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Kona Libre

$1,679.19

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The Kona Libre is a gravel bike that can handle it all, on and off the gravel. It’s a lightweight and zippy bike that can tackle road, gravel, or singletrack with confidence. It’s a bike that can take you on your next gravel-oriented bikepacking trip, with mounts for racks, bags and more. It’s a bike that’s affordable, quirky, and fun. The Kona Libre is a bike that will make you smile and invite you to get out there and be out there.


Overview

The Libre is a bike for riders who want something zippy on and off the gravel. It’s a bike that can handle it all, road, gravel, or singletrack, with ease. It’s lighter than your old “gravel” bike, while possessing more aggressive geometry so that you can shred fourth with confidence. It’s affordable, a little bit quirky, and exactly what we love in a gravel bike. The Libre is a bike that will make you smile on every ride, no matter where you go.

The Kona Libre is ideal for your next gravel-oriented bikepacking trip.  As a lightweight and nimble machine that can handle any gravel road or trail with grace, its ready for bikepacking routes like the Oregon Outback, the Great Divide, or the Trans North Georgia. The Kona Libre is ready to load up with mounts for racks, bags and more. This bicycle invites you to get out there and be out there. Répondez s’il vous plaît?

Geometry & Ride Characteristics

CAD of 54cm Kona Libre (Use BikeInsights.com to compare/contrast bicycle geometries)

The Kona Libre sports a unique geometry that sets it apart in the world of gravel bikes. It possesses a longer front-center coupled with a slacker head tube angle, features typically seen in mountain bikes, but strategically implemented here for improved stability and control. Its shorter chainstays offer agile and responsive handling, while the dropped top tube provides increased standover height, adding to the overall versatility and comfort. Wide tire clearance, another key aspect of its geometry, allows for flexibility across different types of terrains.

In terms of ride feel, the Kona Libre offers an exceptionally balanced and versatile performance. The geometry works harmoniously with its wide, grippy tires to deliver a stable, comfortable ride that excels on loose surfaces and steep descents, but also performs admirably on tarmac. The shorter chainstays contribute to a lively, quick-to-accelerate feel that makes the bike fun to ride, whether you’re powering up climbs or sprinting on flats. This, combined with the more relaxed, upright riding position afforded by the slacker head angle, ensures that long-distance comfort doesn’t compromise agility and power transfer.

  • Longer Front-Center: The Kona Libre’s geometry includes a longer front-center, which provides increased stability and control while descending or navigating rough terrain.
  • Slacker Head Tube Angle: The slacker head tube angle contributes to a relaxed riding posture and offers greater control, particularly when riding downhill or on loose surfaces.
  • Shorter Chainstays: The shorter chainstays allow for responsive handling and efficient power transfer, making the bike agile and quick to accelerate.
  • Wide Tire Clearance: The frame geometry accommodates wide tires, which improves traction, ride comfort, and versatility across various types of terrain.
  • Dropped Top Tube: A dropped top tube offers increased standover height, enhancing maneuverability and rider comfort.
  • Versatile Fit: The geometry supports a wide range of rider heights and builds, thanks to its multiple frame sizes and adjustable components.

vs. the Kona Rove DL

While both the Kona Rove DL and the Kona Libre are versatile gravel bikes, their ride characteristics offer distinct experiences. The Rove DL, with its more traditional road-oriented geometry, lends itself to faster, more nimble navigation on smoother terrain and city streets. The Libre, on the other hand, exhibits a mountain-bike inspired geometry that thrives on challenging trails, boasting stability and confidence on rough terrains, steep descents, and technical tracks. This makes the Libre adventurous and thrilling, while the Rove DL is more about precision and efficiency.

  • Handling: The Kona Rove DL, with its road-focused geometry, offers quick and responsive handling, making it nimble in urban environments and on smoother terrain. Conversely, the Kona Libre, with its slacker head angle and longer front-center, provides steadier and more stable handling, particularly when navigating rough or steep terrain.
  • Versatility: The Kona Libre shines when it comes to off-road and multi-terrain adventures due to its wider tire clearance and mountain bike inspired geometry. The Kona Rove DL, while capable off-road, is more optimized for mixed-terrain riding, blending road cycling efficiency with the ability to handle light gravel.
  • Comfort: The Libre’s slacker head tube angle and dropped top tube result in a more upright, relaxed riding position, enhancing comfort on long rides or challenging terrain. The Rove DL offers a more traditional road-bike posture, balancing efficiency and comfort for longer road journeys or commutes.
  • Speed: The Kona Rove DL, due to its more road-oriented geometry and lighter frame, may feel faster and more efficient on paved surfaces and climbs. The Kona Libre, while versatile and highly capable off-road, may not feel as quick on the road due to its focus on stability and control.
  • Stability: The Kona Libre’s longer front-center and slacker head tube angle confer greater stability, especially when descending or navigating loose surfaces. The Rove DL, with its traditional road geometry, provides stable handling on roads and light gravel, but may not feel as planted on more technical off-road terrain.

