Process 134 Base

The third-generation Kona Process 134 is an aggressive mid-travel trail bike designed for riders who want the robust feel of an enduro platform without the cumbersome footprint. Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the G3 frame modernizes the Process lineage with updated kinematics, SRAM UDH compatibility, and a dedicated flip-chip system that accommodates either a 29-inch or 27.5-inch rear wheel while preserving the intended geometry. Kona ships the size small as a mixed-wheel setup, while larger sizes arrive as full 29ers. Available in both carbon and aluminum, the frame prioritizes durability and practical ownership over absolute weight savings. The carbon models feature fully guided internal routing, while the alloy versions stick to external cable management for straightforward servicing. Ultimately, the Process 134 G3 is positioned as a sturdy, versatile daily driver that favors downhill capability and playful trail manners over cross-country efficiency.

$1,999G3Gen G3

Build

Size

Stack	615mm
Reach	455mm
Top tube	599mm
Headtube length	105mm
Standover height	700mm
Seat tube length	380mm

Fit and geometry

The Process 134 G3 utilizes a modern but moderate geometry package centered around a 65.5-degree head tube angle and a uniform 435mm chainstay length across all sizes. This combination yields a balanced handling profile that remains stable through fast, rough sections while retaining enough agility to easily redirect the bike on tighter trails. Reach numbers are generous, stretching from 430mm on the small to 515mm on the extra-large, giving riders a roomy cockpit when standing out of the saddle.

Seated pedaling posture is a point of division depending on rider proportions and local terrain. The effective seat tube angle sits between 76.6 and 76.9 degrees. While adequate for rolling trails, riders tackling sustained, steep climbs often felt their weight was positioned too far over the rear axle, prompting them to slide the saddle forward on the rails to keep the front wheel tracking. Kona pairs this geometry with notably short seat tubes, allowing for deep dropper post insertion. Sizes medium through extra-large can easily accommodate 200mm dropper posts, ensuring the saddle is completely out of the way for descending.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted, 134mm travel

Fork

RockShox Recon RL Motion Control Solo Air, 140mm, tapered, 110mm spacing

Rear shock

RockShox Deluxe Select Trunnion

Groupset

Shift levers

microSHIFT Advent X

Rear derailleur

microSHIFT Advent X

Cassette

microSHIFT Advent X, 10-speed, 11-48T

Chain

KMC X10

Crankset

FSA Comet crankarms, 30T chainring

Bottom bracket

FSA PF92

Front brake

SRAM Level hydraulic disc

Rear brake

SRAM Level hydraulic disc

Front rotor

SRAM Centerline 180mm

Rear rotor

SRAM Centerline 180mm

Wheelset

Front wheel

WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0; Formula, 110x15mm; Stainless Black 14g

Rear wheel

WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0; Formula, 148x12mm; Stainless Black 14g

Front tire

Maxxis Minion DHF, EXO TR Dual, 29x2.5 WT

Rear tire

Maxxis Dissector, EXO TR Dual, 29x2.4 WT (S: 27.5x2.4 WT)

Cockpit

Stem

Kona XC/BC 35

Handlebars

Kona XC/BC 35

Saddle

Kona Trail

Seatpost

TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal, 31.6mm

Grips

Kona Key Grip

Builds

The Process 134 lineup spans four builds, split evenly between carbon and aluminum frames. The range starts with the budget-focused Base model, which utilizes a Microshift Advent X 10-speed drivetrain, a RockShox Recon RL fork, and SRAM Level brakes. Moving up to the DL brings a significant performance jump, upgrading to a 12-speed SRAM NX/GX Eagle drivetrain, a RockShox Pike Select RC fork, and more robust SRAM G2 RS brakes. Both alloy models represent strong value for riders prioritizing a durable frame over premium components.

The carbon tier begins with the CR, featuring Fox Performance suspension and a mechanical SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain. The flagship CR/DL tops the ladder with a RockShox Pike Ultimate fork, a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, and a wireless SRAM GX Eagle Transmission. Both carbon builds roll on DT Swiss hubs laced to WTB KOM Team i30 rims and rely on SRAM G2 brakes. While the carbon models offer higher-end damping and shifting, aggressive riders may find the G2 brakes underpowered for extended descents and the WTB rims somewhat flexy, making the lower-tier builds compelling candidates for targeted aftermarket upgrades.

Base

$1,999

G3Selected

$2,999

$3,999

CR/DL

$4,899

Reviews

Reviewers consistently characterize the Process 134 as a highly capable descender that rewards an active riding style, though it requires some suspension tuning to find the sweet spot. The linkage-driven single-pivot design provides a supportive mid-stroke that makes the bike "utterly wonderful to push and pump through berms and rollers" (PinkBike). Testers found it highly stable at speed, noting that it "does a bit more than just survive down rough, technical descents" (Blisterreview).

However, the suspension tune leans firm. Multiple reviewers noted that the initial stroke lacks plushness, and the rear end noticeably stiffens under heavy braking, requiring riders to pick their braking zones carefully on steep, loose terrain. On the climbs, the bike is a steady rather than spritely performer. The suspension remains "relatively neutral while pedaling on smooth fire roads" (PinkBike), but the firmer setup sacrifices some traction on technical, root-heavy ascents.

Reviewers widely praised the bike's value, particularly the aluminum models, which offer a highly competitive entry price and a generous warranty. The carbon builds drew more mixed reactions regarding component durability. Testers experienced early failures with the stock RockShox Reverb dropper posts and found the WTB rims prone to flexing and detensioning under hard use. Despite these spec critiques, the consensus points to a durable frame that serves as an excellent foundation for aggressive trail riding.