Preview: Kona's 2015 Lineup

 I can't give you enough props for that comment!

 f*ck me c*nts, a large company made a mini-DH/park bike with 26" wheels!

 Did anyone see the prices on these rigs? Kona for the masses! Now I can afford a bike and have money to not live on instant raman!

 That process 167 looks like Kona ' s version of the specialized enduro evo. I'm liking it!

 Just to put it out there, some of the stuff said about there frames is true. I just cracked my 2012 operator, but i paid 400 and upgraded to the 2014 carbon frame and it is even fucking better than the 2012 frame!

 Kona is lookin' good this year! There have always been less expensive 26" models available though... dunno what's revolutionary about that idea.

 I love 650b, but I do think companies should give us a choice.

 I have owned an Entourage and it was by far the most fun and playful bike i have ever owned! Hands down, IMO, the best freeride bike ever.

 That process is so beautiful. Such an awesome build kit!

 I can have an entourage with air shocks, an uninterrupted seat post and 1x11 drive train? Scandium frame please and I'm there.

 @snl1200 Not trying to be a dick or anything but real question here. What company's still make a good 26 inch trail/am bike?

 I have a 2010 Stinky among my lineup and I can say its my favourite suspension setup so I am sad to see the linkage go. BUT these bikes look great, and the prices are very fair, really excited for what Konas putting out every year.

 I know this is a 2015 Kona write up, but since we are already on the subject of 26" vs 27.5", allow me to pitch in my two cents. I work at a Trek shop and have heard over and over again that they are planning on keeping their big travel DH bike in the 26" for park and non-racing as well as introduce it in a 27.5" version for DH racing. Why is this? I'm pretty sure that someone behind the product testing scene realized that, although 650b climbs better, rolls over things better, and maintains speed better, it will never maneuver the same as a 26". (In fact, there are a few things more enjoyable in life than smashing a berm with those tiny, nimble 26" tires.) I feel the industry has jumped completely onto the 27.5" bandwagon because it's "New." It's only a matter of time before 26" begins to regain some of it's popularity back. With that said, 27.5" is defiantly here to stay, but I don't think 26" will ever go extinct either.

 Think you hit the nail on the head sir! ^

 Sadly these bikes won't do anything to bring 26 back to the masses - they are too specalised to be big sellers. Qudos to kona though.

 the canyon downhill bikes are the best value for money

 Are the just the new models, or did they kill off the operator and the entourage

 Knolly!

 @dirtworks911 You are correct . Kona is on track wit this trend and i can tell you that Specialized is keeping the Status 26" for 2015 .

 dirtworks911 - I agree that there is a difference in feel between the wheel sizes. If consumers continue to demand 26, it will continue to exist. I think the limiting factor will be the manufacturers, who may decide it's not worth spreading themselves too thin by producing too many models. Since 26 and 27.5 are close, many will undoubtedly choose one or the other to streamline production. If 26 goes extinct, this will be the mechanism.

 I test rode a process about a week ago. Wicked bike. It was the 111 DL, but the geometry is really dialed. I use strava. I'm not an XC guy whose trying to beat everyone else, but I do like logging my miles. And God dammit, I PR'd almost everything. Didn't think I was pushing myself that hard. There's something kinda magical about that bike. Great work Kona!!!

 DMal, I can totally see that being the case for smaller companies that can't afford two different production lines just for wheel size. I feel some of the larger bike brands will keep the two different wheel sizes in their line up for the next few years just cus they are large enough they are able to do that. There are enough 26" loving pinkbikers that will be able to keep the demand up for now. The sport is expanding so incredibly fast (since 2001 when I got my first legit specialized enduro) that I feel there will be enough demand to justify the three major wheel sizes (26", 650B, and 29".) I feel mtn bikes are kinda going through an expansion phase like skis did. There were only a few different sizes of skis, now there are tons that even differ in width and camber styles. Wheel size for biking is much like ski width for skiing in my opinion.

I feel Schwinn did it right back in the day by making the 27" wheel. That's the size I am holding out before I make my next bike purchase.

 Sweet! PS, long live the lyric.

