[Prestige]

Wohoo, was super lucky to get hold of Process 153DL 2015. Frame is just the same as 2014, but there is changes with specs. Biggest being that drivetrain is 1x11, also handlebar has 0.5 inch more rise. Other Hubs are better in my opinion and in general looks better with black spokes and cool colours on the saddle. Surprise is that the green color on the bike exactly the same as in 2014 model.

Did the last enduro race of the season with it last weekend. It's really good. I like the handlebar better, but the x01 drivetrain was the biggest surprise. It's clearly more quiet and of course was really nice when we had to pedal up to some of the stages.

Photo from the race

Process 153DL 2015, wheels are not the ones that come with the bike, I use this lighter set for racing and trail riding.

 

[Geir]

Kona Process 153

Santa dropped by yesterday :thumbsup:

Pretty stock so long, but changed the brakes to Shimano Zee, saddle to Ergon SM3 and removed excess chainrings in the front and replaced them with a Raceface 32t WideNarrow chainring.

 

[kimbers]

^^^° looks sweet but even with the narrow wide I'd recommend and top guide, I got a direct mount mrp 1x.

 

[rickygmoney]

153 test ride, first impressions

Rented the Kona 153 (non-DL) yesterday. I've been riding a 2007 Specialized Enduro Elite for the last 7-8 years. So, that's basically what I am comparing the 153 to. So.. the drivetrain (shifting) is amazing, very solid shifting and gear changes! Also, the bike is VERY quiet (no chain noise, squeaking, or cross gear noise). The only sound that I hear from it (while riding on a flat road) is the sound of the freewheel bearings whirling. It's beautiful! The bike feels very solid, and while climbing it feels like I'm on a hard tail! There is NO pedal-bob. It doesn't seem to be the best climbing bike though, because of the weight of the bike (32.4ish pounds). I would definitely lighten the bike by going tubeless, and dropping the stock 2.3 tires for probably a 2.1. I'd only use the big tires for the local-mountain downhill stuff. The suspension is wonderful, both the front and rear have the ability to lock-out, which is great for climbing. All in all, a world of difference from my old trusty Specialized Enduro. I have the bike for a couple more days, so I'll add some more thoughts on it after that time, and after some more time in the saddle.

 

[Fluidworks]

^^^° looks sweet but even with the narrow wide I'd recommend and top guide, I got a direct mount mrp 1x.

What for? Not a sarcastic question just so we're clear. I've had a NW ring for almost a year now without any guide or rollers and haven't dropped a chain once.

 

[Geir]

I've also been riding the last season with just a wide narrow ring and without a chainguide. But I also had a rear derailleur with a clutch which tightens the chain. I've never dropped a chain yet.

 

[kimbers]

Yup had a nw and clutch mech on my hardtail and its sweet

But had a nightmare with my 153, so have a lot of of others, stock 2x setup it gets mentioned in all the reviews but even 1x, something about the suspension action seems to throw the chain (look back at earlier comments on this thread) and jam between the cassette and dropout, just to be clear thats is with a nw and a clutch and I've had the SRAM race support crews check over the drivetrain at races too and its still been a problem
Fwiw the deore hubs keep coming loose at the cones, despite shimano techs setting them up
I think its partly because the back end of the bike is so stiff that the rear components take a battering, my x7 had play in every bushing after a week in the Alps before finally exploding

I've found the longer toothed superstar n/w to be better than the race face one and the zee clutch miles better than the x7 it came with, even then I've had to put an upper guide on and its almost perfect,
Its cost me time at a few races including the uk national series and the ews in Scotland

Not that I'm anywhere near that good but nearly all the ews rider on 1x setups, including xx1 use top guides too
33 Enduro World Series Bike Checks - Pinkbike

Its a brilliant bike and I can't see me riding anything else but in the rough astuff I'd recommend a chain guide

 

[Geir]

Its a brilliant bike and I can't see me riding anything else but in the rough astuff I'd recommend a chain guide

Thanx for the tip. I'll keep that in mind. Do you know if this one from E thirteen fits directly on the front derailleur bracket? E Thirteen XCX+ Chain Guide - 32-42t E-Type-SRAM S3 | Chain Reaction Cycles

 

[kimbers]

Yeah that'll fit

 

[Geir]

Thanx!

 

[rickygmoney]

Here's a first impressions video I put together for anyone interested.

 

[rickygmoney]

My new Custom Process 153 DL!!

My local bike shop (The Path in Tustin CA) put together an Orange Process 153 with the DL components! Check it! (Note the green wheels!).

 

[cit]

From Italy. First ride. Amazing bike!!!

Inviato da mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

 

[cit]

Help, no one use a rear fender? As you see in the pic, the area between the wheel and seattube pulls up a lot of mud!


Inviato da mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

 

[Geir]

Help, no one use a rear fender? As you see in the pic, the area between the wheel and seattube pulls up a lot of mud!
Inviato da mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

Mountainbiking is a dirty business I use a fender in front to avoid getting mud in the face, but I don't worry too much about getting mud on my back. If it's muddy outside you get dirty either way.

 

[cit]

@Geir you' re right, but the problem it' s not me but the mud in BB area, you see the process haven' t much clearance. (sorry for my english)


Inviato da mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

 

[Geir]

@Geir you' re right, but the problem it' s not me but the mud in BB area, you see the process haven' t much clearance. (sorry for my english)
Inviato da mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

Ok. I haven't experienced any problems with that myself.. The only thing was the front derailleur getting clogged with mud. But now I ride 1x10 so problem solved

 

[cit]

@Geir nice solution
I think the 1X10 or 1x11 will be an upgrade but not so early...
Ah! This is what i mean

Inviato da mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

 

[CharlieDog]

Just picked up a 2015 153 non DL last week. Only thing I've done so far is add the race face narrow wide 30t and ditch the FD and the front shifter. Tubeless is next, then I'll leave it like that. Hoping to get first big ride in a couple days. Beautiful bike and feels good riding around the neighborhood. I am almost 5'10" and i went with the medium.

 

[kimbers]

Mine definitely collects mu in that bit up there^^^

i was going to look into ome sort of rear fender, but dont want that to clog up too