Kona Roundabout City Bike Review

Kona Roundabout – Price $999 CAD

Find it at konaworld.com

The Kona Roundabout is a mixte-style bike made of chromoly steel. The brand’s signature sloping top tube and compact rear triangle (short chain stays and seat stays) are designed to ease pedaling and enhance acceleration and corner handling. This versatile model features a single chainring up front, nine-speed gearing in the back and 700c tires; it can also be installed with fenders and a rear rack.

Pros

Coming off a rusty old roadster, I immediately liked the Roundabout’s smooth transitioning between gears, thanks to the two-finger Shimano Acera shifters. This bike is streamlined and aerodynamic, as well as ergonomic. Its chromoly steel build means shock absorption, making this bicycle a smooth and supple ride. The sloping top tube facilitates mounting and dismounting and allows for a free and easy cycling movement. The bike’s wide-set handlebars keep you sitting comfortably upright.

Cons

Quick-release skewers on both the front and rear wheels meant I had to lock the Roundabout up doubly when parking in public. As this bicycle is intended for both city and leisure riding, I also at times wished there was a kickstand.

Ideal Rider

A jack-of-all-trades and aptly named, the Roundabout mixte is as good along a paved park trail as it is darting across town to grab groceries or to meet a friend. I might not think of it for long-distance commutes, but that isn’t to say the Roundabout can’t pick up speed to satisfy occasional adrenaline seekers.

Overall

The Kona Roundabout is a good choice for cyclists who want both style and substance. It offers a smooth ride and is sure to turn heads – or so I assumed as I cruised around one sunny Saturday afternoon.

The Kona Roundabout was put together by the fine folks at Kona themselves. konaworld.com