I LOVE my 2020 Kona Unit X. At a 6'2" rider, I opted for the size large. The 1x12 has a great range, especially for bikepacking/bike touring. I've taken it on ice roads in the Arctic, and an 900km tour across Newfoundland. The geometry is perfect for that kind of riding. I've recently gone tubeless with 29x2.8" tires and it rides so well. You'll love yours.
@Brad Wade Awesome to hear that! Can’t wait to get in some longer rides. Will definitely go tubeless and surely try my microshift cassette out on it eventually!!
Thanks for the video! I bought a similar Unit for commuting in harsher weather, and finally got it after 6 months of waiting in July. Absolutely love it, bullet proof bike without that much of maintenance - a priority in the Finnish weather. I have done a couple of shorter bikepacking trips in the past months, the longest being 90kilometers in total. Yeah, it was a bit rough at first but at the same time so much fun. Somehow I like the fact that you just drive and that's it. Always on the wrong gear. 😅
Good review. I have the same bike. It’s a mule that handles great fully loaded for bikepacking adventure. Switched to 2.4” for rear tire clearance, a Wolf Tooth 32 oval which IMO helps climbing and the shortest Redshift stem for bikepacking (TBD if I like the extra reach for single track). Would love to see a follow-up comparing your Kona vs Sutra experience for bikepacking.
Done single-speeding but, due to knees/legs at 50, and the fact I can ride more and not be as shattered the next day, i returned to gears. It was fun and educational for my riding technique though.
I don’t drink, but a friend in Scotland who does is in a single speed club. Their motto: “Fewer gears, more beers!” I had a Gary Fisher single speed hard-tail for years and thoroughly enjoyed it. 🖖
I love this bike, a Big bmx. Nimble and playful, so capable on very different terrain. I put mecanic brakes ( BB7) and it's Amazing. I love singlespeed on my other bike ( esd)
I own a Kona Unit as my only bike and it's perfect for my burly and chunky AZ trails. I have a lightweight Magura fork on front and a ton of other nice parts on it. It's a 2016 and I love it. Her name is Carl Sagan.
I have a black singlespeed Kona Unit, damn it's a sexy bike....popped a Brooks B17 Imperial saddle on it. I love it! I have to say the green looks very nice.
Sweeet Unit! Singles are good simple FUN! I converted mine to a 1x12 for all the bike packing I did last summer. As soon as I got back I converted back to a single for local outings. Enjoy..of course you will!
@@Kidsandthekooks I roll slow and comfy and don't set end of the day mileage goals or deadlines. I'm lucky in that way. So I'm probably the wrong guy to ask for a comparison. If I was though, I'd say the gravel bike has got to have the advantage.
I love the idea of a single speed - I love the idea of a steel Kona as well! I always wanted a Kona when I was younger - would love an Explosif now... Nice review
Single speeds are brutally honest: just pedal, dude, just pedal. You’re already in tune with it. 🤘🏻 Green bikes are the best, yes … but … the ‘22 Unit is “Gloss Metallic Dusty Rose w/ Chocolate & Bronze Decals” and it looks positively sick. Gonna take an effort of pure will not to spring for one. Wish me luck (“But honey, I’ve only got three bikes now!”)
Great video! I too love single speeds but I can’t anymore due to a bad knee, which cycling helps. So I can’t mash, but I can spin. 😀👍 By the way, first mountain bike was a 1999 Kona Hahanna HT 26’er & I rode the heck out of it! Looking for a chromoly bike that can take me back.
Sweet bike, I've been thinking about getting one. Jon from the Radavist the other week mentioned in the comments of the 2022 model that he doesn't see any issue with running a 120mm fork. Said geo with a 120mm fork & accounting for sag would make it similar to the stock fork. Have you thought about any of the PNW suspension dropper posts?
I have 3 and the same unit you just got built it up 12 speed for bikepacking.. I am interested in a comparison with your sutra. i am debating adding a gravel bike ie sutra rove libre or diverge for gravel/road riding around coachella valley ect. good work on your channel girls
Nice bike and good that the frame is Reynolds tubing. Reynolds tubes are good quality especially their traditional double butted 531c and 531st versions. Cromoly tubes are heavier than aluminium but the frame is more "livelier" than stiffer aluminium.
