{"id":229397,"date":"2026-02-19T19:55:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T19:55:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/19\/kona-announces-updated-versions-of-its-budget-friendly-hardtails\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T19:55:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T19:55:05","slug":"kona-announces-updated-versions-of-its-budget-friendly-hardtails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/19\/kona-announces-updated-versions-of-its-budget-friendly-hardtails\/","title":{"rendered":"Kona Announces Updated Versions of Its Budget-Friendly Hardtails"},"content":{"rendered":"

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We\u2019ve 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\u2019t gone away, they\u2019re mostly overshadowed by full suspension models made from fancy materials and featuring the latest technology or wheel size<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

Kona is one of the brands<\/a> 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<\/a>, the rider-owned brand isn’t forgetting its roots<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s check out the models.<\/p>\n

Kona Cinder Cone: $999<\/h2>\n
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The Cinder Cone is like a gateway drug to the sport of mountain biking.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Cinder Cone features a 100mm suspension fork, an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and capable Maxxis Rekon tires. Kona says, \u201cIt\u2019s the perfect all-rounder for riders who want to explore off-road or cruise backwoods bike paths with confidence.<\/em>\u201d It comes in Gloss Bone with black decals and four frame sizes, S – XL.<\/p>\n

\"the<\/a>
The Cinder Cone comes with an 11-speed Shimano Cues drivetrain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cinder Cone Highlights:<\/h3>\n