Kona Lanai (A Thorough Review)

If you’re a mountain bike enthusiast looking for a reliable and affordable ride, the Kona Lanai might be the perfect fit for you. This cross-country aluminum bike is part of Kona’s Lanai range and boasts impressive features such as integrated shifters, grippy disc brakes, and a 100mm travel fork. With three wheel sizes available and a range of sizes from XS to XL, the Lanai is suitable for a wide variety of riders.

The Kona Lanai is designed to handle the rigors of real singletrack riding, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced riders alike. The bike’s 8-speed drivetrain provides smooth and efficient shifting, while the disc brakes offer reliable stopping power. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or tackling steep climbs, the Lanai is up to the task. And with its sleek and streamlined cockpit, you’ll feel confident and in control as you ride.

Kona Lana’i Overview

If you are looking for a reliable and affordable mountain bike, the Kona Lana’i is an excellent option to consider. This bike is part of Kona’s Lana’i range of mountain bikes and is perfect for beginners who want to experience real singletrack riding.

The Kona Lana’i is available in different sizes, including XS, SM, MD, LG, and XL, with 26″, 27.5″, and 29″ wheel sizes. The bike features an 8-speed drivetrain, grippy disc brakes, and a 100mm travel fork, making it easy to ride up hills master streets, and simple forest roads.

The 2022 Kona Lana’i is priced at $699 USD and is made of Cross Country Aluminium/Alloy. It comes with SR Suntour suspension and a Shimano drivetrain, providing a smooth and reliable ride. The bike is also available in the 2021 version, which comes with 29″ and 27.5″ wheels, SR Suntour suspension, and a Shimano drivetrain.

The Kona Lana’i is designed with moderate geometry data that conveys balanced handling, making it easy to control and maneuver. The bike’s integrated shifters and brake levers streamline the cockpit, providing a clean and uncluttered look.

In terms of sizing, the Kona Lana’i is available in different sizes to cater to different riders’ needs. The XS size comes with 26″ wheels, while the S and M sizes come with 27.5″ wheels. The L and XL sizes come with 29″ wheels, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your body type.

Frame and Design

The Kona Lana’i is built with a Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted frame, which is designed to be lightweight and durable. The frame is made of aluminum, which is known for its strength and stiffness, making it a great material for mountain bikes. The butted design of the frame means that it is thicker at the joints and thinner in the middle, reducing weight and increasing strength where it is needed most.

The Lana’i is available in a range of sizes, including XS, SM, MD, LG, and XL, to accommodate riders of different heights. The frame is also available in three wheel sizes: 26″ for size XS, 27.5″ for S and M, and 29″ for L and XL. This allows riders to choose the wheel size that best suits their riding style and terrain.

The Lana’i features a 100mm-travel SR Suntour suspension fork, which helps absorb impacts and smooth out rough terrain. The fork also has a remote lockout feature, which allows you to lock the fork out when you are climbing or riding on smooth terrain, conserving energy and improving efficiency.

The bike’s cockpit is streamlined with integrated shifters and brake levers, making it easy to shift gears and control your speed. The Lana’i also features Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors, providing reliable stopping power in all conditions.

Size and Fit

When it comes to finding the right size for the Kona Lanai, there are a few things to keep in mind. The bike is available in five sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, and XL. The sizing chart provided by Kona suggests that the XS size is suitable for riders with a height between 4’9″ and 5’1″, while the XL size is recommended for riders between 5’10” and 6’6″. It’s important to note that these are just guidelines, and you should always test-ride the bike to ensure a proper fit.

One of the standout features of the Kona Lanai is the integrated shifters and brake levers, which streamline the cockpit and make it easy to shift gears and brake without taking your hands off the handlebars. This design also allows for a more comfortable riding position, which can be especially important for longer rides.

If you’re unsure about which size to choose, consider visiting a local bike shop and getting a professional fitting. This can help you determine the best size and make any necessary adjustments to the bike’s components, such as the seat height or handlebar position.

It’s worth noting that the Kona Lanai is designed for cross-country riding and features a 100mm travel fork, which provides a smooth ride over rough terrain. The bike also has a Shimano drivetrain and Tektro disc brakes, which offer reliable performance and easy maintenance.

Suspension System

The Kona Lanai comes with a reliable suspension system that provides a smooth ride, even on rough terrain. The bike is equipped with a 100mm travel fork that absorbs shocks and bumps to ensure a comfortable ride. The suspension system is designed to provide a balance of comfort and control, making it an ideal choice for cross-country riders.

