i bought my my bike with a revelation rc, deluxe rt, guide re 150/140 mm travel dropper and a good dt wheelset for (1750€ , sale and scratched paint ) 60€ for a -2° headset and its a absolut monster at 63.5hta and 14.9 kg 😍😍🔥
What inflation? Inflation only happens in Russia and China, and some parts of Africa. In the west there is no inflation! Just ask the experts! In the west we are just becoming more “sensible” consumers…
Bro, why are you even buying a bike that you don’t even need? Wanna get better on a budget, get a Giant Talon, or a Marin Bobcat. Tons of fun, all great stock components, tons of areas to upgrade or personalize, and are under $750… lol. Put some Maxxis, buy depending on the environment where you are, and boom, you’re faster than the dude that barely rides bikes, but has money for a overpriced Kona. 😂
I had the 2021 Kona Process 134 29 and it has the same components but better brakes. It was a great bike! I agree it’s a lazy climber but the over all riding is a blast. It loves to ride in the North Carolina mountains! I just have to say screw Texas b/c while visiting Austin, TX my bike was stolen off the back of my car. 3 locks were cut and the bike was stolen in less than 5 minutes. Screw Texas.
Yes screw Texas indeed, Austin in particular. Many MANY of bikes have gotten stolen in Austin last couple of years here. Too hot and no elevation. Lots of people from all over the US have come here and killed the once friendly vibes hence all the bikes getting ripped off!
Didn't expect a Kona in the value field test. Rode a Process 154 multiple times and it was just fun. 3000$ is still a lot of money and the specs for this amount of money is just a joke
I have 2021 134 in XS. Upgraded breaks. Absolutely LOVE my bike. Smashes my previous bike which was a trek fuel. It's heavy, but that's common without carbon. Easier to climb. Feels better and holds up in every way even bombs downhill hard. Highly recommend the Kona.
10:02 I would point out that Kona also comes from the Northshore where traction is way higher. This bike definitely is more built for steeper, loamy trails. Desert trails are clearly not what it was designed for with the long front end and short rear, your body sits just right on steeper descents with higher traction.
@@lexusstefan927 if you had half a brain you’d understand how hard it is to spec good parts on budget bikes right now..even if they put better brakes people like you would still complain about the $200 price hike that better brakes would cause…
3k, 8 months ago got me SRAM guide Ts (amazing brakes compared to these), a rockshox Zeb, and NX drive train on my 170/160mm Commencal Meta AM . 3k now days gets you....that....wow.
I have really enjoyed all these bike field test videos! Thanks so much for taking the time and evaluating them. They are really fun to watch. Excited to see the rest, and you guys do an amazing job.
Sounds like for this price level you don't get a proper trail bike from Kona. 160-180mm rotors?? Really Kona? For the same price you can get a bomb-proof Commencal Meta TR29 with 200mm 4 piston SRAM brakes (front&rear), a frame that is not ugly, better components all around. I have learned the bigger the bike brand the crappier their under $3-4k offerings. My Specialized Rockhopper failed pretty much in every component. Wheels broke, chain broke, fork was so bad I would rather have no fork at all, frame would flex under heavy pedaling or on a 10 inch jump, hubs broke, cassette broke, chainring bent with no impact at all, just bent, brakes were horrible, in house tubeless ready tires leaked on side walls. I am sure if you spend $10k+ and get a dentist build bike any brand will be fine. You guys are awesome with the content. Thank you.
You can get a ENTRY LEVEL MARIN RIFT ZONE for about $1,800… lol! Put some Maxxis on, and BOOOOOM! You’re better than all the budget bikes they’ve shown so far.
Yeah, the entry level Marin, or the Polygon (T7) seem to have a way better spec for way less money, plus better geo right? And if you wanted to go up to the Rift Zone 3 or the Polygon T8 then you are getting a REALLY good upgrade in fork, and rear shock for just over what the Kona costs?? Am I missing something here??? (based on components alone these two companies seem to be smashing it at the entry level)
@@andycjohnston the problem is that polygon and marin make shit quality bike frames, worse geo, less quality control and overall just not as good as other bike companies frames. The problem with these two companies is that the only good thing about them is there value component wise compared to other bike brands.
Chain stays may be shorter but that’s still a Horst linkage. With no lockout, pedal bob will definitely be a thing. That said, I like Horst links for climbing if I have the right shock. Drop a Fox Factory in there and you’ll do better. But that’s kinda the problem. That bike needs about $1500 in components to get up to snuff.
