Check out the full line of Kona Process bikes over at Jenson USA here- and anything you purchase will directly help support my videos, too! bit.ly/KonaProcessJKW. Big thanks to all of you for your support!
Thanks for the great content! Been going to youtube just to click the link in your videos before making any purchases from Jenson for a while now. Gotta support the good stuff in this world right? Also appreciate your encouraging people to join their local trail associations. Stronger together!
Just bought a Kona Process 134 for 45% off! First full suspension bike, pretty stoked! This makes me feel better after watching pink bikes review. Obviously ill have upgrades but still stoked.
Kona Process is an all-time favorite bike of mine so I was excited to see this. I personally have the purple Kona Honzo ESD and I will never get rid of it.
Loving this format of reviews. Lots of comparisons from overall to the minutia detail from someone who can actually shred + has the technical details. Rare on TH-cam with a sea of mediocre riders banging on how their bike is "THA BEST" when they've ridden maybe 2 bikes in their life. Been a long time fan. Keep up the rad work Jeff!
I started my quest for a new bike to replace my much loved Kona 134 process 27.5 DH (looking at the transition scout / stumpjumper evo) but having watched your video I may end up just taking extra good care of her for a few more years. Your comment about "active riding style" really resonates with me. Appreciate you and your video and your wheely game is insane!! You rip
I rented a Process 134 29er for a week of riding in Idaho last summer. I was really impressed with how well the bike handled and pedaled. I had a blast on it. I've owned a few Konas over the years. Most of my Strava PRs are on a 2016 Satori. I have an Explosif hardtail I use for my backup bike and had a Wozo fat bike that I got rid of because it was too big.
Accoutrements is how you spell that Edit: I have a 2016 process 134 that I love to pieces. I would describe its ride character similar to how you describe the current model and I've ridden everything from cross country races in Michigan to the double black lines at Angel Fire bike park on it. It was my first full-suspension bike and I'm not sure if my active riding style is informed by learning on that bike or if I was predisposed to love it but there we go. Cheers!
Your review format is unique, and it keeps getting better. Very much appreciate the effort that goes into putting these together, they're so helpful and inspiring too! Process has been a sleeper for years, 134 or 153, IMO. I got one for one of my kids largely based on the value proposition, and I was shocked at how capable it was. I take it out whenever I can. :)
Superb brand. I went from a Nu Nu to a Big Honzo onto a Process 167. The 167 was mental but a bit heavy, great ride though. Now on a Remote 160, took a while to get used to, but after a few months fell in love with it. A Ebike that you can really throw around. Those pedals are amazing too.
Just when I thought I narrowed my 3 bike choices down I had to watch this! Damn it! I use to have konas! Had 4 of them! Now I am really thinking about this! Great review!!!!
You make mountain biking look so awesome. Always enjoy your content. Have always been a single pivot fan myself, my Santa Cruz Heckler was one of my fav bikes. Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Single pivots rock!👍😉 Often overlooked or under appreciated. All designs have their advantages snd limitations. But even Trek still uses (essentially) single pivots and they take home top honors year after year. Great video as always Jeff. Thanks for the in-depth, no-nonsense, nuts-n-bolts reviews.👌
dunno what you are talking about Norco Range, Forbidden, Trek, Orbea, Evil are all using single pivot linkage driven suspension just to name a few I'm sure you can find a lot other models like Commencal Meta SX, etc.
This sounds like my kind of bike, great review! I live in New England, I rode street bmx for 25years. Started riding mtb a few years ago. I searched “mountain bike that feels like a bmx” or something like that and from that search I got a bottlerocket that needed some help. A short travel, short chain stay, really poppy bike that I can push into a manual with almost no effort. Got it going, and after I learned how to set the suspension (that took me an entire summer, it was like a foreign language) with very little help I love this bike despite the bike (and me) being so damn old. Now I got my sights on something being a bit more modern, and maybe a bit lighter.
So glad you are recommending some great affordable bikes. I'm spoiled at the $9,000 range now, but starting out this would have been a great bike to learn on to see what I liked or didn't like in a mountain bike, what my needs were going to be, and see if I was going to stick with the sport before plunking down the serious cash.
@@ostankovalex1176 the Process 134 DL (Sram NX drivetrain, Rockshox Pike Select, Deluxe Ultimate, Sram G2 RS brakes, alloy frame & wheels) is $4000 usd. Until prices go down I wouldn’t call it cheap, I totally agree with you. My 2021 GT Force 29 AL has a slightly better spec for $500 less.