The bike features an SR Suntour XCT suspension fork that is known for its reliability and durability. The fork has a coil spring that provides a consistent and predictable response, ensuring that you can ride with confidence. The suspension fork is also adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune it to your riding style and preferences.

The Suntour XCT30 DS coil spring 100mm travel fork is another option available for the Kona Lanai. This fork provides a smooth and responsive ride, making it an ideal choice for riders who want to tackle more challenging terrain. The fork is also adjustable, allowing you to customize it to your riding style and preferences.

The suspension system on the Kona Lanai is designed to provide maximum traction and control. The bike is equipped with grippy disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power in all conditions. The suspension system works in conjunction with the brakes to ensure that you can maintain control and stability at all times.

Wheel and Tire Features

When it comes to the Kona Lanai, the wheel and tire features are a crucial aspect to consider. The bike is available in three wheel sizes: 26″ for size XS, 27.5″ for S and M, and 29″ for L and XL. This means that you can choose the perfect wheel size for your height and riding style.

The wheels are made with stainless black 14g spokes, which provide a sturdy and reliable base for the tires. The tires themselves are WTB Trail Boss tires, which are known for their excellent traction and durability. The tires come in three sizes: 29/27.5/26×2.25, which means that you can choose the perfect size for your riding needs.

The WTB Trail Boss tires are designed to handle a variety of terrains, from loose dirt to rocky trails. They feature a rugged tread pattern that provides excellent grip, even in wet conditions. The tires are also tubeless-ready, which means that you can run them without tubes for even better performance.

Drivetrain Components

The Kona Lanai mountain bike features a Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain with a 22/36T crankset and Shimano HG200 12-32T 8spd cassette. The drivetrain provides a wide range of gears for climbing and descending on the trails. The Shimano Altus rear derailleur ensures smooth and accurate shifting between gears.

The bike also comes with a Feimin 73mm bottom bracket that provides a durable and reliable foundation for the drivetrain. The bottom bracket is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding and provide a smooth pedaling experience.

The 22/36T crankset offers a good balance between high and low gears, allowing you to tackle steep climbs and fast descents with ease. The Shimano Altus cassette provides a wide range of gears to match the demands of the terrain.

The drivetrain components on the Kona Lanai are designed to provide reliable and efficient performance on the trails. The Shimano Altus drivetrain is known for its durability and precision, making it a popular choice among mountain bikers.

Cockpit and Seating

When it comes to the cockpit and seating of the Kona Lanai, you can expect a streamlined and comfortable riding experience. The cockpit features integrated shifters and brake levers, making it easy to shift gears and brake without having to move your hands from the handlebars. The Kona aluminum riser handlebar is designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, while the Kona key grip slip-on grips ensure that your hands won’t slip even when you’re riding in wet conditions.

The seatpost on the Kona Lanai is a Kona Thumb w/offset 31.6mm, which is designed to provide a comfortable and stable seating position. The seat itself is also designed with comfort in mind, ensuring that you won’t feel any discomfort, even on longer rides. With the Kona Thumb w/offset, you can adjust the seat to your preferred height, ensuring that you’re able to ride comfortably and efficiently.

The brake levers on the Kona Lanai are also designed with ergonomics in mind. They’re easy to reach and operate, ensuring that you can brake quickly and safely when you need to. The cockpit is designed to provide a comfortable and stable riding position, ensuring that you won’t feel any discomfort, even on longer rides.

Braking System

When it comes to mountain biking, a reliable braking system is essential for both safety and performance. The Kona Lanai is equipped with Tektro M280 mechanical disc brakes, which provide consistent stopping power in any condition.

The brake levers on the Lanai are integrated with the Shimano shifters, allowing for a streamlined cockpit and easy access to both braking and shifting controls. This feature is especially useful for beginners who may struggle with coordinating their hand movements.

The Tektro M280 brakes on the Lanai have a 180mm rotor in the front and a 160mm rotor in the rear. This combination provides excellent stopping power while also allowing for precise modulation, which is important for navigating technical terrain.

One advantage of mechanical disc brakes is that they are generally easier to maintain and repair than hydraulic brakes. They also tend to be more affordable, which makes them a great choice for entry-level mountain bikes like the Lanai.

