a week before this released. Regret it sort of but this bike is truly sick
Solid review !! keep the good work and gretting form Chile !
Agree with low end rear mech. Not painful to replace whenever it got clipped.
Looking forward to your ride review.
Hey Steve if you owned that bike I would say the downtube would be the perfect place for a hardtail party sticker to cover the kona sticker! Cant wait for the ride review!
Well done HTP!
The squeaky wheel gets the oil! 🚵♀️
Nice review keep up the good work, I've seen this bike in person at my local shop its very nice head turner for sure. Its going to be a big up grade from my entry-level bike. Waiting for them to get a medium in I am 5'9" the large was a tad bit to big for me.
Im new in this channel. Nice reviews i've been ridin my old DJ frame which is a Scott Voltage YZ paired with a 150mil fork, this guy reviews most of my dream hardtails. Rad stuffs dude. More subs for you.
Present in Attendance! Hardtail Party!
Definitely a bike designed and spec’d for a guy that really rides the knar and isn’t concerned with his Strava PR on the climb but will pick the same steep trails as his full suspension riding buddies. Kona has always been a bike company that pushes the envelope. I can’t wait to hear how it rides!
Well said. I used to work at a shop that sold konas and specialized, and I loved the way those Konas rode. They were way ahead of their time. Now they're starting to show that forward-tvinking attitude in their hardtails again.
Thank you!
Hell yeah! I’m glad I sent them an email. Thanks again for the bike recommendation through patron!
My pleasure! Thanks for becoming a patron. I look forward to helping you land on the perfect bike.
SS review. Yes please
you better believe it...
Currently there's no way to run a ss cog on a microspline freehub, so I'll have to change wheelsets, but the rest will work.
So many bikes to ride!!!...so little time. Enjoy Steve!!
No kidding. It's a great problem to have.
Good looking bike. I'm looking forward to your review.
You should definitely review a dartmoor hornet next. Currently building one of these myself! Love your reviews, keep it up!
Awesome looking bike for playing on
Thanks for this great video and your review
Man that frame is killer for awesome bike built. Hardtail is my favorite. I did get my 1st full suspension bike Christmas time. But I just did ride it that much. I just sold it. It's just not as fast and climbing ability is on a different level then full suspension.
Holy crap I thought I was already subbed...fixed. I am a Kona nut...I just dig em. I just got a Surly Pugsley, so not so much in the market for another bike, funds won't allow. But, I do look forward to seeing the review of this. Who knows, things change.
I love that they specd the XT shifter with the SLX derailleur. It seems like they are being honest. Is that weird?
It definitely uncommon for them to do that in this industry. I think they're realizing that the consumer today is far more educated about specs than in the past.
@@hardtailparty Anyone looking at this particular bike knows what they want. They'll likely still try and get away with some shady spec shuffle on other bikes in their lineup, but that's to be expected on any manufacturer complete. This bike is dialed out of the box.
Now PLEASE go ride this and the Rurok before we all die from anticipation. Hahaha ROCK ON!
Let's do the same for the Pole Taival!!
Let's make it happen!
In case there are some Pole fans here. Or even if you don't but want to see the Taival in the channel. I wrote this post to Pole owner Leo Kokkonen. Go there and show you'd be interested to see the Taival reviewed in the channel. m.facebook.com/groups/961973767170964?view=permalink&id=3605424196159228
Thanks Aly!
Xt shifter + slx kit is the best bang for the buck, with getting full performance. Kudos Kona.
Yes!
Actually, I prefer the SLX shifter oder the XT one which I find is too clicky. Both work very well but I'm totally convinced I'll never need more than SLX.
You can go for the M6100 groupset now too. The 50 bucks for the XT shifter are definitely worth a consideration for any budget build though.
The double upshift is so nice on the xt. And shifts feel crisper.
I'm running the deore m5100 with an xtr shifter. Shifting feels great
Absolutely awesome!! And I am your exact height and build, thus I end up on longish medium frames....
Such a sweet bike. Not my flavor since I do prefer the flowy and groomed stuff on my HT, but this is an amazing progression for the HT community. One thing I'd love to see from your channel is another bike comparison video, even if you can't get them all in the video at once. Would be great to hear your input on a larger variety of HTs and rank based on what they're made for or do best, i.e. downhill charging, flow trail pop, jumping, all-mountain, etc.
This is a service I offer my patrons, but I have some upcoming videos along a similar topic.
