A capable full suspension trail bike for riders who want to push a bit harder on the descents.
The Kona Process 153 29 is built for riders who enjoy a good climb but really look forward to the ride back down. With 160 mm of front travel, 153 mm at the rear and 29-inch wheels, it is ready for rough singletrack, technical trails and bigger days in the hills.
A RockShox Yari fork, four-piston Shimano brakes and grippy Maxxis tyres give the Process 153 the equipment to tackle more demanding terrain, while a wide-range Shimano Deore drivetrain keeps the ride back to the top manageable.
Aluminium Frame Built for Bigger Trails
The Process 153 uses a butted Kona 6061 aluminium frame with 153 mm of rear wheel travel. It sits between the shorter-travel Process 134 and the longer-travel Process X, making it a good choice for riders who want more support on rough descents without giving up the ability to pedal to the top.
The 29-inch wheels roll well over roots and rocks and help carry speed through rough sections. Front and rear thru-axles keep the wheels securely located when the trail gets demanding.
160 mm RockShox Yari Fork
The RockShox Yari RC fork provides 160 mm of travel, with a DebonAir air spring and Motion Control damping. It gives the front wheel room to move over rocks, roots and repeated bumps while providing the support needed for more demanding trail riding.
A RockShox Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion rear shock controls the 153 mm rear suspension. Air suspension can be adjusted for rider weight and preference, and we can help set it up as a starting point when you collect the bike.
Wide-Range Shimano Deore Gearing
The Shimano Deore 1 × 11-speed drivetrain keeps gear changes straightforward, with a single 30T chainring and an 11–51T SunRace cassette.
There is plenty of range for steep climbs and rolling trails, without a front derailleur to manage. It is a practical setup for riders who want to spend their time riding rather than thinking about which chainring they are in.
Four-Piston Shimano Brakes
Shimano MT420 four-piston hydraulic brakes provide the stopping power and control needed when the trails get steeper. A 200 mm front rotor and 180 mm rear rotor add braking leverage for longer descents.
The TranzX dropper post lets you lower the saddle from the handlebar before a descent, giving you more room to move around the bike. Raise it again for climbing without stopping to adjust the saddle by hand.
Maxxis Tyres for Rougher Trails
The front wheel is fitted with a Maxxis Assegai 29 × 2.5-inch tyre, a popular choice for predictable grip when braking and cornering. At the rear, a Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 × 2.4-inch tyre provides braking traction and cornering support.
Both tyres are listed with EXO sidewall protection and a tubeless-ready construction. They are fitted to WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 rims. Tubeless valves, sealant and final setup may be required; ask us about the options when ordering.
Key Features
- Kona 6061 butted aluminium full suspension frame
- 153 mm rear suspension travel
- RockShox Yari RC DebonAir fork with 160 mm travel
- RockShox Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion rear shock
- 29-inch wheels
- Shimano Deore 1 × 11-speed drivetrain
- 30T chainring and wide-range 11–51T cassette
- Shimano MT420 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- 200 mm front and 180 mm rear brake rotors
- TranzX internally routed dropper post
- WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 tubeless-ready rims
- Maxxis Assegai 2.5-inch front tyre
- Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4-inch rear tyre
- Front and rear thru-axles
- Blue finish
Who Is It For?
- Trail riders looking for more capability on descents
- Riders progressing onto steeper and rougher singletrack
- All-mountain riding with a mix of climbing and descending
- Riders who enjoy roots, rocks and technical trails
- Weekend trips to trail centres and mountain bike parks
- Riders wanting a capable full suspension bike without moving to a top-tier build
Our Thoughts
The Process 153 is a good choice if you are happy to pedal up but want more bike underneath you on the way down. The Yari fork, four-piston brakes and Assegai/DHR II tyre combination are useful inclusions when the trails get steeper and rougher.
Compared with the Process 134, the extra travel and more descent-focused build will appeal to riders tackling more demanding terrain. The trade-off is that it is more bike than some riders need for smooth trails, and it will not feel as quick on long climbs as a lighter, shorter-travel option.
For local riders looking to build confidence on rougher Port Hills tracks or take on bigger rides further afield, the Process 153 offers a capable package without needing an immediate list of upgrades.
Specifications
Frame and Suspension
- Frame: Kona 6061 butted aluminium, 153 mm rear travel
- Rear shock: RockShox Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion
- Fork: RockShox Yari RC, Motion Control, DebonAir, 160 mm travel, tapered steerer, 110 mm spacing
- Headset: FSA No.57B
Drivetrain
- Shifter: Shimano Deore, 11-speed
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore, 11-speed
- Crankset: Shimano Deore M5100
- Chainring: 30T
- Cassette: SunRace, 11–51T, 11-speed
- Chain: KMC X10
- Bottom bracket: Shimano MT-501, press fit
Brakes
- Brake calipers: Shimano MT420, four-piston hydraulic disc
- Brake levers: Shimano MT4100
- Front rotor: Shimano RT-64, 200 mm, Centre Lock
- Rear rotor: Shimano RT-64, 180 mm, Centre Lock
Wheels and Tyres
- Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0, tubeless-ready
- Front hub: Shimano TC-500, 15 × 110 mm
- Rear hub: Shimano MT-400, 12 × 148 mm
- Spokes: Black stainless steel, 14-gauge
- Front tyre: Maxxis Assegai, 29 × 2.5-inch WT, EXO, TR, Dual Compound
- Rear tyre: Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29 × 2.4-inch WT, EXO, TR, Dual Compound
Cockpit and Contact Points
- Handlebar: Kona XC/BC 35
- Stem: Kona XC/BC 35
- Grips: Kona Key Grip
- Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD, internally routed, 31.6 mm, with Shimano lever
- Seat clamp: Kona Clamp
- Saddle: Kona Trail
Additional Details
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Listed sizes: M, L and XL
- Colour: Blue
Select your preferred size to check current availability.
Size Guide
The right size depends on your height, body proportions, experience and preferred handling. Contact Chain Reaction for personalised sizing advice before ordering, particularly if you are between sizes.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked
- Brakes professionally checked and bedded in
- Suspension set up for your weight as a starting point
- Gears and dropper post checked and adjusted
- Expert mountain-bike sizing and setup advice
- Practical advice on suspension settings and maintenance
- Finance and WorkRide options available
Visit Chain Reaction at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. There are more than 200 free car parks on-site, along with plenty of room to discuss sizing and setup.
Specifications are based on supplier and manufacturer information and may change without notice. Components can vary between production batches. Bike weight varies with frame size, finish and fitted components. Please contact us if a particular component or accessory is important to your purchase.