Accoutrements. That spot where you were overlooking and able to see the coast is awesome. I last rode that trail on my Turner Burner back in about 2017. Glad to see a less expensive bike performing so well.
Nice riding and review! Interesting that Pinkbike was not impressed with this bike in their value bike reviews. It finished last out of 5 bikes in climbing and descending. One of their big complaints was the crappy spec brakes (which you replaced) and the light front end on climbs. You didn't seem to have any trouble climbing, and you loved the light front for manuals. Interesting to see 2 very different perspectives.
As a bearded man of similar proportions to myself, I salute you. I am however jealous of your skills to shred, like a hyperactive school boy with wisdom beyond his years🤣. I think you have demonstrated perfectly in this vid how frame dimensions influence the character of a bike and how personally sizing a bike to one's human dimension, increases the fun factor.
Great video! I hope to hear more about the 134 vs the Ripley. I know you ulitmately like the Ripmo more than the Ripley, but I'm not the only one looking for the goldilocks between the two.
I've had the opportunity to swap with my riding buddy. Has a Ripley V4S (the latest carbon). I have a 2020 134 DL alloy with quite a bit of mods. Short answer, the Ripley is an XC with Enduro abilities. Feels very hardtail- like. While the 134 is much more Enduro with XC feel. Not feeling like an XC bike like the Ripley at all. A nimble mild Enduro is the 134?
Great video. I might have to try and find a Process to demo. Accoutrements - additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity.
Kona always made burley strong bikes, like many NorthShore BC bike companies. Sad to see Norco and Rockey mountain go the weenie route of lighter bikes. Kona has kept the burley alive at the fraction the cost of Knolly or Banshee. I am picking up my 2024 Kona Process 34 next week. The base model but look forwqrd to upgrading the platform over the next few years. My son bought the very same bike this summer. Took it for a few laps and instantly fell in love with the ride and feel of it.
What a trip to see Dan from Fanatik in this video. Hope he's not too banged up. I rode wah-wah pedals for a couple of years until my SRAM cranks blew out the threads and boogered the wah wah threads as well. Excellent composite pedals. (Second time that's happened to me with SRAM cranks, none of my Shimano cranks have done that. I'm sticking to cranks with pedal thread inserts from now.) Oh, and "accoutrement." I only know that because of a GT/Dyno ad from the late 80s.
Boogered? There's threading dies for that.. crazy though.. never stripped a crank arm but I've snapped pedal axles taking off when the light turned green..)
Thanks for a great and inspiring video! You have a beautiful landscape and forests in Canada. I like the orange grips, they give the bike some juice. I've been riding the Kona Process 153 (XL size) for half a year now and it's absolutely amazing. It's my third AM bike and despite the favorable price and basic suspension, the feeling of driving is amazing. I don't need better or more expensive suspension. A nimble and at the same time sufficiently stable bicycle for winter mud and snow. (I am writing from Europe, from Slovakia). The external cable routing is very practical and the result is very quiet and aesthetic. (I changed the brakes to Shimano because I can't get used to Sram brakes and their modulation). Here in Europe, Kona bikes are not that widespread because they don't offer some amazing features like the lightness of the frame or the best fitment like the Fox Kashima Factory, and KONA's marketing is weaker here. I am really very pleasantly surprised by what a well-thought-out and well-functioning machine the Kona Process is. 🙂
Great review. I am so glad Kona is putting out good bikes at good prices. For some reason Kona doesn't get as much coverage/content even though it has the pedigree and a history of great bikes to back it up. Love watching you ride. In my opinion, you and Phil Kmetz are the best riders in TH-cam. Question, how do manage to weigh the front while riding so far behind the seat on corners. I don't know if it's a childhood of riding BMX, but I tend to ride like that but in modern bikes it's common knowledge that one should stand centered on the bike.
My friend Cisco over on Roland St prefers his Process 153 (clears throat....his wife's Process 153) over his TR Sentinel. Michelle still has her old Kona Fire Mountain, I restored it during co-v-id (hate saying that name). Great video Jeff, and now I know where you were riding!
