Review Of The Kona Dew Range Of Street Hybrid Bikes.

All have frames constructed from Kona's 7005 aluminium. The sloping top tube has two benefits - a safe standover clearance and all models are unisex. The frame geometry does vary between models though. All have eyelets to allow you to fit mudguards.They all have 700mm road wheels and all use Kona's own design Project 2 aluminium fork (with the exception of the FS suspension model). All are fitted with triple chainsets - good for flexibility and ease on hills and for distances.The various models show enhancements and upgrades in the components you would expect - gears, brakes and wheelsets.Entry-level model is the Kona Dew City:-

• 21 gears with useful ratios, from simple Shimano components. The EZ Fire shifters are great to use.
• Tektro V-brakes. Sturdy and simple to take care of.
• Comfort saddle, 35 mm tyres and flat pedals all make for a practical, no-nonsense bike.
• Particularly well priced.

Next in the collection is the Kona Dew . It is identical to the Dew City in nearly all respects. Specific to this model:-

• Twenty-four gears in three wider ranges.
• Slightly improved front gear mech and wheel rims.
• More robust V-brakes form Tektro.
• All this adds up to a very sensible bike suitable for almost all situations.

The Kona Dew Plus is the next bike up the series. The key upgrade to this model is in the brakes:-

• Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano for better stopping power and wet-weather performance.
• Improved rear derailleur to Shimano Deore for more smoothness and reliability.

Next up the collection is the Kona Dew Deluxe:-

• The upgrade to a 9-speed cassette now gives you 27 gears.
• Upgrades to the front mech, brakes, wheel rims and gear shifters.
• A change to the frame - a beautifully tapered top tube.
• Narrower 32 mm tyres for greater road performance, maybe at the expense of some off-road capabilities.

The Kona Dew FS is the only model in the series to feature suspension:-

• A Suntour suspension fork with lockout will help you to handle bad roads or rough ground.
• A suspension seatpost will smooth out more painful vibration.
• Modifications to the frame with more slope given to the top tube.
• Slightly lower gear ratios from some smaller chainrings.
• Extra improvement in the quality of the front derailleur
• A bike with suspension for a very competitive price.

Top of the range is the Kona Dr Dew, a no-compromise fast street bike, for quick commuting:-

• Rigid Project 2 aluminium fork on Kona's tapering tube frame.
• Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano for better stopping power and wet-weather performance.
• Shimano Sora road bike components feature more on this bike - showing that it is made with road performance in mind.
• The wheel rims are sleeker, as is the saddle.
• The handlebar is smarter, the pedals too.
• With its refined grey paintwork and decals, this is a grown-up bike that is going to turn heads.

So the Kona Dew range has a bike that will suit nearly everybody, with a great choice of specifications and competitive prices.