Velopedia Bicycle Archive

2021 Kona Operator

Original manufacturer specifications including 27.5" wheels, geometry for 3 published sizes.

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What Velopedia knows

Model year
2021
Category
Mountain
Original MSRP
$3,899.00
Sizes
M, L, XL
Colors
Gloss Faux Chrome & Black w/ Black, Faux Orange & Metallic Dark Silver Decals
Geometry
3 manufacturer sizes · Geometry context
Record coverage
24 preserved details · archived image · original MSRP · preserved geometry
Archive ID
900002021
Model history 2 other years
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Manufacturer catalog

Published sizes and colors

3 sizes · 2 colors

Manufacturer-published sizes and colors; availability and exact size/color pairings may vary by market or production run.

Published sizes

MLXL

Published colors

Gloss Faux Chrome & Black w/ BlackFaux Orange & Metallic Dark Silver Decals

Frameset

Frame ConstructionKona DH 6061 Aluminum Butted 200mm Travel
Frame MaterialAluminum
ForkRockShox Boxxer Select DebonAir 200mm
Rear ShockRockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select Trunnion

Drivetrain

ShiftersSRAM X5
Front Derailleurn/a
Rear DerailleurSRAM X7 Short Cage
CranksetRaceFace Chester; Chainring: 36t
Bottom BracketShimano PF107
CassetteSRAM PG950 11-28t 9spd
ChainKMC X9
Pedalsn/a

Brakes

BrakesBrake Calipers: SRAM Guide T; Front Brake Rotor: SRAM Centerline 200mm; Rear Brake Rotor: SRAM Centerline 200mm; Brake Levers: SRAM Guide T

Cockpit & Contact Points

HeadsetFSA No.57B
HandlebarRaceFace Chester 35mm
StemRaceFace Chester DM 35mm
SaddleKona DH
SeatpostKona OB 34.9mm

Wheels & Tires

Hubs(F) Formula 110x20mm / (R) Formula 157x12mm
RimsSun Ringle MTX 33 Sleeved
SpokesStainless Black 14g
Front TireMaxxis Minion DHF DH 27.5x2.5"
Rear TireMaxxis Minion DHR II DH 27.5x2.4"
Wheel Size27.5"

Size-specific frame data

Geometry

3 sizes · 15 measurements

Manufacturer-published geometry normalized for consistent archival comparison. Effective top tube and reach remain separate measurements because they describe different aspects of fit.

MeasurementMLXL
Seat tube410 mm410 mm410 mm
Top tube584 mm611 mm641 mm
Head tube120 mm125 mm135 mm
Head-tube angle63°63°63°
Seat-tube angle76.5°76.5°76°
Chainstay / rear center423 mm423 mm423 mm
Wheelbase1220 mm1248 mm1277 mm
Bottom-bracket drop10 mm10 mm10 mm
Bottom-bracket height349 mm349 mm349 mm
Reach435 mm460 mm485 mm
Stack615 mm620 mm629 mm
Standover height720 mm720 mm720 mm
Fork offset / rake46 mm46 mm46 mm
Front center797 mm825 mm855 mm
Fork length / axle-to-crown581 mm581 mm581 mm

Geometry source: Kona first-party archive metric geometry table ↗ Measurements can vary by configuration, wheel size, or flip-chip position where noted by the manufacturer.

Geometry tools

Analyze a published size

Choose a size

M geometry

Archive context: The head angle of 63° sits toward the slacker end. Its bottom-bracket drop of 10 mm sits toward the shallower-drop end. The chainstay of 423 mm sits toward the shorter rear-center end.

