More travel, more control and the confidence to take on steeper, rougher trails.
If your riding is getting faster, steeper and more technical, the Kona Process 153 29 is ready to step up. Sitting between the Process 134 and the longer-travel Process X, it balances climbing ability with the suspension travel and stability needed for demanding descents.
With 160 mm of front travel and 153 mm at the rear, the Process 153 is built to manage rough trails, larger impacts and repeated bike-park runs. Its 29-inch wheels carry speed through broken ground, while the aluminium frame and dependable component package make it a practical choice for regular trail and enduro riding.
Built for Bigger Trails
The Process 153 is intended for terrain where a shorter-travel trail bike can begin to feel out of its depth. Its longer suspension keeps the bike composed through rocks, roots and braking bumps, while the geometry provides the stability needed on steep descents.
It remains manageable on climbs and longer trail rides, but its strengths become most obvious when the trail points downhill. It is well suited to technical singletrack, enduro-style riding and bike-park sessions where control matters more than saving every gram.
RockShox Suspension
The RockShox Yari RC fork provides 160 mm of travel, with a DebonAir air spring and Motion Control damping. Its substantial chassis delivers the support and steering accuracy needed when riding hard through rough sections.
At the rear, a RockShox Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion shock controls 153 mm of travel. It helps the rear wheel maintain traction over uneven ground while providing support through corners, compressions, drops and jumps.
Microshift Advent X Drivetrain
The Microshift Advent X drivetrain keeps things straightforward with ten gears and an 11–48T cassette. This provides a useful range for steep climbs without adding unnecessary complication.
An FSA Comet Heavy Duty crankset with a 30T chainring and KMC X10 chain completes a durable drivetrain that is practical to adjust and maintain. It is a sensible setup for riders who value reliability and straightforward servicing.
SRAM DB8 Four-Piston Brakes
SRAM DB8 hydraulic disc brakes provide the power needed for a long-travel trail bike. Their four-piston calipers deliver controlled braking on steep descents and use mineral oil for straightforward workshop servicing.
A 200 mm front rotor provides additional leverage where most of the braking load occurs, while the 180 mm rear rotor balances stopping power and control.
29-Inch Tubeless-Ready Wheels
The 29-inch wheels maintain momentum through rough terrain and improve rollover across rocks, roots and trail holes. WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 rims provide a 30 mm internal width suited to modern trail tyres.
The rims are tubeless ready and can be converted using suitable tape, valves and sealant. Boost thru-axle spacing provides secure wheel location and suitable stiffness for demanding trail riding.
Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II Tyres
A Maxxis Assegai EXO TR Dual 29 × 2.5″ WT front tyre provides dependable cornering and braking grip on loose, steep and technical terrain.
At the rear, a Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO TR Dual 29 × 2.4″ WT tyre delivers strong drive and braking traction while rolling more efficiently than another Assegai at the back.
Dropper Post Included
The internally routed TranzX +RAD dropper post lets you lower the saddle from the handlebar. This gives you more room to move on steep descents, through technical sections and when approaching larger trail features.
Its adjustable-travel design also allows the usable drop to be better matched to the rider and frame size.
Key Features
- Kona 6061 butted aluminium frame
- 153 mm of rear-wheel travel
- RockShox Yari RC fork with 160 mm of travel
- DebonAir air spring and Motion Control damping
- RockShox Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion rear shock
- Microshift Advent X 10-speed drivetrain
- Wide-range 11–48T cassette
- FSA Comet Heavy Duty crankset with 30T chainring
- SRAM DB8 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- 200 mm front and 180 mm rear brake rotors
- WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 tubeless-ready rims
- Maxxis Assegai 29 × 2.5″ WT front tyre
- Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 × 2.4″ WT rear tyre
- TranzX +RAD internally routed dropper post
- Boost thru-axle wheel spacing
- Matte Midnight finish with Blue-Grey decals
Who Is It For?
- Riders progressing onto steeper and more technical trails
- All-mountain and enduro-style riding
- Technical singletrack and rough natural trails
- Bike-park riding and shuttle days
- Riders wanting more stability than a shorter-travel trail bike
- Anyone who values dependable mechanical components and straightforward servicing
The Process 153 is more bike than most riders need for smooth cross-country tracks or predominantly flat riding. Its longer travel, aggressive tyres and sturdy build are best suited to riders who regularly encounter rough or steep terrain.
Our Thoughts
The Process 153 makes sense for riders who want a capable descending bike without moving all the way to a dedicated downhill machine. Its 160 mm front and 153 mm rear suspension platform provides plenty of margin when the trail gets rough, but the bike remains practical enough for rides that begin with a proper climb.
The Yari fork is sturdy and uncomplicated, while the Deluxe Select Plus shock provides useful traction and support at the rear. Microshift Advent X is not the flashiest drivetrain, but it offers a good gear range and is relatively inexpensive to maintain. That matters on a bike likely to see regular use in demanding conditions.
The SRAM DB8 brakes, wide WTB rims and proven Maxxis tyre combination round out a sensible build. Riders looking for their first serious all-mountain bike or a dependable platform they can upgrade over time should find plenty to like here.
For rough Port Hills trails, trips to Craigieburn, technical West Coast riding and bike-park days, the Process 153 provides useful extra stability without becoming a dedicated downhill bike.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked
- Suspension pressures initially set for the rider
- Fork and shock controls explained during handover
- Brakes professionally checked and bedded in
- Gear adjustment and drivetrain tuning
- Dropper-post operation checked and saddle height initially set
- Tubeless setup advice
- Expert sizing and bike setup advice
- Complete bike handover and feature walkthrough
- Lifetime workshop support from our experienced Christchurch team
- 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.
Component specifications may change if the manufacturer makes running substitutions. Pedals are not included unless otherwise stated. Please contact us if you would like to confirm the specification of the bike currently available.