Personally I’m not interested in a longer travel Enduro and All Mtn rig. I love this sub-segment of Trail or perhaps XC bikes that have 120-130 rear travel and 130-140 fork. Add to that a short wheelbase so tight switch climbs and descents are easier. Your thoughts?
Hey Jeff - great review! I ride a 2014 Kona Process 134 DL and it's a beast! I'm looking to upgrade to a 29'r and I've honed it down to either the Kona Process 134 DL or the soon-to-be released new form factor (straight top tube) Knolly Fugitive. While I'm good with 134-140mm of rear travel, I prefer 150mm up front as I won't be using this bike for trail parks. I noticed that you've reviewed the Kona Process 134 DL, Kona Process 153 DL and the Knolly Chilcotin. When the new Knolly Fugitive is released, if you can do a review of that bike, it would be great as this would give me a good comparison of bikes with similar geometry (134 DL and Fugitive).
Kona makes rad bikes! I have a Jake the Snake I made into a CX race bike, complete with dropper post. That’s one rowdy skinny tire drop bar bike! I start riding it like a xc hard tail and then an reminded I’m on 33c tires…
For a long time I've had a dream of getting a Kona Process. It looks SO good! And since I got a Hyundai Kona as car I think it would have been a perfect match :D Unfortunately Kona is not so easy to try in Denmark so was a bit unsure of how it would fit. After seing this video I once again am dreaming of getting one of these beautys myself. Thx for an honest review.
Hey Jeff, saw your vids with berm peak! Good riding. Hey just watching the video with the Kona , Bad ass bike . Whats the price tag ? Then I ask myself I don't have 13,000 for a crazy bike, like you have!
Now that's some impressive riding. I picked up a AL Kona last year and been having a blast trying to see if they honor the warranty. If anyone knows where a Medium 21' carbon HEI HEI frame is waiting to be built up let me know.
hey jeff kendall, First of all thank you for your nice videos. I cycle with a Kona process 134 stick model 2021. I'm thinking about getting a new fork. i was thinking of the rockshox lyrik.i would go for 150 or 160mm travel? what is your opinion? regards
I almost bought an older version of this bike. I test road it and liked it. I ended up with a GG Shred Dogg, it is very similar in geometry. I love the Shred Dogg, I would like to see what you think of the Guerilla Gravity bikes. Love your videos!
You should try and get an airdrop over there, very similar kind of bike made in Sheffield, UK, they also looking amazing in Raw. I have one myself and people say how well it climbs even with a coil.
Inspirational riding as usual Jeff and a great review of a good, no-nonsense mountain bike. I've had many types of suspension over the years, and I've come full circle and got the modern, progressive version of my first single pivot Santa Cruz, an Orange Stage Evo, which is brilliant. Proper single pivot simplicity and designed and made in the UK 🇬🇧 Would love to see you reviewing an Orange 🍊
I had the same problem with my 2022 Giant Trance X3 27.5", no room for a bottle cage ... funny part is there's plenty of room in the frame , south of the bottle cage.... at least 5".
Just bought this bike and am waiting for it to ship to me for assembly. Saw that some riders thought the stock brakes may underperform. Did you feel you needed to upgrade, or did the stock ones feel adequate? Thanks in advance!
Hey there, I'd say ride it and enjoy with stock bits, and if you have the $$$ and find a good deal on better brakes, maybe swap one day, but n o reason you can't enjoy the stock brakes!
Trek Fuel Ex looks very similar to this as far as rear suspension geo and is a 140/130mm travel bike. Had mine since 2020 and it has always felt amazing.
One of the first FS bikes that I ever rode that blew my mind was a Kona. I don't know what model it was, I 61 and forgot, but loved it. I have sinced owned a Process 134, A Process 153 CF, sold those build and just but a new 2023 153 A 27.5. This is going to be one hell of a build and bike. Took my 134 down The Whole Enchilada and it was pretty stock and was butter on the 34 miles. Never got the 152 on TWE because covid PHΩCKED everything up when I went. But this October, Hey we go babies. The linkage is TRIED and TRUE, BULLIT proof and when the Process is dialed in, doesn't matter what components it runs better then most Specialze, Pivots, Ibis, Canyons, ETC! Love 'em, and thanks for the fun you always bring. One of the last YT channels where some douche who sucks and get ALL FREE bikes Snake Oil pimps the crap! Jeff, you sir, ROCK!!!
