Kona Process 167 - Review

Oct 5, 2015
by Mike Levy  



With just under 170mm of travel, sporting a 20mm thru-axle, and rolling on 26'' wheels, Kona's Process 167 could be considered a bit of a throwback to a time when wheels were smaller and travel was bigger. A skeptic might even see the bike as a big fat middle finger to trends that seem to be driven more by the industry itself than what consumers are actually looking for. That said, Kona's catalog includes all sorts of 27.5'' and 29'' wheeled bikes, yet the 167 is the outlier of the lineup that sort of defies the current convention, a misfit in a group of bikes that are, to be fair, already a bit 'out there' compared to what larger and more conservative brands offer. Whatever it is, with a 170mm travel Lyrik fork and dual-ply Maxis Minion DHF tires, the $4,999 USD Process 167 looks ready for action on some serious terrain.

Process 167 Details

• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Rear wheel travel: 167mm
• Wheel size: 26''
• Frame material: aluminum
• RockShox Lyrik DH, 170mm
• SRAM 11-speed drivetrain
• Frame only MSRP: $2,249 USD
• MSRP: $4,999 USD
www.konaworld.com, @konaworld


In fact, Kona even refers to it as a downhill bike on their website, saying, ''This is the ultimate gravity bike. Based on the Entourage geometry that wowed park riders around the world, we take the playful confidence of our Process platform, add a big chunk of travel and smaller 26-inch wheels to create one of the most fun downhill bikes on planet shred. Just ask Aggy.'' Mind you, most of us don't live on the same planet as Aggy. We didn't do any threes off of cliffs or seventy-foot gaps, but the 167 did see plenty of action in the Whistler Bike Park and all sorts of rowdy backcountry adventures.


Kona Process 167 review test geometry


Frame Details

The general train of thought says that the more travel you have, the more effort it's going to take to throw the bike around. However, it's not always as simple as that, as Kona proves with this bike. As alluded to above, they set out to create a bike that would be at home on hairball terrain, but they also didn't want a bike that would feel about as alive as a dead fish when the rider wanted to get a little saucy. Their answer was to combine a relatively short rear-end with a roomy front-end, then drop a short stem on to compensate for the longer front-to-center number. This approach has been used for the entire Process lineup since 2013, not to mention by a few other companies in more recent times, and anyone who's ridden one of the bikes, especially the short-travel Process 111, will tell you that they are among the most playful and inspiring machines out there.

Our medium-sized 167 test bike sports a roomy 450mm reach figure that's more in line with what some other companies would call a large-sized bike, while the rear-end sits at just 420mm. Its top tube drops down at a steep angle to provide as much standover height as possible, so much so that all three sizes actually share the same 640mm of crotch clearance and only change in reach and stack. Even the small and medium share the same 387mm long seat tube length, with the large getting an extra 45mm of length for the beanstalks out there.


Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms
The bike's KS LEV Integra seat post sees its cable enter at the base of the seat tube.
Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms
Just in case you weren't aware.


The aluminum frame comes with all of the de rigueur talking points that you'd expect from such a bike, including a tapered head tube, ISCG 05 chain guide tabs, and a 12 x 142mm thru-axle. There's a port at the bottom of the seat tube for the LEV Integra's housing to enter, although it'd be nice to see this go in at the front of the bike rather than in the middle, while the rear brake hose is routed externally for its entire length. The shift housing travels inside of the down tube then exits briefly before tucking into the chain stay. I'm sad to see another company who hasn't found a way to make room for a bottle inside of the front triangle - the only cage mount is on the underside of the down tube - but I can see most 167 owners either preferring to wear a backpack or being okay with picking up a case of giardiasis from a creek.


Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms
  The Process 167 has 167mm of rear wheel travel (surprise!) that's controlled via a single pivot and rocker link arrangement.


The 167's Suspension Explained

Kona has used variations of a single pivot and rocker arm design since, well, since there have been Kona full-suspension bikes, and they've stayed true to that layout while other brands have jumped to different designs every few years. That's not to say that Kona hasn't evolved, though, as that would be very far from the truth. 2013 saw the company debut their Process series of bikes that all employ, you guessed it, a single pivot and rocker arm design. The Process bikes, including the 167mm travel machine shown here, are entirely different animals compared to those old Stinkys, with a smartly configured rear-end that lets them tuck the rear wheel up for a short chain stay length. Rigidity was also a major priority here, with a wide stance to the main pivot and a large diameter axle running through it all, as well as a carbon fiber bridge that joins the two sides of the rocker arm. A clevis shock mount has also been used that allows Kona to go with a full-length seat tube.




Specifications
Specifications
Release Date 2015
Price $5000
Travel 167
Rear Shock RockShox Vivid Air RC2
Fork RockShox Lyrik DH RC2DH Solo Air 170mm QR20
Headset FSA Orbit 1.5 ZS No.57
Cassette SRAM XG1180 10-42 11spd
Crankarms SRAM X1 1200
Rear Derailleur SRAM XO1
Chain KMX X11
Shifter Pods SRAM X1
Handlebar RaceFace Atlas FR
Stem Kona 40mm
Grips Kona S-LOG
Brakes Avid Guide RS
Hubs Novatech
Spokes Sandvik 14g Black
Rim WTB Frequency Team i25 TCS
Tires Maxxis DHF DH 3C 26x2.5"
Seat WTB Volt Team
Seatpost KS LEV Integra

Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms










Climbing

Let's get this climbing stuff behind us. The burly Process 167 is a very specific tool for a very specific job, and that job has nothing to do with climbing. Rather, it's designed to have loads of fun, and fun usually happens when your bike is pointed back down the hill. It's obviously not as single-minded as a downhill bike, but anyone looking forward to pedaling the 167 up a steep or technical climb has probably hit their head a few too many times and can now play hide-and-seek on their own. That won't come as a surprise to you if you've glanced over the bike's geo and spec sheet - it sports heavy dual-ply tires and a 170mm travel fork - but the truth is that a rider who's put the big Process on their shortlist likely won't give a single damn. What they'll probably do is pull their kneepads down to their ankles and work their way to the top of the mountain at whatever pace they feel like going, possibly with some tall cans in their backpacks, which is a pretty smart way to go about the task.

What they shouldn't do is dip into one of those trail pops before getting to the top of the climb, though, because they'll need all of their wits about them if they want to conquer uphill challenges. Riders with plenty of skill in this department might not have trouble, but those who don't possess the balance gene will find themselves dropping a foot on plenty of occasions. There's also no cheater switch on the bike's Vivid shock, and the active and supple suspension can feel pretty draining on long, boring gravel road climbs. It doesn't hurt to dial in the Vivid's blue low-speed compression knob at such times, or to run a set of clipless pedals instead of flats while thinking about spinning circles rather than attacking the ascent. Pro tip: don't attack, just sit back.


Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms
  For sale: one Process 167. Front tire like new; rear tire completely worn out.


The big Process isn't a great climber, even compared to other bikes in the same class - the Slash, Sanction, and Nomad are all better at getting to the top - but I don't think 167 owners will really care that much. The funny thing is that I'm pretty sure Kona doesn't care that much, either, which is sort of admirable in this world of "OMG, our bikes are the best at everything,'' pitches that makes up so much marketing copy these days.




