Less power and more control, this is the new Kona Remote 160 CR with a lightweight e-MTB philosophy

Kona takes an important step within the long-travel e-MTB segment with the arrival of the new Remote 160 CR, a model that aims to bring the behavior of a traditional bike closer to that of an electric one without giving up assistance. The Canadian brand bets on a carbon platform, a latest generation Bosch SX system, and a finely tuned geometry to achieve a bike that not only climbs better but also maintains natural sensations on any terrain.

New Kona Remote 160 CR: a lightweight e-MTB with Bosch SX at its core

Far from focusing solely on power or autonomy, the approach of this Remote 160 is clearly directed towards dynamic behavior and the overall balance of the set.

A carbon frame with optimized center of gravity

The Remote 160 CR arrives with a carbon frame featuring 160 mm of rear travel that directly inherits the character of the Kona Process, but adapted to the demands of a modern e-bike. The key lies in how the integration of the electrical system has been managed.

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Kona has specifically worked on lowering the center of gravity by placing the battery as low as possible in the down tube. This translates into greater traction on climbs and a more stable feeling on technical descents, something that is reinforced with 445 mm chainstays that provide additional stability in fast or steep areas.

The geometry also evolves compared to previous versions with a 64º head angle across all sizes and a seat tube angle close to 77º, figures that fit perfectly within the current standard of aggressive trail and light enduro.

The Bosch SX defines the character of the bike

One of the most distinctive points of this bicycle is the choice of the Bosch Performance Line SX system, clearly aimed at lightweight e-bikes. This motor offers 60 Nm of maximum torque with up to 600 W of peak power at a weight close to 2 kg.

Compared to more powerful systems, the proposal here is different. It seeks a progressive and natural assistance, which does not dominate the bike's behavior but complements it. According to Kona, the feeling is closer to a conventional bicycle, especially in technical areas where fine control of power makes a difference.

The set is completed with a 400 Wh internal battery, to which a 250 Wh PowerMore extender can be added. This extender is located next to the motor to maintain mass balance and avoid penalizing maneuverability.

The total declared weight of the setup is slightly above 20.8 kg, a contained figure considering the travel and setup.

An adaptable platform without complications

Kona has also worked on versatility without turning it into a complex system. The Remote 160 CR allows for 29-inch wheels to be mounted on both axles or to switch to a mullet configuration using a flip chip. It is not a novelty in itself, but here it is well integrated and does not critically affect the overall geometry.

This same approach is repeated in other details of the frame, such as the well-resolved internal cable routing, chainstay protection, or the sealed charging port. They are not flashy elements, but they do make a difference in real use, especially in muddy conditions or intensive use.

Setup and price

The Remote 160 CR is offered only as a complete bike, not as a frame kit.

• Kona Carbon Frame 160 mm
• Bosch SX motor + 400 Wh battery + 250 Wh extender
• RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 160 mm fork
• Super Deluxe Ultimate shock
• SRAM Maven Base brakes with 200 mm discs
• Shimano Deore Di2 11-speed transmission
• WTB ST Tough i30 wheels
• Schwalbe Magic Mary / Albert 2.5” tires
• Price: €8,999

The Kona Remote 160 CR does not seek to stand out in a single figure or in a specific innovation. Its proposal is more global. It is a long-travel e-MTB that tries to maintain the feel of a traditional bike, relying on a Bosch SX system that limits power to gain control, and on a geometry that prioritizes balance.

In a market where many electric bikes continue to grow in power and weight, Kona has opted for a less spectacular path on paper, but probably more coherent when the terrain gets complicated.