Stellar steel ride
Thoughtful mix of new tech and tradition
Versatile, allroad capability - rack and fenders welcome...
Gorgeous Reynolds 853 fillet brazed frame
Outstanding component mix

Weight (mine weighs in at 21lbs), although inconsequential to real world riders
Price ($3,800) - although the lesser spec Wheelhouse model is available with the same frame (less the fillet brazing) for $1,599
You won't win any races on it, but that's not its intended purpose

This review is for the 2017 model with full Ultegra, Shimano flat mount disc, and Mavic Ksyrium Elite disc wheelset spec.

I've owned and ridden bike frames constructed of many different materials and I can honestly say this bike offers the most balanced ride I've ever experienced. While carbon dampens vibrations like no other, high end and well crafted steel has a way of allowing vibrations to travel, yet rounds them off at the edges. Cliches like "steel is real" aside, it is a nuanced sensation; the bike truly feels more "springy", alive and communicative than carbon (which can feel somewhat inert, in my opinion), yet stiff enough to satisfy my occasional need to put the hammer down and expect results without undue flex. I actually seem to climb better, too, and am more than satisfied with its stability while descending. The caveat to all of this being I am a middle aged fitness rider whose back can no longer withstand the rigors of stiff carbon frames (even though my last one had a similar wide tire spec and was supposedly the most compliant endurance model on the market). Different bikes suit the many different needs of different riders, so my review must certainly be viewed within this context. Obviously, this bike is not going to win stage races like I imagined myself doing on prior solo rides, but it does allow me to pile up the miles with the proverbial bigger smile on my face while feeling far less fatigued. Outstanding job, Kona. I don't know if it will be my last bike, but it's certainly a keeper.

I've not had this bike for long yet but so far my early impressions are that this is a very impressive bike!

I was looking for a bike with a relaxed geometry that would be comfortable for all day riding and so far I'm extremely happy with my purchase. My type of riding is commuting all year around in all weathers as well as cycle sportives or audax rides when I get the chance.

Because I ride all year around whatever the weather I wanted hydraulic disc brakes as well as the ability to use wider tyres and this bike ticks those boxes.

The ride is great and so far I probably look pretty stupid if anyone sees me when I'm out riding this bike because I'm pretty sure that I have a big grin on my face all of the time when riding it.

It's got a a gorgeous Reynolds 853 steel frame and this will hopefully be a bike which will give me years and years of fantastic service.

I'm very impressed with it and I'd definitely recommend it to others!

There is a whistling noise which comes from the stem but this could be easily changed by swapping to a new stem.

It's not the lightest bike available on the market today however to criticise it for that would be missing the point & appeal of this bike. For me it's perfectly light enough. If you want the absolute lightest possible bike you'll be buying a carbon bike anyway but to overlook and dismiss the Kona Roadhouse would mean that you're missing out on a very comfortable & durable bike which is a pleasure to ride & own.

An extremely good bike which I would definitely recommend to others!

Smooth ride. Steel is a revelation. Solid components. Very stylish to look at. Surprisingly fast. This is a bike for those who appreciate a well made and unique bike. The attention to detail is impressive. Decals include a scorpion and a skull. Flawless red and creme paint scheme. Mix of ultegra and 105. Somehow, it all comes together in an instant classic. Worth the money.

None. Not carbon, so if you want the absolute lightest bike, this is not for you. But if you want a bike that demands your appreciation every time you look at it, and stands out from the throngs of Treks and other bikes on the road, well this is it. Special order from Kona, delivered in a week. 56 cm. I am 5-10, 170 lbs. Fits well.

I am using this as a commuter, with rack and platform pedals. Ridden in rain and shine so far. The bike inspires confidence on the road and is rock solid. Shifts flawlessly. Quiet. Fast. I am a lifelong Cannondale man. But no more. The talk about steel being smooth and stable are correct. I was worried it would be heavy. But it is not. The bike shop summed it up when I picked up this bike off of special order from Kona: "This bike has soul." I can see myself keeping this bike for life. It's that good.