I never actually owned a Kona bike, but definitely lusted over them in my early years of mountain biking. When I was about 14 or 15 (circa 1998 I think), I have a distinct memory of taking the bus from my high school (Moscrop Secondary, in Burnaby) all the way out to Cove Bikes on Gallant Dr, deep in the cove. That's quite the solo adventure for a 14 year old on public transit! It was all so that I can check out the Kona bikes in the bike shop, and scheme up my dreams of what I wanted to save my pennies for, and beg my parents about!
However, ultimately I ended up getting a used Rocky Element (the white frame with blue colorway) that had been slightly 'shore modified' by the previous owner. I then got to have Wade (who was wrenching at the Cove back then) install some fresh parts on it for me, including a Black Spire 'ring god'. I left that shop so fuckin' stoked, the vibe of that place definitely set the tone for my life in mountain biking. Despite not owning a Kona, it's still very much a brand that's part of that whole thing for me.
April 19, 2024, 12:19 p.m. - Mike Rock Smith
I never actually owned a Kona bike, but definitely lusted over them in my early years of mountain biking. When I was about 14 or 15 (circa 1998 I think), I have a distinct memory of taking the bus from my high school (Moscrop Secondary, in Burnaby) all the way out to Cove Bikes on Gallant Dr, deep in the cove. That's quite the solo adventure for a 14 year old on public transit! It was all so that I can check out the Kona bikes in the bike shop, and scheme up my dreams of what I wanted to save my pennies for, and beg my parents about! However, ultimately I ended up getting a used Rocky Element (the white frame with blue colorway) that had been slightly 'shore modified' by the previous owner. I then got to have Wade (who was wrenching at the Cove back then) install some fresh parts on it for me, including a Black Spire 'ring god'. I left that shop so fuckin' stoked, the vibe of that place definitely set the tone for my life in mountain biking. Despite not owning a Kona, it's still very much a brand that's part of that whole thing for me.