[KONA UNIT X] The 2026 model has just arrived.
Hello, this is Ikeda from grumpy.
We have a new arrival: the 2026 KONA UNIT X complete bike, an all-around MTB perfect for daily use, trail riding, and bike packing.
The frame specifications are the same as the previous year's model, but the frame color has been changed to a subdued Gloss Metallic Gold.
Price: ¥258,500 (tax included)
*The UNIT X is currently available for pre-order. As of late January, S size can be prepared in about 2 weeks, and M, L sizes around March. Please inquire for details.
This is the 2026 version of the UNIT X, a full-rigid MTB that boasts strong popularity.
With its robust chromoly frame, it's not only practical for urban use like daily commuting and cycling, but also flexible enough to handle trail rides in the foothills.
Various parts of the frame are equipped with braze-ons for attaching accessories, allowing for free customization to suit your usage.
These braze-ons on the MTB ensure that practical items like baskets and full fenders can be securely attached.
For example, in these locations:
The front fork has three braze-ons on the sides, and one each on the front and back of the fork tips.
Using the side braze-ons, you can attach parts that increase luggage capacity, such as a front basket or front rack.
The tip braze-ons allow for neat attachment of items that protect against wind and rain, such as full fenders and light mounts.
The UNIT X also has braze-ons on the top tube and under the down tube.
Having braze-ons in these locations on an MTB is actually quite rare, and it allows for a top tube bag to be securely attached to the bike.
This model is clearly designed not only for off-road riding but also with bike packing in mind.
KONA's genuine parts are actually quite highly regarded, as their shapes and specifications are perfectly tailored to each model.
This handlebar, the KONA genuine XC/BC Riser, is very comfortable to grip and perfectly suited for the UNIT series, which can handle both touring and trails.
Many KONA users eventually customize their bikes by changing parts to their liking, but surprisingly, many also find the handlebars to be a perfect fit and choose to keep them as is.
(I'm actually one of those who keep the genuine parts.)
The complete UNIT X comes with a rigid fork, but if you want to enjoy off-roading even more, it might be a good idea to install a front suspension.
One thing not to forget about the UNIT X is its "sliding dropouts" frame design.
Although it currently has gears, it can be converted to a single-speed setup later on.
By using sliding dropouts, you can tension the chain without a tensioner, making it a simpler setup.
When riding mainly in the city, many people find that they only use a limited number of gears or are bothered by rattling when going over bumps.
In such cases, simply remove the gears and enjoy a simpler setup.
Single-speed bikes are less prone to breakdowns, have a clean look, and are surprisingly fast.
It comes with Maxxis REKON 29x2.6 tires. Of course, both the rims and tires are tubeless-ready.
The complete bike originally comes with inner tubes, but you can convert it to a tubeless setup immediately by adding sealant.
With a tubeless setup, small punctures are automatically sealed by the sealant, and tire grip improves, leading to a more comfortable ride.
If you're unsure which is better, we recommend trying the tubeless setup first, and if it doesn't suit you, you can switch back to a tubed setup.
The UNIT X complete bike comes standard with tubeless valves and pedals.
Once you get the bike, you can start riding immediately.
We have also introduced the UNIT series in past YouTube videos.
Please take a look.