First Impressions
2024 Kona Process 153 CR DL Gen. 3
Kona calls this the "all new" Process 153 and while that is somewhat true, the geometry hasn't changed much since the 2022 153 DL as far as I can tell. Certainly the important numbers are unchanged, like head tube angle, reach, seat tube angle and bottom bracket height. Even the wheelbase remains the same from M to XL (there was no small for '22). And there is finally a carbon version, after a couple of false starts. The lack of geo futzing isn't necessarily a bad thing though. Kona was ahead of the curve with short stems, steep seat tubes and longer reach numbers so they had less catching up to do than many brands. This version also gets a flip chip that allows you to run a mullet set up without compromising the geometry.
The best news is that Kona is no longer owned by Kent Outdoor, an ownership group that was responsible for telling their employees to tear down Kona's Sea Otter booth right before the event was set to start, for the entire bike industry to see. The booth had been paid for, along with hotel rooms, shipping, and every other expense associated with displaying at a trade show but apparently, someone (who may or may not have been the CEO of Kent) failed to comprehend what the Sea Otter Classic was. That debacle likely tanked Kent's asking price which led Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron, the original owners, to buy back the brand at a rumoured ten cents on the dollar. For fans of Kona, this is a happy ending, and if this bike is an indication of where they are headed, things are looking up.
What is New
- Mullet Flip Chip - Choose your wheel size; 27.5 for maximum play, 29 for speed to plow.
- A convenient flip chip located on the seat stay / rocker connection to swap between 29 and 27" rear wheels. (Small comes stock with a 27.5” rear wheel and all other sizes come with 29” rear wheels)
- Compatible with UDH and SRAM T-type drivetrain
- Air or coil rear shock compatible. Revised suspension kinematics for improved small bump sensitivity and balanced progressivity whether running air or coil.
- Shorter seat tube, deeper seat post insertion, more frame sizes
- Improved water bottle clearance
- Integrated tool / accessory mount on underside of top tube
- Enhanced frame protection
- Carbon frames feature fully guided internal cable / hose routing with a Y connector allowing clean hose direction for either moto or regular style brakes.
- Aluminum frames feature full external cable / hose routing (except for dropper post)
- Bearing and pivot hardware cross-compatibility – all Process models use the same hardware
The Ride
The first thing I noticed about the Process 153, before I even swung a leg over, was how tight it felt. I don't mean it felt like it needed breaking in, tight the way a skilled and well practiced band plays together effortlessly. Everything seems to fit perfectly and work seamlessly with the other elements. When I lifted it into my truck or hung it on the wall, there were no rattles or jiggles. That solid state feel continued on the trail and the bike is as quiet as any I can remember. Even through rough bike park conditions, everything feels cohesive and precise as though the tolerances are perfect. Despite being relatively light, the bike feels incredibly solid. Obviously this feels amazing on the dirt but it also inspires trust in the machine and nudges you to go a little harder.
My first serious day riding the P153 was in the Sun Peaks bike park. After I got the suspension pretty close and got on the lift. I started off on Stella Blue, one of the less gnarly jump trails on the mountain, is beautifully built and fun for all levels. It's a blue but as you go down the mountain the jumps get taller and longer, daring you to push a little harder. It's a great trail for progression and for those of us who don't have enough jumps in our usual trail diet to feel proficient right away. The bike felt great on the first run but I was a little timid. The suspension felt fine but I knew I'd need some higher frequency impacts to get the dial properly twisted so I went looking for some tech.
There were some trails that were particularly rough where the bike, unsurprisingly, felt a little under gunned. This was entirely predictable for a mountain that has some very challenging technical terrain but it was nothing to do with the capability of the P153. In fact it handled some gnarly bits better than you'd expect for a 32.5 lb/14.75 kg bike with 160 and 153mm of travel. Even the steeps were no problem in terms of handling despite the relatively modest (by current standards) 64.5º head angle. I've been very encouraged by my experiences on the trail so far.
Component Spec
While this is a top of the line carbon-framed bike, it doesn't come close to five figures, and the spec reveals a few cost-cutting choices. The most obvious is the SRAM G2 RSC brakes. I was a little surprised and somewhat less than stoked when I saw the G2s but, as you'll read below, I have been pleasantly surprised by their performance.