Sorry that should have said, you are one of the last channels that don't suck. You DON"T pimp, and you're not some douche snake oil bike rider pimping bike they get for free, not too mention overly expensive crap. Thx
Can’t tell if you love this bike so much because of manualing or if it’s that good and I should sell my enduro fezzari La Sal Peak to get one 🤔 . I’ve had the trance x previously and decided I wanted more travel than 135 in the rear
How would a 150mm fork work on this bike? Could you go all the way up to a 160mm fork? Or would that change geometry too much? I've got a Pike with a 160mm air shaft I'd love to throw on this bike (could get a 150mm air shaft if that'd be better).
150 fork would be great, the frame is certainly stiff enough. I doubt Kona says it's ok to use a 160 fork, but it's probably strong enough. I wish the 134 were longer for trail riding, but the short front end keeps it extra fun for tight trails!
Have a 2016 Kona Process Supreme 134 w/ 27.5" wheels and recently got a 2022 Ibis Ripmo carbon everything w/ 29" wheels. I agree, the Kona Process is significantly easier to wheelie and is more playful than the Ripmo. Shorter chainstay and slacker seat tube angle on the Process probably help (425mm vs 435 and 74 vs 77). Though the Ripmo is a more efficient climber IMO - presumably because of the DW-link and steeper seat tube angle. For techy, tight stuff or where you can feature off objects, I think I still prefer the Process. For just bombing (plowing?) down stuff, the Ibis is more capable w/ a higher margin for error. Either one could work as a single quiver bike.
Check out the full line of Kona Process bikes over at Jenson USA here- and anything you purchase will directly help support my videos, too! bit.ly/KonaProcessJKW. Big thanks to all of you for your support!
Have you ever done a review of the trek slash? and new fuel ex? Would be nice to here your opinion on them :D
I'm hoping the other Kona is the Process X
Thanks for the great content! Been going to youtube just to click the link in your videos before making any purchases from Jenson for a while now. Gotta support the good stuff in this world right? Also appreciate your encouraging people to join their local trail associations. Stronger together!
Can we just appreciate how much Jeff can shred? When he talks about being able to feel the frame's torsional stiffness, I actually believe him.
😂
Yeah, but I wonder what it's like on two wheels? 🤣
@@fifthcircle1 Was thinking the same lol!
@@fifthcircle1 haha, touché! 🤣
He ain't that good,very average pro with no style ,he is no Yoann Barelli or Gee Atherton.Good review though.
Just bought a Kona Process 134 for 45% off! First full suspension bike, pretty stoked! This makes me feel better after watching pink bikes review. Obviously ill have upgrades but still stoked.
Kona Process is an all-time favorite bike of mine so I was excited to see this. I personally have the purple Kona Honzo ESD and I will never get rid of it.
Got a red one. Feel the exact same about it.
@@dmwbnd 🤙
Got simple Honzo and it is game changer for me. Procces anyway is soo incredible in this video! :-)
Got a esd but wanna a process 153
42069 cru!
Jeff is by far one of the most esthetically pleasing rider to see on the trails. The level of flow and poppiness is off the chart !
Loving this format of reviews. Lots of comparisons from overall to the minutia detail from someone who can actually shred + has the technical details. Rare on TH-cam with a sea of mediocre riders banging on how their bike is "THA BEST" when they've ridden maybe 2 bikes in their life. Been a long time fan. Keep up the rad work Jeff!
I started my quest for a new bike to replace my much loved Kona 134 process 27.5 DH (looking at the transition scout / stumpjumper evo) but having watched your video I may end up just taking extra good care of her for a few more years. Your comment about "active riding style" really resonates with me. Appreciate you and your video and your wheely game is insane!! You rip
As a mechanic I love the external routing
I rented a Process 134 29er for a week of riding in Idaho last summer. I was really impressed with how well the bike handled and pedaled. I had a blast on it.
I've owned a few Konas over the years. Most of my Strava PRs are on a 2016 Satori. I have an Explosif hardtail I use for my backup bike and had a Wozo fat bike that I got rid of because it was too big.
Fantastic review Jeff. Very well done.
I just got a 134 CR, and Im so excited when I got.on it I knew it was the bike I needed to get
I just got a Kona Process 134 I love it.