 Indeed! That Precept looks rockin'!

 Long live 26 you mean

 Kona will develop a loyal following because of this. 26" will continue to stay. There's no doubt that 27.5 will be the new standard, if it isn't already. 29" is already dying. Slowly but surely.

 Freaking awesome, almost the exact build and geometry i want. Hope the 167 rides like it looks. I need a new trail bike in 2015

 ...so, finally we have the ability to do some real world economics here then. I watch with baited breath.

Here we have a new, 26 inch, 6.5 inch travel big hitting aggressive-end hooligan trail bike for some, a mini-DH bike for others, a machine capable of taking you to the start line at the latest Enduro race for others or even your one-bike-rules-them-all for the mighty amongst us, in the Process 167.

It appears to the lay-man here that the sales of this one bike will be heavily watched not only by Kona obviously, but by the industry in general. If, and it is a big if, the sales of this bike outperform sales on similarly priced equivalent bikes running 27.5 wheels, then those of us who are quite happy thank you with our 26 inch bikes, can sleep a little easier in our beds dreaming of a bright future that still sees our beloved wheelsize in the shopfronts and our n+1 habit satiated for a little longer.

If sales are disappointing however on this bike, those of us who love what we have should take a large dose of reality pie whilst we wait for the last of the new 26ers, awaiting the chance to sing and rejoice in the freedom of being released from the never ending consumer cycle (no pun intended) of the latest and greatest, thus leaving us, our spirits and minds free to ride off into the sunset, blissing out on the 559mm of rolling rims under us, never to be troubled by the industry again. Amen!

I for one, can't wait.

 Even if that economic card doesn't play out for 26, it just shows Kona has got balls. Props to them.

 I don't even have a kona but there already one of my favorite company's for still making a 26 inch am bike.

 Big props to Kona and Scott for giving us options for 26". Which is all we've wanted all along.
Given that Scott is doing almost the same thing with the multi adjustable Voltage line. I think the 26" will stay in the gravity fight at least.

 operator is still 26" no?

 Nice point Orientdave but is there any reason that bike is impossible with 650B wheels? No? OK then.

Realistically a Nomad built with a coil or even the CCDBA and a solid fork fits that niche? Albeit more pricey....

 It come with extra 30mm of travel for that less than an inch wheel difference. I think it's done right. And you can shred everything on it - natural terrain, bike parks... everything.

 The results in the WC Downhill doesn't make a favor for that switch to 650B, so I wouldn't use that as an argument. The reason for switching to 650B is because this is the trend currently and everybody wants to take a part, not because there is an actual need of doing it.

 No but the riders and teams preference seems to be 27.5.

Also define 'need'. 3 Years ago I wouldn't have seen the need for a dropper post but after trying one I was immediately convinced I need one, same with wheelsize: I never thought I was missing out when riding 26, until I rode a 29er.

 That bonkywonky, is a great point and is part of the the point behind my post earlier: I am sure that if I were to ride a 27.5 then I would find myself back in the old theatre of the n+1 drama, and out of pocket shortly after.

The question I asked myself, and maybe there may be others who wish to ask themselves the same, is whether the never ending race for the latest and greatest bikes and components is really worth it for those of us who are, at best, weekend warriors. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that I am happy with riding what I know and love; my bikes. I hear bed calling and a morning ride.

 Well, I needed dropper post since day 1 I was on my bike. I was even thinking to invent it. And I wasn't the only one on that boat. But I'm not about to get into wheel size debate. You think bike of this kind needs bigger wheels, I think it doesn't. It's something called opinion and everyone has their own. In fact this bike is pretty much like what I'm riding at the moment - big travel all mountain beast that can eat everything. They called it niche bike, then called it Enduro, then someone decided it's no longer capable bike as it has 26" wheels. In fact my bike is miles more capable than I am.

 the riders and team preference is 27.5 because industry wants to sell more bikes. There is give and take with each wheel size but overall I think it doesn't make a hill of beans at the end of a dh or enduro race. The top 2 riders at the last world cup was 26"! Props to SC and Kona for sticking to their guns.

