Kona Process 134 29 Review
- Price: $2599
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 29″
- Gear: 1×11
What we like about it: Lightweight aluminum frame, tubeless rims, excellent braking and shifting for a comfortable riding experience.
What we don’t like about it: The climbing is not the fastest.
Rating: (4.7/5)
Kona is a bicycle company from the United States that was founded in 1988 and has offices in Ferndale, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. It is a brand dedicated to creating high-performance mountain, road, and city bicycles. Kona bicycles are renowned for their exceptional design and manufacturing, high-quality products, and excellent reputation. They have a certain level of prestige in the bicycle industry and perform exceptionally well in different types of riding.
And for those looking to try a full-suspension mountain bike, the Kona Process 134 29 is a great bike. Affordable, capable of adapting to a variety of terrain, and equipped with front and rear barrel axles, air suspension, and a long travel lift seatpost, it has everything a rider needs to fall in love with bigger, more intense rides.
In this article, we will analyze the riding experience, specifications, and other versions of the Kona Process 134 29. If you want to learn more about bicycle reviews, follow us.
Riding Experience
For over a decade, I have been riding consistently, and it has become something I must do every day. I love cycling more than anything and have left my mark on almost every city I have ridden in. This time, I took the Kona Process 134 29 to a new place and started a new challenge. Another thing that needs to be prepared in advance is booking accommodation.
Climbing
We went to Porcupine Rim, one of the most famous mountain biking trails in the Colorado Rockies, to take on the challenging 14-mile route. We prepared well for the ride and set off from the starting point where the road was relatively flat. But we knew this was just a warm-up before the climb. After riding for a while, the terrain became rugged. However, the Kona Process 134 29’s suspension system and wheel size were advantages that allowed me to easily handle these uneven roads and maintain good stability.
The climbing route was not smooth all the way, and we encountered many obstacles. The most memorable one for me was a narrow section in the middle of the trail with cliffs on both sides. I had to pay more attention and use my skills to conquer it. Luckily, thanks to the bike’s excellent agility and handling, I managed to pass through every time without incident. I have to say that this bike surprised me.
Descending
After completing the climb on Porcupine Rim, my admiration for the Kona Process 134 29 increased significantly. But that wasn’t enough, I wanted to see how it performed on the descent. So we picked a downhill trail and started our new journey. Facing the fast descent, not only did it require personal skills, but it also demanded excellent performance from the bike. With its responsive handling and quick response, I could easily control speed and direction while staying sensitive to the terrain.
I rode fast on the road, enjoying the speed and thrill, and at this moment, I felt like I was young again. It was amazing! I love this high-speed ride, but I need to stay vigilant and maintain the right rhythm on steep downhill roads to avoid losing control due to excessive speed. Thanks to the excellent hydraulic disc brakes, helped me stabilize the bike in dangerous situations multiple times. In the end, we completed this exciting ride and safely finished this thrilling trail.
Overall, the Kona Process 134 29 is an outstanding full-suspension bike that performs well on both climbs and descents. On high-difficulty trails like Porcupine Rim, this bike can provide riders with an extraordinary sense of riding pleasure and control.
Specification
As an entry-level model in the Process series, the Kona Process 134 29 is a full-suspension trail bike. It still uses the classic Kona 6061 aluminum alloy frame, which can withstand wear and tear during riding. Equipped with a professional-level suspension system, including a RockShox Deluxe Select Trunnion rear shock and RockShox Recon RL Motion Control Solo Air suspension fork, it can handle the impacts encountered during the descent. The 134mm and 140mm travel play an important role in providing a smoother riding experience and better handling.
In addition, this bike is equipped with reliable braking and shifting systems. The Shimano Deore 11spd drivetrain and Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes enable it to adapt to different terrains and riding needs. In summary, the Kona Process 134 29 is a high-performance, easy-to-use mountain bike that is perfect for entry-level or experienced riders.
What do we like about it?
- Kona 6061 Aluminum: Tough, durable lightweight alloy that can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.
- Tubeless compatible rims: Tubeless rims allow for higher puncture resistance; the ability to reduce tire pressure, thus providing better tire grip on the track; and reduced rolling resistance.
- Comfortable ride: A smooth ride means more comfort, even in the face of rough roads, to ensure maximum comfort.
- Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes: excellent braking performance to keep you safe on the road.
- Shimano Deore 11spd drivetrain: silky smooth shifting for a more relaxed riding experience.
What don’t we like about it?
- Speed: Not the fastest climber.
FAQ
- What type of rider is the Kona Process 134 29 suitable for?
The Kona Process 134 29 is suitable for riders who enjoy challenging mountain trails, especially those that require high-quality suspension and braking systems for climbing and descending. This bike is also suitable for long-distance riders who need a balance of comfort and performance.
- What type of terrain is the Kona Process 134 29 suitable for?
The Kona Process 134 29 is suitable for riding on various terrains, especially technical and challenging mountain and forest trails. The high-quality suspension and braking system of this bike can help riders overcome various obstacles.
