Kona uses a short 450mm seat tube to allow for plenty of clearance for longer dropper posts. Similar to the 27.5 version, the 29er build has a reach of 475mm for a size large with lengths varying by 25mm for each size change. Kona has been pushing the boundaries of geometry with the Process line, and the 29er version sports plenty of progressive numbers. Moving with current trends, Kona designed the Process to be 1x-specific with ISCG05 tabs for riders who want to run a chainguide. Keeping the overall look sleek is internal cable routing and a Stealthrouted dropper post. The rear triangle uses Boost spacing to allow for shorter chainstay clearance to run up to a 2.4-inch tire. The frame has large oversized tubes using Kona’s strongest DH carbon, which is similar to what is used on their Operator downhill bike. Kona uses aluminum chainstays for added durability and strength across the whole line of bikes.
KONA PROCESS 3 FOR XC FULL
Our test bike is the highest-end CR/DL with a full carbon fiber frame and seatstays. The alloy version shares the same geometry and suspension design as the higher-end carbon but with a leaner price tag. There are two levels of the Process 153 29, starting with an aluminum frame and rear triangle for $3000. This bike wasn’t designed for weekend cross-country, but instead would be better suited crushing a local enduro. Kona considers this a trail bike suited for riders who take the most technical lines and want to shuttle or pedal up their local mountain.
The Process 153 is one step down from Kona’s longest-travel 165, with a very progressive geometry aimed at more aggressive riding. With nothing but good memories of the Process 153 27.5, we simply had to get our hands on the new carbon 29er version. We were blown away at the overall capability and design, so much so the bike earned one of our Editors’ Choice Awards for 2018. During our trip to Squamish we rode the 27.5 version and later followed up with a long-term review. From the shorter-travel versions to the burlier 153 build, the Process has been a long-time favorite among our test riders. Back in the summer of 2017 Kona invited us out to Squamish, British Columbia, to ride the latest version of their capable and esteemed Process 153.
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