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Kona is well known for style, and the Kona Dew range of street hybrid bikes have that in abundance.

They are hybrids that are primarily directed towards street riding – to work and back say. Then again like any good hybrid they will also get you out on the lanes at the weekend. How do the different designs compare?

All are aluminium-framed, using 7005 alloy, butted for strength. The nicely sloped top tube gives you greater standover clearance and means that all the designs are unisex. The geometry varies to some extent through the range. All have eyelets to permit you to fit mudguards.

They all have 700mm road wheels and all use Kona’s own design Project 2 aluminium fork (with the exception of the FS suspension model). The triple chainset fitted to all models gives utmost versatility on hills and for road speed.

The different models show enhancements and upgrades in the components you would suppose – gears, brakes and wheelsets.

The Kona Dew City is the entry-level bike of the series:-

• 21 gears, Shimano components including EZFire shifters.
• V-brakes from Tektro – plenty of power and straightforward to care for.
• Kona Comfort saddle, flat pedals and wide 35mm tyres. A practical, usable bike.
• Really well priced.

Next in the range is the Kona Dew . It is identical to the Dew City in most respects. Particular to the Dew model:-

• 24 gears in three slightly wider ranges.
• Slight improvements to the front derailleur and the wheel rims.
• More robust V-brakes form Tektro.
• A really nice sensible and stylish bike.

The Kona Dew Plus is the next bike up the collection. The main change here from the Dew is in the brakes:-

• Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano for improved stopping power and wet-weather performance.
• Shimano Deore rear derailleur gives smoother gear changes.

Next up the collection is the Kona Dew Deluxe:-

• Twenty-seven gears from the upgraded Shimano 9 speed cassette.
• Better front derailleur, wheelsets, brakes and gear shifters.
• The frame now features a superbly tapered top tube.
• More road-friendly 32 mm tyres. Maybe less capability off the road though.

The Kona Dew FS is the only model in the collection to feature suspension:-

• A Suntour suspension front fork is great for dealing with uneven ground or poor roads.
• More shock-absorption comes from the suspension seatpost.
• The frame is modified too, with even more slope given to the top tube.
• Slightly lower gear ratios from some smaller chainrings.
• Nicer shifting between chainrings from a better front derailleur
• A suspension bike at a great price.

The Kona Dr Dew is the top of the range. This is a bike designed for rapid commuting:-

• Rigid Project Two front fork and tapering tube frame.
• Hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano for improved stopping power and wet-weather performance.
• The use of more Shimano road bike components, from the Sora range, make plain that this is a bike designed for road performance.
• A slimmer saddle and quicker wheel rims.
• The handlebar is smarter, the pedals as well.
• With its refined grey paintwork and graphics, this is a grown-up bike that is likely to turn heads.

So it can perhaps be seen that there is a bike for everyone in the Kona Dew range. Very competitive prices too.