Kona Process 134 vs 153: Buyer's Guide
Kona Process 134 vs 153: Which Full-Suspension Bike is Right For You?
Not long ago, a full-suspension mountain bike that could actually hold up to a day at the bike park meant spending five grand or more. That has changed, and Kona's 2026 Process range has just landed at Pushbikes. The trail models start at $3,199, which gets a lot of riders into the sport who would otherwise be stuck on a hardtail, thanks to genuine front and rear suspension, a RockShox fork, and Shimano gearing.
This is a guide to the range and, more importantly, an honest answer to the question we asked most in the shop: do you want the Process 134 or the 153?
Why Full Suspension at This Price is a Big Deal
Full suspension does two things a hardtail can't. It keeps your rear wheel tracking the ground over roots and rock, so you carry speed instead of getting bounced off line, and it takes the sting out of bigger trails and repeated bike park laps. For years, that was the preserve of experienced riders with deep pockets.
At $3,199 to $3,999, the Process range opens it up to three kinds of riders we see every week:
The weekend bike park rider. If a good Saturday looks like shuttle laps or a day at Christchurch Adventure Park, full suspension makes the descents safer and a lot more fun. You'll ride longer before your hands and legs give out.
Kids and teens stepping up. A young rider who has outgrown their first hardtail and is starting to ride real trails will progress faster and stay more confident on a bike that forgives the odd mistake. The 27.5in models suit smaller frames well.
The returning or older rider who wants to enjoy it. You don't need to be chasing Strava segments. Plenty of our customers are riders in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who want comfort, control, and something that's kind to the body. Full suspension takes the load off your wrists, hands and back, turning a lap of Bottle Lake or the Port Hills into something you look forward to.
Two Platforms, One Family
Every bike in the range is built on a Kona 6061 aluminium frame with full suspension, but they split into two groups.
The Process 134 is the trail bike, with 134mm of rear travel. It climbs willingly, descends confidently, and covers the widest spread of riding. For most people, this is the one.
The Process 153 is the enduro bike, with 153mm of travel and a longer fork up front. It's for riders who want to go bigger, faster, and steeper, and who spend more of their time pointing downhill.
The Process 134: The Do-It-All Trail Bike
If you're buying your first full-suspension bike, or you want one bike that does everything from after-work laps to the occasional park day, start here.
| Model | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Process 134 27.5 | $3,199 | Smaller and younger riders who want a nimble, easy-to-throw-around feel (limited sizes left) |
| Process 134 29 | $3,199 | The popular all-rounder. Big 29in wheels roll over everything. Sizes XS to XL |
| Process 134 DL 29 | $3,999 | Riders who want room to push harder: RockShox Pike fork, SRAM 12-speed Eagle, G2 brakes and a dropper post |
The 134 29 is the bike we'd point most people toward. It's the right amount of capable without being a handful, and at $3,199, it's the heart of why this range matters.
The Process 153: Built to Go Bigger
When the trail gets steep and rough, and you want more bike underneath you, the 153 delivers. The extra travel and the bigger fork mean more confidence on the descents and a bike that keeps composure when things get fast.
| Model | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Process 153 27.5 | $3,499 | Agile, aggressive riding on tight, technical terrain (only SM and MD left) |
| Process 153 29 | $3,499 | The middle-ground enduro bike: go bigger while keeping it budget-friendly. Well stocked |
| Process 153 DL 29 | $3,999 | The top build: RockShox Lyrik fork and SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed, proven on the trails of BC's North Shore |
So 134 or 153?
A quick way to decide:
Kona 2026 Process 134 29 - $3,199
Choose the Process 134 if you ride a mix of climbs and descents, you're newer to full suspension, buying for a teen getting into the sport, or you simply want one bike that handles everything well. The ultimate all-rounder.
Kona 2026 Process 153 29 - $3,499
Choose the Process 153 if descending is the point, you ride the park or steep technical trails often, and you're comfortable on a bike that asks a bit more of you on the climbs in return for more on the way down.
Still unsure? That's exactly what we're here for. Come in and tell us where you ride, and we'll direct you to the right one.
Why Buy Your Process from Pushbikes
A bike at this price is worth getting right and worth riding before you commit.
- Test ride before you buy. Come and see the range at our Christchurch store. Our team rides these trails, so the advice is genuine, not a sales script.
- Spread the cost. With 24 months' interest-free finance, a $3,199 Process works out to around $133 a month. (Final terms confirmed in store.)
- Backed by the Best Price Guarantee, free shipping on orders over $150, and 25 years of getting Canterbury riders onto the right bike. You can also book a workshop assessment if you want our team to check fit and setup before you ride.
The 2026 Kona Process range is now in stock, but some sizes are already moving quickly. Shop the full Kona range or call in, and we'll help you find your fit.