Descending and Suspension

Our 167 received an extensive tour of the Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton corridor, adventures that had the bike see plenty of action in the bike park, be called upon for trail-bike duty when things were going to get rowdy, and was even privy to a helicopter drop in the backwoods of British Columbia. It didn't take a wild ride in the whirlybird to see that the Process is a special machine, though, as that fact was apparent right from the get-go. It's brilliant from the very first ride because it isn't awkward or finicky to setup, and it's exactly what it sounds like: an even heavier hitting Kona Process, which are a series of bikes that are already known for being simple, rugged, fun, and playful.


Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms
  A downhill bike is going to be faster on really scary terrain, but the average rider will have a much easier time throwing around the 167 than they will a DH race bike.


It's a simple bike in more ways than one. In a world where some long legged steeds are fitted with funky travel or geometry adjusting doohickeys that look like they're lifted from Rube Goldberg's sketchbook, the Kona is a straight-shooting machine that doesn't employ such trickery. This is a good thing because there are plenty of do-it-all bikes, whereas Kona's intentions are more single-minded, and I'd argue that there's room for such thinking. It's also an uncomplicated bike in terms of what it asks from the rider, which is nothing in particular - anyone could jump on this thing and have fun, just so long as the terrain is there for it.

And speaking of terrain, gobbling up chundery and technical trails is where the Process is a merciless beast that's always got the munchies. The big Vivid shock makes one question why anyone would ever need a coil-sprung damper, while the uncomplicated suspension profile - there's no surprises and it has a clean, progressive curve - means that you can hit some fairly serious descents like you're on monster downhill sled. Funny what great suspension, proper geometry, and some real tires will let you get away with. And like Kona's other Process bikes that are already very playful, manageable and fun rigs, you can choose some questionable lines but always appear at the bottom of a trail with a ginormous grin on your face.


Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms
  Even the smallest of lips seem worthwhile when you're on the Process.


If downhill bikes are the serious adults of the mountain bike world that have so much clear deliberateness to them, the 167 has to be the adolescent that just wants to party all night and then sleep in until noon the next day. Consequences? Those are for people who care too much. Come in late to a corner and make a square out of it, or rail around the outside to keep your momentum up; the 167 is happy either way. It's neither twitchy nor lazy relative to what you'd expect of it, which means you can drop your guard and ride it in a way that best suits you and the trail.
bigquotesIt's really a 'One More Lap' bike. The 167 always makes you want to go for "just another lap", and to restrain oneself from doing so, thereby avoiding the dreaded One More Lap curse, requires supreme self-control... but f*ck it, sometimes you have to break the superstition and go ahead. The problem comes from turning up late to dinner, BBQs with friends, and work. - Seb Kemp, Whistler local


Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms
  Why have your front wheel on the ground when it could be in up in the air? The 167 very much agrees with that, which makes it a hoot when you want to manual, be it out of necessity or because bikes are fun.


The 167 can be ridden like it has a few more inches of travel than it does, and it can also bob and weave through tight trails at a good clip thanks to a smart set of geo numbers, but jumping is where the bike shines brightest. It asks for less speed than some other machines to get over the same gaps, meaning you don't have to work nearly as hard at it, and driving your heels into the take off provides double-bounce, trampoline-like pop. Being one half BMX bike and one half chunky all-mountain machine makes the Process a toy that skilled jumpers will use to maximize the terrain to the point where those one-line type of riders won't know what to think if they're watching from behind.

There's not a lot to dislike about the 167 if you're the rider who's more likely to have a full-face helmet strapped to your bag rather than have an energy bar stuffed inside of it, but while the following may seem pretty obvious, it needs to be noted that the Process feels like a lot of bike on tame terrain. Sure, it's playful and fun when you've got a head of steam, but it's not nearly as inspiring when the trail is equal parts up and down rather than just down - keep in mind that this is a bike that likes to get all the climbing over with right out of the gate.


Kona Process 167 review test Photo by Laurence Crossman-Emms
  Style always comes easy when on the Process.


Technical Report


• KS LEV Integra: Another LEV Integra that functioned with zero issues other than the remote's plastic body cracking, which is something that we've seen happen a few times recently. The damaged remote looked like it might allow the housing end to pop out, but that never happened. This is the second plastic remote we've seen crack in the last month, and it'd make more sense if it was aluminum.

• Drivetrain: The X01 / X1 drivetrain performed flawlessly, and the big 42 tooth cog was called upon regularly when it was time to get the Kona to the top of a mountain. There were no derailments, but someone who's going to be doing a few races on the 167 would still be advised to install some sort of small chain guide. Insurance is a good thing to have.

• Lyrik DH RC2DH Solo Air: Our test bike came with a 170mm travel Lyrik DH RC2DH Solo Air that, while being a solid fork that performed well, doesn't quite offer the same front-end traction as a new Charger damper-equipped Lyrik does. Sure, that fork doesn't have the 20mm axle that the 167's Lyrik does, but the damper upgrade is well worth the so-called trade-off.

• RaceFace Atlas FR Handlebar: The full-width Atlas FR handlebar from RaceFace makes a lot of sense for this bike and how it's supposed to be ridden. You can trim it down if you're looking for something slimmer to match your body or to squeeze through tight trees, but it's way easier to cut a handlebar than it is to make one wider.

• Maxxis Minion DHF Tires: You don't put tires from a Corolla onto a Hummer, and you shouldn't put cheesy, single-ply rubber on a bike like the 167. Kona obviously agrees because they spec'd a set of burly, dual-ply Minion DHF tires on the Process that, rubber preferences aside, won't leave anyone looking for more.




Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesThe Process 167 is a bike that owes its existence to Kona's belief that there are still riders out there who don't give a toss about magazine covers touting the next so-called "quiver killer." Just shut up already about that nonsense and get on a bike that's meant to be good at what you like doing most, right? Well, not always, but that really is the best approach for so many things, and it's especially true when it comes to having fun on a mountain bike. All around perfection is boring when you can have a bike that's so damn good at one task that you can look past its faults in other areas, which is exactly what a 167 owner will end up doing. - Mike Levy




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About the Reviewer
Stats: Age: 34 • Height: 5'10” • Inseam: 33" • Weight: 165lb • Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Mike Levy spent most of the 90s and early 2000s racing downhill bikes and building ill-considered jumps in the woods of British Columbia before realizing that bikes could also be pedalled for hours on end to get to some pretty cool places. These days he spends most of his time doing exactly that, preferring to ride test bikes way out in the local hills rather than any bike park. Over ten years as a professional mechanic before making the move to Pinkbike means that his enthusiasm for two wheels extends beyond simply riding on them, and his appreciation for all things technical is an attribute that meshes nicely with his role of Technical Editor at Pinkbike.


Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

264 Comments
  • 413 9
 Please can we have more NEW bikes like this one. We don't care how long it takes to get to the top, forget about carbon. A slacked out 'park' bike that I can pedal to the top of my local hills without dying, then try my best to kill myself on the way back down is what I want.
  • 30 61
flag weekdayandweekendwarrior (Oct 5, 2015 at 7:27) (Below Threshold)
 Shuttles are where it's at
  • 14 30
flag amirazemi (Oct 5, 2015 at 8:31) (Below Threshold)
 That said, i dont think you would buy this bike.
  • 23 12
 New intense uzzi ;-)
  • 65 31
 Why would you not care how long it takes to the top?