Accoutrements is how you spell that
Edit:
I have a 2016 process 134 that I love to pieces. I would describe its ride character similar to how you describe the current model and I've ridden everything from cross country races in Michigan to the double black lines at Angel Fire bike park on it. It was my first full-suspension bike and I'm not sure if my active riding style is informed by learning on that bike or if I was predisposed to love it but there we go.
Cheers!
Your review format is unique, and it keeps getting better. Very much appreciate the effort that goes into putting these together, they're so helpful and inspiring too! Process has been a sleeper for years, 134 or 153, IMO. I got one for one of my kids largely based on the value proposition, and I was shocked at how capable it was. I take it out whenever I can. :)
That manual at the end was absolutely insane
Superb brand. I went from a Nu Nu to a Big Honzo onto a Process 167. The 167 was mental but a bit heavy, great ride though. Now on a Remote 160, took a while to get used to, but after a few months fell in love with it. A Ebike that you can really throw around. Those pedals are amazing too.
Wow, I wish I could ride like that! It has to feel incredible!
your ability on a mtb is incredible. a real pleasure to watch. great video, bro.
This bike basically laughs in the face of the $12k latest and greatest. Simple and fun! great video (as always)
Dude, you are the jedi master! Love watching you ride and listen to all the knowledge. Thx.
I've had three Process 153's. All of them were just insanely good.
What, do you snap them like toothpicks?)
Your riding skill level makes me want to improve my own abilities so I can enjoy riding more. Great video, just subscribed.
Just when I thought I narrowed my 3 bike choices down I had to watch this! Damn it! I use to have konas! Had 4 of them! Now I am really thinking about this! Great review!!!!
You make mountain biking look so awesome. Always enjoy your content. Have always been a single pivot fan myself, my Santa Cruz Heckler was one of my fav bikes. Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿
I was so close to getting one of these! Got so much love for Kona bikes, sweet review as always
Single pivots rock!👍😉 Often overlooked or under appreciated. All designs have their advantages snd limitations. But even Trek still uses (essentially) single pivots and they take home top honors year after year. Great video as always Jeff. Thanks for the in-depth, no-nonsense, nuts-n-bolts reviews.👌
yeah I think people get caught up with adding more bearings, when in reality the gains are pretty marginal
dunno what you are talking about
Norco Range, Forbidden, Trek, Orbea, Evil are all using single pivot linkage driven suspension just to name a few
I'm sure you can find a lot other models like Commencal Meta SX, etc.
Trek uses a horst link no?
@@spencerimre no, it's a single pivot
1 bar from the pivot to the wheel axle
@@ostankovalex1176 Norco is a high pivot 4 bar
Just bought one! Can't wait to ride it after seeing your review. Thx - such a fun review - can't believe you don't have more subs! All the best.
This sounds like my kind of bike, great review! I live in New England, I rode street bmx for 25years. Started riding mtb a few years ago. I searched “mountain bike that feels like a bmx” or something like that and from that search I got a bottlerocket that needed some help. A short travel, short chain stay, really poppy bike that I can push into a manual with almost no effort. Got it going, and after I learned how to set the suspension (that took me an entire summer, it was like a foreign language) with very little help I love this bike despite the bike (and me) being so damn old. Now I got my sights on something being a bit more modern, and maybe a bit lighter.
You absolutely rip - it’s hard to make any bike look bad when it is being ridden so well. Great entertaining review Jeff. Love the Kona.
Kona is doing it right. I have never seen a person not loving their kona bike. Me included.
Best reviews in the internet, even if many of us don't ride like you. Thanks.
So glad you are recommending some great affordable bikes. I'm spoiled at the $9,000 range now, but starting out this would have been a great bike to learn on to see what I liked or didn't like in a mountain bike, what my needs were going to be, and see if I was going to stick with the sport before plunking down the serious cash.
not sure Kona is that cheap. Maybe it is in NA, but in Europe it's a pretty meh spec for the price
@@ostankovalex1176 the Process 134 DL (Sram NX drivetrain, Rockshox Pike Select, Deluxe Ultimate, Sram G2 RS brakes, alloy frame & wheels) is $4000 usd. Until prices go down I wouldn’t call it cheap, I totally agree with you. My 2021 GT Force 29 AL has a slightly better spec for $500 less.
Accoutrements. That spot where you were overlooking and able to see the coast is awesome. I last rode that trail on my Turner Burner back in about 2017. Glad to see a less expensive bike performing so well.
