An Approachable Full-Suspension Trail Bike
The Kona Process 134 27.5 is a capable introduction to full-suspension mountain biking. Its manageable 27.5-inch wheels, balanced trail geometry and air suspension make it a good choice for riders building confidence on singletrack and progressing onto more technical terrain.
A Kona 6061 aluminium frame provides 134 mm of rear travel, paired with a 140 mm RockShox Recon RL fork. Shimano Deore gearing, hydraulic disc brakes, thru-axles and an internally routed dropper post give it the equipment needed for proper trail riding from the outset.
With sizes from Extra Small through to Extra Large, the Process 134 27.5 also suits riders who find many 29-inch trail bikes too tall or difficult to move around.
27.5-Inch Trail Handling
The 27.5-inch wheels help give the Process 134 a lively and manageable feel. They are easier to move through tight turns than larger wheels and help keep the bike accessible for shorter riders.
This does not mean the bike is limited to easy trails. The wide Maxxis tyres, 134 mm of rear travel and 140 mm fork provide enough control for roots, rocks and moderate drops as riding skills develop.
RockShox Air Suspension
The RockShox Recon RL fork provides 140 mm of travel, with a Solo Air spring that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s weight. Motion Control damping and an adjustable rebound setting allow the fork to be tuned for the trail and riding style.
At the rear, the RockShox Deluxe Select Trunnion shock controls 134 mm of travel. It improves traction and comfort across uneven ground while providing support through corners, compressions and moderate trail features.
Shimano Deore 11-Speed Gearing
The Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain uses a wide-range SunRace 11–51T cassette. This provides a low climbing gear for steep approaches while retaining enough range for faster trail sections.
A single 30T chainring removes the complication of a front derailleur. Shimano Deore cranks and a KMC X11 chain complete a straightforward drivetrain that is practical to maintain.
Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes offer predictable stopping power and an easy-to-control lever feel. They are well suited to recreational trail riding and riders making the move from mechanical disc brakes.
A 180 mm front rotor provides additional braking leverage, while the 160 mm rear rotor balances power and control.
Wide Maxxis Trail Tyres
A Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5 × 2.5″ WT front tyre provides dependable cornering and braking grip. At the rear, the Maxxis Dissector 27.5 × 2.4″ WT offers useful drive and braking traction while keeping the bike rolling efficiently.
Both tyres use EXO sidewall protection and are tubeless ready. The WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 rims are also tubeless compatible, allowing the bike to be converted with suitable valves, sealant and rim preparation.
Dropper Post Included
The internally routed TranzX +RAD dropper post allows the saddle to be lowered from the handlebar. This gives the rider more room to move on descents and helps improve confidence through corners and technical sections.
The +RAD system allows the usable travel to be adjusted, helping match the post to the rider’s leg length and frame size.
Key Features
- Kona 6061 butted aluminium frame
- 134 mm of rear-wheel travel
- RockShox Recon RL Solo Air fork with 140 mm of travel
- RockShox Deluxe Select Trunnion rear shock
- Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain
- Wide-range SunRace 11–51T cassette
- Shimano Deore crankset with 30T chainring
- Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes
- 180 mm front and 160 mm rear brake rotors
- WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 tubeless-ready rims
- Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5 × 2.5″ WT front tyre
- Maxxis Dissector 27.5 × 2.4″ WT rear tyre
- TranzX +RAD internally routed dropper post
- Boost front and rear thru-axles
- Available from Extra Small through to Extra Large
- Satin Metallic Black finish with Gloss Bone decals
Who Is It For?
- Riders buying their first full-suspension mountain bike
- Trail-centre and recreational mountain biking
- Flowing singletrack and moderately technical trails
- Riders progressing beyond an entry-level hardtail
- Shorter riders wanting a capable full-suspension bike
- Riders who prefer agile 27.5-inch wheel handling
- Anyone wanting a trail bike with room for future upgrades
The Process 134 is not a downhill or long-travel enduro bike. Riders spending most of their time on very steep terrain, large jumps or repeated bike-park laps may be better served by a Process 153 or Process X.
Our Thoughts
The Process 134 27.5 is a good starting point for someone ready to move into proper full-suspension trail riding. The air suspension can be adjusted to suit the rider, while the dropper post and wide tyres provide confidence when the trail becomes steeper or rougher.
The Shimano Deore drivetrain is dependable and has enough range for real climbing. The MT201 brakes are easy to control and service, although faster or heavier riders tackling sustained steep descents may eventually consider a more powerful four-piston brake system.
We particularly like the broad size range. The Extra Small and Small frames give shorter riders access to a properly equipped trail bike without forcing them onto wheels or a frame that feel unnecessarily large.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked
- Suspension pressures initially set for your weight
- Brakes professionally checked and bedded in
- Gear adjustment and drivetrain tuning
- Dropper-post setup and adjustment
- Tubeless setup advice
- Expert sizing and bike setup advice
- Complete bike handover and feature walkthrough
- Finance and WorkRide options available
Visit Chain Reaction at 4–218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. There are more than 200 free onsite car parks, along with plenty of room for sizing and test riding.