 The reason why so many WC downhill teams have switched to 650b is because they are looking for any advantage to get their riders on top. Fact: 650b roles faster than 26". Another fact: 650b corners more like a 26" than 29". These two reasons appear to make the 650b wheelsize more appealing after weighing out the pros and cons of it all. In general, 650b is a DH and Enduro racer's wheel size, because of the physics behind it. Using that same generality, 26" is a freeriders and park rat's wheel size. @Mentalhead, if you want to argue against physics and tell us the 650b doesn't prove to show have an advantage over 26" in racing that is fine. You will just make yourself look silly on a public internet social network that very few people actually give a shit about out on the streets. Just please don't say that the WC teams are following the industry fads because they are way too smart for that.

 If WC teams were looking for an advantage, why hasn't SC changed the V10 to 650b? It's 2014 so I think the science could have figured it out years ago what wheel size was optimal. 650b will certainly roll over things better, but increased gyroscopic forces will have an effect on cornering. I think it's a wash overall until I see some actual science behind it all.

I think the width of the wheel will have more effect on times than the height.

 Jaydawg69, Just because one bike manufacture doesn't jump onboard with 650b don't mean the new wheel size is a joke. If Trek's Brook MacDonald used his 650b session prototype for the next world cup. He would lose time in the corners, for sure. But what happens when he gets out on the straight aways or rock gardens? Its all about pros and cons.

The problem with humankind is that we are too close minded. It's sad it has taken this long to have people realize that there may be a better wheelsize for racing than the one we've been using for 30 years.

@Jaydawg, I'm going to send you a personal message that will be titled, "Told you so!" when the V10 comes out in 650b.

P.S. Here is some science on the matter that has been dumbed down so the general public will understand it:
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/technology/tech27-5/94
www.jamis650.com/the-wheel-deal.html

 Nice marketing links... still no actual time differences on a WC DH course between the wheel sizes. SC may move to 650b at some point but I would hazard to guess it's would be a marketing decision. Wait till industry starts flogging the 29er when they get the geometry dialed as the 650b market as been stale.

 By that time I might be old enough to actually want to ride a 29er so that, sir, would be a win for me. No one knows for sure if there is a time difference or not because the experimental group in this testing isn't consistent. If they truly wanted to put this wheel size argument to rest, they would take Greg Minnaar to every single WC DH course and have him ride a 26" V10 and 650b V10 and compare the results. You can't compare Greg Minnaar's results on a 26" V10 to any of the top riders of the 650b clan because there are so many unaccounted for variables, like frame/suspension design and rider's ability, that destroy one's validity in saying 26" is best.

Yeah, the research was brought to you by manufactures trying to sell their products. But research is research. How about you show me research that states that 26" is not only better in cornering, but rolling resistance, acceleration, and traction. Here's a tip: you can't.

At the end of the day, you gotta ask yourself what is more important to you when riding. From the sounds of it, I feel you think corning is the most important (which is 100% okay cus it's your preference.) As for me, all the aspects of riding are equally important so that is why I'm a fan of 650b.

 ^hypothetical: if you only had 26 or 29 to choose, with all aspects being important, which would you choose?

 Okay, I lied. I'm not the fondest of the climbing aspect of cycling. I would choose 26" hands down. That is also due to the fact that I am horrified of the corning of all the 29ers I've ridden. I also wouldn't want to replace my 29er hoops every 3rd shuttle run in Park City.

 remember a 650b is going to be heavier (wheels) so every time you pedal or pump you're going to be slower accelerating than a 26er. I think that's where it's a wash with the better roll over. But a 26" bike is going to be more nimble as well, especially compared to a 29er.

 #PeopleWhoCallOtherPeopleGayAreGay #I'mActuallyGay

 I'm sorry to upset you, Mr. Angrynipples (not sorry that you're gay because there isn't anything wrong with that, but sorry that you assumed "gay" meant bad.) No one ever said "gay" was bad here dude. #everyoneknowswhatassumingdoes

 ^uhh...what? so when you mentioned it in regards to 29ers you meant what exactly? not a hard leap onto the assumption train there.
nvm. great bikes.

