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2018 Kona Process 153 AL/DL 29 super bike build

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#2 ·
that's a weird build... 170mm reverb but the seatpost is slammed in the frame? The front end also looks bizarre, 180mm fork and angleset but a longish stem to put more weight forward so the front end doesn't tend to wander all over the place?
 
#3 ·
Interesting read.

You say you have been looking at the Sentinel and the Whyte S150 before choosing the Kona, have you considered the Pole Evolink and the new MDE Carve 29? Would you say they'are in the same league, geo wise, as the Process and Sentinel?

You also say this is set up for "long ride and lots of pedaling", what would be your typical long ride in terms of elevation?

I have been looking at this bike because of the modern geo with the added bonus of short chainstays and pf BB, but I fear it could be a bit much for where I ride 10\11 months a year.

A Process 134 G2 would be my ticket but it doesn't exist yet, the Smuggler is attractive but I don't have any dealers near by and the threaded BB puts me off, also the weight is close to the Process and I wonder if there's that much difference in pedaling efficiency and liveliness with the Process...

Cheers!
 
#4 ·
I don't understand the weight he came up with. My bike is an XL and weighs 34.6 lbs with the large Crankbrothers stamp pedals and a water bottle cage. There are really no light parts on this bike (which is great if you want to drop some sheckles and put lighter parts on) - the cranks, wheels, cassette, handlebars, etc. are all heavy. I figure there's 1.5 or 2 lbs to be saved on just those components if you wanted to.
 
#8 ·
Nice, I have a similar build. Went with I9 Grade wheels, a paul stem and a generic 800 mm bar I like. With Chromag pedals came out to 34.9 in Large. Very happy with the bike. I ordered a 180 airshaft from Sram but havn't installed yet. I am blown away by the GX eagle, it works so well.
 
#9 ·
I've got the Al 29, only upgrades so far are a lighter but wider saddle (-100g) and a luftkappe and one less token for the Yari(+15g), which has made a nice improvement, but may stick another token back in. Bike, fork & wheels are very rigid laterally and track really well, eats up everything in front of it.
Bike absolutely rips, moves around really well, great grip is superb, but it's 500g heavier than the DL, but that's all on the wheels ,& cassette.
Even though it pedals & climbs better than my old 153 by the end of a ride the extra weight is noticeable , it's nearly 2kg heavier than my old 153 with lb carbon/tune hub wheels !
Pretty happy with the cockpit (35mm is great, same strength but lighter than 31.8). I'll be getting some carbon bars at some point, to save some weight.
Aefect cranks are Slx/xt weight which is hard to beat without spending $$$.
NX cassette weighs a ton 46t sunrace or Shimano lighter.
Level T brakes are not as bad as I thought but my hopes are going on when I get an matchmaker, much lighter and more controled.

Does anyone know if there are any volume reducers in the shock, it's actually pretty good stock, but would like to see if I can get it a bit more progressive
Very sorted bike, when I can afford some lighter wheels will be epic!
 
#12 ·
It rides brilliantly and pedals well but a 5 hr+ ride is more fun if you're not knackered from lugging round a heavy bike.
My old 153 was defo improved by dropping weight!
Wouldn't compromise on performance, hope brakes plenty lighter and much better than the stock ones, lighter wheels made a big difference, accelerate quicker, turn sharper, but you feel it most at the end of the day.
With a lighter bike I can go longer, harder, faster & who doesn't love that !
 
#15 ·
Yari riding very well with one token, luftkappe and a bit more compression, loads of grip in some shitty conditions even over wet roots today.

Definitely want to get the rear less linear, gonna order some reducers.

No real experience of gx stuff, but I've not had good luck with cheaper SRAM stuff, x7 mech that came on my old 153 was crap, play in all the pivots after a few months.
 
#17 ·
kimbers said:
Yari riding very well with one token, luftkappe and a bit more compression, loads of grip in some shitty conditions even over wet roots today.

Definitely want to get the rear less linear, gonna order some reducers.

No real experience of gx stuff, but I've not had good luck with cheaper SRAM stuff, x7 mech that came on my old 153 was crap, play in all the pivots after a few months.
Click to expand...
I've got the Luftkapped Lyrik on my CF153 and it is mint.

Pulled apart my Deluxe RT to add reducers the other night - found it had two in there pre-installed. Added a 3rd and dropped a couple psi - feels great now.

I've given up on the GX Eagle and ordered the bits to change over to 11spd GX. I've run 11spd GX for the past couple of years without any issues in all kinds of conditions, but the Eagle can't seem to handle any mud or muck without sounding like hell and crunching and clunking. I've had one rear mech self destruct and I just want something durable and reliable now.
 
#18 ·
@geryl 1.75m and about 85 kg in riding kit
Im running about 30% sag it's not bottoming out just want a bit more progressive on big drops in the last bit of travel

@toodles NX 11speed has been great so far, in gonna get a sunrace 11-46 cassette to add a bit more range.

Only thing is that my transx dropper has started losing pressure after each ride, got a lev I can swap back while it's warrantied, shame as it's actually quite a good post!
 
#20 ·
kimbers said:
Bike Bible review is out

https://www.bikemag.com/gear/mounta.../mountain-bikes/all-mountain-bikes-gear/bible-review-kona-process-153-al-dl-29/

Agree with what I've been saying - needs lighter wheels & kit for more pop and a damper upgrade for the fork
Click to expand...
Seems to get satisfactory reviews on most sites, nothing glowing like when the last generation rolled out, but okay. Think their competition across town stole the show this year;)

Totally agree all the yari needs is a new cartridge and with some Santa Cruz carbon wheels for the rest of it.

Currently adding an avalanche cartridge and MRP ramp control on a yari for a buddies sentinel build and will post results once i get it all together.
 
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