2018 Kona Process 153 CR/DL 27.5

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The original Process 153 was highly regarded at the time of its release. The bike's progressive geometry, lively suspension, and unflappable reliability quickly built a following and also seemed to influence how other brands approached the geometry and sizing of their own products. The original Process 153 seemed to stand the test of time against carbon constructed, feature-laden super bikes, but nothing is perfect and many Process fans were speculating what changes could make such a good bike even better. Improvements in the weight and pedaling performance realms were at the forefront of people's minds. Fast forward a few years and Kona has unveiled the Process G2, which features new suspension, a number of design improvements, plus the inclusion of a carbon frame option.

Strengths

• Good value
• Long term durability
• Well-chosen component spec
• Low standover heights across size range
• Room to play with shock tune and ramp in either direction
• More composed, predictable, and pedal-able than previous version
• Excels in moderate, rolling terrain compared to many 150-160mm travel bikes

Weaknesses

• A bit hefty
• Frame protection is slightly lacking
• Heel rub may be an issue for some
• While improved, it's still not the most spritely climber

Kona Process 153 CR/DL 27.5 Highlights

• 27.5-inch (650b) wheels
• 153mm (6.0-inches) rear travel // 160mm (6.3-inches) front travel
• Kona DH carbon frame with 6061 aluminum chainstays
• Beamer Independent Suspension design
• 20mm ID bearings in main and rocker pivots
• Trunion-style Metric shock
• Three-piece locking pivot axles
• Water bottle inside front triangle
• PF92 bottom bracket
• ISCG05 tabs
• 1x drivetrain specific
• Boost 148x12mm rear axle
• Clearance for 2.5-inch tire on 35mm inner width rim
• Tapered headtube with internal headset
• Three year carbon frame warranty
• Sizes: S, M, L and XL
• Frame Weight: 6.6-pounds (3.0kg, size medium, claimed)
• Complete Weight: 31.5-pounds (14.3kg, size large, no pedals, actual)
• MSRP: $5,999 USD

"We felt that the realm of 150-160mm bikes had two camps: one long-travel XC bike camp, and one ‘send it’ camp. We knew that the 153’s heritage was in the latter and made specific changes to chase that goal." – Ian Schmitt, Kona Product Manager

New vs Old Geometry Comparison

The original Process 153 was highly regarded in terms of fit and geometry. Recognizing that they might have found ideal numbers for the 153 CR/DL’s intended purpose, Kona elected to avoid reinventing the wheel. Geometry is largely unchanged from the first generation Process 153. While the whole industry seems to buy into the ‘longer, lower, slacker’ mantra, Kona feels they previously found something that works well.

"We are quite pleased with the current geometry of the 153… the 2017 bike was a stepping stone to where we are now. The most notable difference is the seat tube angle: the new 2018 Process is steeper by about 1-degree and gives a better pedaling position," states Schmitt. Another notable change is a 0.5-degree steeper head tube angle.

Initial Impressions

At first glance it's evident that the Process G2 is much more refined than its predecessor. The old version was more utilitarian from an aesthetics point of view, whereas our test bike sat in the garage like a piece of jewelry in a case. The clean lines from the top tube to the seat stays and downtube to chainstays are nearly seamless, and the aqua blue paint is a perfect choice to show it off.

More subtle updates include a tidy internal cable management system, water bottle mounts within the front triangle, and three-piece locking pivot axles. There's even a hidden spare derailleur hanger located in the downtube internal cable routing port. Even though the Process G2 has all of the features necessary to call itself "refined," it retains its roots in functionality. The 20mm oversized frame bearings, Trunion-style Metric shock, and integrated frame protection all serve notice that regardless of the 153’s "refined" appearance, it is still ready to rumble.

In sum, not a single part is out of place on the Process 153 CR/DL. Build it, adjust settings, and go.

