You may or may not have already read our Marin bikes section. If you have then you may wish to bypass the following paragraphs, if not and you're not scouring the whole internet for the cheapest Kona bikes then please read on.

For 2008 we have decided not to spend ages putting pictures and spec details on our website, because most people who are serious about buying a Kona will have already looked on the Konaworld website. The main reason you're checking out the bikes on our website is to find if our prices are cheaper than other online price bandits, jobbing out bikes in boxes ten a penny.

Unfortunately, we prefer not to conduct our business like this, one of the reasons our website isn't buy online. We would much rather you came down to the shop, discussed your purchase with us, maybe over a coffee, then we can make sure you get the right bike for your needs and wallet. we can even be on hand in case of emergencies, should anything go wrong with your new bike in the time, months or years, after your purchase.

Deals on bikes are all part of negotiations, you can and probably will spend hours on the internet, trying to find the cheapest, but if you come down and ask the question, you never know, we may even beable to offer you something better than you found at a shop in Wales or Ireland, and at least you'll have the comfort that the bike will be put together correctly and you won't have to box parts or even full bikes up at your expense if something goes wrong.

It seems sooner than ever, but the new bikes are already here, on display in the shop. We almost have a full range of hardtail bikes from the Lana'i at £275 right up to the Kula at £875. What we did notice when building them is there incredible value for money this year. Not something that could be said of Kona in the past, but they've really nailed the specs and price points this year. Standout hardtail bike this year must be the Blast Deluxe, already an MBR winner last year, at £550, a Kona frame with oil damped forks, hydraulic disc brakes that really work and a 9 speed group, really awesome value.

The Dirt Jump bikes have had a revamp for 2008, they've even changed the colour and spec of the Shred after 2 years as a grey frame. The Shred comes with proper oil damped Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 3 forks at a lower price of £580. The Scrap has gone for 2008 but the Stuff and Cowan remain, both at lower price points.

The guys at Kona have been busy elsewhere this year, beavering away on new technology. The Magic link has found its way onto the Coiler frames. Not alot is known as yet about the bikes, other than how they should work and ride, but the concept is good, hopefully the ride will match it. We will have a CoilAir Supreme demo bike in early 2008 as soon as they are available.

The faithful Dawg has been on a diet, the 2008 bikes have acquired a Scandium alloy frame and lost a whole load of weight. Although not the cleverest suspension design, the faithful Kona faux bar design does work, and having ridden a Dawg at the 2008 bike presentation, i can tell you the new Dawg rides and handles superbly well. A Dawg Supreme demo bike will be available in mid Nov 2007.