If it takes an hour to get to the top and 10 mins to descend, wouldn't 45 mins to the top and 11 mins to descend sound better? I just went to a carbon bike with 20mm less rear travel and I'm BARELY slower going down but way faster going up.

Spending more proportional time going down is better. I'm not a lazy shuttler so that matters to me.
  • 118 1
 I got one of these for my 10 year old daughter as a DH bike for racing and put a fox 108mm on it. Weighs about 32 lbs. We rode the new Tiger Mountain DH trail this weekend. She didn't complain any more about the climb than she has riding other bikes, but loves it on the down. This bike absolutely rips.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/12686458
  • 68 0
 ^ God bless you
  • 110 0
 ^Dad of the year
  • 33 0
 I don't care because all I'm thinking is "I'm gonna smash the shit out of that descent when I get there". And for me 'BARELY' slower is too much slower (on the down). I'm not hating or anything, we all enjoy our rides in different ways. I also think we'd all be riding uphill quicker if manufacturers would just make seat angles steeper, carbon or no. But that's another topic...PS I wish I could afford carbon. But I'd still buy ally.
  • 7 7
 1 hr to the top and 10 mins down 45 mins to the top and 11 mins down That's what happened to me anyway... in 3 hours I get 4 runs on the new bike and only 3 with the old bike. That's SO worth it to me.
  • 25 0
 26+ is going to be a sweet wheel size. Even if i have to make my own tires.
  • 8 0
 one whole minute on a 10 minute decent is HUGE! But so is 15 minutes on a 1 hour climb if that's really all bike.
  • 6 5
 That one minute on the way down was probably just me being cautious as I learned the new bike.

In any event, I'll take a 25% reduction on the way up if it means 10% longer on the way down. 15 mins gained and 1 min lost is WELL worth it.
  • 9 0
 this thing rides so good down the hill, that going up means shit....i got my 2016 kona process and i love it www.pinkbike.com/u/izzy49/album/bikes
  • 5 1
 I would love this bike with a boxxer 180mm, and a process 134 bike for local XC trails.
  • 11 4
 @Alias530

I'm fractionally slower descending on my stupid rigid 26" than my big bike. Hit most of the features too. You know what i don't do on the lame bike? Progress. I hit all the features i know, all the lines i know, and after a few rides on it I'm faster and more cowardly than ever. Your attitude is dumb, and i want to improve and if that means more pain climbing on lap 3... so be it. I'll adapt.
  • 3 20
flag Alias530 (Oct 5, 2015 at 16:55) (Below Threshold)
 @scottzg - who is paying you to race? What benefit do you have from trying out new marginally faster lines?

If you want to be some douchey try-hard, go for it, but I do this for fun and I'll take a bike that gets me to the top faster over one that sucks at climbing.
  • 11 0
 Who cares about time? How much fun you have matters. To each their own but I've ridden fast climbing 29ers that for me simply aren't as fun on the way down and I only ride up to go down. Besides this bike isn't designed for people who are trying to minimize ascent times. It's built for fun.
  • 10 1
 @Alias530

It's strange being called a douchey try-hard by someone who times their climbs and descents. I just wanna improve myself and that doesn't really happen so much on a minimalist bike.
  • 4 19
flag Alias530 (Oct 5, 2015 at 17:59) (Below Threshold)
 @scottzg

1.) Are you living in 1995? Strava tracks segments and notifies you when you set a PR automatically. It popped up so I wanted to see by how much I beat my old time by.

2.) I never said anything about a minimalist bike. I just said you shouldn't just not care how fast your bike is up a hill just because you prefer descending.
  • 16 0
 So long as i have the fitness to ride whatever bike all day and keep up with the group it doesn't matter how fast i am on a climb. Ugh, strava.
  • 1 0
 Does the new rasta 167 have the new lyric?
  • 3 10
flag cheetamike (Oct 5, 2015 at 21:45) (Below Threshold)
 NO!!!! it,s still a 26"
  • 17 0
 Take your time on the way up. Enjoy the views, get your head right. Then tighten the strap on the full face and try not to kill myself. Gonna love this bike.
  • 14 0
 How the f*ck did we digress to Strava being mentioned when discussing the 167? Keep it clean, guys.
  • 11 5
 Everyone on pb "wants" this bike, but everyone on pb will buy a 27.5 citing resale value. I'd put money down that the 167 is culled from the Kona herd next year, or converted to 27.5.

Folks should put money where their mouth is, but that is a hard lesson when you are still getting an allowance from your parents.
  • 5 1
 You make a good point @juanbendedknee but it's not only those still living on pocket money and parents! Every time I buy a new (second hand) bike resale is a very close second to my preference of geo and riding style. I can't afford to keep pouring money into my hobby no matter how much I love it. It means there's always a compromise of some sort, but it also means I ride a tonne of different bikes because I'm never quite happy with what I've got...that and if I hang onto a bike too long it'll lose its resale value!
  • 18 1
 I buy what I like & have never once bought a bike based on possible resale value! This practice is why hyped fake upgrades like 27.5 can get traction in the market. You morons are your own worst enemy!
  • 4 11
flag iqbal-achieve (Oct 6, 2015 at 11:20) (Below Threshold)
 @Darknut I wish I was rich like you so I could piss my money away. Being a moron, I tend to be pretty careful what I spend my hard-earned on. I wish I could have ignored you but you're talking out of your arse and I failed to rise above it, now I'll live with the shame.
  • 18 0
 I'm not rich but I do alright & yeah maybe I am talking out my ass but what I said it true! Not buying a 26 bike you like just because of resale is stupid IMHO
  • 12 0
 P.S. Buying something you like is "not" pissing your money away.
  • 3 6
 I think we're talking cross purposes hear on wheel size/ resale, which is probably my fault. So I apologise. I'm not too fussy on 650b vs 26", I like the ride of 650b and all of my 650b bikes have felt faster than my 26" bikes. But if I was looking and a nice 26" bike came up at the right price I'd go for it if I thought I'd break even on it (I am fussy about losing money). There just aren't many good NEW 26" bikes being made. It sounds like you're anti 650b and angry at me for helping to spread it. They're not that different dude, if this Kona had 650b wheels I'd like it just as much. (Now I'll get down voted -300!)
  • 9 0
 Yes I am anti 650b ... & yes you are right there is barley a different in the two & that is the whole point isn't it?
  • 2 0
 Quite honestly, if you worry about resale, you shouldn't buy a Kona anyway. Their resale is appalling (I've owned three so I know), and I've always wondered why, because their bikes aren't that bad.
  • 1 0
 Would you buy this with 19 mm longer stays and 27.5 wheels?
  • 6 1
 Does anyone ever relate this to small penis syndrome. You and your bigger bikes riding by looking down at me on my 26. Sometimes I have to laugh, then turn on the burners and make you look silly.
  • 3 0
 I'll take the negs on that one...too funny.
  • 3 0
 the 167 fits a 27.5 , and has the same clearances as the 153 i tested fitted my son,s 153 rearwheel on my 167


www.pinkbike.com/u/demon666/album/Process-167

I have images , i will be putting a new Lyrik and swapping over this winter
  • 1 1
 @Darknut I was just trying to understand why you're so against 650b. The differences are so subtle and there are so many other, more important things that differ from bike to bike that you could hate on. Maybe you already do. Never mind.
@Pikasam & @choppertank3e I wouldn't buy this bike full stop until somebody else had already bought it and took the hit on depreciation for me (no offence to anyone, as previously stated - I'm poor). I think Kona is still in image recovery, despite they're great bikes of late. But 420 is a bit short to begin with...not sure where 19mm comes from but at 430/435 I'd still be interested.
@demon666 that's cool, no clearance issue at full travel?
  • 6 0
 @ThomDawson I can't stand 29'ers but at least they are actual real "different" choice unlike 27.5! You said it yourself: "The differences are so subtle" between 26 & 650b that there was no "legitimate" reason to do a industry wide change so it feels like a scam way to make people want new bikes & I won't support it.

