Looking at a Kona Process and not sure which one to choose? The main thing to think about is where you ride.
If you want a trail bike for pedalling around the Port Hills, start with the 134. If you enjoy rougher tracks but still want to pedal back to the top, have a look at the 153. The Process X build we have is for riders who spend more time on uplift laps, shuttles and steep gravity tracks.
Here’s a look at the Kona Process bikes at Chain Reaction and where they’re best suited.
Shop Kona Mountain Bikes at Chain Reaction
A Bit of Kona History
Kona has been making bikes since 1988. The company was started by Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron, and its roots are in the mountain bike scene of the Pacific Northwest.
Over the years, Kona has made everything from hardtails and cross-country bikes to downhill and freeride bikes. If you’ve been around mountain biking for a while, you may remember names like the Stinky, Coiler and Dawg.
In 2024, the original founders bought Kona back. They returned the brand to rider ownership with a team that included experienced Kona staff.
The Kona Range at a Glance
| Bike | Front / Rear Travel | What It’s Made For | Who Should Look at It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process 134 | 140 / 134 mm | Trail riding and all-round use | Riders who want to pedal up, enjoy the descent and do it again |
| Process 134 DL 29 | 140 / 134 mm | Trail riding with a higher-spec component build | Riders wanting the 134 with different suspension and components |
| Process 153 | 160 / 153 mm | Rougher trails and enduro riding | Riders who enjoy rough descents but still want to pedal back up |
| Process 153 DL 29 | 160 / 153 mm | Enduro riding with a higher-spec component build | Riders wanting the 153 with different suspension and components |
| Process X | 190 / 162 mm | Bike parks, uplift laps and gravity riding | Riders who spend most of their time on steep, rough descents |
The travel figures are for the builds listed here. Bikes also come in different wheel sizes and component builds, so check the individual listing or get in touch if you’d like help comparing them.
What Does Suspension Travel Mean?
Suspension travel is the distance the suspension can move as it absorbs bumps. It’s measured in millimetres. The fork at the front and the rear suspension can have different amounts of travel.
More travel gives the bike more room to absorb bigger bumps and rough landings. That can be helpful on steep, rough tracks. It doesn’t mean you need the most travel available, though. A shorter-travel bike can feel more responsive on smoother trails and is often a better fit for rides with plenty of pedalling.
The Process 134 has less rear travel than the 153. Both can climb and descend, but the 134 leans towards all-round trail riding, while the 153 gives you more suspension for rougher tracks. The Process X build is set up for gravity riding, with a much longer fork and downhill-focused parts.
Kona Process 134: The All-Round Trail Bike
If you want one bike for a bit of everything, the Process 134 is where we’d start.
It’s a full-suspension trail bike for riders who enjoy climbing to the top, riding back down and heading up for another lap. It has 134 mm of rear suspension travel and is a good choice when your rides involve plenty of pedalling as well as descending.
Where Would You Ride It?
The 134 would be at home on a mix of trails around the Port Hills, on suitable tracks at Crocodile Park, or on a weekend trip where you’re climbing as well as descending.
You can also ride it at Christchurch Adventure Park. Choose the tracks to suit your experience and the bike.
Our thoughts: If most of your rides involve pedalling and you want a bike that’s fun on the way back down, start with the 134. It’s a good choice for regular trail riding.
Compare the Process 134 bikes:
Process 134 29 vs Process 134 DL 29
You’ll see DL on some Process models. It’s a higher-spec build with different parts. Here’s how the two 29-inch 134s compare:
| Component | Process 134 29 | Process 134 DL 29 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Recon RL Solo Air, 140 mm | RockShox Pike Select RC, 140 mm |
| Rear shock | RockShox Deluxe Select Trunnion | RockShox Deluxe Ultimate Trunnion |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore, 1 × 11-speed | SRAM GX/NX Eagle, 1 × 12-speed |
| Brakes | Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc | SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc, four-piston |
The standard 134 is a good place to start if you want a capable trail bike. The DL is worth a look if you’d like the higher-spec suspension and brakes. Check the product pages for the full specifications.
Kona Process 153: More Bike for Rougher Trails
The Process 153 is for riders who want more suspension than the 134 and enjoy steeper, rougher trails.
You can still pedal it to the top. The extra suspension is useful when you’re riding rougher tracks or spending a day at the bike park.
Where Would You Ride It?
We’d look at the 153 for riders who spend time on rougher Port Hills trails, enjoy the more demanding tracks around Victoria Park, or want a bike for occasional laps at Christchurch Adventure Park.
