Kona Bikes: More Than a Brand, a Two-Wheeled Icon

Kona is truly part of our MTB culture. Whether you’ve ridden a Kona or dreamed of owning one at some point, we’ve all grown up with this brand in mind. For me, my story with Kona started a bit later. I vividly remember when I finally got my hands on my first Kona full-suspension bike: it was in 2014, right when they launched the Process lineup. That release marked a real turning point towards longer, more open bikes—a game changer in the industry! My 2014 Process 134, black and yellow, remains to this day one of my favorite bikes, the one I had the most fun with. That’s Kona’s real strength: they never sacrifice the joy of riding, no matter the terrain. It’s all about the ride feel, first and foremost.

I loved my Process 134 so much that I went on to ride two more Process models: a 27.5-inch Process 153 carbon and a 29-inch Process 153 carbon—the latter, in khaki green, was honestly one of the most beautiful bikes I’ve ever owned.

When you find yourself at the top of a technical trail, the fresh air waking you up, and the adrenaline starting to kick in, that’s when you truly understand the Kona spirit.

For many years, Kona has distinguished itself as an experienced mountain bike manufacturer. The brand has forged a solid reputation in MTB culture thanks to a unique heritage and bikes built to withstand anything. If you’re looking for a ride with character, one that’s robust and reliable for every adventure, Kona has something for you.

Get ready to dive into the universe of this iconic brand, to discover its history and the values that resonate with every single ride.

North Shore DNA: A Story of Passion

To grasp what makes Kona unique, you have to turn to the Pacific Northwest region, known for its demanding trails on the border of British Columbia and the United States. Founded in 1988 in Vancouver by Dan Gerhard and Jacob Heilbron, the brand started with a simple idea: create the bikes they wanted to ride themselves.

From the very beginning, Kona took an authentic and different approach, based on the real-world experience of riders. One of their biggest innovations was the introduction of the sloping top tube, which made bikes much more maneuverable on technical trails.

Kona established itself as a pioneer of the freeride movement in MTB in the late 90s. Born from the technical trails of the North Shore, the brand designed robust, long-travel bikes, like the iconic Stinky. The Kona Clump Team helped define the sport in the 2000s, with a focus on aggressive riding, steep descents, and big jumps.

Kona is back! A True Return to its Roots.

In May 2024, a bombshell dropped on the MTB community: Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron, the guys who originally launched Kona, bought their baby back! Finally, a resolution after months of hardship and uncertainty since the 2022 acquisition by Kent Outdoors. When Kent announced the brand was for sale (especially after their absence from the Sea Otter Classic), the community really wondered where this was all headed... The result: we can all breathe a sigh of relief, Kona is back in the right hands and getting a fresh start on solid ground!

Right from the takeover, the tone was set: they stopped direct-to-consumer online sales to put independent shops back at the center of the game. Frankly, that’s a move worthy of applause. Bike shops are the ones living the passion every day—and it's the best way to stay connected to the people who keep the brand rolling.

Another promise, freshly announced in their "love letter to the industry": no more "buy one, get one free" promos. Instead, the focus is on an honest, sustainable pricing policy, and above all, more respect for the value of the bikes and the people who make them. It’s a return to the essentials: fun, passion, and real riding.

Kona chose to keep its headquarters in Ferndale, Washington, and North Vancouver, right where it all began. It’s a nod that warms the heart and proves they’re staying true to their roots, as close as possible to the MTB culture that birthed them.

For the entire community of riders, this comeback truly feels like a new beginning. We can feel that the original spirit is back, boosted by a desire to innovate, but always without sacrificing the fun. Honestly, we are all super excited to see what Kona will bring us next!

