Kona relaunched its Process trail bike in 2020. Since then, there have been six models to choose from, including two 27.5-inch models (the cheapest). In our price range, the 29-inch aluminium version fitted the bill. The Kona Process 134 DL weighs in at 15.3 kilos, making it the second heaviest bike in the test. Striking features: the super-short chainstays, the short seat tube for plenty of clearance and the low BB drop. The Process is the only bike in the test field to be fitted with Rockshox suspension. The geometry in combination with a 35-millimetre stub stem and manual-friendly chainstays is pleasing, but the Kona MTB requires a little more effort to steer it over the trails.
At the same time, the suspension has a lot of pop and has good suspension travel with the necessary counter-pressure. However, if the bumps become faster and harder, and the descent more rapid, the suspension reaches its limit sooner and feels stiff and insensitive compared to the Fluffy suspension systems, e.g. from Propain Hugene or Specialised Stumpjumper Evo. Even when we tuned it softer and turned the compression damping all the way out, the Kona Process 134 was stingy with sensitivity and allowed less speed in bumpy sections. On drops, the rear end reacted degressively and bottomed out. On climbs and tours, the bike pedals surprisingly well despite its chubby weight. The shock can be calmed down almost completely.
STRENGTHSFreeride-Geo
WEAKNESSES: Taut chassis, weight
Conclusion on the Kona Process 134 DL 29:
The Process from Kona is the freerider in the test field despite its mini-stroke. The bike has a lot of playfulness, but the suspension lacks comfort and sensitivity. The weight is a hindrance on trail rides.
Alternative to the Kona Process 134 DL 29:
For 7499 euros, Kona offers the top model with a carbon frame and Fox performance suspension. Kona was unable to give us a weight specification for the model (approx. 14 kilos).
Technical data Kona Process 134 DL 29:
Manufacturer information
- Distribution Kona Europe
- Material / Sizes: Aluminium / S, M (tested size), L, XL
- Price / weight without pedals: 4499 euros / 15.3 kg
Measurement data
- Front / rear suspension travel: 140 mm / 134 mm
- Rear suspension system: Multi-link
- Reach: 448 mm
- Stack: 608 mm
- BB drop: -31 mm
Equipment
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Pike Select / RS Deluxe Ultimate Trunnion
- Cranks / gears: Sram NX Eagle / Sram GX Eagle
- Brake system: Sram G2 RS
- Wheels:: Formula hubs; WTB KOM Team i30 TCS rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra Exo Prot. 2.5 / Maxxis Dissector MaxxTerra Exo Prot. 2.4
Statement by Daniel Roos, photographer and guest tester:
"The longer you ride the Kona Process, the better it gets. The poppy suspension and the playful geometry are great fun on built trails. The weight is not a hindrance here. On technical descents, however, the suspension drops significantly."
Laurin Lehner
Editor
