Kona is up for sale, but UK plans and performance are on track, says distributor
During Sea Otter Classic in California, news emerged that the Kona brand was being put up for sale by owner Kent Outdoors.
But Kona’s UK distributor Mount Green Cycles is doubling down on its plans for the year and is keen to emphasise that the shock news is not down to Kona’s performance in the market.
Mount Green Cycles confirmed there will be no UK lay offs within their team related to the changes at Kona. Furthermore, every bike purchased from Mount Green Cycles will have its two year legal minimum warranty covered by the firm directly. In addition, the distributor is also working to partner with an external warranty supplier.
Meanwhile, demand levels for Kona bikes in the UK are high, bucking the trend of overstocks to the point that the UK distributor is working hard to lay its hands on key stock from the factories of Sutra, Rove AL700 and even the new Ouroboros.
“This is not the end, just a new chapter,” said Mount Green Cycles. “Nothing can stand in the way of [Kona’s history and reputation]. Boardroom decisions by an owner do not change the heritage and history and what draws people to our range.
“The new 2024 pricing remains extremely strong. Hand crafted by Scott B and producing strong results in our first month with Kona. We in the UK could be standing alone in this approach, but Kona has a huge global following and we can anticipate demand from around the world.
Mount Green Cycles added that it has the money to invest in the new bikes, which are ready in the factories in most cases: “Sufficient bikes are already manufactured, including the Ouroboros for minimum two seasons.”
What’s more, the distributor will keep its commitments to all the shows it has signed up to, including the National Cycling Show at the NEC in June and the Malvern Classics. “We look forward to meeting all the Kona loyalists at these events and sharing what we hope are even more positive updates by then.
“[We want to] show our partners the respect by telling them the truth as we know it today, and making our UK plans as they stand today very clear.
“Whilst our relationship as Mount Green Cycles with you all is relatively new, your relationship with Kona, with Ben and especially with Scott B spans decades. With this should come an expectation of honesty and openness, but also hope!
Being very clear, if nobody takes up the mantle of Kona internationally, there will be no new bikes, this we have no power to effect.
However as a group of Kona fans, and a team that’s ready for a fight, we are extremely positive that Kona will survive in some form, and we hope by taking these action in the UK market we can play a part in its survival. So, if you didn’t buy a Kona in years, go grab one! If you are writing an article on Kona, write about Kent leaving the bike world, not Kona being defeated.
“Help us, spread a positive message about a UK island fighting on alone to try and keep this proud & historic brand going.”