I've last years process 134 cr nearly purchased, had a wee test ride feels beautiful, got 1450 euros off the initial price ,I'm very excited, until I've seen this..! it has much better components so hopefully it handles well . Breaks are class and i can lock out the rear for climbing. You've made me nervous 😅👊
I think Kona got screwed by brake companies( and they are not the only ones), so they put whatever on it to be able to ship their bikes at all. They have always used shimano and sram stuff and tektros on their low budget bikes.
Naw they let there dealers spec and install dts and brakes so I was told when I called Kona with a DT question and they couldnt answer was super weird. They didnt know how small or big of an oval chain ring will work on there bikes. LOL
@Zenbotta ... its like you missed the part where I said the dealers spec out the DT's and Brakes. Which in turn yes some dealers will put on crap brakes to hit closer to the 3k mark instead of 4k mark. Brakes are also a cheap enough upgrade if you truly love Kona. Although they do need to step up and figure something better out, would hate to see them not around anymore.
6:50 It is sad that everyone has to be so obsessed with 12 speed. There are so many reasons why 12 speeds is too many. Shimano isn't even really developing 11-speed products to be better and yet this drivetrain is still more than acceptable.
Yup, the only thing I really need is the 10 teeth cog from the 12 speeds, and honestly if you need to use the highest gear might as well just walk, it's faster.
The new wide range 11sp cassette (M5100) directly benefitted from the 12sp drivetrain development since it uses the same cogs except for the three or four smallest.
@@biznatcho7 and think about how dumb that is. Think about how much better it would be if they just made the range wider on an 11 speed cassette. Think about all the people that would love a proper high performance 11-speed drive train but cannot have it.
@@EstebanRapido what are you talking about? 11sp has 11-51t and 12sp has 10-51t. Same practical range. 10t cog isn’t compatible with the HG spline I suspect.
I had the old Process 153 in 2015 when the shock was mounted horizontal. It was the high end model and I had to upgrade the shock because the bobbing was so high and the sag while pedal. It was amazing to ride down but I had to use lock out to climb. Took me a month to figure out the proper pressure. Never had that issue in any other bikes. I thought the new suspension design would fix those issues but they clearly stay with the DH mindset.
@@EverythingisFireyeh I'm looking at them aswell watched loads over past 6 weeks never heard anything like this about 85 7nless was a beat up us3d model kona send out for testing
I work at a Kona dealer and I was so bummed when I saw the spec sheet for this year. The 11 speed is whatever (although Deore does not hold up nearly as well as SX on rental bikes), I get the supply chain, but off brand brakes is total BS. O and the price went up… come on Kona!
Before the price raise the specs weren't too bad for the price, but now it's more expensive than the norco fluid fs 1 which comes with a 12 speed xt derailleur, a rockshox pike with charger damper, and a set of shimano 4 piston brakes. The koma is just to expensive for the specs it offers
I love my Process 111. Required mods: replace the brakes with MT-5's, replace rear shock with Fox DPS w/ switch, over fork it w/ Z1, and finally sag at 10% or less.
The chainstay is way too short for it to ever be a decent climber. Of course a good damper tune could give it a platform, so it could do well on mellow climbs, but basically never on the steep ones.
I just bought a 2022 Orbea Occam H30 five months ago. It was 2.200,- Euro, which by now shouldn't be a much higher number in USD anymore ;-). That bike has a better spec in basically every single component: Deore 12Sp, Marzocchi Z2 fork, Fox DPS damper with 3 pos switch. The brakes are lacking a bit as welll, but at least they're made by Shimano. So I'm really wondering why this Kona actually costs more money.
My Gf has one of these. Nice bike. Real solid welds look like a stack of quarters dominoed out. The brakes are the only thing that could use an upgrade out of the box. Not too shabby for $2600. My ridge zone Marin was $2000 without a dropper and a few cheesy components like stem and bars that needed to be replaced. After all was said and done it was also $2600 and on par with the Kona. With a little different geometry.
The rear shock could use low speed compression to tune out pedal bobbing. Really the bikes only downfall. My Marin didn’t have lockout or low speed compression either in that budget range.
You guys also need to consider I’ve had some bikes with cable disk brakes that worked just fine. These brakes aren’t as bad as they sound but they could definitely be better with maguras or code rsc or something. Just little two piston brakes with nice rotors. I’d assume the pads are more of the real issue why they won’t have tons of power.
