Now, if you look at the specs the small frame has the same chainstay length as all the others. Does that make sense? If you're making different size frames, shouldn't all the measurements be proportionately different to make the sizing/handling of a certain model the same for all size riders??

I think deep down I really want a Wo. But I would like it in last year's green. Gorgeous!

 

Chain stay length should remain the same throughout size range. Top tube, seat tube, seat stays, ... etc. should change throught size range to accommodate rider.

 

what's the price?

Looks like it has a QR rear?

 

Retail is $2099 USD. Last years $1899.

The rear uses a 10mm QR axle. Super stiff when clamped. I'm shredding my WO like my trail bike and I've had no issues with rear end stiffness. The rear has sliding dropouts so a true thru axle might not be compatible. Maybe?

 

I see.

Another question: how can the measurements on the small size from 2015 to 2016 all be the same except standover height?? (sheesh, I feel like a 4-year-old with all these questions today!)

 

$2500 CAD....it's pretty expensive for what it is. The Farley 5 has similar specs for $1819 USD. The new RSD Mayor with carbon fork and TA front and rear is $2099 as well.

Nice bike though, don't get me wrong. I've had several Kona's and liked them all.

 

$2500 CAD....it's pretty expensive for what it is. The Farley 5 has similar specs for $1819 USD. The new RSD Mayor with carbon fork and TA front and rear is $2099 as well.

Nice bike though, don't get me wrong. I've had several Kona's and liked them all.

That's retail... And I have never, and will never pay full retail for a bike or related components. Lol. My LBS treats me right. Been going there 20+ years. No one should be paying full retail IMO.

I feel the Mayor and WO are very similar. RSD has a killer line up this year, as well as Trek. The Farley 5 is still a 135x5 front end compared to the WO's 150x15 thru axle. Trek bikes are sweet as pie to the eye, and ride just as sweet too. It's nice to have the plethora of options out there.

 

Maybe this just isn't the FatBike for how I ride, but I don't know how you don't make a 100mm bluto compatible fat bike with through axles in 2016? I thought the green from 2015 was an amazing paint job, but didn't buy one cause of the Bluto issues. I know Kona usually makes rock solid bikes, but that rear end looks super weak with the sliding dropouts.

 

My 2015 with 100mm Bluto...

As stated earlier in my previous posts, the Bluto has transformed the WO into a trail slayer. I've been hucking it off 4'-5' drops like a trail bike and it eats the bumpy singletrack with ease. What are the bluto issues you're mentioning? Sure it rides a bit high and light up front but nothing a rider with skill can't adapt to. Not sure why you think the rear end looks super weak. It has a 10mm QR axle and I've yet to experience any movement or flex back there. Front end is supplied with a tapered headtube and 150x15 thru axle. That's plenty stiff for a fatty with 5" tires. Sliding dropouts are a nice feature. Slam em' forward for trail ripping and set em' back for a stable footing in the deep soft stuff.

 

I do like the look of this year's beefier fork.

 

I was waiting for this release - sticking with the Farley 7.

 

The 7 is a refined looking bike. Love the paint too.

 

My local Kona dealer wouldn't sell me a 2015 Wo frame-set till at least 6 months after their initial complete bike stock. Don't ask why, I have no clue. Lets just say I don't shop at that store anymore. Plus they told me they wouldn't cover warranty if I put a Bluto on it, since Kona specifically said not Bluto compatible. Since I broke the DS chainstay on my first fatty that was basically a deal killer.

Don't get me wrong I really like Kona's they're amazing bikes, and one of the reasons is that they make rock solid bikes. The sliding dropouts just "look" weak, didn't mean to imply they would break. Since I opted for the RM Blizzard instead I guess I just got so use to the beefy looking 12mm rear through axle. I enjoy the aesthetics of solid looking bike parts, I hate it when a bike looks like a weight weeine shaved off every single extra gram. I guess it makes me feel safe and stiff? This is also my first through axle mtb, and honestly I'll never buy a bike without them again.

If I had the extra dough lying around, and nothing responsible to spend it on. I'd probably pick up a 2015 Wo frame set and make it a dedicated bike-packing/travel bike. As it is I've already spent why too much on my Blizzard, and after a few years when the bike is super ragged I'll probably get it repainted that same Royal Green of the Kona.

I'm happy the Wo worked out so well for you though,and with the Bluto! As long as it keeps you smiling that's all that matters in the end.

 

As long as it keeps you smiling that's all that matters in the end.

Truth.

 

Looks nice and only getting better every year

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

 

I love that green - not crazy about the blue.

 

If the QR rear is not enough could one upgrade the Wo with Honzo dropouts to make it thruaxle compatible? Honzo uses 142x12mm sliders.
https://cdn.mos.bikeradar.imdserve.com/images/bikes-and-gear/bikes/mountain-bikes/hardtail/1423493196735-1sxdu4qogqf0r-700-80.jpg

 

The 2016 WO should have a plastic fork for additional weight savings at that price. For the money (and the color) the 2015 is a better value overall imo.

 

Yar - Kona is being a bit timid. I'm disappointed on one hand, on the other there's the 2016 Farley so who cares. But yeah, carbon fork, better spec and for crying out loud - do something that sets you apart and "Honzofy" it. They really missed an opportunity here IMO. It's a decent bike, but somewhat of a minimalist effort all things considered.

 

I just seen a 16 in the wild tonight. The blue is awesome! So nice. Looks huge beside my farley with its 150 front and 190 rear and 5" jumbos.


They for sure could have done an 11 speed with a bluto for a second model. But you can easily add the bluto yourself!

 

They for sure could have done an 11 speed with a bluto for a second model. But you can easily add the bluto yourself!

patience my friend

and they already have 190 covered, don't need another one

 

2015 went by as a blacksheep/underdog, but actually a killer rolling chassis for the chedda. The same will prob go for the 2016. The deore hydros and 4.8 JJ's is worth the 2 hundo up charge IMO, but they def should've thrown a carbon fork on there for the dough.

If KONA offers a honzo-esque fattie in the future I'll be looking for a frame option for sure.

 

ShredMaster - I like the pics of your WO with the Bluto. I've got the same frame (sz LG) and want to put a Bluto on it. What travel set up would you recommend? 80mm, 100mm or 120mm? Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

I'd recommend the 80mm. The 100mm had the bike riding real high and light up front. It would wander on steep tech climbs while in the saddle, and also had the bike washing out in turns at full speed. I had to adjust the fork and my riding style to compensate for it. I had to run the fork a bit soft and hit the front brake coming into turns to get the front end to dive before coming into turns so it wouldn't wash out. Between that and the wandering front end on climbs I chose to ditch the 100mm bluto. I'll be putting an 80mm version for this spring/summer.