Brakes
One big surprise was the SRAM G2 RSC brakes. They heated up and broke in quickly and were working very well on my first day. If you had blindfolded me I wouldn't have been able to distinguish them from Codes. I needed some steeper terrain to find out if the power was there when things got gnarly so, after a few runs, I headed over to Smitty's Steeps. The conditions weren't as dry and blown out as they can be at Sun Peaks in early August but there was still some dust to be found so I was a little nervous. This is the steepest continuous line I've found in a bike park and I remembered it being a little troubling when I last rode it, perhaps five years ago. With some trepidation I dropped in and was rewarded with pretty good dirt and excellent braking. Both modulation and power surprised me. I'd expected to bottom out the brake levers and toboggan down on my rear wheel but I was able to feather and control the bike easily. Once the trail levelled out I was disappointed that I didn't give 'er the onion and point my fingers a little more because the G2s were easily up for it. I've had earlier experiences with these brakes that were less positive but this set leaves me wanting nothing. I wondered if SRAM had been performing some running changes to improve G2s but Chris Mandell of SRAM assured me this was not the case.
Wheels and Tires
When Mike Wallace tested the Process X in 2021 it was also spec'ed with WTB's KOM Trail i30 TCS rims and he found them "too soft for a bike of this type," which means built for full enduro duty. He put the first rim out of service quite quickly so he added a Tannus insert. That wasn't enough to save the second one either. Mike rides hard but he only weighs 165 lbs/75 kg or so, and he runs higher pressures than I do. If you are hard on rims this might be a spot to upgrade. The DT Swiss 350 hubs are a great choice as is the Maxxis Assegai/DHR II combo with Maxx Grip up front and Maxx Terra rear. Both are EXO+ casing which seems like a good choice for this platform.
Drivetrain
It seems to me the choice of a SRAM GX AXS Transmission drivetrain was designed to move bikes rather than maximize value. Obviously that makes good business sense, particularly considering the ongoing challenges in the bike market. There are of course benefits to Transmission to be sure, including strength, excellent performance under load, wireless operation and precision shifts, but it has to add a chunk to the MSRP compared to an XO cable actuated derailleur and shifter. Transmission is also an odd match with the G2 brakes, despite their strong performance thus far. Unsurprisingly, the bike shifts very well and operation has been trouble free. I was surprised to see a PF 92 (press fit) bottom bracket now that so many manufacturers have gone back to threads. Personally I've had good luck with the PF 92 Dub bottom bracket but considering Kona is producing aluminum bikes with all external routing of hoses and cables (aside from dropper) this seems counter to company ethos.
Something I missed, partially because it is so unexpected, is that Kona has spec'ed an XO1 cassette on this Process model. Usually bike companies do that the other way, with a GX cassette that can't be noticed on the showroom floor, paired with an XO1 derailleur. Kudos Kona!
Suspension
The 160mm RockShox Lyrik Ultimate with a Charger 3 damper and Buttercups is a great fork. It's been more than robust enough for the riding I've done thus far and has absorbed some big hits with the composure you'd expect from a larger fork. It is not, however, the brand new Lyrik with the Charger 3.1 damper, reduced friction and a broader range of damping adjustments but it's a great fork nonetheless, and it's undoubtedly one of the choices that keeps the price below what you'd expect for a bike of this pedigree. The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate has also performed well and it was easy to find my sweet spot. All the adjustments are easily accessible as well, which hasn't been my experience with several bikes I've ridden recently.
Touch Points Etc.
The 35mm Kona XC/BC aluminum handlebar felt great, even on bike park braking bumps and I was pleased with the Kona-branded "Key" grips as well. I'm generally a fan of WTB saddles and the Volt spec'ed here is one of my favourites. I'm less keen on the RockShox Reverb seatpost. I swap posts a lot so having to bleed the post every time is a PITA. That said, this one is a new 200mm version (31.6) and it worked flawlessly. I'll be swapping something that meets my 220 mm plus needs shortly and the frame should easily accommodate it. The headset is an FSA Orbit 1.5 E ZS internal.
Size and Geo
Considering the geometry of this bike first debuted two years ago, it's not too far out of date. There are aggressive shorter travel bikes with similar geometry numbers but they are made for similar applications so that makes some sense. I'm used to size large bikes being a little longer for this model year but the 480 reach is at the lower end of what works for me which makes it fun and maneuverable but still comfortable pedalling. It may feel a little small when I make it a mullet but for now it's great. While I was riding the bike on Cypress, I swapped it for Trevor Hansen's Specialized Enduro which has a 63.9º head angle and honestly, it felt a little sluggish in comparison to the 64.5 of the P153. So far everything feels good but I'll need more time to put it into a variety of situations to give a more comprehensive verdict.