vs. the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700c

While both the Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 700c and the Kona Libre champion versatility, they cater to different aspects of the adventure cycling spectrum. The Journeyman, with its touring-inspired geometry, prioritizes comfort and stability for long, loaded journeys, offering a patient, dependable ride over vast distances. Conversely, the Kona Libre, with its unique blend of gravel and mountain bike geometry, caters to the adventurous spirit, providing stability, control, and responsiveness on challenging terrains, thereby inspiring confident exploration beyond the beaten path.

  • Geometry: The Salsa Journeyman has a more traditional touring-style geometry, which is designed for long-distance comfort and stability, making it an excellent choice for lengthy expeditions or bikepacking. The Kona Libre, with its mountain-bike-inspired geometry, shines on technical and challenging terrains due to its increased stability and control.
  • Handling: The Journeyman’s longer wheelbase provides stable and consistent handling, ideal for carrying heavy loads over long distances. Conversely, the Kona Libre’s shorter chainstays contribute to agile and responsive handling, beneficial for quick maneuvers on diverse trails.
  • Versatility: Both bikes offer great versatility with their wide tire clearance, enabling riders to tackle a variety of terrains. However, the Libre’s slacker head tube angle and longer front-center give it an edge when dealing with technical off-road conditions.
  • Comfort: The Salsa Journeyman is designed with comfort in mind for long-distance touring, featuring a more upright riding position. The Kona Libre, while also offering a relaxed riding position due to its slacker head angle, balances comfort with off-road performance.
  • Speed: The Kona Libre, with its lighter carbon fork and more aggressive geometry, may offer quicker acceleration and climbing efficiency. The Salsa Journeyman, while not as race-oriented, provides steady speed that’s more sustainable over long journeys, especially when fully loaded for bikepacking.

vs. the Bombtrack Hook

The Bombtrack Hook and Kona Libre both carve their own niche within the gravel bike sector, offering unique ride experiences. The Hook, with its more traditional, cyclocross-inspired geometry, delivers sharp and nimble handling, making it adept for quick maneuvers and responsive off-road performance. Meanwhile, the Libre, inspired by mountain bike geometry, embraces rough terrains with stability and control, providing a confidently adventurous ride on challenging trails. This distinction positions the Hook for explosive, race-ready action, while the Libre is the thoughtful companion for long, explorative journeys.

  • Geometry: The Bombtrack Hook adopts a more traditional cyclocross-inspired geometry, promoting sharp and responsive handling. The Kona Libre, on the other hand, uses a mountain bike-influenced geometry for greater stability and control on varied terrains.
  • Handling: With its nimble geometry, the Bombtrack Hook offers quick and agile handling, making it suitable for cyclocross races and spirited off-road rides. Conversely, the Libre’s longer front-center and slacker head angle ensure steady handling, particularly beneficial on technical trails or descents.
  • Versatility: Both bikes exhibit good versatility for tackling mixed terrains. However, the Libre’s wider tire clearance and mountain-bike-like geometry give it an edge on rougher, more challenging surfaces.
  • Comfort: The Kona Libre provides a more upright, relaxed riding position due to its slacker head tube angle, enhancing comfort on long rides and challenging terrain. The Hook, while maintaining a balance of comfort and efficiency, leans more towards the aggressive posture of a cyclocross bike.
  • Speed: The Bombtrack Hook, with its race-ready geometry, tends to feel faster and more explosive, particularly on off-road courses and cyclocross events. The Kona Libre, while not designed as a race bike, delivers a lively and adventurous ride, with efficient power transfer due to its shorter chainstays.

Features

Material and Construction: The Libre’s frame is made from Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted material, which is both durable and lightweight. The bike also features a Kona Libre carbon fork, which adds to its lightness and offers vibration dampening.

Drivetrain: Equipped with a SRAM Apex drivetrain, the Libre ensures reliable shifting and wide gear range, accommodating various riding conditions and terrains.

Tire Clearance: The Libre has clearance for wide tires, enhancing its ability to tackle different surfaces, from smooth tarmac to rugged off-road trails.

Braking System: The bike incorporates a TRP HDC711C Mechanical/Hydraulic braking system, providing powerful and responsive braking, particularly beneficial on steep descents or when riding at high speeds.

