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- Good value
- Loaded with accessories
- New aluminum frame for 2011
- Limited to flat terrain
In general, reviewers say they love the Kona AfricaBike, a comfort bike that is decked out with practically all the accessories you could want for your commute. The step-through frame is accessorized with a basket, chain cover, lock, kickstand, bell, rear rack and fenders. The Kona AfricaBike used to come in single- and three-speed versions, but only the three-speed version is available this year. The 2011 model has also been updated with an aluminum (rather than steel) frame, which addresses a chief reviewer complaint from previous years -- the steel frame was seriously heavy. The AfricaBike helps you do something for charity -- for every two bikes sold, one is donated to healthcare workers in Africa. Because it has only a few gears, reviewers say the Kona AfricaBike is best suited to relatively flat commutes. If you would prefer a lighter, faster bike for work commuting, the Fuji Absolute 3.0 (MSRP: $600) gets good reviews.
R have yet to test the new 2011 Kona AfricaBike, which has been updated with an aluminum frame. Previous reviews of older models from Road.cc, "Good Morning America" and The Seattle Times are helpful, but keep in mind that the bike has been updated since these reviews were published.
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Our Sources
Dan Nelson tests the 2009 Kona AfricaBike for The Seattle Times and recommends it for short commutes or errands. Nelson says the AfricaBike is comfortable for city streets but can also handle dirt trails.
Review: Beefy Bikes for Getting You Around Town or Around the Block, Dan Nelson, March 19, 2009
2. Road.cc
Dave Atkinson calls the 2009 Kona AfricaBike Three (the three-speed version) a "classic and a bargain." He says it provides a sturdy, upright ride that is a good choice for commuting. Although the rear rack can't accommodate standard panniers, Atkinson says it's stable enough for some pretty heavy loads.
Review: Kona AfricaBike 3, Dave Atkinson, May 8, 2009
The Independent, a newspaper based in the U.K., picks the 2010 Kona AfricaBike as one of the best bikes of the year. There is little analysis shared in this brief slideshow article.
Review: The 50 Best Bikes, Editors of The Independent, March 13, 2010
In this video highlight, ABC's "Good Morning America" interviews Bicycling editor Loren Mooney and a Kona representative. Although the focus is mainly on the charity program and this isn't a critical review, you do get a good overview of the Kona AfricaBike.
Review: Bike to Fight AIDS in Africa, Sept. 3, 2008
This review focuses on the AfricaBike charity program, but the bike itself does get a short overview at the end of the article. Overall, Road Bike Action magazine says the 2009 Kona AfricaBike is as "simple as a bike can get."
Review: Latest Features: The Kona AfricaBike Program: Bikes That Heal, Philip Booth, June 3, 2009
In this article, a local bike shop owner recommends the 2009 Kona AfricaBike -- and the Kona Dew -- for commuters. Both are inexpensive and basic options that include commuting accessories.
Review: The Green Commuter Rides a Bike, Randy Wilson, April 15, 2009
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