Remote 2023

The 2023 Kona Remote is the plainest, most honest member of Kona's e-MTB range: a full-power electric hardtail built around an aluminium frame Kona openly describes as being derived from the Honzo. There is no rear shock and no number in the name because there is nothing fancy going on here, and that is rather the point.

Power comes from Shimano's E7000 system, rated at 250W and 60Nm, fed by a 504Wh battery and managed through the SC-E7000 display. It is not the punchiest drive unit Shimano makes, but it is smooth, reliable and well suited to the Remote's all-day trail brief rather than to fighting for KOMs. The 140mm Suntour Zeron35 fork sits at the budget end of the air-sprung world, so expect competent rather than plush small-bump behaviour.

Geometry is sensibly modern without being extreme: a 66-degree head angle, 76-degree seat angle and a 320mm bottom-bracket height across all four sizes, with reach growing from 425mm on the S to 510mm on the XL. Chainstays stay fixed at 435mm and the 29in wheels wear grippy Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR II rubber, which flatters the hardtail's descending manners. The 1x10 Shimano Deore drivetrain, MT410 brakes on a 203mm front rotor, and a TranzX dropper round out a build that prioritises durability over weight.

As a hardtail it asks for a bit more line choice and forgiveness from the rider than its full-suspension Remote 130 and Remote 160 stablemates, but it rewards that with simplicity, lower maintenance and a genuinely fun, planted feel on flowing trails. For someone dipping a toe into e-MTB waters, or after a low-fuss machine for trail building and backwoods exploring, it makes a tidy case for itself.