Kona Bicycles

Kona Bicycles was founded in 1988 in Vancouver, British Columbia, by Dan Gerhard and Jacob Heilbron. The brand quickly became a staple in the mountain biking community, known for its innovative frame designs and commitment to cycling culture. While the brand was conceived in Canada and maintains a strong operational base in Ferndale, Washington, the majority of its manufacturing has historically been outsourced to specialized bicycle factories in Taiwan to leverage advanced aluminum and carbon fiber production technologies.

In terms of ownership, the brand experienced a significant transition in 2022 when it was acquired by Kent Outdoors, an American private equity-backed company specializing in sporting goods. However, in 2024, the original founders Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron successfully repurchased the company, returning it to private ownership. This move was celebrated by fans of the brand as a return to its roots, ensuring that the company remains independent and focused on its core cycling heritage as it moves toward 2026 and beyond.