 Some people like 26, some people like 27.5, some people like 29. There are pros and cons to both which all comes down to preference. 26 could actually make a rider faster coming off of a 27.5 if the rider is not the best at cornering but good at fast straight line speed. At the same time if you ride mostly recreational you might want a 26. If you want the middle ground you might want a 27.5. If you do less aggressive riding you might want a 29. Keyword: might. Either way we should all be happy because Kona realized this and make bikes in all 3 sizes. Props to Kona!

 @dirtworks haha i dont really care i was just f*ckin with ya

 @Angrynipples, no worries. sometimes its just fun to dick around on this thing.

 @bikebike69. Don't forget about banshee, they give both wheel options well.

 Indeed I would so do a Legend!

 Well said. Although that process is $5k, but the price on that precept. yes.

 yes but this is with high end components - this is not the base model. and even though this is the price, this is the only bike right now that seems to be build correctly - low stand over, good fork and shock, long top tube and correct HA, a true buy and ride no plastic frame and wheels that we don't really need

 Absofuckinglutely. I've never owned a Kona before, but they caught my attention. Next time I'm looking for a bike I'll definitely consider them.

 This post needs more props.

 This could be the bike that saves 559. After it sells like hot cakes the other manufacturers may also realize that there is a hole in the market and follow suit.

 Stinky and stab had the same design, so no, he meant the stinky, and by extension, also meant the stab.

 vimeo.com/84708615

 Ive still have my 07 stinky and its still rolling strong, Love the linkage style on it works well in my opinion. But the new linkages look a bit...lacking :-/

 brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2015-Kona-Precept-Geometry-Chart.jpg

Geo chart for the Precept. Looks pretty hot. 420mm rear end and a nice low bb.

 That Precept looks to be the same parts speck as the Park Operator which I have ridden and based on that all you would have to do would be upgrade the fork to something lighter and more adjustable and put a direct mount stem on there and you would be golden. The brakes and drivetrain are plenty good to get you going.

 Also... When is rockshox gonna redo the lyrik? Honestly?

 When we keep makin' a fuss about it on main page articles. Hint fucking hint hint Sram. We love you, but this is killin' us! Charger Lyrik now!

 Anyone charging 9 grand for a bicycle can go and rot where the sun don't shine.

 You guys serious?? Specialized Enduro is available for $5k with x1, pike, dropper post and CC Inline...
Just because you can`t buy a $9k bike doesn`t mean that there would not be a market for bikes at that price range. I ride a $2k bike and could never afford a more expensive one and still I don`t have to hate on $9k bikes.

 That thing is 53X isn't it?

 Haha same here which one? Luckily for me I love 27.5 wheels so I don't feel like I'm missing out, especially since this process looks more gravity oriented.

 i agree, it isn't so bad. i'd go with the process 153 even though this one just came out coz i prefer the slightly bigger wheels. kona is just giving us more options, something other companies aren't doing any more. mega props to kona!

 Yeah kona having the options is killer! I love my 153 but for the die hard 26 riders this new process will make them love kona for life

 Looks like it would make a sick mini DH rig with a couple minor changes probably because its replacing entourage.

 That's what I have been thinking the while time during the 27.5 movement. The bigger wheeled DH bikes may in fact be faster and roll a bit better which helps a racer, but the truth is a large portion of the people buying DH bikes aren't actually racing and a just using them to ride recreationally at bike parks, and shuttling etc. And for that crowd, which I'm included, a 26 inch DH bike will likely always be preferred since there isn't much of a concern for a few extra seconds here and there. I've always said I could see the 26 inch downhill bike evolving into a heavy duty, dual crown park bike. If bike companies were smart they'd keep something like it in thier lineups because in think there will always be a market for it.

 Sold!

 not every 40+ wants a 650b, I own 2 26" bikes and my next bike will be a 26", most probably the process,
I ride for fun not tenths of a second per mile

 Ya thats ageism dude. Some of us 40 plussers have been riding 26" wheels since before you were born ;-)

 40+ yr old here. I have two 26" and one 27.5" (US still hasn't gone metric ) bikes. I bought the 27.5 solely on the frame design...the wheel-size was irrelevant (although I wouldn't have gotten the bike if it were a 29er). I also work at my lbs.