Versatility: With its unique geometry, wide tire clearance, and reliable drivetrain, the Kona Libre offers great versatility, making it a capable bike for gravel riding, bikepacking, and long-distance touring.

Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points

Fork Mounts: Multiple mounts on each fork leg for racks, cages, or accessories.

Top Tube Mounts: A mounting point on the top tube for a fuel tank-style bag.

Downtube Mounts: Underneath the downtube, for a water bottle or accessory.

Seat Tube Mounts: On the seat tube, for a water bottle cage.

Rear Rack Mounts: At the rear of the bike for attaching a traditional rack.

Fender Mounts: Points at the front and rear for fender attachment, useful for wet weather riding.

Bento Box Mounts: Specialized mounts on the top tube offer the capacity to attach a Bento box. This popular storage solution allows easy access to snacks, tools, or small personal items while riding.

Kona Libre Featured in the Wild

“Review: The Kona Libre AL Steers Clear Of Niches” – Singletrackworld

In this insightful review from Singletrackworld, the Kona Libre AL is praised for its versatile characteristics. The reviewer remarks on its ability to transcend conventional categorization, stating, “It’s a bike for all seasons and a bike for all reasons”. The Libre AL is recognized for its adept performance across a range of terrains, proving itself to be more than just a gravel bike. The blend of comfort, speed, and off-road capability provides a holistic cycling experience that resists being confined to a single niche.

“Kona Libre AL Review” – Gran Fondo Cycling Magazine

In Gran Fondo Cycling Magazine’s in-depth review of the Kona Libre AL, the bike is celebrated for its comprehensive versatility. The reviewer lauds the Libre AL’s accessible price point, rugged durability, and comfortable ride. A key observation by the author notes that, “Despite its racing ambitions, the Libre AL offers a lot of comfort, which makes it a great companion for long rides.” This underlines the bike’s ability to offer a balance between competitive performance and enduring comfort, making it a robust choice for riders who value a blend of speed and stamina.

“Review: Kona Libre AL” – Path Less Pedaled

In the detailed review by Path Less Pedaled, the Kona Libre AL shines as a versatile and capable gravel bike. The author expresses great appreciation for the Libre AL’s adaptability, saying “it can handle light singletrack, but it still feels quick on the road.” This duality of function makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a bike that can transition seamlessly between various terrains. The reviewer also highlights the Libre AL’s comfortable geometry and ample mount points, affirming its suitability for long-distance bikepacking adventures.

Specs

Build Kit

The Kona Libre AL is built with a well-thought-out assembly of components that combine to offer a versatile and performance-oriented ride. It features a durable Kona 6061 Aluminium Butted frame complemented by a Kona Libre Carbon fork, resulting in a responsive, yet comfortable ride. It employs a SRAM Apex drivetrain, ensuring reliable shifting and a broad range of gears. The bike’s stopping power is handled by TRP HDC711C Mechanical/Hydraulic brakes, offering dependable control in various conditions. The Libre AL rolls on WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 wheels wrapped in Maxxis Rambler Silkshield TR 700x45c tires, providing a stable and confident grip over diverse terrains.

Frameset

  • Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminium Butted
  • Fork: Kona Libre Carbon fork
  • Color: Gloss Metallic Green

Drivetrain

  • Front Derailleur: N/A
  • Rear Derailleur: SRAM Apex
  • Cassette: SRAM PG1130 11-42t 11spd
  • Crankset: SRAM Apex
  • Shifter: SRAM Apex
  • Brakes: TRP HDC711C Mechanical / Hydraulic
  • Rotors: TRP TR160mm

Components

  • Headset: FSA No.57B
  • Stem: Kona Road
  • Handlebar: Kona Road
  • Grips / Bar Tape: Kona Cork Tape
  • Seatpost: Kona Thumb w/Offset 31.6mm
  • Saddle: WTB Volt
  • Seatclamp: Kona Clamp

Wheels

  • Front Wheel: WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0, Formula 100x12mm
  • Rear Wheel: WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0, Formula 142x12mm
  • Tires: Maxxis Rambler Silkshield TR 700x45c

Frame Construction

The Kona Libre showcases a lightweight yet resilient frame, engineered to handle the demands of bikepacking and diverse terrains. Its frame is constructed from high-quality carbon, renowned for its strength, lightness, and vibration damping properties. The construction of the frame is precise, guaranteeing structural solidity and a sleek finish. The Libre’s finish is equally commendable, featuring a durable coating that resists scratches and wear, maintaining the bike’s aesthetic appeal even after extensive use on various trails.

