Kona have been round the dirt jumping scene for a bit now, so that the Shred is actually prepared to shred. Abnormally for a jump bike it includes a front mech and downhill tyres, so as well as being set up for big air you will not get left at the back in the woods either.
Ride & handling : Bulletproof setup that performs at jump spots and in the woods. Although the Shred isn't jump-specific, it actually holds its own on the trails. The low wheelbase offers a stable position whether you are rolling round a fast berm, hitting a gigantic line or ripping down the 4X track. We had to work it thru bigger sets of jumps, though , due to the high front end and the tyres not rolling quick enough. And though stable in the air, tricks did not came as naturally to the Shred as they did to more specific setups. Having said that, this bike will serve you well whether you have got basic jump experience or you are only starting out. Its mountain bicycle feel will suit you for working thru trails or getting loose thru the woods. If you are a seasoned trail rider you will need a higher spec if you are hammering large sets of jumps week in, week out, but the Shred is still not to be sniffed at.
Frame : Beefy tubes removes any worries about use of aluminum for a jump bike aluminum tubes is well-liked on jump bikes that are also built to be ridden on 4X-style tracks. there were some concerns asserted about the employment of aluminum for a jump bike frame, but the Shred's beefy 7005 tubes gets rid of all those.
Looks-wise : Kona have been sophisticated with the Shred, choosing tiny brands and decorations at the base of the down tube and seat tube instead of lairy graphics. The big tubing does away with the requirement for a gusset on the front end where the down tube intersects the head tube. Having a powerful rear triangle is significant if you are going to be taking massive hits, and the Shred's deep chainstays and oblong seatstays are definitely man enough to take the largest case or over-jump. The head tube is long, which equates to a particularly high front end, giving the riding position of a downward bike for quicker sections. The frame is quite long for a mud jump bike so it holds its own on the bigger jumps.
It also has enough seatpost to permit you to raise the saddle to an effective pedalling height. Hose clips make upgrading to hydraulic discs possible although vertical dropouts mean it is not as straightforward to change to a singlespeed setup you will need a chain tensioner if you need to do that.
Appliances : Decent all-round kit, and front mech adds flexibility The Shred runs a Marzocchi Mud Jumper 3 fork, which rides well but can top out when coming off a lip due to its lack of damping. Maxxis High Roller DH tyres are a genuine advantage on loose corners, but they do not roll quite as quick on hard pack, so you could find yourself losing speed a bit. The deep section edges are a real bonus if you are starting on the jump scene there's not much worse than bendy edges. If you are learning new tricks like no-footers and you occasionally get that wrong, you will be pleased to have the extra-padded Kona seat, that will save you great discomfort between your legs. The Shred doesn't feature a chain device because it has got a front mech, which gives you the flexibility to take the fun beyond the jump park and out into the woods. Kona also provide some sweet tiny metal pedals with medium pins.
Wire operated disc brakes give the stopping power with the added feature of well formed levers.
The Shred has a quick-release for the rear wheel and a 15mm through-bolt on the front, which is bizarre.
Overall the Shred is a fantastic bike for those looking for a budget jump bike, it offers everything you'll need to ride hard day in, day out.
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