It's a really interesting review for me coz I have the 2021 version and it's my first modern MTB; so I don't have a reference point other than my old skool super V. That said, I agree that it's not a great climber (too heavy) but the geo feels nice for climbing (no issue here). The dropper isn't that smooth after a season or so, so I feel that's a problem. Overall it's a tank. Just buy it if you like the kona name and feel like you want to ride hard and bash around on a variety of trails. It's alright for that and if you have issues with it's weight, just consider it cardio training. Looking forward to getting the 27.5 (maybe). Maybe it'll have real brakes.
Fast in so far as you can't brake so you will quickly end up in to a tree. But it was the slowest bike up and down their testing. And it's still 2900 bucks... Oof
First time heard all this about the kona unless was a used beat up bike they send out Blake just put it through it paces aswell with no issues so very interesting
i bought one got some 203mm disks waiting for it currently debating putting my weird brakes on it (shimano m6120 levers x m395 calipers) they work really well on my rockhopper comp 2008 just need to be constantly bled as theyre always spoungy especially the rear
Yeah, I had to read the instructions for mine, but using the lever was so complicated and counterintuitive that I keep forgetting the sequence. Every time I want to raise or lower the saddle, I have to stop and re-read the manual.
My norco fluid fs 1 is the exact same price and comes with Shimano 4 piston brakes, a rockshox pike, and xt derailleur. Nice bike, but it just doesn't have the value
I continue to be amazed that a $3k bike is considered entry level or that it comes with no name brakes. Then again the cost of individual components in the bike world also make no sense to me (like how can bike shocks cost $500?). I don’t know, it just seems like this hobby is a scam right up there with inkjet printers.
Sounds like Kona cancelled their parts during the pandemic and got put on the shit list by the manufacturers. (Pure speculation). For whatever reason they had to go with no name brakes. I bet there is no way they wanted those brakes in the first place. Gotta ship out product, since every bike on the floor sells. Especially at that price point.
@@jonbrown9490 Kona have been some of the most overpriced bikes in the market, component spec wise, for the last 15 years. If they had really well designed and built frames then it may be excusable but they don't.
that's a terrible excuse though. Here's a mountain bike we purposely specked with crap because we consider our customers would put their preferred parts on? Why spec anything decent then ever on a bike then if that's their attitude? Imo I think those brakes are what they had available to them at the time and they wanted to have this lower "entry" level bike. Lots of manufacturers are having to change up parts specs based on what's available. I've seen it both with Rocky Mountain and Knolly. The difference there is that Knolly actually speced comparable parts from lesser known brands instead of cheap nonesense.
They could have put ztto 4 pot brakes on their and it would have been fine. I guess if you go cheap, go way cheap! BTW Tranz X makes PNW and other droppers. I've bought some Chinese parts and been working real well. I know Ztto makes good stuff and their 140mm fork has been great for what I use it for, small root flowy trails. I dont think it will do well on rocks though.
Everything functions properly th-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of TH-cam. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!
Levy thinks there is more traction back home? More traction in Washington than in the desert? I bet 90% of riders would think this bike is decent with decent brakes. The brakes are a bad spec, but so what? Put better brakes on. You are still at $3K. The geo weenies on these channels have got to stop. The raked out forks and long wheel bases are not the best geos for all terrain and conditions. The differences are not that great when riding your most frequented trails. It is just shilling for the industry of EXPENSIVE bikes. If you don't live in mountains with extended downs, you don't need 63 degree head tube angles.
@@danp2509 They are saying buyers might not consider the bike bc of the brakes? The problem with this bike seems the geo. They wanted the impossible. Rocky wanted the slack headtube and long top tube, but they designed short chain stays with the hopes for a better climber. The result seems an unbalanced bike. Run a longer stem to move the body position forward 10-20 mm.
3000 smackers and has garbage tier Recon fork, unsafe brakes, and not even 12 speed Deore. For 2600 you can get a Trance 29 2 which has a Bomber Z2 fork (excellent for the price point), Deore 12 speed and Deore 4 piston brakes.
I have a Rift Zone. It's a great bike, but the suspension isn't plush at all. Really only moves when you hit something bigger. But it's an efficient climber. I've made so many technical climbs that I never made on my old bike
Love the commentary but are we seriously going to see a Beta add in every .. single .. video? I get it. You want to push Beta. But I'm sure you get it. We don't want it.
