2014 Kona Operator Bike
(discontinued)

AvgAverage User Rating
Discontinued
Related:
Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Shipping available to the contiguous 48 states and Washington DC.

2 member reviews

A solid sled
Rating:
The Good
Great frame and suspension, bike soaks up the terrain with ease.
The Bad
No direct mount stem, would prefer Minion DHF tires and Zee brakes, USD shock annoying to adjust, wheels are super heavy.
Overall Review:

I demoed this bike, I was pretty impressed with the frame, great geometry and graphics, Kona have come a long way even in the last 2-3 years. Other components slightly less impressed, upside down shock was annoying to adjust as as I couldn't see the compression knob properly. The normal stem looked like an ugly cheap option, when there should really be a direct mount stem. I also hate the High Roller 2 tires, seem just far too heavy and squirm around too much. I can't complain about the Code brakes, they work well, but I think they could have matched the Zee cranks with Zee brakes as surely the reliability and maintenance would benefit most riders.

If it was my bike I'd run tubeless rims and tires to really get the bike to fly by getting rid of 1-2kg of unsprung weight and maybe a regular rear cassette and rear derailleur as uplift days are so rare in my local area. Loved the stability of the bike, but I'll be sticking with my 160mm travel AM bike unless I move somewhere with a chairlift or cable car!

1 comments

Post a reply to: A solid sled

Kona Operator 2014
Rating:
The Good
- Price.
- Ride handling.
- Low stand over height.
- Factory down tube protector.
- Internal cable routing and external cable routing options.
- Integrated fork bumpers.
The Bad
- Could do with a stock DM stem.
Overall Review:

The frame is amazing. Coming from an 'All Mountain' bike (2010 Giant Reign X1) the Operator was my first DH bike. Obviously the way it handles DH trails is better, so much better. In terms of geometry and the feel of the ride, I can't fault the bike. The way it rides is great; sticks into corners, jumps really well, the feel of the walking beam, four-bar system is solid, and it pedals good for a big bike.

If I were a more experienced rider (and more familiar with suspension setup), I would have gone for a more adjustable fork and rear shock. However, for the price of the bike, the components are pretty much spot on. For what you pay vs what you get, it's great value for money. The only thing I've changed from stock is the stem, to a Race Face Atlas DM stem.

Overall the design is really well thought out; I know I've already mentioned it, but the the down tube protector, cable routing options, and fork bumpers are just really nice touches. Couldn't be happier with the 2014 Kona Operator. Let's see how it holds up!

1 comments

Post a reply to: Kona Operator 2014

Specifications

Product
Kona Operator Bike
Model Year
2014
Riding Type
Downhill
Rider
Unisex
Sizes and Geometry
S
M
L
Wheel Size
26"
Frame Material
Carbon Fiber
Frame Material Details
Carbon with 6061 Aluminum Stays
Rear Travel
200mm
Rear Shock
RockShox Kage RC
Fork
RockShox Boxxer RC, 20mm DO
Fork Travel
200mm
Head Tube Diameter
Tapered
Headset
FSA Orbit 1.5B ZS No.57B-1
Handlebar
Kona DH
Stem
Kona Jerk
Grips
Kona S-LOG
Brakes
Avid G2CS, 200mm Front, 180mm Rear
Brake Levers
Avid Code R
Drivetrain
1x
Shifters
SRAM X7 (Right Hand Only)
Front Derailleur
N/A
Rear Derailleur
SRAM X9 Type 2
ISCG Tabs
 
Chainguide
The Hive SRS+
Cranks
Shimano Zee
Chainrings
36 Tooth
Bottom Bracket
Shimano Press Fit 104.5mm
Pedals
Kona Wah Wah
Chain
KMC X10
Cassette
SRAM PG1050, 11-28 Tooth, 10-Speed
Rims
Sun MTX33 Sleeved
Hubs
Formula
Spokes
Sandvik Stainless 14g
Tires
Maxxis High Roller II DH 26"x2.4"
Saddle
WTB Volt Sport SE
Seatpost
Kona DH
Seatpost Diameter
 
Seatpost Clamp
Kona Clamp
Rear Dropout / Hub Dimensions
12mm x 157mm
Max. Tire Size
 
Bottle Cage Mounts
 
Colors
Matte UD Carbon/Fluoro Green
Warranty
 
Weight
N/A
Miscellaneous
 
Price
$3,892.00
More Info
 
What do you think?
Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Shipping available to the contiguous 48 states and Washington DC.
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