We’ve all gotta start somewhere, and for many of us, an affordable hardtail was our introduction to the sport of mountain biking. And while hardtail mountain bikes haven’t gone away, they’re mostly overshadowed by full suspension models made from fancy materials and featuring the latest technology or wheel size. But with a low barrier to entry, the budget-friendly hardtail remains as important as it ever was for riders getting into the sport. In fact, these bikes might be more important than ever, as prices continue to climb across the industry.
Kona is one of the brands that seems to recognize this more than most and has maintained a healthy selection of affordable hardtails in its lineup for years. After all, the brand started out and built its early reputation on hardtails. And despite some uncertainty surrounding its future, the rider-owned brand isn’t forgetting its roots. For 2026, Kona has refreshed three of its most accessible entry-level hardtail models with updated geometry and size-specific wheel sizing to improve handling, fit, and stability for riders just starting out on their mountain bike journey.
Let’s check out the models.
Kona Cinder Cone: $999
Kona slides the updated Cinder Cone in just under the thousand-dollar mark. In addition to straightening out the downtube and refreshing the frame aesthetic, the brand says that it updated the geometry and revised stem lengths to improve handling and control on the trail. Kona made it half a degree slacker in the head tube (67.5 degrees) and stretched the reach slightly (480mm, size L), helping to bring it more in line with modern trends.
The Cinder Cone features a 100mm suspension fork, an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and capable Maxxis Rekon tires. Kona says, “It’s the perfect all-rounder for riders who want to explore off-road or cruise backwoods bike paths with confidence.” It comes in Gloss Bone with black decals and four frame sizes, S – XL.
Cinder Cone Highlights:
- Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted frame
- Shimano CUES 11spd drivetrain
- Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
- Rockshox Judy suspension fork, 100mm travel
- 67.5-degree head tube angle
- Graduated wheel size (S–27.5”, M to XL–29”)
- Maxxis Rekon 2.25” tires
Kona Lava Dome: $799
Kona positions the Lava Dome as a do-it-all hardtail that’s equally good for kicking around town as it is for exploring the neighborhood single tracks. While the overall frame design looks similar to the previous version, Kona made some subtle refinements to the geometry, including a slightly slacker head tube angle and a longer, modern reach.
Kona also added an XS size and wheel sizes proportional to frame size. The XS rolls on 26” wheels, the S on 27.5”, and M – XL on 29”. It comes in “Glass Prizm Dragonfly” with Putty decals.
Lava Dome Highlights
- Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted frame
- Inclusive wheel sizes (XS–26”, S–27.5”, M to XL–29”)
- 67.5-degree head tube angle
- Suntour XCM 32 suspension fork, 100mm travel
- Microshift Advent 1×9 drivetrain
- Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
- WTB Trailboss 2.25” tires
Kona Fire Mountain: $699
The Fire Mountain appears to share the same frame design with the Lava Dome, but brings the price down slightly with a different component selection. Still, this bike has a 100mm of front suspension, a 1×8-speed drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes, and versatile TB Trail Boss tires to help inspire confidence off-road. Like the Lava Dome, the Fire Mountain comes in 5 frame sizes, with graduated wheel sizing for proportionality. The frame color is called “Gloss Metallic Peridot” with Clay decals.
Fire Mountain Highlights:
- Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted frame
- Inclusive wheel sizes (XS–26”, S–27.5”, M to XL–29”)
- 67.5-degree head tube angle
- Suntour XCE 28 suspension fork, 100mm travel
- Shimano ESSA 1×8 drivetrain
- Tektro M280 mechanical disc brakes
- WTB Trailboss 2.25” tires
Availability
Kona’s updated hardtails were just announced, and they are listed on the brand’s website. Some models and sizes appear to be in stock, but not all. If you’re interested in learning more or buying, head to the Kona website to check availability or find a dealer near you.
And be sure to check out the rest of Kona’s hardtail models, including the kid-friendly Honzo 20 and Honzo 24 with 20” and 24” wheels, respectively. For adults looking for a capable hardtail, the Honzo and Honzo DL are great all-rounders, while the Honzo ESD slots nicely into the hardcore hardtail category.
Check them all out at konaworld.com
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