MT200s are at least salvageable with a set of metallic pads and ditching the "resin pad only" rotors. Not much helps the m285 Tektros, I have those on my hardtail and even on that bike they're barely adequete even with metallic pads.
i bought one got some 203mm disks waiting for it currently debating putting my weird brakes on it (shimano m6120 levers x m395 calipers) they work really well on my rockhopper comp 2008 just need to be constantly bled as theyre always spoungy especially the rear
Man inflation has hit the bike industry hard, 3 grand doesn’t even get you brakes. Lol 😂
i bought my my bike with a revelation rc, deluxe rt, guide re 150/140 mm travel dropper and a good dt wheelset for (1750€ , sale and scratched paint )
60€ for a -2° headset and its a absolut monster at 63.5hta and 14.9 kg 😍😍🔥
What inflation? Inflation only happens in Russia and China, and some parts of Africa. In the west there is no inflation! Just ask the experts! In the west we are just becoming more “sensible” consumers…
@@MrAzahills hey I’m just a kid cut me some slack. I fixed it lol
Bro, why are you even buying a bike that you don’t even need? Wanna get better on a budget, get a Giant Talon, or a Marin Bobcat. Tons of fun, all great stock components, tons of areas to upgrade or personalize, and are under $750… lol. Put some Maxxis, buy depending on the environment where you are, and boom, you’re faster than the dude that barely rides bikes, but has money for a overpriced Kona. 😂
@@323johnnybravo sorry bud
I have never owned a Kona but have ridden high end Processes. GREAT bikes.
I had the 2021 Kona Process 134 29 and it has the same components but better brakes. It was a great bike! I agree it’s a lazy climber but the over all riding is a blast. It loves to ride in the North Carolina mountains!
I just have to say screw Texas b/c while visiting Austin, TX my bike was stolen off the back of my car. 3 locks were cut and the bike was stolen in less than 5 minutes. Screw Texas.
Yes screw Texas indeed, Austin in particular. Many MANY of bikes have gotten stolen in Austin last couple of years here. Too hot and no elevation. Lots of people from all over the US have come here and killed the once friendly vibes hence all the bikes getting ripped off!
Yeah, avoid the cities like Austin and San Antonio, lot of thieves there looking for a nice ride if it can be easily accessed and then obtained
@@CowneloAlvaroid most of the bike theft is by crime rings that send them to Mexico, it's not people from california moving there to steal bikes lol
@spencer burdette Learn how to read bc I never mentioned Californians but they are the largest group of transplants who have ruined our city.
@@spencerimre btw how would you know who's stealing all the bikes unless you're part of the problem?
Didn't expect a Kona in the value field test. Rode a Process 154 multiple times and it was just fun.
3000$ is still a lot of money and the specs for this amount of money is just a joke
I have 2021 134 in XS. Upgraded breaks. Absolutely LOVE my bike. Smashes my previous bike which was a trek fuel. It's heavy, but that's common without carbon. Easier to climb. Feels better and holds up in every way even bombs downhill hard. Highly recommend the Kona.
I have this same bike, what brakes did you upgrade to?
@@topoftherockmountainbiking3917 Shimano XT
10:02 I would point out that Kona also comes from the Northshore where traction is way higher. This bike definitely is more built for steeper, loamy trails. Desert trails are clearly not what it was designed for with the long front end and short rear, your body sits just right on steeper descents with higher traction.
Not built for anything with them garbage brakes, especially steep stuff
@@lexusstefan927 if you had half a brain you’d understand how hard it is to spec good parts on budget bikes right now..even if they put better brakes people like you would still complain about the $200 price hike that better brakes would cause…
@@lexusstefan927 brakes can be upgraded.
Well it’s probably not the best bike if it only works when grip is high
@@Hardworkpays209 someone hurt you, why so full of hate😂
3k, 8 months ago got me SRAM guide Ts (amazing brakes compared to these), a rockshox Zeb, and NX drive train on my 170/160mm Commencal Meta AM . 3k now days gets you....that....wow.
Those Guide T’s have really impressed me. I got my Meta HT Essential for $1800 in 2020 and it goes for $2,300 now :/ sucks to see
commencal is also direct to consumer, something to consider in their prices
I have a kona 153 climbing is no problem downhill is a blast
I have really enjoyed all these bike field test videos! Thanks so much for taking the time and evaluating them. They are really fun to watch. Excited to see the rest, and you guys do an amazing job.
You guys did an amazing job with the Beta-ads!
