The 2008 Kona range has just been released in Livigno, Italy. Here are some of the highlights of the range.

The Coilair features a completely new linkage system which changes the geometry from steep to slack when the bike is pointed downhill. This is carried out through a horizontally mounted pre-load spring which unfortunately cannot be seen in the stock photos. For more detailed photos of the new linkage check out Soul Riders


The popular Stinky series has been joined by the Stinky Air which utilizing increasingly reliable and robust air spring technology to shave some weight and make the ride uphill a little easier.


For the full time downhill racers the Stab Supreme is rocking the new 2008 Marzochhi 888s with 38mm stanchions, that's right 38mm - the 66s have also gone to 38mm in case you're wondering.


Paul Basagoitia has lent part of his name to the new "Bass" slopestyle bike, a burly low 4" travel full suspension bike.


The Cowan remains as the top end dirtjump bike with some tweaking and a new colour scheme for 2008.


Tall trail riders will be happy to see the inclusion of 29" wheeled Konas in both XC hardtail and full suspension.


The Four has apparently taken over from the long running Kikapu series as Konas XC rigs, with the Dawg still catering to the trail/ enduro corner of the riding spectrum. There's also the inclusion of a woman specific Four Lisa.


For the weight weenies amongst you the Kona Kula Supreme is still available, with a Lisa Kula for the ladiez.


Sorry we don't have any info on the Jake, Paddy Wagon etc. but you can see more stock mountain bike photos here

That Stinky Air looks like it has the rilau slack angles. Throw some real suspension on it and it'd be oarsum.

Stab Supreme = off the hook

Now I want some of those new 888's...

Wonder how the Coilair will ride with the geometry changing.

And what brakes are they on the Stab?

I like what I see, I'd quite like to have a go on one of those new Coil-Air's.

They look mean

Good to see the Stinky's with singles, the air one looks siiick. Stab looks mint aswell, and they are shimano brakes of some sort on them.

New slopestyle rig looks super cool, don't like the Cowan tho (but the stuff looks good)

Also looks like they have new pedals on some of the bikes (really low profile ones)

good theres a floating brake on the stinky air.

So how do you change modes for the Coiler's geometry? Just flick a switch, or change the preload of the spring? It's not automatic, is it? Looks like a pretty good idea, and looks like you can change the progression too. Noice.

KoNa_dHer wrote:Also looks like they have new pedals on some of the bikes (really low profile ones)

Hope these are them:
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/kona-wah-w ... -2007.html

Me wanty
I my Jackshits but they're too concave for 5-10's

ClenchedTeeth wrote: So how do you change modes for the Coiler's geometry? Just flick a switch, or change the preload of the spring?

Looks to be the preload.
Or even weight of spring.

Don't like the idea of a spring defining geometty.
Though I guess you get that with long travel hardtails.
Good to see they're finally doing something new though.

dont like that tubing on the stab...but all the rest looks good

the stabs is looking class

Astoria Paranoia wrote:

KoNa_dHer wrote:Also looks like they have new pedals on some of the bikes (really low profile ones)

Hope these are them:
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/kona-wah-w ... -2007.html

Me wanty
I my Jackshits but they're too concave for 5-10's

ClenchedTeeth wrote: So how do you change modes for the Coiler's geometry? Just flick a switch, or change the preload of the spring?

Looks to be the preload.
Or even weight of spring.

Don't like the idea of a spring defining geometty.
Though I guess you get that with long travel hardtails.
Good to see they're finally doing something new though.

YFY the new Kona pedals!

The change modes is done by the angle the bike is pointed at (when force of gravity is at preset inclination angle relative to horiz. - that spring looks awfully soft - it's there to return shock position to steep on neutral/flat ground - and to resist changing the geometry unless there's a marked change in inclination)
I don't see why it wouldn't work unless you ride horribly rough/quick changing courses - e.g. punching a berm at the bottom of a chute...I don't want my headangle to all of a sudden get steep/bb high as I come out of the berm...
Also looks like there are two alternate spring-mount holes - I guess they determine the steepness required to activate it).
If the design works well (i.e. doesn't flick around through really rough stuff) then I can imagine it being DAMN AWESOME!

Fuck yeah Kona! That's pretty innovative thinking.

mob: I dont understand why you would want your bike to change angles at all, be like riding two bikes at the same time and not get used to either..

I think the thing looks horrible, but will be interested to see how it actually works.

NightKid wrote:If the design works well (i.e. doesn't flick around through really rough stuff) then I can imagine it being DAMN AWESOME!

if you are getting any sort of air it's bound to move around

For me the coilairs rear supension system is just another thing to break and replace.

they have killed those 888s with the 38mm stanchions