Geometry

SIZE 50 52 54 56 58
1 ST LENGTH 455 490 510 540 550
2 TT LENGTH 543 558 573 588 608
3 REACH 378 383 386 389 394
4 STACK 575 590 610 630 660
5 STANDOVER 740 768 791 817 837
6 HT ANGLE 70.5 70.5 71 71 71
7 HT LENGTH 137.0 153.0 175.0 196.5 230.0
8 ST ANGLE 74 73.5 73 72.5 72
9 CS LENGTH 440 440 440 440 440
10 BB DROP 75 75 72 72 70
11 BB HEIGHT 267 267 270 270 272
12 WHEELBASE 1042 1052 1058 1068 1084
13 FRONT CENTER 613 623 628 638 654
14 FORK LENGTH 410 410 410 410 410
15 FORK OFFSET 50 50 50 50 50

Warranty

WARRANTY REGISTRATIONS

Registration is no longer necessary for your Kona warranty to be valid.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Kona Bicycle Company ( “Kona” ) makes the following limited Warranty:

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON COMPLETE BICYCLE (USA, UK & CANADA)

Kona warrants to the original owner that this new Kona bicycle shall be free of defective materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original purchase in the United States or Canada and operated under normal conditions and use. During this one-year period, Kona shall repair or replace, at its sole option, all parts that are found by Kona to be defective and subject to this limited warranty. The original owner shall pay all labor charges connected with the repair or replacement of all parts. On Kona electric pedal-assist bikes, the electronic system is covered by a two-year warranty, whereby accidents or consumer mistakes like shorting polarity are not covered. Warranty on the battery is for one year, at the end of that period, the battery is guaranteed to retain at least 70% of its original capacity.

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON COMPLETE BICYCLE (EUROPE)

Kona warrants to the original owner that this newly purchased Kona bicycle shall be free of defective materials and workmanship for the two-year period stated under EU consumer protection laws, dated from the original purchase and subject to normal conditions and use. During this two-year period, Kona shall repair or replace, at its sole option, all parts that are found by Kona to be defective and therein subject to this limited warranty.

THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON KONA BRANDED BICYCLE FORKS.

LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY ON BICYCLE FRAME (USA, CANADA, UK & EUROPE ONLY)*

Kona further warrants to the original owner that the frame of this new Kona bicycle purchased from an authorized Kona dealer shall be free of defective materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the product. This is ONLY VALID ON NON-CARBON FRAMES. During this warranty period, Kona shall repair or replace, at its sole option, the bicycle frame if Kona determines the frame is defective and subject to this limited warranty. The color on the warranty frame may vary from the color of the original frame. The original owner shall pay all labor and shipping charges connected with the repair or replacement of the bicycle frame. This warranty is only valid in the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe.

*This is valid on all non-carbon Kona bicycle frames. CARBON FRAMES receive 3-year warranty.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

This limited warranty is made only to the original owner of this Kona bicycle purchased from an authorized Kona dealer, and it shall remain in force only as long as the original owner retains ownership of the Kona bicycle. This limited warranty is not transferable. In order to obtain service under this Limited Warranty, the original owner must deliver the Kona bicycle, and the bill of sale or other dated proof of purchase document identifying the Kona bicycle by frame number/serial number, to an authorized Kona dealer. This Limited Warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, nor to defects, malfunctions or failures that result from the abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, alteration, modification, accident, or misuse (including without limitation bicycle racing, bicycle motocross, stunt bicycling, commercial use or rental use) of the Kona bicycle. Damage caused by transporting bicycle, especially across the tailgate of a pickup truck – even when a pad is used – voids warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS OR LIMITED WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO KONA BICYCLES. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED IN SCOPE AND DURATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. KONA SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES SUFFERED BY ANY PARTY. THE FOREGOING STATEMENTS OF WARRANTY ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REMEDIES.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS; YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE OR PROVINCE TO PROVINCE. SOME STATES OR PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES; SO, THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS SET FORTH IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN MAY NOT BE EXTENDED, ENLARGED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED BY ANY KONA DEALER, AGENT OR EMPLOYEE, AND KONA DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY OR MAKE ANY WARRANTY EXCEPT AS STATED IN THE LIMITED WARRANTY.

WARRANTY ONLY APPLIES IN USA, CANADA, UK AND EUROPE. PLEASE SEE YOUR DEALER OR DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE SPECIFIC WARRANTY IN YOUR COUNTRY. WARRANTY VALID ONLY IF BICYCLE IS ASSEMBLED BY AN AUTHORIZED KONA DEALER.

NOTE:
Warranty is made only to the original owner of this Kona bicycle purchased from an authorized Kona dealer, and it shall remain in force only as long as the original owner retains ownership of the Kona bicycle. This limited warranty is not transferable.