Compared with 86 distinct mountain geometries in the Medium-equivalent size cohort from model years 2019–2023 in the Velopedia archive.
Want to go deeper?Open this exact published size and configuration in the Velopedia Geometry Analyzer, then complete any measurements the manufacturer did not provide.
Analyze M geometry

Parts & serviceability

Find replacement parts

3 top part searches
ChainExact archived part
KMC X9 Exact archived model
CassetteQualified part search
SRAM PG950 11-28t 9spd Named component · published drivetrain speed — verify exact version
Front tireMatching fit standard
Maxxis Minion DHF DH 27.5x2.5" Named tire and published size
More qualified parts (6)
Rear tireMatching fit standard
Maxxis Minion DHR II DH 27.5x2.4" Named tire and published size
Bottom bracketQualified part search
Shimano PF107 Named archived component — verify dimensions
Rear derailleurMatching configuration
SRAM X7 Short Cage Interpreted as SRAM X7 · 9-speed · mechanical Named component · published drivetrain speed — verify exact version
ShiftersQualified part search
SRAM X5 Interpreted as SRAM X5 · 9-speed · mechanical Named component · published drivetrain speed — verify exact version
SeatpostMatching fit standard
34.9 mm seatpost Published diameter — verify length and setback
HeadsetExact archived part
FSA No.57B Exact archived model

Searches use the archived manufacturer specification, not the components currently installed on a particular bicycle. Confirm the exact model, size and fit before ordering. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Velopedia may also earn from qualifying eBay purchases. Velopedia may also earn from qualifying retailer purchases. Commercial relationships do not influence Archive specifications or analysis.

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Used-bike inspection

If you’re buying this bike used

Before any test ride: both brakes should stop the bike firmly and release cleanly; both wheels should run true and be securely attached; tires should have no casing damage; and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals should have no looseness or play.

Follow the full used-bike inspection order →
  • FrameLook closely for dents and hairline cracks around welds, the head tube and bottom-bracket area. Cosmetic scratches matter less than a change in shape or a crack line.Inspect the frame and fork →
  • BrakesTest each brake separately and confirm it stops firmly and releases cleanly. Inspect the pads and braking surfaces for wear or contamination, and check the cables or hoses for damage.Inspect the brakes →
  • SuspensionAsk when the fork and shock were last serviced. Check the stanchions for damage, look for oil at the seals, cycle both units through their travel and test the suspension pivots for play.Evaluate the suspension →
  • DrivetrainShift through every gear under light load and measure chain wear. Confirm that the shifter, derailleur, chain and cassette belong to the same 9-speed system.Check drivetrain wear →
  • Wheels & tiresSpin both wheels and watch the rims for side-to-side or vertical movement. Check for dents, cracks, loose or uneven spokes and hub play, then inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking or exposed threads.Check wheels and tires →
Bike-specific inspection checklist 22 checks based on 6 archived component groups Open checklistClose checklist
0 of 22 checked Progress stays in this browser for this bike.

This checklist uses the archived equipment for this bike. It cannot confirm the condition, service history or later component changes of the example in front of you.

Archived: 2021 Kona Operator · Mountain · Published sizes: M, L, XL

Archived: Frame: Kona DH 6061 Aluminum Butted 200mm Travel · Fork: RockShox Boxxer Select DebonAir 200mm

Archived: Fork: RockShox Boxxer Select DebonAir 200mm · Rear shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select Trunnion

Archived: Shifters: SRAM X5 · Rear derailleur: SRAM X7 Short Cage · Crankset: RaceFace Chester; Chainring: 36t · Bottom bracket: Shimano PF107 · Cassette: SRAM PG950 11-28t 9spd · Chain: KMC X9

Archived: Brakes: Brake Calipers: SRAM Guide T; Front Brake Rotor: SRAM Centerline 200mm; Rear Brake Rotor: SRAM Centerline 200mm; Brake Levers: SRAM Guide T

Archived: Wheel size: 27.5" · Rims: Sun Ringle MTX 33 Sleeved · Hubs: (F) Formula 110x20mm / (R) Formula 157x12mm · Front tire: Maxxis Minion DHF DH 27.5x2.5" · Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II DH 27.5x2.4"

Controls and contact points

Archived: Headset: FSA No.57B · Handlebar: RaceFace Chester 35mm · Stem: RaceFace Chester DM 35mm · Seatpost: Kona OB 34.9mm · Saddle: Kona DH

Before and during the test ride

Follow the full used-bike inspection order →

Build relationships are limited to the archived manufacturer specifications. Confirm exact fit and standards before ordering parts or performing service.

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Specifications are presented as a reference. Components may vary by market, size, production run, or later manufacturer revisions.

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