Waiting for the full review!
Currently my dream bike... 🤍🤍🤍
Just finished building up a ns bikes eccentric evo 27.5 stoked!!!
congrats!
Great channel! I’m hooked.
Great video!
That bike is lit🔥💪. Great slack head tube angle. Btw can you do a review on the Dartmoor Hornet bike as well? Love your vids and content!!!
Really like this bike
Mine is waiting for at my Kona Dealer, picking it up monday!
Congrats!
@@hardtailparty Thanks man! My first more aggressive hardtail coming from XC bikes, was looking at different FS bikes in that price range when this dropped. I was hooked!
Alfredo Tellez Dector
Hace 1 segundo
Hey Steve! It's great to see we did it! Could you make a quick online review of the NS Bikes Eccentric cromo 29 frame? NS has some pretty cool stuff when talking about hardtails but I've seen very few people talk about it, and who knows... Maybe we can get them to send you a bike for a hands on review ;)
Lets see it in action!!!
Soon...
Very nice hardtail. We are spoiled for choice these days for nice hardtails!!
That reach!!! 😍 / warms my heart when we see a cool ht designed for mtb riders by mtb riders!
(That rear hub sounds like hotgarbage! 😀😀😀)
sadly most shimano hubs have been sounding like this lately.
Really nice review. I’m with you on the juvenile decal, but otherwise, it’s a very cool bike.
I just love your vids brother!
thanks for watching
Love that 63° angle, ready to 170-180mm 😂😂😂
Expecting your review later today. 😁
that hub sounds like its laughing at speed ,that is wicked
You're amazing!
Thanks for this awesome content! you might have misunderstood the decal, it simply indicates the seat tube length for the size L, and the head angle once you add 6.
how could I miss that! ;)
@@hardtailparty thanks Steve, we must have a similar sense of absurd humor. now go ride it!
@@123dwd Oh, I've ridden it a few times... but not enough to review it yet. :)
1) Hub sound is 69/420 in Morse code.
2) you're a great teacher
3) should we email Canfield or do you have one because I'd love an n9 review. Thanks
I have a n9. Stay tuned. Patrons got a sneak peek.
hardtail party awesome
Definitely looking forward to seeing Commencal Meta HT AM with Zeb on it🤙
I don't feel like any hardtail warrants a Zeb, but that's me.
@@hardtailparty But if it's for free then why not. It will serve as the real experiment for riders who still don't believe in standards. Ridesafe💯
If someone wants to send me a free meta HT AM with a zeb, I'll happily give it a try. We can only hope that the new frames aren't as stiff as last year's model. I think a zeb would just be added weight on a hardtail, especially since I think 130mm is the sweet spot. If you're getting a pike or 36 or help to flex at 130mm and you need a zeb or 38, I feel sorry for the rest of the components on your bike.
Just subscribed to get that ride review
That hub reminds me of cards in the spokes, only metal version.
Hey man for slack bike you really need to check out the on one "hello Dave"
It's definitely the most radical production hardtail.
Yes, that is one of those "two or three bikes as slack as this" that I mentioned in the video. I've tried to get one in, but I haven't heard back from on one.
Would love to see a Vitus Sentier VR or VRs on here, I found it pretty easy to get. Or maybe I got lucky
Looking forward to the ride review on this 1 for sure...
RSD Middlechild aluminium frame coming soon then?
I don't think so.
This just makes me want a hardtail!:). I bet you love the no internal cable routing !?:)
Love it. This thing is how a proper hardtail should be
Agree, the print 69/420 is childish.
I cringed a bit when I saw this, thought it's daggy , the whole rest of the bike is way cooler without it, but Kona always has a playful sense of humour, usually I enjoy it like the little Sasquatch pic on my big Honzo St and the little sticker on handlebar: this bike is for competition use only.
SymaticStar a Sasquatch decal? That’s great and much better.
I’ll add my vote for a RM Growler 50 review! Rocky Mountain pls send this man a bike.
Rocky isn't watching this space, you'll have to email them directly
Looks like an awesome bike. I wonder if that hub has some big blobs of grease in it so the pawls don’t engage evenly
Possibly but 3 of the last 3 shimano hubs I've had sounded like that.
