Chapter 2 KAHA Gravel Bike Reviewed

Two years ago New Zealand-based bike company Chapter 2 did it again, the brand introduced their second gravel bike, the KAHA.

A faster, lighter, and more refined machine than their first gravel bike the AO, the KAHA takes a more performance-oriented approach while retaining the brand’s signature flair. And the name certainly hints at that – in Maori, “kaha” means strong or great.

It’s a good looking bike as well, the stunning blue/grey paintwork on our review bike is just one example of the visual artistry that sets Chapter 2 apart.

Designed with hardcore gravel events like Unbound Gravel in mind, the KAHA draws clear inspiration from its road-focused siblings – the RERE, HURU, TOA, TERE, and KOKO – showcasing refined aerodynamics and sleek, sculpted lines.

High-Performance Build

Our review build featured a SRAM Force AXS 1x drivetrain, paired with a 40T chainring and 10/44 cassette. Rolling on Black Inc Thirty Four carbon gravel wheels, the bike also sports a one-piece carbon bar and stem from Chapter 2 – the MANA GRVL – weighing 330g. The complete setup, including pedals and bikepacking bags, tipped the scales at just over 8kg.

To round out the comfort and performance equation, I fitted a carbon seat post with a Fizik Vento Argo gravel saddle.

The KAHA during a recent ride on a section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail near Lismore in northern NSW.

Versatile and Ready For Adventure

Versatility is where the KAHA truly shines. The frame and fork clear up to 47mm tyres on both 650b and 700c wheels, making it adaptable for everything from race day to multi-day tours. The frame features 24 attachment points, giving riders endless options for mounting bottle cages, fenders, luggage racks, and more.

One particularly innovative feature is the downtube storage compartment – a neat, sealed hatch that pops open with a flick of a lever to reveal a neoprene bag for stowing essentials like tubes and tools. The padded bag prevents rattling and keeps your gear secure.

The bottom bracket area is also thoughtfully designed, featuring a T47 threaded BB for reliable performance in dusty, gritty conditions. A rubberised protective plate on the underside of the downtube helps guard against rock strikes and debris, while also providing an option to mount a third bottle cage.

A long-term review bike, the Chapter 2 KAHA has become a regular in research and reconnaissance rides to new destinations.

On the Road and Trail

The KAHA feels fast and responsive, yet it’s impressively stable on loose gravel and rougher terrain. The bike’s 8 or so kg build weight and aero touches give it a quick, efficient feel, while the flared bars provide exceptional control on technical descents.

During extended testing, the KAHA climbs surprisingly well – even with 32mm and 35mm road tyres. It never fails to feel lively and efficient on sealed roads, and often takes the place of a pure road bike. The frame’s stiff bottom bracket and dropped chainstays offer plenty of power transfer without sacrificing compliance in the upper frame sections.

An extended review bike, I’ve ridden it on everything from smooth tarmac to chunky gravel and steep descents, and it consistently delivered confidence-inspiring handling and impressive comfort.

The MANA GRVL one-piece cockpit and fully concealed cabling add to the bike’s clean, aero look and its fast feel on all surfaces.

A vesatile platform, over the past two years the KAHA has proven itself on road and trail plus over shorter and longer trips.

The Bottom Line

Available as a frameset only or fully built, the buyer has the option to spec a KAHA exactly how they like. The frameset can be purchased for around $5,000, and a complete bike – in the updated desert sand livery – is currently priced at $9,990 with a SRAM Force groupset and a Winspace Grapid (gravel-specific) carbon wheelset.

Verdict: One Bike to Do It All

Having tested countless gravel and all-road bikes over the years, it’s safe to say the Chapter 2 KAHA stands out as one of the most versatile and well-rounded options on the market. While it might come from a boutique brand rather than a mainstream giant, the KAHA’s exceptional build quality and thoughtful design make it an easy contender for the ultimate all-rounder gravel bike.

At home on road and gravel, the KAHA has proven to be a surprisingly versatile allrounder.

If you’re after a machine that blends race-day speed with the ability to tackle epic adventures, the KAHA is ready to impress. With its dialled geometry, lightweight build, and clever integration of storage and mounting options, it’s the kind of bike that makes you want to keep riding – no matter where the road (or trail) takes you.

The well-ridden KAHA reviewed here has morphed into the main Ride On destination exploration machine – it’s reliable, comfortable, extremely capable and always raring to go.

For more about the Chapter 2 KAHA visit their Australian distributor via this link.