I've been riding a long time & I am all for "real" new innovation but there have been quite of bit of just total BS tech as of late.
  • 1 0
 Thom Dawson. approx radius difference between 27.5 and 26. How can cs be too short? Especially with such a long front centre. Bikes can be too slack to hit steep jumps with the bars coming back at you too far. Too low and you get too many rock strikes. Chainstays too short and your bike manuals and accelerates too easily? Weight might be too far back for climbing though this can be fixed with the seat tube angle
  • 3 0
 I've had 650b, I've had carbon. I got rid of both and bought this. Kona would not make this 650b and compromise the crazy low bb and short rear.
  • 3 0
 @choppertank3e I've found 420 and less feels too short to me. Especially when combined with a long front end. The bike feels weird and unbalanced, I don't like the rear wheel feeling like it's underneath me. It is insane for manuals and I think you can get em loose without losing it but when it comes to flat out speed over rough ground I found it unstable and slow. I reckon you can go too far with any get aspect, in either direction.
  • 2 1
 With that seat so high up, the seat angle looks slack as F. There's no wonder that it sucks at climbing.
  • 1 1
 @Varaxis - I have an Evil Following... slack seat tube and it kicks ass at climbing
  • 2 0
 It's effectively pretty steep according to the measures but it's offset by a bend in the tube. So they're fibbing..they should provide both effective and actual measurements if the geo table is going to be of any use whatsoever. Alias, it'd be even kickassier if it was steeper!
  • 1 0
 How much does it weigh?
  • 2 1
 @burnadette: Maxxis just dropped the 26x2.8 DHF and DHR. Tubeless compatible.
  • 195 2
 This bike doesn't give a sh*t
  • 87 1
 The Honeybadger.
  • 18 1
 nasty ass honeybadger
  • 36 14
 I never moved forward to this 27.5 poo. stuck with my 26" meta am . I keep up with all my mates who have big wheels and think they secretly know I have more fun..
  • 17 0
 Just replaced my carbon operator with this, and it's the shit. These 2015 models are marked down and can be had for well under 5k. Also, the rear end is 415mm, not 420.
  • 8 4
 Constipated=Does not give a shit!
  • 9 34
flag doyouevenboost148bro (Oct 5, 2015 at 6:27) (Below Threshold)
 142/12 is dead why would you even do it to yourself when you could have boost
  • 32 31
 @crag222....if you really think you're having more fun b/c of the size of your wheels, you should reevaluate some things.

Ride whatever size wheels you want, but the wheel size superiority (or inferiority depending on how you look at it) complex goes in both directions.

You're little wheels are no more fun than your buddies bigger ones. Just ride your bike.
  • 51 2
 my bmx is more fun than my road bike. mostly cos the wheels are smaller. no arguing.
  • 5 1
 Sorry, they are 420mm.
  • 17 1
 is that the time...?
excuse me one minute guys
  • 16 14
 @donch15 - I concur. When I rode 167 I thought it was 650B, because it felt big. It took me 2 months to read on Pinkbike it was 26". I will also never forget riding Stumpy Evo29 which felt nowhere being a huge bike. I have a Blur TRc which is an agile and angry, stinging wasp on my trails, 2 weeks ago I went with it to bikepark with 2-ply tyres, harder spring and it felt like that wasp got covered in crap. It lost it's playfulness. 6-7" bike would be a different story. Yes, old 29ers did require more effort to keep it in the air and did not pop much, modern ones are also not so keen on doing it BUT they plow through sht so you adjust your riding and find different tastes of fun. People who talk playfulness in relation to wheel size , particularly between 26 and 275, have no clue what they are talking about and probably suck at riding. The worst of them are those who say it's harder to bunnyhop or manual with big wheels, if you say so you just can't do it, so why do you care?
  • 13 4
 No Waki. i have no real wheel size preference, but smaller wheels ARE more nimble. Its nothing to do with skill, the bigger wheels are just bigger/heavier/flexier. Hence my BMX/Road bike analogy. I was just taking things to extremes.

They are different to hop/manual, this is a case or riding style and skill, but the cumbersome feel of bigger wheels is inherant to the wheel.

Sadly.
  • 3 3
 @donch15 we all need something BIG in our lives to make up for your owd lad
  • 7 2
 @donch15 26 is more agile an therefore more fun
Science proves it
Its called gyroscopic effect
  • 4 5
 Agility and fun? Why don't you then ride GT Zaskar with 70degree head angle? Is 62 degree DH bike more agile than Enduro 29 with 65ha? Science of gyroscopic effect, shall we calculate how much gyroscopic effect of a 29" wheel with 1ply Highroller VS 2ply version of same tyre on 26" wheel? Calling upon science with bicycles is like calling upon God when motivating premarital celibacy
  • 4 2
 I did ride a Gt Zaskar in 1992, with a tioga disc drivemy first expensive bike I fckng loved it!!!
  • 3 2
 Then go ahead and ride it, Lars Sternberg rode a clunker on A-line, super agile = super fun. He was turning some heads on DH sleds. Be a hero
  • 2 2
 Have you gat a time machine handy? I would LOVE another rip on that bike!
  • 3 1
 I've also had a 29er with minion high roller combo, that thing would get into corners but needed a fckng crow bar to get it back up'right again!
  • 21 1
 I give you an idea for ultimate scientific proof. It is so simple that I am surprised no one has ever performed such experiment.Take several samples of each 20", 24", 26", 27,5" and 29" wheels to the trail head. Take some "time measuring device" and a camera. Start rolling wheels down a rocky shute. The wheel that rolls fastest down the trail is the most efficient one. Best for DH and Enduro. Then check video recording and the wheel that turns and bounces in the air most often is the most playful one. I will help you with abstract for research proposal to get grant for buying the wheels.

Background: people and industry talk so much sht on internet of one wheel size being better than another that it leaves people angry and confused. We want to put stop to this
Aim:decrease anxiety on internet, make people live meaningful lives, cut the spending on chasing silver bullet
Method: as above
Expected Result: 26" is the bestest,
Conclusion: 26 for life
  • 1 2
 @nojzilla: Are you talking about the Commencal hardtail 29er you have photos of in your profile?

If that's the your point of reference...you are disqualified from the conversation, sorry.

