Kona recently launched its 2008 range to the world’s press. Or at least, most of the world’s press – having nominated Dave to go to Livigno for a look and a ride we then rather carelessly lightly killed him at Mountain Mayhem so he didn’t make it. So we’ll be resorting to trickling out pics and spec details of Kona’s new offerings as we get them. Obviously we’re unable to bring you our usual insights, having not ridden any of the bikes…

The first two new Konas occupy somewhat different niches. The all-new Five O (top) is a UK-specific “hardtail trail” bike, featuring a new aluminium frame teamed with Marzocchi’s 55R 140mm travel fork. The rest of the spec leans towards the burly – FSA Gravity Moto-X cranks, Hayes Stroker Trail brakes and Sun Ditch EQ rims shod with 2.35in Maxxis Minion tyres.

In the XC race category, we have the revised Hei Hei Supreme. It’s an ultra-short travel full suspension bike, with a dinky Fox RP23 shock yielding a taut 2.5in of travel. The frame is butted Scandium, the fork is a RockShox Reba World Cup and the no-nonsense spec includes Mavic CrossMax SL wheels and Shimano XTR drivetrain and brakes.

No word on UK pricing as yet – that and more Kona bikes coming up soon…