OLDF150 profile

So much to comment on here, but will try to keep it brief, lol.  First off, I had a 2016 Process 153 which I absolutely loved, and still has me wondering if my next bike will be another Kona.  But, sold it when I broke my tibial plateau and bought an Instinct BC once I was ready to ride again. The whole time I had the 153, I dreamed of getting a 111, thinking of doing long days on a capable short travel machine.  After breaking my other tibial 2 years after the first, it was definitely time to slow my 53 yo body down and went to a trail bike, a 2020 Fuel Ex with all the carbon goodies. Love it, and will have it for a long time making it a future Min/Max.  Andrew, when does a bike become a Min/Max candidate, because I plan on having this Mulsanne blue Trek a looonnnng time.

Definitely. My achiles heel is not knowing when I’ve reached that edge so I wanted something that didn’t ever let me forget.

Yeah, I am not the best at feeling those grippy tires reach their limit and so would push too hard without realising it. Now I know that at all times, take it easy in the corners! Lol.

Last year I turned 52, and went through my 2nd tibial plateau fracture from trying to be "radder" than I really am.  I figured it was time to take stock of how I approach riding, and all of the things you talk about came to light for me.  Hence now I have one bike to do it all in a "jack of all trades, master of none" type of attitude.  And, at the heart of it, a set of Vittoria Syerras keeping me quicker on the climbs, and less prone to just "send it".  Thanks for the column Dave.  It's good to know I'm not alone.

I'm finally at an age, but not a maturity, where I am out there for the simplicity of being on a bike that I like, not one that has to be the fastest, lightest, best anything.  Thanks for giving us an article that resonates the reality of why we choose what we choose.  Love bikes, without without whirring motors.

Love this story Mike.  As an mtbing 53 year old that has had a few dogs, I can relate on so many levels.  We were going to stop once our current Golden was gone, but instead ended up getting a puppy and keep the love/loss train rolling because hard things are worth it.  And, as far as mtb goes, I've gotten to the point in my life where I'm no longer learning new ways to send it, but rather, new ways to appreciate the sport I love. It's been an adjustment, but just like the dogs, well worth keeping going. Dogs and bikes.  That's a full life.

This'll be a great alternative for a day or weekend trip from Kelowna instead of the usual Revelstoke!

NSMB and Mike Ferrentino, aging like a fine wine.  Just wanted to thank you for this, and all the wonderful comments that followed the article. MMM, coffee, bikes, and working washing machines.  Isn't life grand?

I joined a Bootcamp to help recover from a tibial plateau fracture in 2019.  Best decision my wife ever suggested to me and I still go to this day because the benefits to overall strength and flexibility, as well as learning proper movement, will last me a lifetime.  30 minutes each session and well worth the effort.

Hey Peter.  I'm sure you've ridden in the Okanagan before, but just for you and everyone reading this, please keep in mind, many people who come here from the coastal region get an unexpected number of flats because of all the sharp edged rocks in this region.  I live in Kelowna and it's not as severe as Penticton. Penticton has tons of it and I'd hate to see an awesome week become frustrating from too many unforseen flats.  Enjoy the Okanagan, it's such a great riding area.

Fabien Barel has been messing with this geometry stuff since his Kona days. There was an article back then written in Dirt mag about all the testing of different geos for the Kona. The main thing they found was that the rider was in the best position when they were in the centre of the bike. Head angles weren't as important as get that centred position on the bike. My guess is that is what they are going for with this new geometry. Get you in the centre of the bike. They didn't touch on it but I wonder if the seat tube is less angled as well to get you in the centre of the bike. It'd be really interesting to compare two Foxy's, 2012 and 2013 to really see if there is a difference.