Keep up the good work love the vids
Sounds like for this price level you don't get a proper trail bike from Kona. 160-180mm rotors?? Really Kona? For the same price you can get a bomb-proof Commencal Meta TR29 with 200mm 4 piston SRAM brakes (front&rear), a frame that is not ugly, better components all around. I have learned the bigger the bike brand the crappier their under $3-4k offerings. My Specialized Rockhopper failed pretty much in every component. Wheels broke, chain broke, fork was so bad I would rather have no fork at all, frame would flex under heavy pedaling or on a 10 inch jump, hubs broke, cassette broke, chainring bent with no impact at all, just bent, brakes were horrible, in house tubeless ready tires leaked on side walls. I am sure if you spend $10k+ and get a dentist build bike any brand will be fine. You guys are awesome with the content. Thank you.
You bought a Specialized.
You can get a ENTRY LEVEL MARIN RIFT ZONE for about $1,800… lol! Put some Maxxis on, and BOOOOOM! You’re better than all the budget bikes they’ve shown so far.
Yeah, the entry level Marin, or the Polygon (T7) seem to have a way better spec for way less money, plus better geo right? And if you wanted to go up to the Rift Zone 3 or the Polygon T8 then you are getting a REALLY good upgrade in fork, and rear shock for just over what the Kona costs?? Am I missing something here??? (based on components alone these two companies seem to be smashing it at the entry level)
You do realise that’s not true?
@@andycjohnston the problem is that polygon and marin make shit quality bike frames, worse geo, less quality control and overall just not as good as other bike companies frames. The problem with these two companies is that the only good thing about them is there value component wise compared to other bike brands.
@@thehighground4920 you do realize that it’s the rider, not the bike? Why bother to even comment😂
@@SkarryTerry what are you even taking about?😐. I was just pointing out that what you’re saying is bullshit🤡
Chain stays may be shorter but that’s still a Horst linkage. With no lockout, pedal bob will definitely be a thing. That said, I like Horst links for climbing if I have the right shock. Drop a Fox Factory in there and you’ll do better. But that’s kinda the problem. That bike needs about $1500 in components to get up to snuff.
But it's not a horst linkage....it's a linkage driven single pivot, large difference
I've last years process 134 cr nearly purchased, had a wee test ride feels beautiful, got 1450 euros off the initial price ,I'm very excited, until I've seen this..! it has much better components so hopefully it handles well . Breaks are class and i can lock out the rear for climbing. You've made me nervous 😅👊
I think Kona got screwed by brake companies( and they are not the only ones), so they put whatever on it to be able to ship their bikes at all. They have always used shimano and sram stuff and tektros on their low budget bikes.
Naw they let there dealers spec and install dts and brakes so I was told when I called Kona with a DT question and they couldnt answer was super weird. They didnt know how small or big of an oval chain ring will work on there bikes. LOL
@Zenbotta ... its like you missed the part where I said the dealers spec out the DT's and Brakes. Which in turn yes some dealers will put on crap brakes to hit closer to the 3k mark instead of 4k mark. Brakes are also a cheap enough upgrade if you truly love Kona. Although they do need to step up and figure something better out, would hate to see them not around anymore.
6:50 It is sad that everyone has to be so obsessed with 12 speed. There are so many reasons why 12 speeds is too many. Shimano isn't even really developing 11-speed products to be better and yet this drivetrain is still more than acceptable.
Yup, the only thing I really need is the 10 teeth cog from the 12 speeds, and honestly if you need to use the highest gear might as well just walk, it's faster.
@@kornofilo I've got this shimano 11 speed, and opted for a 34T front chainring stead, makes up for the high gear, and makes the low gear more useable
The new wide range 11sp cassette (M5100) directly benefitted from the 12sp drivetrain development since it uses the same cogs except for the three or four smallest.
@@biznatcho7 and think about how dumb that is. Think about how much better it would be if they just made the range wider on an 11 speed cassette. Think about all the people that would love a proper high performance 11-speed drive train but cannot have it.
@@EstebanRapido what are you talking about? 11sp has 11-51t and 12sp has 10-51t. Same practical range. 10t cog isn’t compatible with the HG spline I suspect.
levy moving the front wheel is just trickle down horizontal compliance lmao
I had the old Process 153 in 2015 when the shock was mounted horizontal. It was the high end model and I had to upgrade the shock because the bobbing was so high and the sag while pedal. It was amazing to ride down but I had to use lock out to climb. Took me a month to figure out the proper pressure. Never had that issue in any other bikes. I thought the new suspension design would fix those issues but they clearly stay with the DH mindset.