Nice riding and review! Interesting that Pinkbike was not impressed with this bike in their value bike reviews. It finished last out of 5 bikes in climbing and descending. One of their big complaints was the crappy spec brakes (which you replaced) and the light front end on climbs. You didn't seem to have any trouble climbing, and you loved the light front for manuals. Interesting to see 2 very different perspectives.
They were riding the base model. This is the 4k version. Different brakes and suspension.
Amazing riding and review! Love what Kona has done, but needed to hear your comments! Worth the wait. Thanks Jeff.
As a bearded man of similar proportions to myself, I salute you. I am however jealous of your skills to shred, like a hyperactive school boy with wisdom beyond his years🤣. I think you have demonstrated perfectly in this vid how frame dimensions influence the character of a bike and how personally sizing a bike to one's human dimension, increases the fun factor.
Great video! I hope to hear more about the 134 vs the Ripley. I know you ulitmately like the Ripmo more than the Ripley, but I'm not the only one looking for the goldilocks between the two.
I've had the opportunity to swap with my riding buddy. Has a Ripley V4S (the latest carbon). I have a 2020 134 DL alloy with quite a bit of mods. Short answer, the Ripley is an XC with Enduro abilities. Feels very hardtail- like. While the 134 is much more Enduro with XC feel. Not feeling like an XC bike like the Ripley at all. A nimble mild Enduro is the 134?
Ripley climbs SOOOO good compared to the 134.
Love the videos man! Can you do a review on your favorite bike thats overall best for all the different types of trails we have here in the states?
Great video. I might have to try and find a Process to demo.
Accoutrements - additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity.
Kona always made burley strong bikes, like many NorthShore BC bike companies. Sad to see Norco and Rockey mountain go the weenie route of lighter bikes. Kona has kept the burley alive at the fraction the cost of Knolly or Banshee.
I am picking up my 2024 Kona Process 34 next week. The base model but look forwqrd to upgrading the platform over the next few years. My son bought the very same bike this summer. Took it for a few laps and instantly fell in love with the ride and feel of it.
Nice ride! Smile on your face tells alla what i need to know👍🏼
I ride a process 153 and it’s a blast to be on! Such a fun bike
11:40 This dude has his priorities straight. You earned a subscription from me ;P (nice transition, btw)
I almost bought a kona 134 but in the end I went for a norco fuid, and I don't regret it 😊
What a trip to see Dan from Fanatik in this video. Hope he's not too banged up.
I rode wah-wah pedals for a couple of years until my SRAM cranks blew out the threads and boogered the wah wah threads as well. Excellent composite pedals. (Second time that's happened to me with SRAM cranks, none of my Shimano cranks have done that. I'm sticking to cranks with pedal thread inserts from now.)
Oh, and "accoutrement." I only know that because of a GT/Dyno ad from the late 80s.
Boogered? There's threading dies for that.. crazy though.. never stripped a crank arm but I've snapped pedal axles taking off when the light turned green..)
Love the “stoke adjust”!
Thanks for a great and inspiring video! You have a beautiful landscape and forests in Canada. I like the orange grips, they give the bike some juice. I've been riding the Kona Process 153 (XL size) for half a year now and it's absolutely amazing. It's my third AM bike and despite the favorable price and basic suspension, the feeling of driving is amazing. I don't need better or more expensive suspension. A nimble and at the same time sufficiently stable bicycle for winter mud and snow. (I am writing from Europe, from Slovakia). The external cable routing is very practical and the result is very quiet and aesthetic. (I changed the brakes to Shimano because I can't get used to Sram brakes and their modulation). Here in Europe, Kona bikes are not that widespread because they don't offer some amazing features like the lightness of the frame or the best fitment like the Fox Kashima Factory, and KONA's marketing is weaker here. I am really very pleasantly surprised by what a well-thought-out and well-functioning machine the Kona Process is. 🙂
Great review. I am so glad Kona is putting out good bikes at good prices. For some reason Kona doesn't get as much coverage/content even though it has the pedigree and a history of great bikes to back it up. Love watching you ride. In my opinion, you and Phil Kmetz are the best riders in TH-cam. Question, how do manage to weigh the front while riding so far behind the seat on corners. I don't know if it's a childhood of riding BMX, but I tend to ride like that but in modern bikes it's common knowledge that one should stand centered on the bike.
