Kona’s latest drop-bar mountain bike, the LBF, features a steel frame, a suspension fork, and off-road-inspired angles. For the first time since its launch, it’s finally available in a fresh color: Gloss Cherry! Check it out here…

Released this spring, the Kona Legend of Big Fork, or LBF for short, is a drop-bar mountain bike in every sense of the word. It’s one of a few drop-bar mountain bikes with a properly slack head tube angle of 67°, and it might be the most progressive take on the drop-bar mountain bike yet. It’s built up around a Reynolds 520 steel frame, a 100mm travel fork, and clearance for 29 x 2.5” tires, although it can fit larger. I spent a few months rallying the LBF ahead of its launch, including a loaded nine-day bikepacking trip on Baja’s Cape Loop, and there was a lot to unpack. Dive into my review here.

kona lbf review

For the first time since its launch, Kona has just unveiled a new color option: Gloss Cherry. As Kona puts it, it has the “same rowdy drop-bar attitude, same bombproof steel frame and 100mm fork, same appetite for questionable routes. Just a new color for those who like their adventures with a little more flavor.” The frame also has slightly tweaked graphics, including the classic Kona logo and “Legend of Big Fork” on the side of the top tube.

Kona LBF gloss Cherry
  • Kona LBF gloss Cherry
  • Kona LBF gloss Cherry

The new Gloss Cherry LBF features the same build kit, including four-piston SRAM G2 brake calipers, SRAM Apex drop-bar shifters, RaceFace Arc mountain bike rims, 29 x 2.4” Maxxis Dissector up front and a Maxxis Forekaster out back, a Ritchey Beacon handlebar, and a long-travel dropper post from TranzX. The Kona LBF might seem a little strange on paper, but it ended up being a surprisingly capable steed for expedition-style bikepacking, and it stands out when compared to other drop-bar mountain bikes.

  • Kona LBF gloss Cherry
  • Kona LBF gloss Cherry
  • Kona LBF gloss Cherry

The LBF still costs $3,699 USD ($4,299 CAD) and comes in four sizes. It’s available now. Learn more at KonaWorld.com.

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

FILED IN (CATEGORIES & TAGS)

Dispatch

New Bikes

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.