You reference point is the equivalent of comparing a Toyota Tacoma to a Porsche 911, simply b/c they have the same diameter tires.
  • 1 0
 Yep, but it had the same tyres as most of my 26 set ups, just different sizes
  • 7 0
 An I think you've missed my point

If I had all the money in the world I'd have many different bikes with all the different wheel sizes but,
I don't. Far from it
So I have to have my DH/FR bike, 4X and trail bike set up with interchangeable wheels, tyres and axles. I also ride bmx. So 'my' best option for 'my' bikes is 26, I have a fat stack of spare 26 tyres
And for 'my' personal riding style what ever

Ahhh you know what
f*ck it this boring
26 fo life YO!
  • 5 1
 Nojzilla, go to Dirt HQ in Monmouth and ask them to lend you one of modern, full suspended 29ers they get for testing. Just expect your paypal account to get thirsty afterwards... and to remind you, since 2008, the evolution of a MTB is to get longer and slacker with low BBs - that is not exactly a trend towards playfulness, that is a trend towards stability and bulldozering over rock gardens - wheelsize aside.
  • 1 0
 How well would this 29er 360 a big step up? Or table oot of a wall ride?

I might be 41 but I ain't retired yet
  • 8 1
 Which basically is everyday bread of every 26 for life bro. Get up in the morning, throw a mile long manual to the lift, get some steeze on machine dug trail, then throw some tricks on slopestyle course, only to climb 3000ft to ride down a natural trail popping every stone and every root. Go home sleep, REPEAT. No 29er can do that, only 26. Now... Are we talking slope style or enduro/park? I got lost.
  • 4 0
 Funduro
  • 2 0
 This bike doesn't give a shit, and neither do I. Thanks Kona.
  • 126 8
 26 ain't dead !!!
  • 4 21
flag WestwardHo (Oct 5, 2015 at 6:44) (Below Threshold)
 If you're gonna pimp that website you might want to make sure it works...
  • 23 3
 The 26" is back guys.
on my three bikes that I own are 26" and the rear is 142x12, just love it.
Welcome back 26".
  • 8 31
flag weekdayandweekendwarrior (Oct 5, 2015 at 7:29) (Below Threshold)
 You do realize that 26 inch wheels are actually 26.9 which is only 0.6 inches smaller than 27.5. Embrace the 0.6 inches and stop hating in the past.
  • 29 0
 Fuck ya kona thanks for listening to us
  • 16 0
 I assume that is "f*ck yeah"
not "f*ck you"

:p
  • 10 2
 heeeey, how come my f*cks got ***'d and yours didnt?
Is it because I am british and we are expected to be polite? Cos if so then...
Well, then thank you very much
  • 4 3
 26 AIN'T DEAD but that comment sure is...
  • 81 1
 "Probably hit their head a few too many times and can now play hide-and-seek on their own"

Quote of the year
  • 10 2
 One of those guys lives not far from me. See him from time to time poking his head out from behind a tree looking like a rabbit standing on it's hind legs.
  • 2 1
 I raced mine at an enduro a few weeks ago and covered 36 Mikes and 6200ft of climbing. I was pretty tired but really enjoyed it. I'm also 1x10 with a 36t chainring.
By the way, have you seen me, I've been looking for ages?
  • 74 6
 Next DH bike review:

"I'm sad to see there's no where for a bottle mount inside the frame"

What's with the bottle mount obsession?
  • 9 3
 Fully agreed. I'd rather to keep plastic bottle in my bag than that which looks so odd.
  • 36 3
 If you can't stand riding with a backpack and don't like to be thirsty all day either it's the only option.
  • 24 4
 I don't get it either, I thought water bottles were dead since Camelbak came to the market.
bonkywonky How big is your bottle? The largest one I've seen was 1l and there's no way it would last me a whole day of riding.
  • 24 1
 So you'd run a bottle on a freeride/park bike?
  • 7 2
 Or stick it in the back of your pants. Very easy solution.
  • 16 0
 Come to China and you will see aunts and uncles riding mountain bikes on paved road with thermoses in cages.
  • 8 0
 Dunno but I usually refill it at local bars, restaurants etc. For an entire day of riding I do wear a pack but that's mostly for tools, folding saw, food and so on and I will still use a water bottle. Konda - I might be wrong here but I think it's not a pure park bike, the gears and dropper suggest that it's also aimed at longer rides.
  • 2 0
 Mount the bottle on the downtube, that's what the bottle mounts are for down there. Just like the other Processes, and Yeti's and....(except for the Spartan that doesn't have any bottle mounts!)

I don't have an issue with a bottle on the downtube, but I don't live where cattle graze Wink

I agree it would be an awesome rental fleet bike...a good way to keep the genre viable too
  • 2 0
 bottle mounts are awesome. I use one for my front "water bottle shaped" battery at night and a spare bottle during the day. They hold a small thermos for winter riding.
  • 2 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/12255154

i run a bottle on my 167 , sucks when it,s mucky but for quick rides with no packs it,s great option
  • 65 0
 Bike park rental shops look no further:
this bike would make 100% sense for rent.
I can't stop laughing watching beginners struggling their way down the bikepark tracks at walking speed with a 63° head angle, 200mm travel f+r, a steering angle restricted to 60°, and a 125cm wheelbase. And maybe 650b wheels nowadays. It's plain ridiculous. They could have so much more fun and be a lot safer on that machine. Just to make it clear, I don't see the bike as a beginners bike, any experienced rider looking for fun might give it a try as well.
  • 4 0
 You're probably right. I'm a trail rider who hits up Silver Star a few times a year and have had so much more fun on the Blues & Blacks on an All Mountain bike (Norco Range?) than I did renting their big fuk%off DH bike. I don't ride at any level worthy of a 200mm or insane angles. DH bikes don't do my little jumps as nicely either.
  • 6 0
 I agree, Deer Valley here in Utah rents out gamblers to the newbs who come up to get a taste of mountain biking. Its pretty strange seeing someone on a gambler sitting down while going 2mph down a blue line...
  • 39 1
 Finally, a review on a 26"er. I am keeping mine for as long as possible. I might even go find a 24" wheel for the back.
  • 14 2
 Keeping mine too. Although this one looks damn sick. May be getting a new 26er for Christmas.
  • 37 5
 26" damn what wheel size is next?
  • 4 0
 Nobody prop this guy he's got 26 already
  • 4 0
 ahahaha suck'ers 26 foe life
  • 3 0
 26
  • 1 0
 ^^needs twenty five plus one votes pls.^^
  • 30 0
 49 999 $ seems a bit steap though ^^
  • 6 0
 I wondered if anyone noticed that ????
  • 3 1
 When the model year cycles, you will find some for smoking deals on close outs. Keep friendly with your local Kona dealer. Bring them a six pack and some doughnuts every few weeks. You will get a good price.....
  • 3 0
 I think you got neg propped for beer and doughnuts. I never had beer with doughnuts so I won't neg ya but I'm not gonna try it, either.
  • 3 0
 Ya got it all wrong! Not at the same time! Donuts int the morning around opening time and beer in the evening around closing time. Or the other way around, however you LBS operates.
  • 29 1
 26 AIN'T DEAD
  • 2 24
flag weekdayandweekendwarrior (Oct 5, 2015 at 7:32) (Below Threshold)
 Embrace its dead
  • 26 4
 That bike is fantastic! I rode it for a short moment on Kona demo day and it was one of 3 bikes I rode in my life that I felt at home right away, like I owned it all my life (other were Nomad and Stumpy Evo 29), the bike went where I looked, no fiddly figuring out how to set my body to make it turn as I want as it happens when I am not used to some geo. I didn't need much adjustment, just swing a leg over it and ride anything I thought about. And I ride a 125mm bike so that was a big change. More over it does not feel much bigger or heavier than 153 and I rode it on terrain being far from park or big mountain riding.