I'm thinking of snagging a used 2019 Process 153 SE. I am going to have to pedal uphill, out of necessity. I'll have to look into it more.
@@EverythingisFireyeh I'm looking at them aswell watched loads over past 6 weeks never heard anything like this about 85 7nless was a beat up us3d model kona send out for testing
Levi in the add for beta. 10 min after te video still laughing haha 😂
I work at a Kona dealer and I was so bummed when I saw the spec sheet for this year. The 11 speed is whatever (although Deore does not hold up nearly as well as SX on rental bikes), I get the supply chain, but off brand brakes is total BS. O and the price went up… come on Kona!
It’s got the Joe Biden of brakes
Before the price raise the specs weren't too bad for the price, but now it's more expensive than the norco fluid fs 1 which comes with a 12 speed xt derailleur, a rockshox pike with charger damper, and a set of shimano 4 piston brakes. The koma is just to expensive for the specs it offers
Let's go Brandon!
I have the 2021 Kona Process 29". Exact same bike but with Shimano Brakes? Also was slightly cheaper at $2400 if I recall. Inflation I guess?
I love my Process 111. Required mods: replace the brakes with MT-5's, replace rear shock with Fox DPS w/ switch, over fork it w/ Z1, and finally sag at 10% or less.
Kinda bad when short-ish travel bike climbs like that. Perhaps better shock could fix some of the issue.
The chainstay is way too short for it to ever be a decent climber. Of course a good damper tune could give it a platform, so it could do well on mellow climbs, but basically never on the steep ones.
I just bought a 2022 Orbea Occam H30 five months ago. It was 2.200,- Euro, which by now shouldn't be a much higher number in USD anymore ;-). That bike has a better spec in basically every single component: Deore 12Sp, Marzocchi Z2 fork, Fox DPS damper with 3 pos switch. The brakes are lacking a bit as welll, but at least they're made by Shimano. So I'm really wondering why this Kona actually costs more money.
Thanks for the honest review
I very nearly bought this bike last year... Looks like it's a good thing I went with something else
It's one of the most negative reviews I have seen from these guys...
I wouldn't trade straight over for my 2019 Trance2
My Gf has one of these. Nice bike. Real solid welds look like a stack of quarters dominoed out. The brakes are the only thing that could use an upgrade out of the box. Not too shabby for $2600.
My ridge zone Marin was $2000 without a dropper and a few cheesy components like stem and bars that needed to be replaced. After all was said and done it was also $2600 and on par with the Kona. With a little different geometry.
The rear shock could use low speed compression to tune out pedal bobbing. Really the bikes only downfall. My Marin didn’t have lockout or low speed compression either in that budget range.
You guys also need to consider I’ve had some bikes with cable disk brakes that worked just fine. These brakes aren’t as bad as they sound but they could definitely be better with maguras or code rsc or something. Just little two piston brakes with nice rotors. I’d assume the pads are more of the real issue why they won’t have tons of power.
Ours does not exhibit Hub wobble back and fourth.
We also replaced the seat with a female ergon seat cause it sucked.
It's a really interesting review for me coz I have the 2021 version and it's my first modern MTB; so I don't have a reference point other than my old skool super V. That said, I agree that it's not a great climber (too heavy) but the geo feels nice for climbing (no issue here). The dropper isn't that smooth after a season or so, so I feel that's a problem. Overall it's a tank. Just buy it if you like the kona name and feel like you want to ride hard and bash around on a variety of trails. It's alright for that and if you have issues with it's weight, just consider it cardio training. Looking forward to getting the 27.5 (maybe). Maybe it'll have real brakes.
my guess based on the title: its fast and has bad brakes
Fast in so far as you can't brake so you will quickly end up in to a tree. But it was the slowest bike up and down their testing. And it's still 2900 bucks... Oof
Half right
First time heard all this about the kona unless was a used beat up bike they send out Blake just put it through it paces aswell with no issues so very interesting
Ngl Mike levys speech on pinkbikes beta definitely had me giggling 🤣
Guys these beta adverts get better and better i am absolutely creasing you have no idea how funny that was.
Love the beta ads
i bought one got some 203mm disks waiting for it currently debating putting my weird brakes on it (shimano m6120 levers x m395 calipers) they work really well on my rockhopper comp 2008 just need to be constantly bled as theyre always spoungy especially the rear
My last dropper lever just wasn't very intuitive... I just couldn't figure out how to use it.
