To be honest we were starting to get a little worried for a while there that Kona Bikes may not survive… One of our favourite bike brands of all time certainly has been on a roller coaster in recent years when Kona was sold, and then later bought back by its founders, it’s future looked uncertain.
But it turns out behind the scenes at the company the talented team who design and develop their bikes never took their foot off the gas and today they’re launching a pair of exciting new models! We’re so stoked that Kona is back and coming out swinging. On the eve of this launch we were chatting with the good folks at Groupe Sportif (Kona’s Aussie distributor) who told us these bikes are expected to be landing on dealer floors across the country in Spring, so just a few months away. Pricing is currently being finalise but from what we’ve heard these models are going to be priced very attractively indeed.
Keen to learn more? Here’s a look at the full press release from Kona:
THE ALL-NEW PROCESS 134 AND 153: TRUST THE PROCESS!
We’ve used that line before. But that is what the Process is all about. Trust. Evolution. Refinement. A constant and ongoing synthesis of adrenaline and durability, fueled by the terrain right here in the PNW and honed to perfection in the quest to build the bike that modern riders need to find their limits, then rise above them.
The new Process is the culmination of this evolution; thoughtful execution of purposeful design, bringing the next generation of riders the perfect tool to reach new heights. The Process is more of what you need. No fluff, hype, gimmick or overcorrection.
THE ALL-NEW PROCESS 153
THE ALL-NEW PROCESS 153First introduced in 2014, the Process line rapidly built a legacy of blazing capability and incredible versatility, complementing and influencing as wide a range of styles as mountain biking can hold. Along the way the Process also cemented a reputation for inch-perfect handling and rock-solid dependability. The new Process 153 debuts the third generation of this legacy; now with a mullet-ready flip-chip and more sizes to suit even more riders, along with revised suspension kinematics for broader capability.
Available in four builds, each a different interpretation of this all-time, all-mountain, every-trail, do it all crowd favourite. Whatever your dreams, goals, inseam or budget, there’s a Process 153 ready to get you there.
PROCESS 153 CR DL
Combining uncompromising performance with legendary toughness, this is the bike that the likes of Caleb Holonko rely on to define the edge of what’s possible. Top tier, super-tunable RockShox suspension is paired with the uncluttered precision of SRAM’s T-Type AXS drivetrain for a surefooted magic carpet ride regardless of terrain or conditions. DT Swiss hubs keep the wheels rolling smooth for the long haul. Flip-chip convenience lets you choose whether those smooth rolling wheels are 29ers or a mullet setup. Bombproof carbon fiber construction ensures peace of mind and provides deep dropper extension for maximum steezability. Find your limits. Then demolish them.
PROCESS 153 CR
Add some fiber to your diet and get after it. With the same carbon fiber frame as the 153 CR DL, a super dependable SRAM GX cable operated drivetrain, hammer reliable DT Swiss hubs and proven Fox Performance Elite suspension components, the Process 153 CR is the all-mountain, burly-trail equivalent of a tailored suit matched with running shoes. It’s here to do business, and is ready for anything the world may throw in its path. All the tools you need to go as big as you dream, and just enough extra style to dare you to go bigger. You have achieved peak LFG. So, what are you waiting for? LFG!
PROCESS 153 DL
We’re not telling you to quit your job and ride every day… but if we did, we’d advise you to pick up a Process 153 DL on your way out the door. You’re gonna need longevity and dependability as much as you need ripping handling and terrain eating versatility in your new Every Day Is Ride Day life. Mullet-capable geometry, rugged aluminum frame, apocalypse (or sustained unemployment) ready pivot hardware keep you rolling day in, day out. Weekend, weekday, who cares? Seriously, quit your job. Hang a sign when you leave – Gone Shreddin’.
PROCESS 153
Your weekends never saw this coming. The base 153 is like a best friend and trusty pickup truck rolled into one – a rugged aluminum shred machine built to slay every adventure you put in front of it and still leave room in your life for things like food and rent. It runs the same telepathically awesome geometry as all the other Process 153 models, but utilizes carefully thought out components that get the job done without any bragging and without breaking the bank. Fully featured like its big siblings with flip-chip mullet compatibility, the 153 is your ticket to ride. Entry level? More like gateway drug…
FRAME DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS: PROCESS 153
- Mullet Flip Chip – Choose your wheel size; 27.5 for maximum play, 29 for speed to plow. A convenient flip chip located on the seat stay / rocker connection makes choosing between rear wheel sizes a snap. Size Small comes stock with a 27.5” rear wheel and all other sizes come with 29” rear wheels
- Compatible with UDH and SRAM T-type drivetrain
- Air or coil rear shock compatible. Revised suspension kinematics for improved small bump sensitivity and balanced progressivity whether running air or coil.
- Shorter seat tube, deeper seat post insertion, more frame sizes
- Improved water bottle clearance, more water bottle mounts
- Integrated tool / accessory mount on underside of top tube
- Enhanced frame protection
- Carbon frames feature fully guided internal cable / hose routing with a Y connector allowing clean hose direction for either moto or regular style brakes. This is internal routing done right!
- Aluminum frames feature full external cable / hose routing (except for dropper post) for unbeatable user friendly, hassle-free performance and serviceability
- Bearing and pivot hardware cross-compatibility – all Process models use the same dependable, easily sourced hardware
FAQ
FAQQ: What’s the longest dropper post I can install?
A: The XL and L bikes come with 200mm post and the M and S sizes come with 175mm post. Some aftermarket 240mm posts will fit on the XL and L sizes. But it is best to double check with the seat post manufacturer.
