Remote 130 2025

The Kona Remote 130 2025 is an aluminium trail eMTB and one of the most affordable Shimano-powered platforms in the UK. Headline numbers: 140mm fork, 130mm rear, Shimano STEPS E7000 motor, a removable 504Wh Shimano BT-EN805 battery, 65.0 degree head angle and reach 425 to 510mm across SM to XL. Priced at GBP 3,699. Community read: this is an entry-level Shimano trail bike, with @Perryqhill noting it ships with Maxxis DHF/DHR Maxxterra tyres, which is a credible stock spec for the price.

Drive system and range. The Shimano STEPS E7000 is the entry-tier of Shimano's eMTB motor range, sitting below the EP8 and EP801 in the hierarchy. It delivers approximately 60Nm of torque with smooth, natural power delivery and is widely regarded as quieter than EP8 at the cost of reduced peak shove. The 504Wh removable battery is on the conservative side of 2025 trail eMTBs: expect roughly 800 to 1,200m of vertical and two to three hours of mixed trail riding in Trail/Boost. Shimano's E-Tube app supports basic personalisation but, as @bikemechanic53 flags, requires an internet connection to function, which is awkward in remote trailhead car parks.

Geometry and handling. 65.0 degrees up front is bang on the modern trail eMTB norm: confident on UK trail-centre fare without being overslack for tighter European singletrack. Reach steps cleanly: 425 (SM), 450 (MD), 475 (LG), 510 (XL). Chainstays are a uniform 435mm: short for the segment, which keeps cornering lively. Wheelbase tops out at 1282mm on XL. The single-pivot rear suspension is simple and low-maintenance, with pedalling response that is firm under power but lacks the small-bump compliance of a Horst Link or VPP design under heavy braking.

Build and value. One trim at GBP 3,699. The price-spec story is the headline: Shimano STEPS E7000 with a 504Wh removable battery, modern reach progression and Maxxis trail tyres at under GBP 4,000 is one of the most accessible Shimano-powered platforms on the UK market in 2025. Build kit will lean on RockShox 35-class fork up front, Shimano BR-MT420 brakes, Shimano CUES or Deore 1x drivetrain and Kona-branded finishing kit. Standout: the Maxxis DHF/DHR stock tyres are a tangible spec win. Questionable: the E7000 motor is a step down from EP8/EP801 and 504Wh is conservative versus 630Wh-plus rivals.

Caveats and known gripes.

• E7000 motor tier. The E7000 sits below EP8 and EP801 in Shimano's range: 60Nm of torque is lighter than the 85Nm offered by EP801, and there is no Boost mode of consequence.
• 504Wh battery. Conservative for 2025: Bosch CX rivals and Specialized Levos run 600 to 800Wh as standard at similar price points.
• Shimano E-Tube app limitations. Per @bikemechanic53, the app requires internet connectivity and is non-operational in remote trailheads.
• Single-pivot suspension. Simple and reliable, but lacks the small-bump-and-braking compliance of more sophisticated four-bar or VPP layouts.
• Light forum signal. The Remote 130 has limited owner reporting on eMTB Forums as of 2026, so long-term motor and battery reliability data is yet to mature.
• Brand uncertainty. Kona's recent ownership and distribution changes have raised concerns among the wider mountain bike community about long-term parts and warranty support.

Verdict. The Remote 130 is the most affordable Shimano-powered full-power trail eMTB in the UK at this travel and reach, with a 504Wh removable battery, modern reach progression and stock Maxxis trail rubber. It suits riders who want a budget Shimano platform, who ride mostly XC, trail centres and moderate natural terrain, and who can live with the E7000's milder power character. Buyers chasing 85Nm-plus, 600Wh-plus, more sophisticated suspension layouts or stronger brand-stability assurance should step up to the Whyte E-Lyte 140, Cube Stereo Hybrid or Trek Powerfly lineups. Production status: current.