Le Pédalier: Kona's First Retailer in Eastern Canada

At Le Pédalier, our history with Kona, "It's not just business, it's truly a story of passion that has lasted from the very beginning," as Serge Tremblay, the shop owner, says. To better understand this special bond, we'll let Serge tell the story: "We started with Kona in 1988, when the brand was brand new. I had heard about the brand, but I had never seen their bikes in person. It was while visiting a colleague that I discovered a Cinder Cone left as a demo. The bike was really interesting, the design spoke to me right away." Without hesitation, he contacted the representative: "We quickly came to an agreement, and Le Pédalier rapidly became the very first Kona retailer in the East. We invested in the brand quite solidly, we really pushed it in the region." It’s a commitment that has continued ever since, with the brand becoming "a true pillar of our shop" over the years.

Serge still can't get over it: "In 2019, during a meeting at Kona in front of nearly 200 people, they pointed out that Le Pédalier was probably the oldest retailer still active in Canada! That's when you realize just how unique our history with them is, a true relationship of loyalty that has never faded."

Bikes That Marked MTB History

When Serge thinks back on all these years, he doesn't hesitate: "We've seen them all, the legendary Kona models!" He recalls the early days: "The first steel frames, like the Cinder Cone, were tough stuff—comfort and versatility were already there." For him, it's no exaggeration to say: "We've lived through all the great waves, the bikes that revolutionized the industry, we've been through it all!"

For Serge, that era was unique: "Who doesn't remember the craze for the Stinky series and the Clump dirt jump bikes in the early 2000s? Frankly, everyone wanted those bikes! We ordered them in incredible quantities, it was insane." He adds with a smile: "The Sex One, Sex Two series... that marked a generation! Many young local riders discovered downhill on them. We would modify the bikes, lengthen the suspensions, it was fun, we were constantly tinkering with them. At that time, there was a real atmosphere of creativity and development in the shop—we were having a blast!"

For Serge, one of the major turning points was undoubtedly the revolution of the Process series in 2014: "When the Process models arrived, it changed the game, period! With the Honzo and the dual-suspension Process bikes, Kona brought in longer, more current geometries—they were super playful but tough bikes, perfect for our trails." He adds: "I remember, it took a good two years before the other major brands adjusted and followed suit. The Process, especially the 134 today, is still THE benchmark for anyone who wants a versatile mountain bike that will follow you everywhere!"

More Than a Brand, a Family

For Serge, innovation at Kona has always been felt, far beyond pure mountain biking: "The Jake is a cyclocross bike that really democratized the discipline," he says. "The Sutra series is the one that has sent people on journeys all over the planet!" He insists on the brand's adventurous spirit: "Kona, they were already into adventure long before gravel became fashionable—we were already selling them to customers who were setting off to explore, long before the general public got interested. It has always been part of the brand's DNA for us."

Today, after 37 years of partnership, Serge confides in us: "Our attachment to Kona is stronger than ever. It's not just a matter of numbers or business, it's truly a matter of the heart, a sense of belonging to a brand that shares our values." He feels the winds of renewal with the founders' return to the helm: "We feel it in the shop: it's getting back on a good footing! Kona is returning to its roots—mountain biking, of course, but also that whole adventure side, gravel, and urban bikes to encourage a truly active lifestyle."

For Serge, "Kona, for us, is way more than just a brand that takes up space in the shop! It's a piece of our history, it's been part of Le Pédalier's decor from the very beginning." He confides: "The brand has had a crazy influence on everyone in the industry—and I sincerely think they're not done surprising us. There are still many futures to write together, and frankly, we are really looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us!"

Conclusion: Live the Kona Experience

Kona is for you if you're looking for authenticity, robustness, and the true pleasure of mountain biking, far from fleeting trends. Choosing Kona means betting on a reliable bike, built to last, that will accompany you wherever adventure takes you.

If you want to rediscover the pure pleasure of riding and you want a bike you can count on, I invite you to discover the Kona range. Whether it's your first MTB or you're looking to replace your ride, there's a model that will speak to you. You can see our bikes in stock here.

Come see us at the shop, try a Kona... and get ready to smile throughout your next ride. See you soon on the trails