Yeah, I had to read the instructions for mine, but using the lever was so complicated and counterintuitive that I keep forgetting the sequence. Every time I want to raise or lower the saddle, I have to stop and re-read the manual.
haha he got me in " if you stand around climb like a jerk" hahahahhaa
I have a 22 Kona Process 134 27 i love it
I wonder how'd it would compare to the older process 134 🤔🤔 is it better?
@@Playwholeday I got the 15s 134, only thing stock is crankset. Running 150/140 travel and Shimano Zee breaks and loving it 🤙
Good stuff guys 🤩🤘🔥
2 years ago you could get an Ibis Ripmo AF for 2999
Wow inflation sucks
Would be interested in what you feel is the best suited all mountain bike for Tucson/St George type riding. Something 140-150 out back
I'd go with something like a Ripmo or Trance X 29, or Stumpy Evo but not run fully slack
@@mrvwbug4423 i ran a ripmo af and loved it, wish i would have never sold that bike just didnt like the look
In the 2022 Process line up only this low end model has a 74deg ST angle. The rest are 76. It's kind of strange.
I’ve been lookin at this bike. Lbs stocks Kona
You'll be fine. These guys hate anything that isn't $10k. The Kona will still be a bike long after the other budget bikes are recycled. Built to last.
My norco fluid fs 1 is the exact same price and comes with Shimano 4 piston brakes, a rockshox pike, and xt derailleur. Nice bike, but it just doesn't have the value
Process 134 is definitely the perfect Arizona bike
I remember when Kona used to be something exotic.
I continue to be amazed that a $3k bike is considered entry level or that it comes with no name brakes.
Then again the cost of individual components in the bike world also make no sense to me (like how can bike shocks cost $500?).
I don’t know, it just seems like this hobby is a scam right up there with inkjet printers.
Can we please get a Vitus Sommet/Escarpe review 🙏 cheers
Sounds like Kona cancelled their parts during the pandemic and got put on the shit list by the manufacturers. (Pure speculation). For whatever reason they had to go with no name brakes. I bet there is no way they wanted those brakes in the first place. Gotta ship out product, since every bike on the floor sells. Especially at that price point.
They aren't the only ones though. Rocky Mountain used to spec SLX brakes on their top spec Growler hardtail. Now they come with Clarks brakes.
I feel like for what you pay for a Kona, they have some of the worst build kits out there.
@@jonbrown9490 but have a great ride
@@jonbrown9490 Kona have been some of the most overpriced bikes in the market, component spec wise, for the last 15 years. If they had really well designed and built frames then it may be excusable but they don't.
@@steve_troy Kona Unit has always been fair priced for a rigid mtb, specially when compared to Surly Karate Monkey and Krampus.
Is the brake choice due to the parts shortage or to meet a specific price point?
parts shortage, The brakes are knock off shimanos with some random calipers.
Wow, words like “not great” “not awesome” really should have been replaced by “trash” and “do not buy”
And "absolute shit"
I've had two old kona, Both worked. No complaints. 👌🏽
Maybe those brakes are cheap in consideration you'd put your preferred brakes on?
Maybe so. IMO, a $2600 MTB should come from the factory equipped with brakes that work in mountainous terrain. I have no respect for Kona.
For the money that is quite crap.
that's a terrible excuse though. Here's a mountain bike we purposely specked with crap because we consider our customers would put their preferred parts on? Why spec anything decent then ever on a bike then if that's their attitude?
Imo I think those brakes are what they had available to them at the time and they wanted to have this lower "entry" level bike. Lots of manufacturers are having to change up parts specs based on what's available. I've seen it both with Rocky Mountain and Knolly. The difference there is that Knolly actually speced comparable parts from lesser known brands instead of cheap nonesense.
@@BasicBodThor why stock bikes without pedals?
@@hiigara2085 Your question does not fit in this context. The question would make sense if we were discussing a bike that was sold with no brakes.
My buddy just bought one of these and it came with some pretty nice Shimano breaks soooo?
Breaks?
@@th_js brakes, my bad
The now Outside subscription is the upgrade you are mentioning for $24 right??? Just thought I'd clarify...
Its so weird hearing Palmers voice in a Pinkbike video
My personal thoughts on Kona are - it's time to update your bikes man........jeesh.
