2026 Kona Remote 160 CR E-Bike

In the current climate of all eMTB talk involving the "A" word, it's refreshing to hop on a rig powered by the "B" word. Combine that with a svelte drive system that emphasizes a  mountain-bike-like trail experience, high-end RockShox Ultimate suspension and a sleek full-carbon frame and you have the 160mm travel Kona Remote 160 CR, which has been ridden by a few different Vital testers for the past few months. 

Highlights

• Frame Material: Carbon Fiber
• Travel: 160mm front and rear
• Wheel Size: 29" (tested) for MD-XL, SM 29 / 27.5 - all sizes mixed-wheel compatible
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX, 60Nm max torque, 600 W peak power
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube, integrated, 400Wh. Includes Bosch PowerMore 250Wh range extender
• Display/Remote: Bosch Kiox 400c 2" color display, top tube integrated, USB-C charging port; Bosch Wireless Mini Remote
• Modes: Turbo, eMTB+, Tour+, Eco+, Walk Assist
• Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, RC2T damper, Linear XL air spring, 230mm length x 60mm stroke
• Fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, Charger 3.2 damper, Linear XL air spring
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Base, 4-piston
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore Di2, 11-speed powered by cable from main bike battery
• Cranks: Prowheel Carbon, 155mm
• Wheels: WTB ST Tough i30 Alloy with Formula hubs
• Front Tire: Schwalbe Magic Mary, Trail Pro Radial casing, Ultra Soft compound, 29" x 2.5"
• Rear Tire: Schwalbe Albert, Trail Pro Radial casing, Soft compound, 2.5"
• Seatpost: TransX +RAD dropper, 150mm (SM), 170mm (MD), 200mm (LG), 230mm (XL)
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2 years Kona components
• Sizes: SM, MD, LG (tested), XL
• Weight: 45.25 lbs / 20.52 kg (size L, without pedals. PowerMore extender adds 3 lbs / 1.36 kg)
• Price: $7,799 USD

Wheel Size

The dual 29er Remote 160 CR is capable of running a mixed wheel configuration, but only size Small ships with the 27.5 rear wheel. We schralped big wheels front and rear for the whole test and were not disappointed, riding in environments that featured far more natural terrain than machine-made. Those wishing to swap to a 27.5 wheel should note that the Kona runs an HG freehub body with the stock the 11-50t 11-speed cassette. A new rear wheel with a Shimano Microspline hub would require a new cassette, too.

Modes and Drivetrain 

Besides being Kona's best-looking eMTB to date (agreed upon by Vital staffers and on-trail gawkers alike), the Remote 160 CR is its most technologically robust with integrated Bosch eShift capability and a big, bright Kiox 400C display in the top tube. The hardwired Deore Di2 drivetrain (which held up great throughout the duration of the test period) runs off the bike's battery. The majority of testing was in Manual mode - it's what longtime mountain bike riders seem to prefer. The bonus of Manual and the hardwired system is an ability to manually shift while coasting. This opens up proactive gear changes without risking pedal strikes and becomes quite addictive for maximizing efforts on the trail. Manual+ lets the bike decide when to shift while coasting. If coasting speeds pick while in an easy gear, dropping down to a harder gear happens automatically as speeds increase. It works in reverse too, if high coasting speeds slow, an easier gear will be selected. We found that the system's reaction time wasn't always ideal in quickly varying terrain, but it can be handy on more predictable trails.

 For riders who choose to bow to the robots, full Automatic is available, too. We rode in full Auto for a few sections of trail so we could say we did. A novel idea with plenty of room for improvement as shifting seemed to happen at the most in-opportune times, full Auto and riders attracted to the Remote 160 CR probably won't become BFFs anytime soon. Note that manual shifts are always an option in any of the eShift modes.

Climbing the Kona

On the ups, the Bosch SX motor is a familiar companion. We know e-bikes with the system are not full-power, loop-out machines so we manage our physical output and time-to-mileage expectations accordingly. Turbo on an SX-equipped bike is fun, but the 600W max output and 60Nm of torque still means the pilot must donate their fair share of assistance when things get steep or speeds need to be maintained. TL:DR; you won't be keeping up with your full-powered friends on post-work sprint laps. Much like eShift in full Auto, riders who actually appreciate what the Remote 160 CR is won't miss not hooliganizing with turboHogs or having to put in their own effort.

The stock tunes of the Bosch Tour and eMTB modes provided a great bang-for-buck balance of range and power. One of the first rides out on the Kona was with three other full-powered eebs and riders who didn't mind hanging back a bit. While the Kona was never first to the top, after 26 miles and 2,400 feet, 31% battery remained with the PowerMore extender plugged in. That was after using Turbo for the last climbs when it was clear there was plenty of juice on tap to finish. 

Descending the Kona

The descents are magical on the Kona Remote 160 CR, but there's a catch — noise-canceling headphones or a full face may be a welcome companion. The Remote is exceptionally fun, responsive and lively. Pumping and pushing generates speed on rolling, undulating trails all while having 160mm of travel available for big hits and high-speed confidence. To pile on the cliche train, this eMTB really feels like a regular mountain bike on the descents. The top-end Lyrik and Super Deluxe provide stability and predictability without sacrificing pop. Speaking of pop, the Remote's capability far outweighs its radial Schwalbe Trail casing tires. Early on, the front tire was punctured by a rock. It held air throughout the test with a slow leak that sealant couldn't quite close up, requiring refills before rides. An enduro-level tire spec would be much appreciated to fully unlock this eeb's potential.

La, La, La, I Am Not Listening

So. The noise. The Bosch SX motor (like the bigger CX), has a ratcheting noise during over run or back pedaling. We've known this for years and have dealt with it, but on quieter rides through the woods, we really noticed it on the Kona. Additionally, the motor's known "clack" during descents was hard to put out of mind on the Remote. It's funny with all motors nowadays, regardless of brand or type, conflicting reports of one being noisy here and another being quiet there all depends on who you ask. In our case, with this bike, the noise was significant. We've had other Bosch SX bikes that aren't silent, but not as noisy as our Kona. It was a bummer because of how fun the bike is to ride.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Kona Remote 160 CR achieves the intent of a fun, mid-power eMTB built to ride like its non-motorized cousins. Clean, svelte looks are the cherry on top of a lightweight motor and battery that pairs with solid geometry and spec. Those elements join forces with premium suspension to create a nimble, playful bike that avoids the pitfalls of heavy, long-range, full-powered e-bikes. Our experience with this Kona, while a blast on the trail, was also one plagued by excessive bike noise. While audibly disappointing, our Remote was a sensational mode of conveyance through twists, turns, trees, rocks and jumps with some fun pieces of e-tech to make the ride that much more enjoyable. Hit up konaworld.com for more info.

View key specs, compare e-bikes, and review the newest Kona Remote models in the Vital MTB Product section.