You can always rely on Kona to promote the cause of not-quite-fashion. Its latest wheeze is a kind of anti-Pimp My Ride bike-customising competition that rejoices in the title of “Make It Shonky”. The company explains itself thusly:

“If you’re the kind of rider who favors handlebar tassels over aero-bars, bells over bar-ends and low rides over long travel, Kona has the contest for you. The revamped Owners Area at KonaEurope.com is hosting the first ever ‘Make it Shonky’ contest; a monthly selection of the most out there, interesting and truly bizarre modified Kona Asphalt bikes, with a Kona Strada Merino Wool Jersey going to the owner of the very shonkiest every month for the next five months.”

“Entrants into the ‘Make it Shonky’ contest first need to be registered Kona Owner’s Area members, and then, starting February 20, post an image of their modified Kona Asphalt bike, along with a list of modifications and customizations, on the owner’s page of KonaWorld.com. Every month for the next five months, the Kona Product Group Big Wigs will judge all entries and award the owner of the bike with the most creative and outlandish modifications.”

What could possibly be simpler? If you’re struggling for ideas, here’s a few:

• Stone cladding
• Climbing plants
• Fake fur
• Neons
• Hanging baskets
• Mahogany panelling
• Turf
• Crushed velour

Fortunately you’ll need to be a registered Kona owner to participate, which hopefully means that we won’t have to set eyes on any of the entries…