Premium Suspension for Fast, Technical Trails
The Kona Process 153 DL 29 is built for riders who like to push harder on steep, rough and technical terrain. With 160 mm of front travel, 153 mm at the rear and fast-rolling 29-inch wheels, it has the stability and control needed for demanding trail rides, enduro-style terrain and bike-park sessions.
The tough Kona 6061 aluminium frame is paired with RockShox Lyrik and Super Deluxe suspension, SRAM Eagle gearing and four-piston SRAM G2 RS brakes. It is a capable all-mountain bike that can pedal to the top while still having plenty in reserve when the trail points downhill.
Built for Bigger Trails
The Process 153 DL sits in the sweet spot between a versatile trail bike and a full enduro machine. Its longer suspension provides useful control through rocks, roots and braking bumps, while the balanced geometry keeps the bike predictable on steep descents.
It is heavier and more aggressive than a shorter-travel Process 134, but it remains suitable for longer rides involving proper climbing. Riders who spend most of their time on technical singletrack, rough natural trails and bike-park laps will make the best use of its extra capability.
RockShox Lyrik Suspension
The RockShox Lyrik Select RC uses a Charger damper and DebonAir spring to deliver 160 mm of controlled travel. Its stiff chassis helps maintain steering accuracy through rough sections and under hard braking.
At the rear, the RockShox Super Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion shock controls 153 mm of travel. It provides useful traction across loose and uneven ground while offering the support needed for hard cornering, compressions, drops and jumps.
SRAM Eagle 12-Speed Drivetrain
The drivetrain combines a SRAM GX Eagle rear derailleur with an NX Eagle shifter, crankset and 11–50T cassette. This provides a wide gear range for steep climbs while retaining dependable mechanical shifting for regular trail use.
The SRAM NX Eagle DUB crankset uses a 32T X-Sync chainring. This gives the bike practical gearing for technical climbs without limiting speed on open trail sections.
SRAM G2 RS Four-Piston Brakes
SRAM G2 RS four-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide the power and control needed for a long-travel trail bike. They are paired with a 200 mm front rotor and 180 mm rear rotor for dependable braking on steep or sustained descents.
The SwingLink-equipped RS levers provide a positive lever feel and useful modulation when managing traction on loose or changing surfaces.
29-Inch Wheels and Maxxis 3C Tyres
The 29-inch wheels maintain momentum through rough ground and roll more easily over rocks, roots and trail holes. WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS rims provide a supportive 30 mm internal-width platform and are suitable for a compatible tubeless conversion.
A Maxxis Assegai 29 × 2.5″ WT front tyre uses 3C rubber for dependable cornering and braking grip. The Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 × 2.4″ WT rear tyre provides 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 allows the saddle to be lowered from the handlebar. This provides more room to move through technical sections and helps the rider maintain a balanced position on steep descents.
The +RAD design allows the post’s usable travel to be adjusted, helping match saddle clearance to the rider and frame size.
Key Features
- Kona 6061 butted aluminium frame
- 153 mm of rear-wheel travel
- RockShox Lyrik Select RC Charger DebonAir fork
- 160 mm of front travel
- RockShox Super Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion rear shock
- SRAM GX and NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
- Wide-range 11–50T cassette
- SRAM NX Eagle DUB crankset
- 32T X-Sync Eagle chainring
- SRAM G2 RS four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- 200 mm front and 180 mm rear brake rotors
- WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS rims
- Maxxis Assegai 29 × 2.5″ WT EXO TR 3C front tyre
- Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 × 2.4″ WT EXO TR 3C rear tyre
- TranzX +RAD internally routed dropper post
- Boost thru-axle wheel spacing
Who Is It For?
- Technical trail and all-mountain riding
- Enduro-style terrain
- Steep and rough natural trails
- Bike-park and shuttle-assisted riding
- Riders wanting more capability than a shorter-travel trail bike
- Riders who still want to pedal to the top
The Process 153 DL is more bike than most riders need for smooth cross-country tracks or predominantly flat riding. Its longer travel and aggressive tyres are best suited to riders who regularly encounter steep, rough or technical terrain.
Our Thoughts
The Process 153 DL is a strong option for riders who want one bike for technical trail riding, enduro-style terrain and occasional bike-park sessions. It has enough suspension to stay composed when the trail becomes rough, without feeling like a dedicated downhill bike on the climbs.
The Lyrik and Super Deluxe combination is the main reason to choose the DL over the standard Process 153. Both offer a noticeable step up in control when riding quickly through repeated impacts or pushing hard into corners.
The GX/NX Eagle drivetrain is straightforward to maintain, while the G2 RS brakes, WTB rims and Maxxis 3C tyres create a well-balanced build. It is ready for serious trail use without needing immediate component upgrades.
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.