An important note for smaller riders is that the size small comes with a 27.5º rear wheel stock while the larger sizes come with 29. The seat stays are 435mm for every size rather than size specific like several other bikes in this category currently. The seat tube isn't quite as slack as most either but I found it quite comfortable despite having a slightly shorter reach than I'm used to.
It's been some time since I've ridden a Process but I was impressed when they first hit the market. The bikes were easy to ride, intuitive and spirited inputs produced fun outputs, and that continues to hold true. This will be the first time I've had a Kona duallie for a longer term and I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs. The last Process X we rode had some issues with bearings, and shielding in particular, and I'll be keeping an eye on how the P153 stands up to some wet weather riding on the North Shore. And I'm looking forward mulleting it for some of the gnarlier business as well.
Kona Process 153 CR DL 29 7700 CAD / 5500 USD
Height - 6'/183cm (mostly legs)
Weight - 165lbs/75kg
Inseam - 33"/84cm
Ape Index - 0.986
Age - 58
Trail I've been stoked on lately - Sam's Dad's Trail
Bar Width - 760mm
Preferred Reach - 485-500mm
Comments
Bikeryder85
2 months, 1 week ago
Man, Kona should hire you guys to re-do their photos... significantly better looking here than the presser. Glad to see Kona back though!
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Geof Harries
2 months, 1 week ago
The line “The bikes were easy to ride, intuitive and spirited inputs produced fun outputs” perfectly describes my previous Process experience and so it’s awesome this personality lives on in the new models.
I had a XL 2018 153 CR 27.5 that was admittedly too small, but wow was it fun to ride. Super poppy and loved to carve, jump and wheelie into holes.
Very happy to see Kona back and on the right path again.
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4Runner1
2 months, 1 week ago
Holy wheelie machine, Batman!
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Geof Harries
2 months, 1 week ago
This comment has been removed.
Geof Harries
2 months, 1 week ago
It sure was 😊
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Dogl0rd
2 months, 1 week ago
Still ripping mine! It's more fun than my big 29", but def slower and I don't care
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finbarr
2 months, 1 week ago
The price is actually great: $7700 CAD for transmission, 350 hubs, and ultimate suspension? Sign me up! Very reasonable. That's what I'd expect to pay during the end of season sales for other brands. Santa Cruz is $9250 for the similarly specced Bronson.
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hotlapz
2 months, 1 week ago
Good to see prices are ramping back down from the pandemic peak. $10-15k bikes lmao
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Znarf
2 months, 1 week ago
The G2 are not single piston brakes though, as it says next to the picture. They are four pots, no?
Just with less hydraulic leverage and smaller pads etc. like those Avid Elixir Trails etc. back then.
The whole bike gives a 2021 vibe - apart from Transmission. Like those hack-job 650b Enduros and Stumpumpers Specialized sold for half a season with funny parts swapped onto 26“ frames. :)
Not nice to say, but I‘ll be much more interested in the next iteration. It might be a proper Kona again.
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Cam McRae
2 months, 1 week ago
Thanks Znarf. Total brain fart there!
The bike certainly doesn’t ride like a hack job at all. Nor does it present that way in person. While there are some odd choices I’m happy Kona managed to get the price down in a market that was getting ridiculous.
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Znarf
2 months, 1 week ago
Yeah, I need to walk back a bit: The frame itself looks like it is fun and well thought out. I‘d be curious to throw a leg over one. The whole Kona-situation was sad, but seems to be going in a good direction.
I lusted after all those Coilers and Stinkies back in the freeride era and also loved the first alloy Process models, the ones that rode fantastic and ate shocks for breakfast. The prices over here in Europe were crazy and the specs were even crazier. 160mm resin only disks and such.
But value seems much better on the new models, nice!
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pbass
2 months, 1 week ago
The first process was 2013 ...I have one and it never gets mentioned in process history! Had a conventional rocker setup.
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Morgan Heater
2 months, 1 week ago
Suspension travel measured in pounds is a new one for me.
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Traillover41
2 months, 1 week ago
Great read, Cam! Question, at 6’0 do you think you could ride an XL?
I’m on a large 2020 Kona process CR 153 and it’s feeling a bit small these days. I’m looking at the G3 and considering the XL but it’s a big jump in the reach department. I’m around 6’1, 200lbs.
Any feedback would be appreciated
Cheers
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Cam McRae
2 months, 1 week ago
515 is definitely too long for me. I'm mostly legs. I can ride a mullet at about 500mm pretty comfortably if the bars are cut to 760. I've been riding this large with uncut bars which has worked because at 480 it's maybe just slightly smaller than bikes I usually ride. So my feedback is, if you have very long arms and/or a long torso and you ride aggressively on the front of the bike all the time, the 515 may work well for you. 35mm between sizes is a decent gap.
