Unit / Unit X
Origin
The Unit is one of the longest-running singlespeed production bikes in mountain biking — a direct expression of Kona's founding ethos that a steel hardtail with the right geometry is most of what you actually need. The lineage dates to 2003, making it one of the first mass-production singlespeeds. Modular sliding dropouts mean the same frame becomes singlespeed or geared; mounting points everywhere (3 bottle mounts including underside, triple cargo on each fork blade, rack mounts front/rear) make it the bikepacking favorite at its price point. Cult status earned over two decades of a near-unchanged formula, refreshed in 2020 with Honzo-inspired geometry, Boost spacing and 29×2.6" rubber.
Specifications
- Frame
- Reynolds 520 mandrel-butted Cromoly steel; 44mm straight head tube, 73mm threaded BB, modular sliding dropouts (Boost 148×12mm) for singlespeed/IGH conversion
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- Unit = singlespeed (32t × ~18-20t cog); Unit X = geared 1×12 Shimano Deore (32t crank, 10–51t cassette). Earlier Unit X builds (2020) used SRAM SX Eagle 1×12. Modular dropouts allow switching between SS / geared / Rohloff IGH
- Brakes
- Shimano MT410 hydraulic disc, centerlock RT10 rotors 180mm front / 160mm rear
- Wheels
- 29"; WTB ST i30 2.0 TCS tubeless-ready rims; Formula 110×15mm front hub, Shimano 148×12mm Boost rear hub (centerlock)
The verdict
- Versatile Honzo-inspired geometry (68° HTA / 75° STA) — equally at home on singletrack and gravel/dirt touring
- Reynolds 520 steel frame is compliant yet 'zingy' and playful, soaking up trail buzz without feeling dead
- Exceptional mounting provisions (triple bottle, fork cargo cages, rack + fender mounts) make it a bikepacking favorite at its price
- Modular sliding dropouts let the same frame run singlespeed, geared 1×12, or Rohloff IGH
- Strong value — quality WTB tubeless rims/tires and modern Boost standards at an accessible price
- Rigid fork only (~100mm-equivalent feel); reviewers wish for ~120mm suspension for rowdier trail use
- Heavy at ~14.1 kg (31+ lb) — 'extra calories' in the component spec vs lighter alternatives
- Build-kit compromises: no stock dropper post (odd for trail geometry), narrow-ish bars, and on older builds a weak SRAM SX Eagle derailleur prone to chain slap
- Steel frame flexes under heavy four-pannier loads — not ideal for fully-loaded expedition touring
- Minor: rack mounts sit slightly high on the seat stays
Where to buy Kona Unit / Unit X in Lithuania
Local shops and marketplaces in your country.
These are searches on third-party sites — URBALT is not affiliated with them and does not sell directly.
Want one?
Find this bike on the marketplace, or compare notes with riders already on one.