Riiiiight. Like, we’re not racing Pro. Sometimes giving ppl what they want (but also calling it out!) helps them move on from it faster so I was giving that a go lol
I asked Kona about suspension on the Unit. They said that anything more than a 100mm 29er fork would void the warranty. Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just telling you what Kona said.
Do you think a Medium work for you as well? I plan to get a Small Unit X 2022. I'm around 5'4" too. I think the medium size has 2 water bottle attachments inside the triangle even on other year/models. Great video! Very informative and helpful! Thanks!
Nice bike! Love the looks and components especially single speed. Too bad the triangle is tiny & doesn't leave much room for anything but the smallest frame bag -- not great for bikepacking.
I had one. The steel frame and paintjob was awesome, but the stack was way too low and the reach too short. I also found the single speed infuriating - always spinning out on flats and downhills and too taxing for anything than a gentle climb, I found braking pulled me to the left way too much and the seat post was just too steep.
People just don't get it...Steel is it's own suspension. PS [said in a Hannibal Lecter voice] "Love the suit." I don't think that matching burnt orange/green was a mistake. 😉😉
makes it even harder to decide now that i found this...choose a pipedream sirius, pipedream moxie, or the kona unit (only bummer with the cona is the headtubeangle and no chainguard) love the colour from the 2021 model.
Love love love the color of that bike! I absolutely thought you purposely dressed to match your bike lol 😂. Love that there are so many options for the Kona Unit 👍🏽
i'm not entirely sure why such a bike is all that necessary when you already own Kona Sutra which can easily cover the terrains and trails seen in this video.
Hi, great video, I.m looking to get that same bike in a medium frame size, looked several places but no luck, can you tell me if you purchased your on online (if so, can you let me know) or store purchase, thanks
So I've been really considering this as my next bike but am shying away due to the stack over reach ratio of 1.28 (size large) compared to my Kona Sutra which has a S/R of 1.58. The last thing I want from a long ride (esp. bikepacking) is to be hunched over the whole time. I'm old(er) and (kinda) fat now :P. Can anyone verify if this is really an issue or not?
Who else is digs Single Speed life?!
I love how direct single speeds feel you always know how fast you will go with any given cadnece
It makes you commit a bit more over terrain. It makes things more body and less brain. Super fun!
I’m looking for a single speed frame or full bike. Not many out there!
@@wleng Surly Lowside is pretty fun. Also has provision for gears at a later time.
Me.
I LOVE my 2020 Kona Unit X. At a 6'2" rider, I opted for the size large. The 1x12 has a great range, especially for bikepacking/bike touring. I've taken it on ice roads in the Arctic, and an 900km tour across Newfoundland. The geometry is perfect for that kind of riding. I've recently gone tubeless with 29x2.8" tires and it rides so well. You'll love yours.
The unit x looks great. Really tempted by it. Is your height in your legs or torso? I'm almost 6'3" with a long torso and arms. Debating L or XL.
Definitely in my legs. I’m short waisted. What does Kona suggest for your height?
@Brad Wade Awesome to hear that! Can’t wait to get in some longer rides. Will definitely go tubeless and surely try my microshift cassette out on it eventually!!
@@sethm.5666 I'm mostly leg, but the reach isn't an issue.
@@sethm.5666 Don't know if you got one yet, but I'm 6'2.5" and long torso so opted for XL and no regrets!
I just drove 9 hours round trip to pick up my 2022 Unit. The pink is amazing.
Can't wait to get it out on the trails!!!
Hi Shawn. I'm considering buying the pink 2022 model.... I would've loved an army green but can't find one. Do you like the pink?
@Mike Mauser the Dusty Rose Metallic is awesome.
Thanks for the video! I bought a similar Unit for commuting in harsher weather, and finally got it after 6 months of waiting in July. Absolutely love it, bullet proof bike without that much of maintenance - a priority in the Finnish weather. I have done a couple of shorter bikepacking trips in the past months, the longest being 90kilometers in total. Yeah, it was a bit rough at first but at the same time so much fun. Somehow I like the fact that you just drive and that's it. Always on the wrong gear. 😅
Good review. I have the same bike. It’s a mule that handles great fully loaded for bikepacking adventure. Switched to 2.4” for rear tire clearance, a Wolf Tooth 32 oval which IMO helps climbing and the shortest Redshift stem for bikepacking (TBD if I like the extra reach for single track). Would love to see a follow-up comparing your Kona vs Sutra experience for bikepacking.