The close up of the front brake, I noticed some weird movement and took me a bit to realize you changed it to "Free Stoke" haha. Nice!!
So what was that component you were suppose to put on this bike? I have a 2021 Process 134 29 and love it! Metal bikes are the way to go.
Shorter crank will be the next component😀
Looks like you’re enjoying the process 134. Thinking of picking one up and selling my offering V2 or would that be a downgrade?
My friend Cisco over on Roland St prefers his Process 153 (clears throat....his wife's Process 153) over his TR Sentinel. Michelle still has her old Kona Fire Mountain, I restored it during co-v-id (hate saying that name). Great video Jeff, and now I know where you were riding!
Sounds like a fun bike. It seems to be a good match for the Bellingham trails.
Hey Jeff, could you compare to the results that pinkbike had for the 134? They mentioned a lot about the short chain stay and seat tube angle.
Jeff, you need to make a manual meter of some sort for you reveiws! 😛
Personally I’m not interested in a longer travel Enduro and All Mtn rig. I love this sub-segment of Trail or perhaps XC bikes that have 120-130 rear travel and 130-140 fork. Add to that a short wheelbase so tight switch climbs and descents are easier. Your thoughts?
Hey Jeff - great review! I ride a 2014 Kona Process 134 DL and it's a beast! I'm looking to upgrade to a 29'r and I've honed it down to either the Kona Process 134 DL or the soon-to-be released new form factor (straight top tube) Knolly Fugitive. While I'm good with 134-140mm of rear travel, I prefer 150mm up front as I won't be using this bike for trail parks. I noticed that you've reviewed the Kona Process 134 DL, Kona Process 153 DL and the Knolly Chilcotin. When the new Knolly Fugitive is released, if you can do a review of that bike, it would be great as this would give me a good comparison of bikes with similar geometry (134 DL and Fugitive).
Kona makes rad bikes! I have a Jake the Snake I made into a CX race bike, complete with dropper post. That’s one rowdy skinny tire drop bar bike! I start riding it like a xc hard tail and then an reminded I’m on 33c tires…
Great video and looks like a great bike. Awesome riding as always.
So cool man!
Please try the 153!
Awesome review and great riding as always. Did you end up adding volume spacers to the fork or shock?
JFK Weed is killin it with content!
Nice!
excellent editing!
Bike looks sick, thanks for an awesome review
For a long time I've had a dream of getting a Kona Process. It looks SO good! And since I got a Hyundai Kona as car I think it would have been a perfect match :D Unfortunately Kona is not so easy to try in Denmark so was a bit unsure of how it would fit. After seing this video I once again am dreaming of getting one of these beautys myself. Thx for an honest review.
Would like to see you try the new continental tire range!
Kona!!! Never see Kona reviews anymore, stoked that you’re showcasing the Process. Any chance you take the Hei Hei CR out for a spin?
Right!? It seems Kona has fallen out of the cool-bike circle lately, which is unfortunate as they absolutely make cool bikes.
😎🙌 very nice video like always, thank for that, keep it up bro!!! 🤟
Hey Jeff, saw your vids with berm peak! Good riding. Hey just watching the video with the Kona , Bad ass bike . Whats the price tag ? Then I ask myself I don't have 13,000 for a crazy bike, like you have!
Now that's some impressive riding. I picked up a AL Kona last year and been having a blast trying to see if they honor the warranty. If anyone knows where a Medium 21' carbon HEI HEI frame is waiting to be built up let me know.
hey jeff kendall, First of all thank you for your nice videos. I cycle with a Kona process 134 stick model 2021. I'm thinking about getting a new fork. i was thinking of the rockshox lyrik.i would go for 150 or 160mm travel? what is your opinion? regards
I almost bought an older version of this bike. I test road it and liked it. I ended up with a GG Shred Dogg, it is very similar in geometry. I love the Shred Dogg, I would like to see what you think of the Guerilla Gravity bikes. Love your videos!
I got to demo one in Port Gamble Washington, great bikes
That's sick 😮ride ready out of the box from Jenson USA 🔥
You should try and get an airdrop over there, very similar kind of bike made in Sheffield, UK, they also looking amazing in Raw. I have one myself and people say how well it climbs even with a coil.
kona always keeps it real man
Dig the external cable/hose routing!
What’s the one component that you’re going to do for an upgrade? I’m sitting on the edge of my seat. I just purchased this bike. Great video, btw!