What a wonderful dialled bike you made Kona!
  • 13 0
 What would be awesome is a comparison (in one article that is) of modern 26" build AM/Enduro bikes. Bikes that have the options of running 26" wheels or designed around 26" wheels. That list could include...

Process 167
Canfield Balance
Banshee Rune
Guerilla Gravity Mega Trail

Any others?
  • 15 1
 Knolly Chilcotin Transition Suppressor
  • 1 0
 Ooops!

Any more?
  • 10 9
 I think the Kona would get blown away, for sure by the Balance and probably more on that list. I had a Balance and it didn't have any problems climbing. On the downhill, the suspension was bottomless and you felt like you were on a bike with much, much more suspension. You could throw the Balance in your car and ride anything from epic XC rides, to black diamond/park runs. The Canfield suspension is better than any 4-bar, VPP, and single pivot suspension I have ridden.
  • 4 1
 @digitalsoul : You'll get no arguments from me about the Canfield. I have a Balance now. ;-)

To play devils advocate...

* The Rune is a DW link.
* Is that bottomless feeling from the suspension design or the shock?

I think they're all great bikes personally and most likely would've been happy an all of them.
  • 4 0
 Process has a longer wheel base, shorter rear, slacker, and more travel. Different bikes
  • 3 0
 @digitalsoul - If you HAD a Balance, then what did you replace it with? That's the bike I want to ride!
  • 1 0
 @FindDigRideRepeat : Are you saying it shouldn't be compared to these as a result?

From the Kona site...

"The Process 167 is the ultimate in DH/freeride/hardcore enduro, with the pedaling performance to get you to the top....."

Since it says enduro in there, I think it can be compared.

As for wheel base, the Rune is only .4 shorter for a large while the Megatrail is .4 longer.

It's in good company on this list.
  • 7 0
 My Commencal Meta SX 26" rips the shit out of any trail, up or down !
  • 2 0
 @bfm-team : Wow! Didn't know they were offering the Meta in a 26". To bad it's gone for 2016.
  • 2 0
 it,s all in how you set-up the suspension , i have mine adjusted more for trails then park and there is no climb that the bike has not been able to get up , the rider on the other had that,s a different story . also it's expected for bikes using a Monarch shock or a CCDB to climb better then a Vivid Air equipped bike .
  • 2 0
 Anyone coming from a DH bike who rides any enduro/AM bike always says they climb like an XC bike. They probably do climb like one 15 years ago, but there is a pretty damn far difference in climbing when talking a modern xc vs an enduro, as this and every other review almost always notes. No one is winning xc races on a Nomad or a Bronson. Suffice it to say it is much slower and takes more energy to get up the hill with more travel. Noted and now lets rip it down.
  • 2 0
 @Rubberelli : Do you really believe we don't know this?

What are you reading into this? I just Ctr+F'd this page and nobody here (the article included) said or intimated that it (The Process) climbs like an XC. I'm pretty sure nobody thinks any of the bikes mentioned above do either.

When people like a lot of us here say it climbs well, a good number of us are saying this in comparison to our DH or freeride bikes. And this makes sense too as NOBODY is worried about an XC bike that descends like an Operator, Jedi, Demo, etc....

The are "self shuttle" bikes. This term can't possibly apply to most XC people (and their bikes) who are (to put it plainly) too afraid to hit the stuff "self shuttle" types will.
  • 2 0
 @Endurahbrah, I replaced my Balance, with a Nomad. As mentioned though, I prefer the suspension of the Canfield as it carries more momentum going up climbs, through technical sections, and is a beast on the downhill. I still have numerous Strava PR's from my Balance that I haven't been able to break on the Nomad. Both the Balance and Nomad have their strengths and weaknesses. But after riding the Balance and Nomad I still prefer the Balance and wouldn't hesitate to have one again, especially with their new version coming out. A carbon model would just be icing on the cake.
  • 1 0
 @BDKR- you do realize that Levy is making this same point from a marketing standpoint when he says "this world of "OMG, our bikes are the best at everything,'' pitches that makes up so much marketing copy these days." This same theme is parroted by many owners of such bikes that believe their enduro bike is able to rip climbs, including in this very thread. A buddy of mine just said his enduro bike was faster on the climbs than his hardtail. I rode up a short 20 minute climb with him on my hardtail and had to wait for 5 min. at the top. I told him to not sell his hardtail just yet.
  • 1 0
 @digitalsoul : I will have to say one thing. I wish the Balance had 165mm or more of rear travel, like the Nomad. As to whether or not that 5mm (Nomad) or 7mm (Process 167) of additional travel makes much of a difference may be up for debate but it's definitely in the back of my head.

The Nomad was on my wish list for sure before finding the deal on the Balance.

And lastly, are you saying they're working on a Carbon version of the Balance?
  • 2 0
 @Rubberelli : Gotta love hyperbole (Levy's comment) on top of exageration (marketing)!

I agree there are some that would believe their AM/Endurbro rigs make for kick-a$$ XC platforms AND that they are better then XC bikes. With that in mind, do you believe bfm-team implied (because he certainly didn't out and out say it) that his Meta is better then dedicated XC bikes when he said "My Commencal Meta SX 26" rips the shit out of any trail, up or down !"?

Considering "this" thread started as a conversation about bikes we'd like to see compared to each other, perhaps you should bring up your concerns elsewhere?
  • 3 0
 Sorry to start such a controversy, but I never implied that my Meta would race up the climbs, just the fact that I climb "everything" on it and then rip down from the top, all having a great deal of fun ... (self shuttle as BDKR put it nicely)

It's not fast going up (and it couldn't be with a 170mm fork, 160mm rear travel and 15kilos), but it is pedal-able to the top at a slow and friendly pace, it's no race up the mountain or king of the hill... and I believe that this is the same for all enduro/all mountain bikes: having fun pedalling uphill at a "breathable" pace along with your mates, enjoy the view from the top and then rip down the trail !

Any XC bike would "kill" us climbing, but that's not the point, these bikes are about fun and we are definitely having MORE of it on our bikes, so thanks, Kona, for still making fun bikes !

P.S. Not just KONA, but this started because of the 167...
  • 16 0
 26" PB evangelists. Time to put your money where your mouth is.....
  • 15 0
 "The New Stinky" ... I love it .... 26 for life!
  • 1 0
 Finally. Thank you. Have a pretty bomb proof Pitch that might get finally traded out.
  • 11 0
 I think in a couple of years we will see 26" bikes coming back in for the fun element of mountain biking. I had a 29er up until last year and I changed it for a 650b. Although the 29er was faster everywhere I found it frustrating and boring and the 650b is a lot more fun.....it would probably be even more fun with 26" wheels!
  • 2 0
 ^ Agree... 29ers rail on XC / Trail but not as fun...
  • 13 0
 Dang all that and for only $50k huh?
  • 11 0
 single ply tyres and magically you have the best all in one bike. dual ply tires are great if you have a dual bike quiver....just saying good job KONA
  • 3 0
 yes you are right
  • 13 0
 I'll take 3 thanks
  • 10 0
 I've ridden mine for about 6 months and I couldn't be happier. Great all around bike that can take a hit. Highly recommended for bike park and big jumps
  • 11 0
 That bike just SCREAMS Freeride!
  • 4 0
 Yes, but it can be built also as a standard sub 30 pounds enduro bike with lighter wheels and tyres, a Fox 36 170mm and a XX1 drivetrain. But I would keep the Vivid shock for the downhills anyway. Could not imagine a better bike for that application.
  • 3 0
 @endurojoe : Completely agree.