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4Runner1
2 months, 1 week ago
Well done, Kona. Respectable build and relative value for one’s hard earned cash. Haven’t said that about a Kona, for a while. Even looks great!
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Cam McRae
2 months, 1 week ago
I have a couple of article updates/corrections from the always-charming Kiwi, Caleb Smith of Kona. I have added these to the article but I wanted to point them out to those of you who have already read the article.
The shock eye-to-eye and stroke are printed, along with other very useful info that is often difficult to source online,* on a sticker on the back of the seat tube. It is a 205 x 57.5 shock.
*Headset size, bearing size, fork offset, UDH compatibility, seatpost diameter, travel, shock mounts, axle sizes, and bottom bracket size
Rotors are 200mm front and rear rather than 200/180 as I assumed.
This one really surpised me: the bike comes with an XO cassette despite the GX rear derailleur (albeit GX T-Type). Usually it's the other way around so kudos to Kona for that on a bike that is already very well priced.
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A_Marriott
2 months ago
I hoped this would grown on me but the GX crank is still ugly and makes any bike with it look worse.
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Cory Booker
1 month ago
I can confirm that a 600 ml bottle "fits" on a medium frame with some cautions. I use a side-loading cage, and I'm fairly sure that is the only way you could do it. Also, there's no practical way to remove the bottle without rubbing the frame a tiny bit, so I'm looking for a lower-profile option or maybe a smaller (or different shaped) bottle. Fidlock might work, if you can twist the bottle out without applying any forward pressure at all.
Aside from that, my experience with the CR SLX after two rides matches what Cam says. The bike feels tight and is whisper quiet*. The geometry feels perfect for me. After setting up the suspension according to Fox's recommendations, I had my best first-ride on a new bike in the better part of a decade--since my last Process in 2016, in fact.
*I have two noises, not related to the frame at all. My derailleur does not seem to have a strong enough clutch to keep it quiet during rough descents, and my brakes are currently humming on longer descents.
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Lynx .
2 months, 1 week ago
Nice looking bike, but sadly just designed for winch and plummet style riding then, going by the SS-STA, that's sad, so sad, not a bike I'd consider for an all day, pedal and do anything type bike, definitely aimed at the enduro bro crowd.
Also, yeah PF30 BB would not encourage me to consider this for purchase, they should be forward thinking and embrace T47, now that's a proper standard if you want a big BB area and can be fitted to run normal threaded BSA if you so wish.
On the brakes, I'll put $$ that maybe they didn't do running changes in the design, but have changed the materials/seals used and gotten tolerances better, because I'm with you from past experience, utter garbage before.
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Cam McRae
2 months, 1 week ago
The bike pedals just fine for me so it wouldn’t be relegated to winch and plummet, although I prefer the climb switch on for fire roads or pavement.
And the BB is actually a PF92 which I would argue is worse than PF30 because of the small bearing size. I haven’t heard of bearings failing prematurely on DUB versions but only someone who works in a bike shop can give good data on the failure rate/timing.
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Lynx .
2 months, 1 week ago
Curious what your longer day rides look like Cam, as all I know of the area is there's lots of mountains and climbing? For me, not a chance in hell that I can ride even a 75* STA on a long, varied ride like I like to do with lots of flat, rolling and mellow climbing, punctuated with some steep climbing and 20++ miles, 5+ hours and 2500ft++.
Also, my easiest gear is about 21 gear inches compared to the about 17.8 on this bike, I'm not a hamster, I don't have the want to sit and spin like one in such an easy gear or take an eternity to get up the climb, I actually "enjoy" climbing to a degree.
Also, I've ridden with a good few semi-pro riders and none of them like steep STAs for pedally rides that aren't only winch and plummet style. You can see this in the pros setups as well, with saddles slammed all the way back on the rails to try and alleviate them a bit.
Oh and there's a lot of butt hurt enduro bros on this site who seem to have taken offense to my first comment for some reason, they're probably also riding with a motor to help them get their lazy asses up the winch so they can enjoy the plummet :-\
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Cam McRae
2 months, 1 week ago
Mostly winch and plummet. Quite a lot of motor for my lazy ass as well. I have never had an issue with steep STA bikes, maybe because of riding style but also likely because of my body shape.
But, as Kenny points out, this is a bike with lots of travel and I think geo is quite suitable for the use case.
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Kenny
2 months, 1 week ago
But... It's a 160mm 29er...
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