Frameset
Frame
Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted
Fork
RockShox Judy Silver TK Solo Air, 100mm
Mahuna Standard
Introduced in Kona’s 2020 hardtail refresh, the Mahuna is a 29-inch aluminum mountain bike positioned between a traditional cross-country racer and a dedicated trail bike. Built around a 100mm fork and a 6061 butted aluminum frame, it is designed for riders who want a versatile, efficient platform for covering ground on mild singletrack, long-distance rides, and mixed-surface routes.
This generation marks a shift toward more progressive geometry for the Mahuna name, moving away from twitchy handling in favor of a more balanced, centered ride. The frame also incorporates modern utility and upgrade details, including internal routing for a dropper post, a tapered head tube, and integrated mounts for racks and fenders. It serves as a highly adaptable foundation that works just as well for aggressive gravel or commuting as it does for weekend trail riding.
Price TBD
Build
Size
| Stack | 611mm |
| Reach | 440mm |
| Top tube | 604mm |
| Headtube length | 105mm |
| Standover height | 733mm |
| Seat tube length | 420mm |
Fit and geometry
The Mahuna’s geometry blends modern trail stability with cross-country efficiency. A 68-degree head tube angle and a 75-degree seat tube angle create a relatively forward, upright seated position that keeps weight effectively distributed over the bottom bracket for climbing.
A defining characteristic of this frame is the unusually long 450mm chainstay length, which remains constant across all sizes. Rather than prioritizing snappy, ultra-short rear-end handling, these long stays stretch the wheelbase to maximize stability and smooth out rough patches on the trail. This length helps keep the front wheel tracking straight on steep ascents and contributes to a calm, predictable steering feel.
Reach numbers are moderate, measuring 465mm on a size large, paired with a 55mm stem and 760mm handlebars. This cockpit setup offers responsive steering inputs without feeling cramped. However, the jump in reach from the large to the extra-large (500mm) is substantial, which may leave some riders caught between sizes. The frame features a low standover height and a short seat tube, providing ample clearance to maneuver and leaving plenty of room to install a long-travel dropper post.
Full specs
Groupset
Shift levers
Shimano Deore
Rear derailleur
Shimano Deore
Cassette
Shimano Deore or SunRace, 11-speed, 11-51T
Chain
KMC X11
Crankset
Prowheel (11-speed)
Bottom bracket
Feimin or FSA BB7420, 73mm
Front brake
Alhonga HT472 or Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc
Rear brake
Alhonga HT472 or Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc
Front rotor
Alhonga or Shimano RT10, 180mm, Center Lock
Rear rotor
Alhonga or Shimano RT10, 160mm, Center Lock
Wheelset
Front wheel
WTB ST i27 TCS 2.0; Formula, 100x9mm, Center Lock; Stainless black, 14g
Rear wheel
WTB ST i27 TCS 2.0; Shimano, 135x10mm, Center Lock; Stainless black, 14g
Front tire
Maxxis Forekaster, 29x2.35
Rear tire
Maxxis Forekaster, 29x2.35
Cockpit
Stem
Kona XC
Handlebars
Kona XC/BC Riser
Saddle
Kona XC
Seatpost
Kona Thumb, 31.6mm
Grips
Kona Key Grip (slip-on)
Builds
Kona offers the Mahuna in a streamlined build range that focuses on delivering reliable performance at an accessible price point. Both the standard and alternate builds rely on the same 100mm RockShox Judy Silver TK Solo Air fork and a Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain. The gearing pairs a compact 28-tooth chainring with a wide-range 11-51T cassette, providing an exceptionally low climbing gear that suits steep terrain and long days in the saddle.
Rolling stock is a highlight for the category, featuring tubeless-ready WTB ST i27 rims laced to Formula or Shimano hubs. These are wrapped in 2.35-inch Maxxis Forekaster tires, which testers frequently highlight as an ideal match for the bike’s fast-rolling but capable intentions.
To meet its price point, the Mahuna relies on a few basic components. Braking is handled by entry-level hydraulic discs from Alhonga, Tektro, or Shimano, depending on the exact build, paired with 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors. The crankset utilizes a square-taper bottom bracket, and the bike ships with a fixed rigid seatpost rather than a dropper. While these parts keep the initial cost low, the high-quality frame makes the Mahuna a prime candidate for gradual component upgrades.
(36SH)
Price TBD
36SH
Standard
Price TBD
Selected
Reviews
Reviewers consistently praise the Mahuna for its exceptional frame comfort, noting that the butted aluminum chassis delivers a ride quality rarely found at this price. The frame effectively dampens trail chatter, providing a "surprisingly smooth and flowing ride" (YouTube) that reduces fatigue on longer outings. Testers found the bike naturally fast and efficient on climbs and flat sections, benefiting from fast-rolling tires and a centered seated position.
However, reviewers quickly identified the stock 100mm RockShox Judy fork and quick-release axles as the primary limitations when pushing into technical descents. The fork's 30mm stanchions and straight steerer introduce noticeable flex under heavy braking or hard cornering, creating a "nervous rather than 'no problem' feel when trying to turn aggressively" (Bike Perfect). While the suspension is adequate for tamer trails, testers felt the capable frame easily outpaces the front end.
The drivetrain also presents a clear compromise. Multiple reviewers pointed to the square-taper bottom bracket as a significant drawback, calling it the "biggest let down in the spec" (Mountain Bike Rider) due to the weight and flex it adds under hard pedaling. Despite these component bottlenecks, the consensus remains highly positive. The Mahuna is viewed as an excellent, upgrade-worthy platform that offers "best in class handling" (Mountain Bike Rider) for cross-country and light trail use.
