Hydroformed aluminum frame tubes en masse and a monstrous rocker: until recently, this was Kona's recipe for building a downhiller or freerider. The manufacturer is now moving away from this maxim and presenting the "Operator", a contemporary carbon racer for fast downhill riding.

The main feature of the completely redesigned downhiller is certainly the carbon frame, which should save around 300 grams compared to an aluminum counterpart - the manufacturer specifies a frame weight of around 3.3 kilograms. To be precise, the front frame triangle is made of carbon fiber as well as the rocker, while the chain and seat stays are made of aluminum. The rear triangle provides 200 millimetres of suspension travel, and the rear wheel can be installed in the 12-157 millimetre standard.

Kona is sending two Operators into the race for the upcoming 2014 season. The top model Supreme Operator (CHF 9,099) features components from the Saint range for the shifting and braking system. For the seat post, stem and handlebars, Kona relies on parts from Race Face's Atlas series. The suspension elements come from Fox, with a Fox Float 40 fork at the front and a Fox DHX RC4 shock at the rear.

The more affordable Operator (CHF 4,799.-) does not have to do without the carbon frame. The gearing is a mix of Shimano Zee and Sram X9/X7 components, while the brakes are Avid Code. There is a Rock Shox Boxxer RC fork in the head tube, while the Rock Shox Kage RC shock does its job in the rear triangle.

Kona is not experimenting with the choice of wheel size: both the Supreme Operator and Operator roll into the 2014 season on 26-inch wheels.

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