Above is the teaser for Kona’s latest and greatest dastardly creation.  The notorious cromoly Explosif hardtail frame has been revamped – utilizing the innovative 650b / 27.5″ wheel size.  650b wheels are effectively 25mm larger in diameter than a 26″ wheel, yet 38mm smaller in diameter than a 700c / 29er wheel – Thus providing a perfect middle ground for a good swath of the mountain bike population.  For smaller riders that feel dwarfed by a 29″ wheel, or folks that want the rollover capabilities of a larger wheel yet crave the “flickability” of the smaller wheel – the 650b wheelsize makes quite a bit of sense when applied to mountain bikes.

According to Kona,

There’s nothing quite like the sweet ride of steel. Especially when it comes to an all-purpose trail bike. The new Kona Explosif takes our hardtail heritage and dashes it with some new—most notably the advantages of 27.5 wheels. Featuring a Kona Cromoly double butted frame, the Explosif uses aggressive trail geometry (68-degree headtube, low bottom bracket and short 420mm chainstays), while at the same time providing options via a sliding dropout system that can accommodate singlespeed, a 135mm standard geared system, and even a 142×12 thru axle for gnarlier applications. Throw in ISCG tabs, dropper post cable routing, a 44mm internal headtube for tapered forks and most trails imaginable are now yours to blow up. Enjoy the pyromania.

Select sizes of this bike will be available around Feburary / March.  Keep your eyes peeled, as Kona’s 2013 Explosif and 650b wheels on mountain bikes will be here to stay much sooner than you think.