Seatpost duties were handled by a 170mm travel RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper. Again, kudos to the folks at Kona for building a bike with such great standover with the capability to handle a long-travel seatpost. RockShox's new Reverb lever would be icing on the cake, but the original works well enough.

Kona chose WTB i29 TCS rims for the CR/DL, which are plenty wide for aggressive tires. Our rims survived a handful of trips to the Whistler Bike Park, a trip to Finale Ligure, and daily driving throughout Squamish and the surrounding areas. The rear wheel is showing signs of abuse, but it wasn’t unexpected after a few major impacts with square edges. In spite of the beating they took, the wheels are still doing the job without complaints. The 153 CR/DL also features SRAM hubs, which are a welcome improvement compared to the Process G1.

Wheels are wrapped with Maxxis Minion DHF tires with a 2.5-inch 3C EXO MaxxTerra up front and 2.35-inch 3C EXO MaxxTerra out back. As we mentioned earlier, we prefer the ride quality and durability of the Double Down casing, however we spent plenty of time aboard the stock setup with no issues.

In sum, not a single part is out of place on the Process 153 CR/DL. Build it, adjust settings, and go.

Things That Could Be Improved

The integrated frame protection is great, but we feel that size could be increased in order to provide additional coverage. We managed to put a good-sized rock into the carbon downtube, and the driveside chainstay now shows a number of battle scars.

Unfortunately heel rub near the dropout remains an issue, and the width of the rocker will have riders with large calves readjusting their pedal stroke slightly.

Long Term Durability

Our Process 153 CR/DL stood the test of time admirably. It experienced frequent mistreatment and infrequent care, yet every time we hopped aboard it felt solid. The updated axles and oversized bearings not only compliment suspension fluidity, they’re bomber. No loosening over time, creaking, or other issues, even after riding in some really gross weather. Kona’s carbon seems more than capable as well. We flung a good number of rocks at the downtube, did our fair share of shuttles, and even managed to crash a few times with no signs of frame damage, just a few scuffs and paint chips.

"The bike needs to hold up and we knew that folks would be riding bike parts and shredding these bikes. The new normal is having a single long-travel bike in your quiver and we wanted to make sure our carbon bikes met this need head on." – Schmitt 

Our components were also issue free. We mentioned that our rear wheel is a little worse for wear, but the WTB i29 rims are not at fault. We will gladly accept the odd ding or nipple replacement over a much heavier product, and in spite of the damage wheel performance remains unaffected.

What's The Bottom Line?

We were pumped at first glance and over time we’ve only grown to appreciate the Process 153 CR/DL even more. There is no doubt that the Process G2 is a significant improvement over the previous generation. It outperforms its predecessor in every regard, without compromise. Moreover, the updated Process 153 CR/DL puts itself squarely among the best all-mountain and enduro bikes at a competitive price. The Process has always had a reputation as a reliable workhorse, and the G2 is no different. What is different is how well this workhorse handles all types of terrain and riding – the Process 153 CR/DL now rides with the poise and predictability that the G1 lacked, without sacrificing the agility and pop that it always had. Regardless of the task, the Kona Process 153 CR/DL is up to the challenge.

Visit www.konaworld.com for more details.

Vital MTB Rating

• 
  Climbing: 3.5 stars - Very Good
• 
  Descending: 4.5 stars - Outstanding
• 
  Fun Factor: 4.5 stars - Outstanding
• 
  Value: 4 stars - Excellent
• 
  Overall Impression: 4 stars - Excellent

About The Reviewer

Joel Harwood - Age: 34 // Years Riding MTB: 20+ // Height: 5'11" (1.80m) // Weight: 185-pounds (83.9kg)

Joel’s unique coaching background and willingness to tinker with products bring an objective perspective to testing. He dabbles in all types of racing, but is happiest simply exploring the limitless trail networks surrounding his home of Squamish, BC. Attention to detail, time in the saddle, and an aggressive riding style make Joel a rider that demands the most from his products while exposing any shortcomings.

Photos by Jessie McAuley