Yeah Boiiiiiii, The bike companys are finally waking up to the fact that rowdy HTs are a great bike choice for a significant percentage of their customer base by producing beast models like ths KONA. HT Party starting to build up some legit cred with these larger companies and mes thinks it is only just getting started. Appreciate all the knowledge and subjective opinnions on all things biking and hardtails on the hardpack trails you ride which is simillar to the west australian Pea Gravel I ride on here down under. Kia Kaha Bro.....
That hub sounds almost like tire knobs rubbing on a frame. Bike looks killer though.
Good stuff! As far as fitting that 27.5 rear wheel maybe try sliding the dropouts out a bit longer?
That might give 1mm more clearance, but not a ton. I think 27.5x2.8 would be doable as long as the bb isn't too low.
Marin San Quentin needs a good thrashing by HTP. Such a fun bike.
Pretty psyched to get on one of these. Patiently waiting for the review. I think there's something up with that freehub body, sounds like something's bent.
all the shimano microspline freehubs I've used this year have sounded like that.
@@hardtailparty Welp, still sounds bent. Not a fan. Thanks dude, psyched on the Process X too.
I already have one on order from Southwest Bikes in Las Vegas. I’ll put a Hardtail party sticker over the “420”
Attaboy. I think you're going to love this bike. I can't wait to try mine ss.
Tim at Southwest bikes is the man. He built me a custom honzo 4 months ago! Absolutely shreds.
Seems like a cool bike . Maybe I missed it but I wonder about you taking a test ride on the new Spot geared hardtail .
I'm super interested in testing the spot, it's a very intriguing video. No dice yet. It wouldn't hurt to send em and email and tell them why you'd like to see me review one..
It’s like the RSD cool
What in tarnation.... that freehub sound.
Can you please do a review of the Rocky Mountain Growler sometime?
Definitely going to get this frame. Im the same body type as yourself, so my plan is to run 27.5+ front and rear and bump the fork up 10mm to keep the front end in the same place. Im not a fan of the feel of 29" wheels
I don't think I'd want any more fork on this bike. I'd also run 165 or 170mm cranks on this if you had 27.5+
Forrest C. Why would you need to bump the fork up if your running the same wheel size front and rear?
I wasnt certain on the difference in diameter between 29 x 2.3 and running 27.5 x 2.8 or 3. Figured i would need a little more length in the fork to keep the front end in the same spot but if it doesnt need it then that answers the Q i had. I dont do too much technical climbing here in north TX and like the feel of a slack bike. Most of what we have here is XC with some short chunky steeps (there are a handful of DH trails). My Process 153 is great in the chunk but a slog to pedal around all day. This will make an ideal rowdy XXXC bike for me
Thanks for the help yall!
Hey Steve! Thanks for your review video and your input! I was just curious on how the chain stays are adjusted? Is it a pain in the butt or relatively easy to do?
Nice! Even more excited now. Just wondering if I'm saving anything if I build from frame if I can get it at around $2300 fully built with discount...
it's really tough to build a solid bike for under $2500. I'd build a frame up a bit different than this, but it'd come in over $2400.
@@hardtailparty as you said, there's really nothing in the spec to pick at. Other than what's up with that hub? Sounds worrisome.
Fun fact: this is actually not as slack as the mmmbop that you reviewed. Idk why but if you mesuare the 2020 frame on the official photos from ragley youll find that the head angle is more like 62.25 instead of the claimed 63.75. The honzo is what they are claiming. You can check this by overlaping official side on pics.
Since you already like the mmmbop, i dont think that you will have any gripes with the HTa. As for the rest of the bike, it looks so sick. If it also came in 27.5 and the reach was a bit shorter, i would pick a frame up in a heartbeat. But since it doesnt, i think ill still go with an mmmbop. Its still a really solid frame and im planing to build a mini dh bike out of it, one that you can still pedal around.
Keep up the awasome content
I think if we had an accurate tool to measure geo, we'd be surprised how different some bikes are from their charts. I don't know that I trust comparing geo based off of images (knowing how much photo editing goes on) camera angles, etc., but that's a really interesting observation. I've ridden the bike some, and it definitely feels different from the mmmbop. Stay tuned for the review. Thanks for sharing that!
Good talk.
Great video. Glad you got your hands on one. Does the size determine if there's a seat tube gusset? Kona's video shows the bike both with and without. Other written reviews I've seen have pics with it. Also, what cassette is on there? The Kona video says it comes with a 10-51 but the description says 11-51 SLX, 11-51 is Deore.
yes, size L and XL have a small gusset.