I would prefer a Monarch RC3+ or DB Air CS (the Monarch pedal lock out is better in my opinion) for race days/weekends.
  • 8 0
 Not surprised by this review (in a good way.) Have been riding my 153 for the past few months and it amazes me everytime I ride it.
Keep up the great work Kona.
  • 2 0
 same. my 153 is the shit, couldn't get a 167 for love or money, really don't care now either
  • 9 0
 Soon bike engineers will discover a wheel size that will be revolutionary... Twentysix wheels
  • 6 1
 I walked into Livermore Cyclery and asked for a bike box to ship a frame. They came forward and asked if either would be the right size for a 29'r. When I told them that "I still ride real mountain bikes, it's a 26" Canfield the kid behind the counter just laughed and stated..."26 is dead"...

I don't need another bike, and I don't just have cash laying around, but I feel the need to purchase one of these for the cause. And with Kona's geometry I will have another flawless shred sled to pass other riders on the trails, regardless of their wheel size.

26!!!!!
  • 6 0
 Just 2 years ago any kona bike would have been met with bashing and ridicule over the long shock link and single pivot. Ah how times have changed, kona became cool on pink bike again.
  • 4 0
 So i ordered a 167 last season so i could guarantee one in my size and have a new bike early this season. I have about 30 days on it now its unreal at bike parks, you just wont be the fastest down the DH race tracks compared to a full DH bike., but i don't race and don't really care. It is so much fun to throw around on jumps and wheelie through stuff. As for climbing the bike i have no problems with that, i beat people on xc bikes going up and can hit anything and everything going back down. my dropper post lever also broke within about 20 mins of owning the bike, but my left thumb has seen better days, so i opted to just get the "southpaw" lever instead. id highley suggest the 167 to anyone who climbs up so they can rip back down and likes to hit the bike park also. this bike replaced my RM flatline and Giant reignX. I ended up changing a few things to it, moved the spacers on the stem to the bottom, got some SixC cranks w/ a 30t ring, went tubeless and swapped out the tires to a magic marry up front and a hans damf in the back. Mine is about 29-30lbs.
  • 8 0
 So when can we expect a 26' all mountain / enduro bike?
  • 2 0
 solid bikes still makes one as a frame only though.
  • 6 0
 I know the vivid is an integral part of the playfulness but a coil with a lockout (canecreek) would probably help cure the climbing ails. Plus you know, coil shocks...
  • 6 0
 No mention of the 75 degree seat tube angle? The 167 is a lot more versatile than this review makes it out to be.
  • 4 0
 I count precisely no pictures of the bike ridden with the front tyre on the ground. Any bike better than this will likely have no pictures that don't include Ronnie Peckering...
  • 6 0
 The last 26" bike review on Pinkbike? At least until the 559 revolution comes in 5 years
  • 8 1
 long live 26"
  • 2 0
 LOVE mine (with a slightly different build). And I don't think it's all that bad of a climber. It's no xc bike, but stay smooth and you have the traction to make it up dam near anything. THO.. I like to run my suspension a bit stiffer then most at about 20ish% sag.
  • 5 0
 Kona really nails it with the current Process lineup and they looked the best drenched in mud.
  • 3 1
 The only thing that will stop people buying this bike is the fear of being able to sell it, because the wheels aren't the right size, shame rock shox didn't make the new lyrik in 26 like the tossers they are, else it would have had the charger damper...
  • 3 0
 You can run the new lyric with a 26, or buy the damper kit and keep your 20mm axle...
  • 2 1
 Also a 650b wheel will fit in the back as they have lengthen the back end from 415 to 420mm this year
  • 1 1
 Hmm, 650b forks have an offset on the drop outs though?
  • 1 1
 Which with a 160mm 650b pike/lyrik it is exactly the same geometry as the Specialized Enduro.
Going to a 170mm 650b fork wouldn't be too far off the mark. Offset just makes up for the wheel size.
  • 1 0
 @FindDigRideRepeat: Are you sure the charger damper drops in the 26Lyrik?
  • 1 0
 Just found it.
  • 4 0
 Thank you Kona for listening to us and having that honeybadger mentality and putting your middle finger up to the rest of the bike industry! 26 ain't dead!
  • 5 0
 Great to see people still excited by 26" bikes !
Let's ride the sh*t out of them !
  • 4 0
 i love this bike, i just go the 20016 frame only and i love it....this is the link for the photos
www.pinkbike.com/u/izzy49/album/bikes
  • 3 1
 " Kona's Process 167 could be considered a bit of a throwback to a time when wheels were smaller and travel was bigger..." Damn... This quote hit my face !! Now it's oldfashion?? I love 26! I always like KONA and i like them more because of this 26" inch machine xD
There is one more thing i disagree: ...than what consumers are actually looking for... Because of all that 27,5 new era people forgot about their 26 inch bikes(which are super fun to ride on), they buy what industry give them. Most riders abandoned 26"mostly because of TREND, NEW bikes.
  • 3 0
 I just bought this bike last month and I'm absolutely lovin every minute of it. Super playful and quiet of the descents. Not too bad of the climbs either as long as your keeping your butt on the seat.
  • 4 1
 "The burly Process 167 is a very specific tool for a very specific job, and that job has nothing to do with climbing."
"Intended use: all-mountain / enduro"

Sorry, an AM/enduro bike has to do with climbing
  • 6 1
 It's NOT a enduro/AM bike.