- What maintenance and upkeep should be done for the Kona Process 134 29?
You need to regularly check and replace the oil seals and air pressure of the front fork and rear shock, clean and lubricate components such as the chain and gears, and check and adjust the brake and transmission systems. Ensure safety before each ride.
- How to choose the right size?
We provide a size chart for you here. Of course, this does not necessarily mean that you have to follow this standard. The best way to find the right size is to try riding it.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 152cm – 171cm | SM |
| 157cm – 183cm | MD |
| 175cm – 196cm | LG |
| 180cm – 196cm | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted 134mm Travel BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Color: Gloss Olive w/ Eris & Sandal Decals |
| Fork | RockShox Recon RL Motion Control Solo Air 140mm Tapered 110mm Spacing |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select Trunnion |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano Deore PF92 |
| Headset | FSA No.57B |
| Stem | Kona XC/BC 35 |
| Handlebar | Kona XC/BC 35 |
| Saddle | Kona Trail |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm |
| Pedals | n/a |
| Grips | Kona Key Grip |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore 11spd |
| Front Derailleur | n/a |
| Crank | Shimano Deore, 30t |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore 11spd |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore 11-50t 11spd |
| Chain | KMC X11 |
| Chain Guide | n/a |
| Brakes | Shimano MT201 Hydraulic |
| Brake Levers | Shimano MT201 Hydraulic |
Wheels
| Rims | WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 |
| Spokes | Stainless Black 14g |
| Front Hub | Shimano 110x15mm |
| Rear Hub | Shimano 148x12mm |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR DUAL 29×2.5″ WT |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT30 180mm (centerlock) |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Giant Stance 29 2 | Click View | 1 × 10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore, Praxis |
| Ibis Ripmo AF GX | Click View | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | SRAM GX Eagle, NX Eagle |
| YT Industries Izzo Blaze 29 | Click View | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Cannondale Habit 4 | Click View | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
Kona Process 134 29 vs Giant Stance 29 2
As another full-suspension trail bike, the Giant Stance 29 2 has a different approach in design. It uses a Shimano Deore M5120 derailleur and Tektro HD M745 hydraulic disc brakes, which perform well on steep and complex terrain. Its smooth shifting and quick response ensure that it can move quickly through the mountains and guarantee your safety.
On the other hand, the Kona Process 134 29 has made some changes. The Shimano Deore 11spd drivetrain provides more options and performs better on more complex terrain. If you frequently ride on rugged roads and like to showcase your skills, then the Kona Process 134 29 may be a better choice.
Learn More: Is Giant Stance 29 2 Worth Buying? [Giant Stance 29 2 Review]
Kona Process 134 29 vs Ibis Ripmo AF GX
As a well-known bicycle brand, Ibis bikes are always full of character. The Ibis Ripmo AF GX returns with a new look, featuring 29-inch wheels paired with Maxxis Assegai tires, giving it excellent grip and traction. The 4-piston SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful braking, and its quick response allows it to stop immediately. The large 160mm front travel and 147mm rear travel provide enough cushioning for a smooth ride.
We do not deny the excellence of other bikes, but that does not detract from the outstanding performance of the Kona Process 134 29. Although it only has 140mm front travel and 134mm rear travel, it still performs well in our actual riding experience. I love riding it fast on forest roads, especially when crossing obstacles, it provides a different kind of thrilling experience.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripmo AF GX Worth Buying? – [Ibis Ripmo AF GX Review ]
Kona Process 134 29 vs YT Industries Izzo Blaze 29
The YT Industries Izzo Blaze 29 breaks through in frame selection. With a carbon fiber frame, the bike is light and much more than that. It was the fastest bike we tested, with the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and lightweight weight, you can fully trust it whether you’re going uphill or downhill.
Great performance also means a more expensive price tag, that’s a given. If you don’t have a higher budget, then look no further than this Kona Process 134 29. Although it doesn’t have a carbon fiber frame, the equally tough aluminum alloy is satisfying in practice. With the dropper design, you’ll be more comfortable when changing.
Kona Process 134 29 vs Cannondale Habit 4
To be honest, the Cannondale Habit 4 and the Kona Process 134 29 are similar in terms of component setup. The difference is that the Cannondale Habit 4 has a 12-speed drivetrain, while the Kona Process 134 29 uses an 11-speed.
Additionally, the two bikes also differ in wheel selection. If you prefer 27.5-inch wheels, then the Cannondale Habit 4 is just the right fit. However, if you, like me, prefer a slightly larger size, then the Kona Process 134 29 will be a good choice.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Habit 4 A Good Bike? [Cannondale Habit 4 Review]
Summary
Above is our test of the Kona Process 134 29. Unlike the Kona Process 153 29 we tested before, this bike is an entry-level model, more suitable for beginners who are just getting into off-road cycling and have a limited budget. If you want to try a higher-end full-suspension bike, feel free to check out our related tests.
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