.
.
.
#Kona #Ouroboros #Supreme #GravelAdventure #Bike #Review
Source link
The Kona Ouroboros Supreme is a bold step in the evolution of gravel bikes, blending elements of cyclocross, gravel, and mountain biking into a single, versatile machine. Kona, a brand with a storied history in American cyclocross, has re-emerged under its original founders, Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron, to revitalize its legacy. The Ouroboros Supreme is a testament to this revival, offering a ride that pushes the boundaries of what a gravel bike can do.
A Legacy of Innovation
Kona has long been associated with cyclocross, with riders like Ryan Trebon, Barry Wicks, and Clara Honsinger achieving success on Kona bikes. The Ouroboros, named after the ancient symbol of a serpent devouring its tail, represents a cycle of destruction and rebirth—apt for a brand re-establishing itself. The Ouroboros is designed to bridge the gap between gravel and mountain biking, offering features like front suspension and dropper posts to tackle more technical terrain.
Frame and Geometry
The Ouroboros Supreme features a lightweight carbon frame with a reinforced headtube-downtube junction and seat collar area. The frame is designed to accommodate up to 2.1-inch tires, with a long front center and 44.5cm chainstays for stability. The geometry leans towards a mountain bike, with a 69.5-degree headtube angle and 82mm of trail, providing confident handling on rough terrain. The bike’s stack and reach, combined with a short stem and wide handlebars, create an upright, comfortable position for off-road adventures.
Suspension and Wheels
The Ouroboros Supreme is equipped with a RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR 40mm travel fork, which smooths out rough terrain and improves traction. The wheelset consists of Zipp 101 XPLR carbon rims with Maxxis Ravager 700c x 50mm tires, offering a balance of speed and grip. The single-wall carbon rims are a unique feature, requiring a specific setup for tubeless compatibility.
Drivetrain and Components
The bike is fully equipped with SRAM components, including Force eTap AXS wireless shifters, a Force 1 crankset, and XO Eagle Transmission rear derailleur. This "mullet setup" combines road and mountain bike components for a wide range of gearing, from 1:0.77 to 1:4. The brakes are SRAM Force flat-mount calipers with 180mm rotors, providing ample stopping power for off-road descents. The cockpit features a Ritchey Superlogic Venturemax carbon handlebar with a shallow drop and wide flare, enhancing control in technical sections.
Ride Experience
On the road, the Ouroboros Supreme feels like a touring bike, with a relaxed, upright position and smooth handling. The long trail and wide bars make it stable but less agile on tight, technical road sections. Off-road, the bike excels, with the suspension fork and dropper post providing confidence on descents and technical terrain. The big tires smooth out bumps, and the bike’s geometry keeps the rider balanced and in control.
Cyclocross and Gravel Racing
While the Ouroboros Supreme is not a traditional cyclocross bike, it has been tested in cyclocross races, where it performs well on bumpy, technical courses. However, the bike’s weight and wide handlebars can be a disadvantage in tight, twisty sections. For gravel racing and long-distance adventures, the Ouroboros shines, offering comfort and control over varied terrain. The suspension fork and dropper post make it particularly well-suited for technical descents and rough sections.
Why Not a Mountain Bike?
The Ouroboros Supreme occupies a unique niche between gravel bikes and mountain bikes. While it shares some features with modern cross-country hardtails, its geometry is optimized for mixed terrain, making it more efficient on paved and fire roads. It’s an ideal choice for riders who enjoy long road rides to access off-road trails or for those who prefer a more upright position while maintaining the efficiency of a drop-bar bike.
Models and Pricing
The Ouroboros Supreme is the top-tier model, priced at USD 6,999. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Ouroboros CR DL offers SRAM eTap AXS 2X shifting with a rigid fork for USD 4,499. The entry-level Ouroboros CR, priced at USD 2,800, features SRAM Apex 1X12 mechanical shifting and a Fox TC32 40mm suspension fork.
The Verdict
The Kona Ouroboros Supreme is a versatile gravel bike that expands the boundaries of gravel riding into mountain bike territory. It’s ideal for riders who enjoy mixed terrain with a focus on off-road riding, offering a blend of comfort, control, and efficiency. While it may not excel in traditional cyclocross or aggressive road riding, it’s a master of long-distance gravel adventures and technical off-road descents. For those looking to push the limits of gravel biking, the Ouroboros Supreme is a compelling choice.