Have you tried a 150mm fork on it? Tempted to do it to mine.
Dope review! 🔥
Watching Jeff ride just makes me want to get out and ride.
Sweet ride! Thanks!!
Inspirational riding as usual Jeff and a great review of a good, no-nonsense mountain bike. I've had many types of suspension over the years, and I've come full circle and got the modern, progressive version of my first single pivot Santa Cruz, an Orange Stage Evo, which is brilliant. Proper single pivot simplicity and designed and made in the UK 🇬🇧 Would love to see you reviewing an Orange 🍊
Yo got mum to preorder me one its gonna be epic when it comes after seeing this video!!
Congrats Lula! Youll love it, the 134 is a great bike!
What are you planning on upgrading on it?
I had the same problem with my 2022 Giant Trance X3 27.5", no room for a bottle cage ... funny part is there's plenty of room in the frame , south of the bottle cage.... at least 5".
thanks so much jeff
Great review!
Just bought this bike and am waiting for it to ship to me for assembly. Saw that some riders thought the stock brakes may underperform. Did you feel you needed to upgrade, or did the stock ones feel adequate? Thanks in advance!
Hey there, I'd say ride it and enjoy with stock bits, and if you have the $$$ and find a good deal on better brakes, maybe swap one day, but n o reason you can't enjoy the stock brakes!
Trek Fuel Ex looks very similar to this as far as rear suspension geo and is a 140/130mm travel bike. Had mine since 2020 and it has always felt amazing.
Fuel is split pivot .
@@DM-hw4cr I doubt that small pivot change would make the bikes feel that much different. Now the fuels steeper head tube might..
One of the first FS bikes that I ever rode that blew my mind was a Kona. I don't know what model it was, I 61 and forgot, but loved it. I have sinced owned a Process 134, A Process 153 CF, sold those build and just but a new 2023 153 A 27.5. This is going to be one hell of a build and bike. Took my 134 down The Whole Enchilada and it was pretty stock and was butter on the 34 miles. Never got the 152 on TWE because covid PHΩCKED everything up when I went. But this October, Hey we go babies. The linkage is TRIED and TRUE, BULLIT proof and when the Process is dialed in, doesn't matter what components it runs better then most Specialze, Pivots, Ibis, Canyons, ETC! Love 'em, and thanks for the fun you always bring. One of the last YT channels where some douche who sucks and get ALL FREE bikes Snake Oil pimps the crap! Jeff, you sir, ROCK!!!
Sorry that should have said, you are one of the last channels that don't suck. You DON"T pimp, and you're not some douche snake oil bike rider pimping bike they get for free, not too mention overly expensive crap. Thx
Have you ridden an Instinct? How does the 134 compare in terms of pedalling efficiency and downhill riding?
Oh man as always you are inspiration. I like playful riding.
The manual king striked again 😳 👑
Can’t tell if you love this bike so much because of manualing or if it’s that good and I should sell my enduro fezzari La Sal Peak to get one 🤔 . I’ve had the trance x previously and decided I wanted more travel than 135 in the rear
How would a 150mm fork work on this bike?
Could you go all the way up to a 160mm fork? Or would that change geometry too much?
I've got a Pike with a 160mm air shaft I'd love to throw on this bike (could get a 150mm air shaft if that'd be better).
150 fork would be great, the frame is certainly stiff enough. I doubt Kona says it's ok to use a 160 fork, but it's probably strong enough. I wish the 134 were longer for trail riding, but the short front end keeps it extra fun for tight trails!
Have a 2016 Kona Process Supreme 134 w/ 27.5" wheels and recently got a 2022 Ibis Ripmo carbon everything w/ 29" wheels. I agree, the Kona Process is significantly easier to wheelie and is more playful than the Ripmo. Shorter chainstay and slacker seat tube angle on the Process probably help (425mm vs 435 and 74 vs 77).
Though the Ripmo is a more efficient climber IMO - presumably because of the DW-link and steeper seat tube angle. For techy, tight stuff or where you can feature off objects, I think I still prefer the Process. For just bombing (plowing?) down stuff, the Ibis is more capable w/ a higher margin for error.
Either one could work as a single quiver bike.
Was those dude from Fanatik bike shop?
Still running 175mm cranks because I can get 165mm shimano but I am use too them so all good got spares