It's a Park = Freeride = Mini DH bike.
  • 1 0
 This is such a dumb distinction. They climb just fine. Maybe they need a bunch of low speed compression. Maybe they have a bunch of pedal feedback. Maybe they feel like mush when you stand in the saddle. Who gives a crap; learn how to climb the bike effectively and go have fun on the backcountry downhills and in the park. The best tool for a specific job.
  • 4 1
 Hey Kona! Get a distributor here in Singapore pronto! The current Malaysia-Singapore distributor is doing crap job at bringing bikes in!
  • 2 0
 Well at least get them to setup a proper showroom at the city center and some demos. I got one flown in soley on reviews, geometry and faith...
  • 3 0
 nice, this was a really spot on review. i really enjoyed my 167 until i came to the sad conclusion that is was a little too big for me
  • 1 0
 I tried out this bike as well as about 5 others on a nice 15min loop with a climb then some varying rocky/fast/techy terrain compared to a Bronson it was definitely more effort on the climb and although not a huge amount faster on the way down I felt like I could just let it rip and get it sideways without worrying about damaging it or losing control. Compared to the GT sanction the process also felt nicer on the way down and about the same on the climb. The Process to me is worth the extra effort on a climb and I could still comfortably sit at the pace of my friends on more climb friendly bikes. If you time all your rides and race its not for you.. but if you work hard and grind away on the uphill you will not be disappointing dropping the seat (it goes low) and throwing it around.
  • 1 0
 I got an issue with a chain ring. 32 tooth chain ring attached to SRAM X1 1200 damage my frame. The visible scratches can be seen on the space near the chain ring. THe issue is the chain ring is to close to the frame. I am wondering if any one of you got the same problem ?
Thanks for help!
  • 5 0
 So in short, it is a kickass freeride bike...
  • 9 4
 No it is not so short, if you put single/1,5 ply tyres on it and same kind of shock they put on 153 then it can also Enduro the sht out of anything. It does climb well, for anyone concerned, at least as long as it is compared to other 6"-7" bikes, not Nino Schurters Scott Spark Team edition
  • 1 0
 I see what you did there... Beer
  • 3 0
 the bike is a great climber if one is willing to adjust the shock settings , mine out climbs my old 2013 Process and IMO is a way better bike than my 2012 Entourage .
  • 1 0
 I'd love to hear how people compare the 167 to the Entourage. Apart from the steeper, full-length seat tube, seems like the same bike to me. The Entourage is a dream park bike IMO, but I haven't been brave enough to climb with it.
  • 1 0
 Totally RAD bike, but is the 2016 model 167 going to have a 2016 spec Lyric fork? Yeah I know 2016 spec Lyric's are 27.5/29 specific but still... Or is it going to run with the 'old' 2015 non-charger damped fork? It things like this that keep me awake at night!
  • 1 0
 So I built up one of these this spring. I only use it for full gravity riding with a road casette/180 fork/lowering bushing on rear shock. I have it built up just like my transition tr500 in 7" mode. The process is great! Built with fancy wheels/bars/stem and saint everything else, its only 33lbs in a small. It takes the big hits brilliantly, and the only place where it won't keep up with the tr500 is the rough rock sections (like rocky sections of a DH racetrack.) Would I use it for DH racing?.....no. Is it my go-to nowadays for DH fun bike.......yes it is!

Thanks Kona-the process lineup are just plain brilliant riding bikes and the 167 fills a void that this industry seems to have forgotten about. I really recommend riders out there get a test ride on any of these process bikes.

cheers
  • 4 1
 49,999 USD seems a bit steep! I guess that's what a revolution costs these days
  • 4 0
 Love my entourage and if it ever breaks I'll be getting this for sure
  • 3 0
 i would love to see if this bike compare to 153 is allot better going down.
  • 4 0
 It is a lot better descender than the 153. I rode a 153 for a while with a vivid air. The 167 feels much more like an operator when going down.
  • 2 0
 I love it... absolutely love it... Love it too much. Holy shit this, in my opinion, is the most impressive thing to come out of a bike company in a long time.
  • 1 0
 Long live 26". All hail this 'new' wheel size, it's the way forward. Stick an adjustable (Talas) fork on it & it'll climb a treat too. Riding is meant to be fun, let's keep it that way!
  • 5 1
 They should call it the Honeybadger.
  • 5 0
 this is what we want
  • 3 0
 It's alot like my Norco Truax which has 180 mm travel front and rear and it also climbs very well on 26" wheels.
  • 5 0
 26 for life son!!!!
  • 6 2
 26 \m/
  • 3 0
 Fecking Hot. That is all.
  • 3 0
 My dream bike and hopefully my next one.
  • 1 0
 Nice looking ride...But considering I can get a 27.5 carbon from resindale for that same price...You guys had better step it up.
  • 1 0
 the new radon swoop 170 is coming soon and I think it's very promising in this category of bike, I dream a fantastic pinkbike's review of that
  • 2 0
 Now that its the end of bike park season.....reviews seems a lil late, for north america anyways.
  • 2 0
 Kona is making the bikes that everyone will be making once Fox's electronic suspension becomes widely available.
  • 2 0
 Yes, shocks are taking over much of the suspensions works now.
  • 2 0
 420mm rear, slack front, who gives an eff about climbing, looks and sounds like an enduro evo to me.
  • 2 0
 I own the 2008 Kona CoilAir and i totaly love it.
I hope that some day i can replace the CoilAir with a Process 167 Smile
  • 1 0
 Sweet rig, infact new dream rig. But this review is so poorly written. And I cant believe that the reviewer cried about the botle mounts.
  • 2 0
 This is likely my next bike. I have looked at the new uzzi but this is likely it.
  • 2 1
 Sorry, but I got more sold of moving to Whistler AND buying the bike. Maybe make a package solution? Big Grin
  • 2 0
 How much does this thing weigh?
  • 3 0
 mine weighed in at 35 lbs completely stock
  • 1 0
 medium with no pedals was pretty much 34lbs even , i swapped to a lighter wheelset and was just over 32lbs
  • 2 0
 A really nice machine. I like it a lot!!
  • 2 0
 great review, this bike will be on my shortlist
  • 1 0
 oh yeah no mention of the 167 being the only Process with CARBON seat stays !!
  • 1 0
 I'm holding back for threaded BB, you almost hit a home run Kona.... but press fit sucks ass deal breaker.
  • 1 0
 I am a bodybuilder. I bought this bike to build up my quads and get better at tricking. GET TO ZE CHOPPER
  • 2 0
 1 for me too Wink
  • 2 0
 Great review : )
  • 5 4
 That shock mount is so thin.
  • 9 0
 From side view it looks thin, but it is a wide piece of metal.
  • 2 0
 Yeah, I see. The first picture just caught me by surprise, it does really look thin from the side. Not sure why people are upset with me for pointing that out lol.
  • 2 1
 Surely the ultimate park bike?
  • 2 0
 $49,000?!
  • 2 0
 Buy a hose already!
  • 1 0
 TKAE MY MONEY!!! ....If I had enough
  • 1 0
 waiting for it for long time.Does it have other color?
  • 3 2
 Please kep making 26ers! Go Kona!
  • 1 0
 now review the 134. process platform is beast.
  • 1 0
 Another one for fat and old.
  • 2 0
 To bad...Kona...
  • 1 0
 Think I can run a DC on this?
  • 1 0
 yes
  • 1 0
 I have a boxxer on mine...
  • 1 0
 upload MORE pics
  • 2 5
 Looks like a park bike so to speak. With a long travel Lyric up front. I would destroy that fork in no time doing shuttle runs or riding park. Looks like 180 mill forks with 20 mil thru axles are rare to find these days. Long live Free Ride. These new light park bikes are ment to be disposable after two years. Thus the limited warranty. I bet after two years you are on your own when the cracks appear.
  • 3 0
 @Sshredder you mean the lifetime warranty on the frame? Yeah, that really sucks...lol
  • 1 2
 Only if you register when you buy the bike. Otherwise its a two year warranty. Read the fine print,
  • 3 0
 And why wouldn't you register the warranty to get lifetime coverage? Takes all of 5 minutes.
  • 1 1
 How many people read the fine print.?
If your on the ball. Kona does a good job on backing their product. Better than most bike manufacturers.
If you snooze you have two years.
My spesh has a life time warranty. I have never registered any bike i have owned. Never been asked to do so.
Do the carbon models have a life time warranty?
  • 1 0
 Making you register for full warranty is pretty common, cool that Spec doesn't ask you to. Five years on carbon Konas as far as I know.
  • 1 0
 only thing missing is a $3k ish + version
  • 1 0
 Cheers PB for washing the bike before the photo shoot.
  • 1 0
 Thank-you, Kona for keeping it real!
  • 1 0
 This bike looks like it'd be so much fun!
  • 1 0
 Eldorado Challenge
  • 1 0
 Looks great
  • 1 0
 Canfield One...
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