Despite the lack of shock absorption and the harder rise, single-speed bikes have grown in popularity among mountain bikers. The fixed gear means that as long as the wheels are moving, your feet must be pedaling -- which translates into no cruising, and if you're going to get up the slope, you'll have to rely on your quad muscles instead of a higher gear. Kona's single-speed mountain bike is the Unit, from the 29er line, which is also available in a slightly upgraded model called the Big Unit.
Frame/Fit
Kona is known for stocking the widest variety of sizes, and the Unit and Big Unit are no different. Each bike is available in 16-, 18-, 19-, 20- and 22-in. versions, all with a 73-74 in. seat angle. The Unit features Kona's signature butted chromoly frame with a P2 29er fork, but the Big Unit has been upgraded to a light scandium butted frame with a RockShox REBA RLT Ti 20mm TA 100mm fork. Neither bike has rear shocks.
Drive
Being single speed bikes, neither the Unit or the Big Unit have cassettes, shifters or derailleurs, which cuts the weight down considerably. The Unit carries FSA Comet crankarms, 32T chainrings with a guard, a KMC Z610 chain and a Formula 18T freewheel. The Big Unit employs FSA Assault crankarms with 32T chainrings, a Shimano HG53 chain, and a Shimano 18T freewheel.
Brakes/Wheels
Kona uses Avid brakes on both bikes. The Unit has BB7 MTB disc calipers, FR-5 levers and G2 Clean Sweep rotors -- 185mm in the front, 160mm in the back. The Big Unit uses the Elixir R series for all brake components. The Big Unit features Stan's NOTUBES ZTR ARCH wheelset hubs, spokes and rims with Maxxis ASPEN 29x2.1 Kevlar tires. The Unit comes with Formula Disc hubs, Sandvik Stainless spokes, Alex EN-24 rims and Maxxis Ignitor 29x2.1 tires.
Seat/Headset
The Unit uses an FSA headset with Kona Energy handlebars and Race Light LOG grips, while the Big Unit comes with an FSA No. 57E headset, Kona Deluxe Energy Bar handlebar and the same Race Light grips. Both bikes use Kona double-clamp seatposts and clamps -- but the Big Unit has been upgraded to the Primo Double Clamp. Both bikes use WTB Valcom composite saddles.
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