Q: What stroke is the rear shock?
A: The shock has an eye-to-eye measurement of 205mm and a stroke of 57.5mm.
Q: What are the headset specs?
A: The Process line of bikes use a 44m Zero Stack upper cup and a 56mm Zero Stack lower cup.
Q: What size is the rear post mount and what is the largest rotor I can fit on the rear?
A: 180mm direct post mount; 200mm maximum.
Q: What chainline do these bikes use?
A: Carbon models use 55mm chainline and aluminum models use 52mm chainline.
Q: How do I switch to mullet?
A: There is a flip chip located on the Seatstay / Rocker connection. Size small Process 134/153 all ship with 27.5” rear wheel installed – all other sizes come with 29” rear wheel.
Q: Will switching to mullet configuration mess up my handling?
A: Nope. That’s what the flip chip is there for – it keeps the geometry the same regardless of whether you are running 27.5” or 29” rear wheels.
Q: Can I run a chainguide?
A: Yep! All Process frames come with built-in ISCG tabs.
The all-new Process 134
The all-new Process 134There’s a sweet spot between the tight focus of XC bikes and the sometimes beefy overkill of longer travel all-mountain/enduro/park machines. A place where snappy pedaling and telepathic responsiveness meets surefooted handling and enough suspension to get rowdy. We call this sweet spot the Process 134, or “the trail bike most of us need.” More travel and burlier than the Hei Hei, less travel but the same rowdy intentions as the Process 153 with more pop and flickability thrown in for supreme fun.
The new Process 134 rolls into its third generation with a fistful of changes; a mullet-ready flip-chip, sizes to suit a wider size range riders, revised suspension kinematics for even broader capability. Slice it up four different ways; two in carbon fiber, two in aluminum, from no-nonsense affordable to pretty damn fancy but still very reasonable. There are a million different ways to think about trail riding, and a Process 134 perfect for every one of them.
PROCESS 134 CR DL
We’re not going to say that the Process 134 CR DL will suddenly make you able to rip turns or jib with anywhere near the style of Caleb Holonko or Eddie Reynolds, but at least you won’t be able to blame the bike if you come up short. And, supposing you DO come up short, the 134 CR DL’s beautifully made carbon fiber frame is built to take it. Flip-chip convenience lets you choose between the stability of full 29” wheels or the flickability or a mullet setup. Ultra-plush RockShox suspension makes molehills out of mountains, SRAM AXS T-Type drivetrain delivers shifting precision and smooth rolling DT Swiss hubs keep the party railing on down the trail. This is the mid-travel quiver killer.
PROCESS 134 CR
Business in the front, party out back? Sure thing. The Process 134 CR can rock the mullet in style, thanks to its carbon fiber frame and flip-chip versatility. But it can also be the singletrack party that never ends. And it can be the serious as a heart attack backcountry explorer (bear spray not included). Or whatever else you think a mountain bike should be. The same carbon fiber frame as the 134 CR DL, a super dependable SRAM GX cable operated drivetrain, hammer reliable DT Swiss hubs and proven Fox Performance Elite suspension components give the Process 134 CR the any trail, anywhere demeanor that lets you go farther, deeper, bigger.
PROCESS 134 DL
Why not ride every day? The Process 134 DL is the bike you want if you’re thinking of telling The Man where to stick his 401k contribution. Yeah, we already played this riff with the 153 DL, but the song remains the same, just with a touch less suspension travel but the exact same anti-establishment attitude. Mullet-capable, sweet handling geometry, rugged aluminum frame, apocalypse (or sustained unemployment) ready pivot hardware keep you rolling day in, day out. Durable, dependable, and so damn fun that you’ll want to ride every single day. Which was kinda the point of quitting the day job in the first place, right?
PROCESS 134
Looking for that totally dependable singletrack sidekick with solid kung fu skills? Look no further. The Process 134 is ready for any kind of riding you want to explore, from the sublime to the sketchy. Refined progressive geometry never sets a wheel wrong, and new suspension kinematics that are perfect out of the box not only keep the wheels railing smooth but can smoothly incorporate any amount of upgrade you want to throw in down the line. Smart spec ensures ripping good times and peace of mind. The Process 134 offers all the legendary durability, flip-chip versatility and jib-friendly behavior of its bigger siblings at an unbeatable price.
FAQ
FAQQ: What’s the longest dropper post I can install?
A: The XL and L bikes come with 200mm post and the M and S sizes come with 175mm post. Some aftermarket 240mm posts will fit on the XL and L sizes. But it is best to double check with the seat post manufacturer.
Q: What stroke is the rear shock?
A: The shock has an eye-to-eye measurement of 185mm and a stroke of 50mm.
Q: What are the headset specs?
A: The Process line of bikes use a 44m Zero Stack upper cup and a 56mm Zero Stack lower cup.
Q: What size is the rear post mount and what is the largest rotor I can fit on the rear?
A: 180mm direct post mount; 200mm maximum.
Q: What chainline do these bikes use?
A: Carbon models use 55mm chainline and aluminum models use 52mm chainline.
Q: How do I switch to mullet?
A: There is a flip chip located on the Seatstay / Rocker connection. Size small Process 134/153 all ship with 27.5” rear wheel installed – all other sizes come with 29” rear wheel.
Q: Will switching to mullet configuration mess up my handling?
A: Nope. That’s what the flip chip is there for – it keeps the geometry the same regardless of whether you are running 27.5” or 29” rear wheels.
Q: Can I run a chainguide?
A: Yep! All Process frames come with built-in ISCG tabs.