Done single-speeding but, due to knees/legs at 50, and the fact I can ride more and not be as shattered the next day, i returned to gears. It was fun and educational for my riding technique though.
I don’t drink, but a friend in Scotland who does is in a single speed club. Their motto:
“Fewer gears, more beers!”
I had a Gary Fisher single speed hard-tail for years and thoroughly enjoyed it. 🖖
I love this bike, a Big bmx. Nimble and playful, so capable on very different terrain.
I put mecanic brakes ( BB7) and it's Amazing.
I love singlespeed on my other bike ( esd)
I own a Kona Unit as my only bike and it's perfect for my burly and chunky AZ trails. I have a lightweight Magura fork on front and a ton of other nice parts on it. It's a 2016 and I love it. Her name is Carl Sagan.
Incredible how many times you are able to talk about something so simple and mundane as it being one single speed. GJ tiny rider! GJ!!
Single speed to go bikepacking? I don’t know! And the tire clearance too.
Just ordered a unit x today. I'm so excited! 😍
We called this green 'olive drab' in the army. Fell in love with green jeeps. Primarily because it matched my teeth!🙃 Thanks!
I have the 2017 I think, but I converted it to 1x11 a few years ago. Great bike.
Love that bike, like a big ass BMX, makes me want to get back to whats real about cycling.
I have a black singlespeed Kona Unit, damn it's a sexy bike....popped a Brooks B17 Imperial saddle on it. I love it! I have to say the green looks very nice.
Sweeet Unit! Singles are good simple FUN! I converted mine to a 1x12 for all the bike packing I did last summer. As soon as I got back I converted back to a single for local outings. Enjoy..of course you will!
How do you find it speed/efficiency wise compared to say a loaded up gravel bike?
@@Kidsandthekooks I roll slow and comfy and don't set end of the day mileage goals or deadlines. I'm lucky in that way. So I'm probably the wrong guy to ask for a comparison. If I was though, I'd say the gravel bike has got to have the advantage.
I love the idea of a single speed - I love the idea of a steel Kona as well! I always wanted a Kona when I was younger - would love an Explosif now... Nice review
Cheers Matthew, yea it's a LOT of fun
Single speeds are brutally honest: just pedal, dude, just pedal. You’re already in tune with it. 🤘🏻
Green bikes are the best, yes … but … the ‘22 Unit is “Gloss Metallic Dusty Rose w/ Chocolate & Bronze Decals” and it looks positively sick. Gonna take an effort of pure will not to spring for one. Wish me luck (“But honey, I’ve only got three bikes now!”)
Great video! I too love single speeds but I can’t anymore due to a bad knee, which cycling helps. So I can’t mash, but I can spin. 😀👍 By the way, first mountain bike was a 1999 Kona Hahanna HT 26’er & I rode the heck out of it! Looking for a chromoly bike that can take me back.
Versatile!! Great Shoutout to Alexandera Houchin my single speed Hero!! RaD always bringin the goods!🤘🤘💥❤
Sweet bike, I've been thinking about getting one. Jon from the Radavist the other week mentioned in the comments of the 2022 model that he doesn't see any issue with running a 120mm fork. Said geo with a 120mm fork & accounting for sag would make it similar to the stock fork. Have you thought about any of the PNW suspension dropper posts?
Congrats! No SS here--too many hills in VT and I need to keep my original knees :-) But enjoy the wide tires and your gorgeous weather.
Thanks for the video! I just rode a new Unit yesterday but I need the XL and it won’t be in until March… just in time to hit the trails 🤘
I have 3 and the same unit you just got built it up 12 speed for bikepacking.. I am interested in a comparison with your sutra. i am debating adding a gravel bike ie sutra rove libre or diverge for gravel/road riding around coachella valley ect. good work on your channel girls
Nice bike and good that the frame is Reynolds tubing. Reynolds tubes are good quality especially their traditional double butted 531c and 531st versions. Cromoly tubes are heavier than aluminium but the frame is more "livelier" than stiffer aluminium.
I’ve been pure single speed mountain biking since 2013. Strong like donkey. Stay hardcore
lol i always purposely do not weigh things, the emphasis thats put on it is silly. Love the way you approached it
Riiiiight. Like, we’re not racing Pro. Sometimes giving ppl what they want (but also calling it out!) helps them move on from it faster so I was giving that a go lol
I asked Kona about suspension on the Unit. They said that anything more than a 100mm 29er fork would void the warranty. Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just telling you what Kona said.
