24by7Article.com | Review Of The Kona Dew Range Of Street Hybrid Bikes.

All the models in the Kona Dew range epitomize good value street hybrid bikes, from a well-respected producer, with loads of style.
They are hybrids that are predominantly directed towards street riding - to work and back say. Then again like any good hybrid they will also take you out on the lanes at the weekend. How do the different versions compare?
All are aluminium-framed, using 7005 alloy, butted for strength. The sloping top tube means that there is a safe standover clearance, also that all the models are unisex. The frame geometry does vary between models though. They all have fittings for mudguards however - indispensable in a commuting bike.
They all run on 700 mm road (rather than MTB) wheels, and all aside from the FS suspension model carry Kona’s own Project Two aluminium fork. All are fitted with triple chainsets - good for versatility and ease on hills and for distances.
The different models show enhancements and upgrades in the components you would expect - gears, brakes and wheelsets.
The Kona Dew City is the entry-level bike of the collection:-
o Twenty-one gears in three ranges. Shimano EZFire gear shifters.
o Sturdy and straightforward Tektro V-brakes.
o Flat pedals, wide tyres and a Comfort saddle mean that this is a sensible and comfortable bike to use.
o Priced very competitively.
The original Kona Dew is the next bike in the range. It is identical to the Dew City in nearly all respects. Specific to this model:-
o Twenty-four gears in three wider ranges.
o Slightly nicer front gear mech and wheel rims.
o More heavy-duty V-brakes, although still Tektro.
o All this adds up to a very sensible bike suitable for almost all situations.
Moving up the range we come to the Kona Dew Plus. The major change here from the Dew is in the brakes:-
o Shimano hydraulic disc system for increased power and weather performance.
o More consistent gear changes from the upgrading to a Shimano Deore rear derailleur.
Next up the range is the Kona Dew Deluxe:-
o Twenty-seven gears from the upgraded Shimano 9 speed cassette.
o Upgrades to the front mech, brakes, wheel rims and gear shifters.
o A key change to the frame which now has a beautiful taper to the top tube.
o The tyres are narrower - 32mm - which would give better road performance, although maybe less versatility off-road.
The Kona Dew FS is the only suspension model in the Dew range:-
o A Suntour suspension front fork is great for handling uneven ground or poor roads.
o A suspension seatpost will smooth out more painful vibration.
o Modifications to the frame with more slope given to the top tube.
o Additional help on the hills from smaller chainrings.
o Upgraded front gear mech for smoother shifting between chainrings
o A suspension bike at a superb price.
The Kona Dr Dew is a bike designed with no compromise for rapid street riding and commuting:-
o Rigid Project 2 aluminium fork on Kona's tapered tube frame.
o Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano for improved stopping power and wet-weather performance.
o The larger chainrings and Shimano Sora road bike components demonstrate that this is a bike made for speed.
o The wheel rims are sleeker, as is the saddle.
o Enhanced handlebars and pedals.
o Smart grey paintwork, enhanced by the graphics means that this is a bike that will get seen.
So the Kona Dew range has a bike that will suit virtually everybody, with a great choice of specifications and competitive prices.