Hey I love kona bikes but Marin rift zone 2 has much better parts than this bike in this price zone
On this Kona example you can see what investment funds do when they take over. They will be the end of many brands I am afraid...
Don’t agree at all just got a Kona 134 cr/dl and that bike rips up and down don’t believe let’s race 💯
They could have put ztto 4 pot brakes on their and it would have been fine. I guess if you go cheap, go way cheap!
BTW Tranz X makes PNW and other droppers. I've bought some Chinese parts and been working real well. I know Ztto makes good stuff and their 140mm fork has been great for what I use it for, small root flowy trails. I dont think it will do well on rocks though.
Whats wrong with getting out of the seat when climbing.
Often the back wheel starts slipping. Depending on the terrain. Def. need to stay in the seat in my neck of the woods.
Everything functions properly th-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of TH-cam. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!
What's up with the beta hostage parts? Your enthusiasm is off the chain.
Levy thinks there is more traction back home? More traction in Washington than in the desert?
I bet 90% of riders would think this bike is decent with decent brakes. The brakes are a bad spec, but so what? Put better brakes on. You are still at $3K.
The geo weenies on these channels have got to stop. The raked out forks and long wheel bases are not the best geos for all terrain and conditions. The differences are not that great when riding your most frequented trails. It is just shilling for the industry of EXPENSIVE bikes. If you don't live in mountains with extended downs, you don't need 63 degree head tube angles.
yep, slap some mt420 or 520 brakes on here and its good to go
@@danp2509 They are saying buyers might not consider the bike bc of the brakes? The problem with this bike seems the geo. They wanted the impossible. Rocky wanted the slack headtube and long top tube, but they designed short chain stays with the hopes for a better climber. The result seems an unbalanced bike. Run a longer stem to move the body position forward 10-20 mm.
4k here in Australia and the spec is nowhere near what you get on say a Merida One Twenty for $500AUD less.
3000 smackers and has garbage tier Recon fork, unsafe brakes, and not even 12 speed Deore. For 2600 you can get a Trance 29 2 which has a Bomber Z2 fork (excellent for the price point), Deore 12 speed and Deore 4 piston brakes.
76 degree seat angle is slack ?
The actual seat angle is very steep, so extended all the way out, it is very slack.
This kona or the Marin rift zone 3 ?
Help please
I have a Rift Zone. It's a great bike, but the suspension isn't plush at all. Really only moves when you hit something bigger. But it's an efficient climber. I've made so many technical climbs that I never made on my old bike
@@davidblackman3127 which rift zone do you have ?
I have the Rift Zone 2
@@davidblackman3127 I am thinking about the rift zone 3
Rip Kona 😭
the price hiked over $400 after the new ownership
3099 to 3699 cad
Can you put Shimano brake pads in those cheap ass brakes? Might increase the bite
Three thousand dollars and no name brakes? Seriously wtf? Edit: It was 2.6k but still , horrible value for money.
Marin rift zone is in that price point.
Not a single good word on cheap rockshox forks so far lol
Dude that mike levy guy is he on drugs? He looked peripherally high. And just emaciated. Im not hating. Im concerned
Lol
Hmmm. Not nice when climbing...not great if i want to XC this Kona 😑
Bring Mishka back!
The spec on this thing is so bad for $2600.
Rather flawed bike from Kona. And not just brakes. Maybe a good option if you want really short chain stays.
Love the commentary but are we seriously going to see a Beta add in every .. single .. video? I get it. You want to push Beta. But I'm sure you get it. We don't want it.
Trek fuel ex 5 it's better deal
Looking at this review it feels like even a set of tekktro m285 or shimano mt200 would be better than this no name shit😂😂😂
MT200s are at least salvageable with a set of metallic pads and ditching the "resin pad only" rotors. Not much helps the m285 Tektros, I have those on my hardtail and even on that bike they're barely adequete even with metallic pads.
Won't be buying this, thanks for the review!
Guess I will have to stop following PB soon as they are going to put everything good behind a pay wall. OUTSIDE = death of PB.....☹
I'll susbscribe to beta if I see more Beta ads where Levy is speaking "of his own free will"
They put the joe Biden of brakes on this bike
It's so sad that Kona has gone to s#@$
i bought one got some 203mm disks waiting for it currently debating putting my weird brakes on it (shimano m6120 levers x m395 calipers) they work really well on my rockhopper comp 2008 just need to be constantly bled as theyre always spoungy especially the rear