Additional Features

The Kona Lanai is a reliable and versatile mountain bike that offers a range of additional features to make your ride more enjoyable and comfortable. Here are some of the key features that you can expect when you purchase a Kona Lanai:

• Kona Control: The Kona Lanai features Kona Control, which is a design philosophy that focuses on creating bikes that are easy to ride, fun, and reliable. This means that the bike is designed to be comfortable and easy to handle, even on challenging terrain.
• Kona XC: The Kona Lanai is an XC (Cross Country) mountain bike, which means that it is designed for riders who want to tackle challenging terrain and go fast. The bike is lightweight and nimble, making it perfect for riders who want to push themselves to the limit.
• KMC Z8.3: The Kona Lanai comes with a KMC Z8.3 chain, which is a high-quality chain that is designed to last. The chain is durable and reliable, so you can ride with confidence, knowing that your bike is built to last.
• Kona JS2: The Kona Lanai features a Kona JS2 saddle, which is designed to be comfortable and supportive. The saddle is ergonomically designed to fit your body, so you can ride for longer without experiencing discomfort.
• Tektro 160mm: The Kona Lanai comes with Tektro 160mm disc brakes, which provide excellent stopping power. The brakes are reliable and easy to use, so you can ride with confidence, knowing that you can stop quickly if you need to.
• Feimen HP-H868B: The Kona Lanai features Feimen HP-H868B pedals, which are designed to be lightweight and durable. The pedals provide excellent grip, so you can ride with confidence, knowing that your feet won’t slip off the pedals.
• Kona QR: The Kona Lanai features Kona QR (Quick Release) skewers, which make it easy to remove and install the wheels. This is useful if you need to transport your bike or if you need to change a flat tire quickly.
• Joytech 100×9 mm and Joytech 135x10mm: The Kona Lanai comes with Joytech 100×9 mm front and Joytech 135x10mm rear hubs. These hubs are designed to be lightweight and durable, so you can ride with confidence, knowing that your bike is built to last.
• Alex DP27K: The Kona Lanai features Alex DP27K rims, which are lightweight and durable. The rims provide excellent traction and stability, so you can ride with confidence, knowing that your bike is built to handle challenging terrain.
• Freight: The Kona Lanai is shipped via freight, which means that it will be delivered to your door. This is a convenient and hassle-free way to purchase a bike, as you won’t need to worry about transporting it from a store to your home.
• Order: You can order the Kona Lanai online or through your local bike shop. Ordering online is a convenient way to purchase a bike, as you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
• Email: If you have any questions or concerns about the Kona Lanai, you can contact Kona via email. The company has a dedicated customer service team that is available to answer your questions and help you with any issues that you may have.
• Normal: The Kona Lanai is a normal mountain bike that is designed for riders who want to tackle challenging terrain and go fast. The bike is reliable and easy to ride, making it perfect for riders of all skill levels.

Riding Styles

When it comes to riding styles, the Kona Lanai is a versatile bike that can handle a range of terrains and trail types. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the Lanai has something to offer.

XC Trail

If you’re looking for a bike that can handle cross-country trails, the Kona Lanai is a great choice. With its lightweight frame and 8-speed drivetrain, this bike is designed to tackle long, fast rides with ease. The 100mm travel fork and grippy disc brakes provide plenty of control and stability, while the three different wheel sizes (26″, 27.5″, and 29″) ensure a perfect fit for riders of all sizes.

All Mountain

For riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of terrain, the Kona Lanai is a great all-mountain option. With its hardtail design and responsive handling, this bike is perfect for technical climbs and descents. The 100mm travel fork and disc brakes provide plenty of control and stopping power, while the Shimano drivetrain ensures smooth shifting on any terrain.

Enduro

If you’re an experienced rider looking for a bike that can handle the toughest enduro trails, the Kona Lanai may not be the best choice. While it can handle some technical terrain, it’s not designed for the extreme drops and jumps that characterize enduro riding. However, for riders who want to try their hand at enduro without investing in a specialized bike, the Lanai is a great option.

Splice

The Kona Splice is a separate model from the Lanai, but it’s worth mentioning here because it’s a great option for riders who want a more versatile bike. The Splice is a hybrid bike that can handle both road and off-road riding, making it perfect for commuting, touring, and weekend adventures. With its lightweight aluminum frame and comfortable saddle, the Splice is a great choice for riders who want a bike that can do it all.