If most of your riding is on smooth, easy tracks, you may not need the extra suspension. That’s where the 134 is worth comparing.
Our thoughts: If you enjoy the descents as much as the climb and you’re starting to choose rougher tracks, compare the 153 with the 134. It’s also the better starting point if you’re looking at the Process X but still want to pedal up regularly.
Compare the Process 153 bikes:
Process 153 29 vs Process 153 DL 29
Both are built for rougher trails. The DL comes with a different suspension and component package:
| Component | Process 153 29 | Process 153 DL 29 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Yari RC, 160 mm | RockShox Lyrik Select RC, 160 mm |
| Rear shock | RockShox Deluxe Select Plus | RockShox Super Deluxe Select Plus |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore, 1 × 11-speed | SRAM GX/NX Eagle, 1 × 12-speed |
| Brakes | Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc, four-piston | SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc, four-piston |
If you’re choosing between them, the fork and shock are a good place to start. The DL’s suspension is the main reason we’d suggest having a closer look at that build.
Note: These tables compare the 29-inch bikes listed at Chain Reaction. Components can change, and the 27.5-inch builds may differ. Check each product page for its full specification.
Kona Process X: Built for Gravity Riding
The Process X build we have is for riders who spend their time looking for steep tracks, rough lines and the next lap down.
It comes with a 190 mm RockShox BoXXer dual-crown fork, 162 mm of rear travel and a coil shock. It also uses mixed-size wheels: a 29-inch wheel up front and a 27.5-inch wheel at the rear.
The downhill gearing, fixed seatpost and gravity tyres suit bike-park and shuttle riding. If you want to pedal long climbs as part of your regular ride, we’d steer you towards the Process 153 instead.
Where Would You Ride It?
Think Christchurch Adventure Park, uplift laps, shuttle days and steep, rough gravity tracks. As always, choose trails and features that suit your experience.
Our thoughts: If your weekends are spent doing laps at the Adventure Park or loading up for shuttles, the Process X is worth a look. It’s the bike in this guide we’d choose for riders whose main focus is getting back down the hill.
Take a closer look: Kona Process X
27.5-Inch or 29-Inch Wheels?
Both sizes can be a lot of fun. The best one depends on the bike, your size and how you like it to feel.
27.5-inch wheels can feel easier to move around on tight, twisty tracks. Some riders like the more playful feel.
29-inch wheels roll over roots and rocks more easily and can help carry speed. They’re a popular choice for trail and enduro riding.
The Process X uses both: a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. This is often called a mixed-wheel or mullet setup.
Wheel size is only part of the picture. Frame size, geometry, tyres and suspension setup make a big difference too. If you’re unsure, come in and sit on the bikes.
Which Kona Should You Choose?
- For regular trail rides and plenty of pedalling: Start with the Process 134.
- For rougher trails, regular climbs and occasional bike-park days: Compare the Process 153 with the 134.
- For uplift laps, shuttles and steep gravity tracks: Take a closer look at the Process X.
- If you’re considering a DL: Compare the fork, shock, gears and brakes with the standard bike and decide which parts matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kona Process bikes full suspension?
Yes. The Process bikes covered in this guide have suspension at the front and rear.
Can I ride a Process 134 at Christchurch Adventure Park?
Yes, on tracks that suit your riding ability and the bike. If you spend most of your time on steep, rough descents or repeated bike-park laps, compare it with the longer-travel 153 and the gravity-focused Process X.
Is the Process 153 only for downhill riding?
No. It’s made for riders who want a capable bike for rough descents but still need to pedal back up.
Is the Process X suitable for regular trail rides?
The Process X build in this guide is best suited to bike parks, uplift laps and shuttles. Its downhill gearing, dual-crown fork, fixed seatpost and gravity tyres make it less suited to regular, sustained climbing. If you want to pedal up as well as ride down, take a look at the Process 153.
Should I buy a 27.5-inch or 29-inch bike?
There’s no answer that suits everyone. A 27.5-inch bike may feel easier to move around, while a 29-inch bike rolls well over rough ground. Your size, the frame and the trails you ride all matter.
Can Chain Reaction service Kona bikes?
Yes. Our Christchurch workshop can help with servicing, suspension work, brake bleeds and general repairs. We can also help get the suspension set up for your weight and riding.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re deciding between the 134 and 153, or wondering whether the Process X is right for your riding, come in and have a chat.
Tell us what you ride now, which tracks you enjoy and whether you’re pedalling to the top or spending more time at the bike park. We’ll help you find the right bike and size.
Visit Chain Reaction at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. There are over 200 free car parks on-site.
