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Kona Process 134 in the test

Stefan Frey

 · 14.04.2017

Kona Process 134 in the testPhoto: Hersteller
Kona Process 134 in the test
The Kona looks like a massive mini downhiller - fat swingarm, compact main frame, chunky, grippy tyres. And the weight also signals this: Undulating trails are not its territory.

The Process only really comes into its own when the going gets tough. The rider is centred in the frame, the short chainstays and the long main frame form a modern geometry. The wide sloping top tube gives the legs plenty of room to manoeuvre in corners, but also limits the seat post extension for taller riders. The Kona's potential is squandered by its favourable spec. With its low compression damping, the Sektor at the front can't keep up with the solid rear end. Gravity prevents a more active riding style. The wheels and fork of the "Green Hornet" together weigh over seven kilos, making the bunny hop a feat of strength. The 10-speed drivetrain looks like something from the rummage table: a bit of Shimano, a bit of Sram, plus wimpy brakes. Thanks to the drive-neutral rear triangle and the double crankset, the almost 15-kilo bike can still be pedalled to the summit in a fairly relaxed manner. Conclusion: downhill-orientated touring bike with downhill potential, but weak equipment.


The alternative The Process 111 with 29-inch wheels and 130/111 millimetres of travel weighs around one kilo less for 3999 euros. The geometry remains comparable. The Process 111 is therefore likely to be the livelier trail bike.

Kona uses rims with an inner width of 29 millimetres on the Process. This makes the 2.3 inch wide Maxxis tyres a little more voluminous and generates noticeably more grip on descents.Photo: Georg Grieshaber Kona uses rims with an inner width of 29 millimetres on the Process. This makes the 2.3 inch wide Maxxis tyres a little more voluminous and generates noticeably more grip on descents. On the Kona (pictured) and Norco, bikers have to make do with 100 millimetres of travel on the dropper post. No problem on undulating trails. However, if the descent becomes very steep, you would be happy to have a little more adjustment range.Photo: Georg Grieshaber On the Kona (pictured) and Norco, bikers have to make do with 100 millimetres of travel on the dropper post. No problem on undulating trails. However, if the descent becomes very steep, you would be happy to have a little more adjustment range. Kona Process 134 - Characteristics: On paper, the fork and shock look quite harmonious. In practice, however, the Sector at the front with its weak compression damping is not really convincing.Photo: BIKE Magazin Kona Process 134 - Characteristics: On paper, the fork and shock look quite harmonious. In practice, however, the Sector at the front with its weak compression damping is not really convincing. Kona Process 134Photo: BIKE Magazin Kona Process 134 Kona Process 134Photo: BIKE Magazin Kona Process 134
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Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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