Kona Process 153 CR/DL 27.5

“Why does this cockpit feel smaller?” Holly, my coworker, asked when she hopped on the Kona Process 153 CR/DL to take it for a spin. I’d had the same experience when I first took a seat on this bike, and it’s a quality I grew to appreciate during my time testing it.

“This is what people mean by that ‘classic Kona feel,’” I replied about the Ferndale, Washington, company that earned its reputation for durability and stability in the Pacific Northwest’s rugged terrain. I continued, describing the experience I had while testing the Process, which is planted and confidence-inspiring on descents and through rough, plummeting tracks. It was a pleasant surprise; I don’t usually gravitate toward that trait because I love playful pop in a bike. And because of a few notable geometry characteristics, the 153 CR/DL (short for carbon deluxe build) boasts a high level of pedalability and speed on the up.

The size small Process 153 CR/DL 27.5 weighs 31.5 pounds and comes equipped with a 160 mm RockShox Lyric, a fork that I found easily adjustable with 21 settings for rebound. This allowed me to balance out the front-end suspension with the plush, stable feel of the RockShox SuperDeluxe shock in the rear. The suspension is paired with steeps-slaying geometry, which is this bike’s most notable quality. A reach of 425 mm (size small) and head tube angle of 66 degrees make this bike a downhill charger—front-loaded for action with a snappier back end for last-minute direction changes. The 76-degree seat tube angle enables efficient climbing with smooth, solid power transfer on each pedal stroke and a more upright, comfortable body position.