2021 Kona Libre El

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Overview

About this bike

With the growing demand for electric bikes and gravel bikes, it was only natural for us to introduce the Libre EL. Built on our wildly popular Libre platform, the Libre EL features an aluminum frame and Verso Full Carbon Flat Mount Disc fork. Like its CR DL sibling, it's running a Shimano GRX 810 11-speed drivetrain and brakes, and a TransX + RAD Internal dropper post activated by Shimano's GRX lever. Unlike its analog sibling, it gets a power boost from a Shimano E7000 motor and 504 Wh internal battery. In other words, it'll get you to the top of that insanely steep hill you've been eyeing up while saving enough in the tank for the long ride home. Internal Headset Bearing cups are actually pressed into the frame and are easily removable. An internal headset also reduces stack height, so the height of the stem and bars are more adjustable, giving the rider the best fit possible. Tapered Head Tube More girth at the bottom of the head tube better distributes shock force, prolonging the bearing life of the headset itself and eliminating brake shudder, while providing confident steering performance. The inherent strength of its triangular design also means a stronger steering position and improved balance, giving the rider more control in rough terrain. A zero-stack, tapered head tube also puts strength where the load is going—into the lower headset cup—maximizing bearing durability where it's needed. Tubeless Compatible Rims Tubeless rims allow for tires with more puncture resistance; the ability to run lower tire pressure, which provides better tire grip on the trail; lower rolling resistance; and weight savings over traditional tube and tire systems. 12x142mm Axle 12x142mm, 12x148, and 12x157 rear axle standards provide two major advantages to the Kona rider: the 12mm diameter of the rear axle provides the rear hub and frame with a stiff interface, while the 142/148/157mm outer diameter of the hub allows the wheel to be quickly and properly positioned in the frame before the rear axle is inserted. 650B Wheels 650B wheels and tires have a similar overall diameter to a traditional 700c gravel or commuting tire, but with a smaller diameter rim and a wider, taller tire. The extra air volume in this new generation of urban and mixed-surface tires means they can be run comfortably at lower pressures while still rolling quickly on a variety of surfaces. It's the best of both worlds.

Specifications

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