That being said, you were spot-on until the last sentence.

 Damn i should have said 50yr olds to be safe. Lol. No offence intended i was just making a stereotype :-p Just meet a bunch of guys at trails who all ride new 650b/29rs, generally Yeti or Santa cruz, and basically mock my 26" wheels and are determined I wont be able to get up the technical climbs with my inferior wheels as its "impossible on 26" wheels" haha. They are like living breathing marketing bull$hitters for big wheels, all of which information they cite as being from 'the guy at their bike store'...

 Somebody that wants to spend two to three times the money they'll have to?

 About ready to blow my wad... by that, I mean the wad in my wallet but... I know what you were thinking! LOL

brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Kona-Process-167.jpg

 I have 2 bikes, if I sold them and got the 167 with 2 wheelsets and 2 shocks (1 DH and 1 with propedal) I could be just as well off as I am at the moment, but just 1 bike to look after.

 I don't know if the process is really an everything bike. I'm sure it COULD pedal uphill, but that geometry would not make pedaling around very comfortable. The way I see it, it's a modern freeride bike. Wouldn't really want to go on a long epic trail ride with a bottome bracket that low, such slack STA and HTA, and such short chainstays. But it looks like a helluva freeride bike.

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 Oh shit, I hope that's not true, surely their not daft enough to do that again, it would certainly stop me buying another Kona

 Yup i'm going to sell mine if they do... I emailed them and asked..but got ignored

 Well it's true, Kona bikes are now available through Halfords, they're obviously not worried about image. I won't be buying another Kona.

 hopefully next year will be the return of the 26

 Looks like an x7 type 2

 These bikes don't have a proven sales record yet. Let's talk next season and see if they sold out. Spesh couldn't sell their 26 ers either.

 And it's 26" hells yeah!

 If you read the text you will see that the 167 replaces Entourage..

 Yeah the new process 167 in the new "park bike" probably why they chose 26 inch wheels as well.

 Saw Aggy riding his proto 167 at silverstar a couple weeks ago. He had it built with a new pike rct3, sram x01 dh kit and havoc wheels. said it pretty much rides like his entourage in a slightly lighter package. looked badass in person too.

 I agree with the not offering 2 models part (a $3000 base model & a $5000+ DL). Other than that, the 167 has the exact same geo as the entourage but in a lighter, more refined package.

 Bet they will offer 2 versions. They almost always do. Just showing you the best version to get people going. They also do frame only but never list it for some reason

 The 153/134 were/are sold frame only. ..

 where

 The path

 In 26? I doubt. Especially cause the 163 looks more gravity oriented, probably why it's 26, and they have the 134 for 140 and the 153 for 150-160 mm of travel

 Ya strangely its not here? There's at least one made...thought wed see it at sea otter.
I'd be a 153 carbon buyer all day.

 On their website they're counting down to the 2015 models, so I think this is just a glimpse and the carbon process frames are coming.

 The carbon process are not ready for production! yet.

 Sales.

 don't know where you leave but u can see a couple of entourage in every bikepark/ resort around here (Alps)

 you can also see loads of stock left in chain reaction at just above cost price....

 You're funny

 26" is alive and well, check out DURT WURX on fb. By riders for riders who prefer 26" wheels. Dedicated to the continued development of the 26" wheeled suspension Mtb DURT WURX 26180 cheers!

 It only looks thin from the side - here's a better angle: www.pinkbike.com/photo/9818236

 People thought that when the first pics of the 2014 process came out, but the upper mount is a single triangular piece, as wide as the top tube. Field reports says there's nothing wrong with them

 yeah, but i hope its either a reflection making them look small, or its a new super fancy carbon- iron blend that can withstand a bomb. on a side note, that precept is a very attractive bike with an even more attractive price tag.

 Only from that angle, it looks solid in person.

www.fitzcycles.ie/content/images/thumbs/0004662_2014_kona_process_153.jpeg

 26 for life!!