Words: Josie McFall Video: Ben Gerrish/HDDN Media Photos: Craig Robinson
As Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron reclaimed Kona Bicycles last year, it seemed like the perfect time to pay tribute to Kona’s glory days. Celebrating the riders, styles, and unmistakable energy from its past.
This tribute revives some of Kona’s most iconic race kits with a modern twist, recreating legendary designs from the brand’s golden years. These timeless aesthetics are blended with up-to-date Kona branding and Josie’s present sponsor logos—a nod to the past, built for the present.’
The Collection
Tracey Moseley – 2006
Kicking things off is the classic jersey worn by Tracey Moseley in 2006—the year she claimed her first overall World Cup title and stood on her first Elite World Championship podium in Downhill. A true icon of women’s cycling, her jersey holds a well-earned place in Kona’s legacy.
Fabien Barel – 2003-2005
Next up, the unmistakable style of French rider Fabien Barel—a racer who pushed boundaries at every turn. His jersey, seen in various colour variations from ’03 to ’05, was a staple on the track and the top step of the World Championships podium when Barel won his first Elite title in 2004.
Alongside the iconic red, white, and blue race kit, he also sported a striking blue/black version. This jersey, widely available for purchase, became a staple in every Kona rider’s wardrobe and was a familiar sight on trails around the world. Not just for your World Cup racers.
Scott "Boom Boom" Beaumont – 1996-1998
Time to honour Scott ‘Boom Boom’ Beaumont, a rider who has lived and breathed Four Cross since the very beginning. One of the UK’s most ‘Winningest’ MTB racers, Scott is now taking on a new role as event organizer for the British Four Cross Series. His jersey, made famous when he battled the legendary Sean Palmer at a dual slalom event in Japan, is where his nickname "Boom Boom" was first coined by commentators as he took 1st place against Palmer.
Since Josie primarily races Four Cross and often travels the UK and Europe with Scott, it’s only fitting to dedicate not one, but two jerseys to him, including an earlier version with light blue sleeves from 1996/97.
Cindy Devine – 1990/1991
Taking it back to the early days, we honour Cindy Devine—the first female rider to win a World Cup for Kona in 1990/91. This was the era of the legendary MBUK/Mint Sauce catchphrase, "Purple is not a crime!"—a time when purple bling was a must-have on every bike.
The Final Touch:
To complete the tribute, Josie has custom-painted a Process 134, incorporating Kona logos from over the years for a true retro-modern feel. Inspired by Kona’s classic blue, white, and orange colour scheme, this 27.5" short-travel trail machine has been transformed into the perfect 4X/Dual Slalom race rig, switching from full 27.5" to a baby mullet (27.5"/26"), a 7-speed cassette, and a slammed seat.
