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Kona Process 153 DL in test

Dimitri Lehner

 · 21.02.2016

Kona Process 153 DL in testPhoto: Franz Faltermaier
Kona Process 153 DL in test
ur enduro test winner! There were bikes that were better downhill bikes, but none of them have the all-round capability of the Kona. The "153" impressed us with its agility.
Test 2015 Enduro Bikes: Kona Process 153 DLPhoto: Franz Faltermaier Test 2015 Enduro Bikes: Kona Process 153 DL

Let's not beat about the bush: this is the bike you want. An enduro bike has to be like the Kona: lively on the climbs, neutral on the climbs, precise steering in technical passages, playful like polar bear baby Knut, but stable and aggressive on the descents like Knut when he's past puberty. The Kona can do a lot of things very well: trail riding, touring, downhill shredding, stunts and jumps. Finally: Kona is back! In recent years, the Canadian manufacturer has lost its way with its "Magic Link" - now they have thrown overboard the crazy design that was supposed to give enduro bikes downhill qualities. The big brother ("Process 167") had already won the freerider test, so we were very excited about this bike. Modern: the geometry of the "153", a long main frame was combined with the shortest possible rear triangle. The top tube dips sharply downwards, giving the legs plenty of room. The disadvantage of the short seat tube: riders over 1.75 metres cannot extend the seat post far enough. Very chic: the wide rear swingarm with a motocross look. Sexy! The testers were unanimous: the Kona is the handling favourite. No other bike rode as lively and developed as much pop as the Kona. We were surprised that the compact, lively bike with its 66 mm head angle and super short 425 mm chainstay also roared downhill with such confidence. Nevertheless, the Luftikus had to admit defeat to the competition from Giant, Rose and Bionicon when things got really fast and rough.


ConclusionOur enduro test winner! There were bikes that were better downhill bikes, but none of them have the all-round capability of the Kona. The "153" impressed us with its agility.


STRENGTHS Handling, chassis, all-round use
WEAKNESSES short seat tube needs a strong Vario support

The only criticism of the Kona Process: Tall riders have to extend the KS dropper post beyond the limit to get enough pressure on the pedals on pedalling sections. More travel (> 125 mm) would be good.Photo: Franz Faltermaier The only criticism of the Kona Process: Tall riders have to extend the KS dropper post beyond the limit to get enough pressure on the pedals on pedalling sections. More travel (> 125 mm) would be good. Motocross look: The powerful swingarm looks good on the Kona. The kinematics are successful - the suspension travel is well utilised and even with the compression damping open, the shock hardly bobs at all.Photo: Franz Faltermaier Motocross look: The powerful swingarm looks good on the Kona. The kinematics are successful - the suspension travel is well utilised and even with the compression damping open, the shock hardly bobs at all. Test 2015 Enduro Bikes: Kona Process 153 DLPhoto: FREERIDE Magazin Test 2015 Enduro Bikes: Kona Process 153 DL Test 2015 Enduro Bikes: Kona Process 153 DLPhoto: FREERIDE Magazin Test 2015 Enduro Bikes: Kona Process 153 DL The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers and is not an addition of downhill and uphill points.Photo: FREERIDE Magazin The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers and is not an addition of downhill and uphill points.
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Manufacturer information


Distribution Kona Europe www.konaworld.com
Material/sizes Aluminium/S, M, L, XL
Price/weight without pedals* 4499 Euro/13.8 kg


Measurement data


Spring travel front/rear 160 mm/153 mm
Rear suspension system Multi-link


Equipment


Fork/damper RockShox Pike RCT 3 Solo Air/RockShox Monarch Plus RC3
Cranks/gears SRAM X1/SRAM XO1
Brake system Shimano XT
Impellers Novatech hubs, WTB Frequency Team i25 rims, Maxxis Minion DHR Exo 3C 2.3 tyres

You can find this article in FREERIDE 2/2015 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android AppPhoto: Lars Scharl You can find this article in FREERIDE 2/2015 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android App
Dimitri Lehner

Dimitri Lehner is a qualified sports scientist. He studied at the German Sport University Cologne. He is fascinated by almost every discipline of fun sports - besides biking, his favourites are windsurfing, skiing and skydiving. His latest passion: the gravel bike. He recently rode it from Munich to the Baltic Sea - and found it marvellous. And exhausting. Wonderfully exhausting!

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