Thanks for sharing that info
Do you think a Medium work for you as well? I plan to get a Small Unit X 2022. I'm around 5'4" too. I think the medium size has 2 water bottle attachments inside the triangle even on other year/models. Great video! Very informative and helpful! Thanks!
Oh silly CC thinking that awesome bike is only 13.99!😂 Army green is my favorite color.🤘🏻😎
I loved my 2011 (first 29” version) and miss it!
GREAT video. That green looks sick. I like your color way better that the 2022 colors. 🤘🏼STAY RAD🤘🏼
WTB Volt is a great saddle to include with a bike. I wouldn't change mine out either.
Nice bike! Love the looks and components especially single speed. Too bad the triangle is tiny & doesn't leave much room for anything but the smallest frame bag -- not great for bikepacking.
I had one. The steel frame and paintjob was awesome, but the stack was way too low and the reach too short. I also found the single speed infuriating - always spinning out on flats and downhills and too taxing for anything than a gentle climb, I found braking pulled me to the left way too much and the seat post was just too steep.
People just don't get it...Steel is it's own suspension.
PS [said in a Hannibal Lecter voice] "Love the suit."
I don't think that matching burnt orange/green was a mistake. 😉😉
makes it even harder to decide now that i found this...choose a pipedream sirius, pipedream moxie, or the kona unit (only bummer with the cona is the headtubeangle and no chainguard) love the colour from the 2021 model.
Love love love the color of that bike! I absolutely thought you purposely dressed to match your bike lol 😂. Love that there are so many options for the Kona Unit 👍🏽
i'm not entirely sure why such a bike is all that necessary when you already own Kona Sutra which can easily cover the terrains and trails seen in this video.
Great review, the outfit is perfect 😅
So your top speed on the flat with no wind is gonna be 12 mph...?
Great video 😊
This bike looks so fun to ride. Hope I can find one for sale.
Yo hit us up with the ambassador code
What size is this bike that you reviewed?
This bike is kick@$$! Great walkthrough
Nice new toy almost a Fatbike lol look at merit custom bags I just got set made same green as your bike very cool army green
Hi, great video, I.m looking to get that same bike in a medium frame size, looked several places but no luck, can you tell me if you purchased your on online (if so, can you let me know) or store purchase, thanks
Looks to be a really fun ride!!
Sweet, great first impression video 💪 the bike looks soo cool, gotta love those thin chromoly tubes 🔥
I’m running 2.6 on my bike too! 👍
So plush right?!
Great Channel, just subbed.
So I've been really considering this as my next bike but am shying away due to the stack over reach ratio of 1.28 (size large) compared to my Kona Sutra which has a S/R of 1.58. The last thing I want from a long ride (esp. bikepacking) is to be hunched over the whole time. I'm old(er) and (kinda) fat now :P. Can anyone verify if this is really an issue or not?
I have the same bike as yours I want to change cogs to 20 tooth. What type or specific cogs is compatible with our kona? Thank you.
I recommend going to your LBS and getting assistance from them. A Kona dealer would be best
Fixed gear my biggest fear :D i need a few options in the hills :D
On this bike, you have the option to coast. Fixed gear off road is definitely a lot harder than a regular singlespeed like the Unit.
Now when are you going to try a Brompton? they do a single speed !! Keep Safe!
We've been talking about getting Bromptons for ages! Do love them
@@radbikeadventure You will both fall in love with these quirky little bikes! and they have world championships with NO LYCRA!! Stay Safe!
You know, bunny...
What *KONA* means in Portuguese ?.....
How is chromoly different from alluminum?
chromoly is steel
Why did you take not pink color?
ya that pink color is cool. green is my favorite color tho and i've always wanted a green bike so lucky me!
Can you share your height?
I dare not since everyone thinks i'm taller than i really am! .........5'4'' ;)
excellent！
Rad bike
厉害👍🏻
👍👍
WBT 😂
????
CHROMOLY !!!
Your welcome.
My favorite bike I won‘t get in Germany. Sold out like forever. 🥲
It really looks like a rad bike. Easy, go-everywhere built.
Enjoy your wild ride ✌🏻😀
I'm falling in love with him too! It is also not possible to buy in Russia, I'm afraid to pay for pre-order and miss the whole summer waiting(