Vintage Kona Catalogs

Here you can find all the Kona catalogs from 1989 up to 1999. If you’re looking for a specific model for a specific year, you can find them further in the article.

Catalogs

• Kona catalog 1989
• Kona catalog 1990
• Kona catalog 1991
• Kona catalog 1992
• Kona catalog 1993
• Kona catalog 1994
• Kona catalog 1995
• Kona catalog 1996
• Kona catalog 1997
• Kona catalog 1998
• Kona catalog 1999

Kona History

Kona Bikes, founded in 1988 in Vancouver, British Columbia, by Jake and Dan Scheck, quickly established itself as a pioneer in the mountain bike industry. The company started with a focus on creating high-performance bicycles for enthusiasts, carving out its niche in the competitive biking world.

Early Years (1988–1990s):

Kona’s roots were in the growing mountain bike scene of the late ’80s. Their early bikes were rugged and designed for serious riders who wanted durability and performance. Kona’s first popular model, the Kona Cinder Cone, debuted in 1988 and became a staple of the brand. This bike was well-received due to its solid build and innovative design, marking Kona as a brand to watch.

Growth & Prominence (1990s–2000s):

During the ’90s, Kona emerged as a go-to brand for serious mountain bikers, especially with the rise of downhill and cross-country disciplines. Kona’s reputation grew with bikes like the Kona Stinky and Kona Explosif, which were staples in the freeride and downhill communities. They solidified their place with their sponsorship of professional riders and their involvement in major mountain biking events, making them a global player in the industry.

Innovation and Iconic Bikes:

• Kona Hei Hei (1990s): One of Kona’s most innovative early bikes was the Hei Hei, which was among the first lightweight, full-suspension bikes for cross-country racing. This bike set a new standard for the discipline and helped shape the future of mountain biking.
• Kona Stinky (2000s): The Stinky line, launched in the early 2000s, was one of the first bikes designed specifically for freeride and downhill enthusiasts. It was revolutionary for its time due to its aggressive geometry, superior suspension, and reinforced frame. The Stinky made waves in the mountain biking world and was a game-changer in terms of pushing the limits of downhill riding.

Technological Advancements (2000s–2010s):

In the mid-2000s, Kona continued to push boundaries with their use of cutting-edge materials and suspension technology. They were early adopters of hydroforming technology for their frames, offering lighter and stronger designs. In this period, they introduced bikes like the Kona Process series (2012), which was praised for its versatile all-mountain and enduro capabilities. The Kona Process lineup became synonymous with progressive geometry, a hallmark of Kona’s innovative approach to bike design.

Recent Innovations:

In recent years, Kona has continued to innovate with their Honzo series, one of the first hardtail bikes to embrace long, slack geometry, blending the feel of a trail bike with a lighter frame. Kona also entered the e-bike market, introducing electric mountain bikes like the Kona Remote, showcasing the company’s adaptability and vision for the future of cycling.

Legacy:

Today, Kona Bikes is known not just for their innovations in mountain biking, but for their overall contribution to the cycling culture, from community-building efforts to sustainability initiatives. They’ve continued to blend performance with durability, bringing new ideas to the forefront, and challenging the norms of the cycling industry. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and functionality keeps them a prominent player in the world of mountain biking.

From their humble beginnings to their forward-thinking designs, Kona Bikes stands as a symbol of innovation and passion in the world of cycling.

Iconic Models

But they did come up with some gorgeous mountain bikes that perfectly capture the dynamic spirit of the nineties.

1992 Kona Explosif-Pro

The 1992 Kona Explosif-Pro was a groundbreaking mountain bike that set a new standard for performance and innovation in the early ’90s. With its lightweight yet durable Easton aluminum frame, it offered a unique combination of strength and agility, allowing riders to tackle tough terrain with ease. The bike’s geometry was ahead of its time, featuring a more responsive and aggressive stance for enhanced control and handling. Additionally, the Explosif-Pro featured cutting-edge components like the Shimano XT drivetrain, which contributed to smooth shifting and superior performance. This bike exemplified the fusion of technology and design, making it a trailblazer in mountain biking history.

Finding an old Kona is relatively easy. Finding that fork is much harder.

1994 Kona Hei Hei

The 1994 Kona Hei Hei bike is a true pioneer in mountain biking, blending cutting-edge innovation with stunning design. Featuring a titanium frame, it was one of the rare models from Kona, showcasing their commitment to pushing boundaries in bike manufacturing.

This wasn’t Kona’s first titanium bike (that honor goes to the 1991 model), but it stands out with its factory-installed Marzocchi XC 500 fork, offering exceptional performance. The 1994 version also introduced XTR components, making it a true top-tier mountain bike.

While the 1995 version may have components from Syncros and Cook Bros. Racing, this silver and gold beauty from 1994 remains a remarkable machine that left its mark on the MTB world.

1994 Kona EFS

The 1994 Kona EFS bike represents a groundbreaking moment in the evolution of mountain bikes, capturing the innovative spirit of the early nineties. During a time when manufacturers were experimenting with various suspension designs—some successful, others not so much—Kona embraced an Italian design from Verlicchi, a company known for its suspension expertise.

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The result? A pioneering dual suspension bike bearing the Kona name, forever marking its place in history. While Kona wasn’t the only brand to adopt this design—Iron Horse FS Works and Sintesi Bromont followed suit—it was the first to bring it to market with their distinctive touch, setting the stage for future advancements in off-road biking.

Kona Models

Mountain Bike

A A	1994 – 1997
Black	1991
Cinder Cone	1989 – 1995 | 1999
Caldera	1997 – 1999
Chute	1999
EFS	1994
Explosif	1989 – 1999
Explosif Pro	1992
Fire Mountain	1989 – 1999
For Play	1996
Hahanna	1991 – 1999
Hei Hei	1991 – 1995 | 1999
Hot	1991 – 1992 | 1995 – 1998
Keiki	1995
Kilauea	1993 – 1998
King Kahuna	1996 – 1998
King Kikapu	1997 – 1999
Koa	1995 – 1997
Ku	1995 – 1998
Kula	1994 – 1999
Lava Dome	1990 – 1999
Manomano	1997 – 1999
Misser Replica	1997
Mokomoko	1998 – 1999
Muni-Mula	1995 – 1999
Nu-Nu	1999
Pahoehoe	1998 – 1999
SEX One	1995 – 1996
SEX Too	1995 – 1996
SEX Three	1996
Stab	1998 – 1999
Stab Dee-Lux	1999
Stinky	1999
Stinky Dee-Lux	1999
U’hu	1997 – 1998
U’i	1997

Road

Haole	1992 | 1995 | 1999
Jake the Snake	1998 – 1999
Kapu	1995 – 1999
Hoo-Ha	1999
Yee-Ha	1999

Cruiser

Humuhumu	1995 – 1996
Humu	1999
Humu1	1998
Humu2	1998
Humuseven	1999
A’ha	1995 – 1997