Kona Process 111 DL

 I just bought a gently used 2014 version of this bike. Alloy frame, 1 x 11 SRAM grupo. It has a slightly different spec with a GX rear derailleur, GX crank, and Rockshox Reverb post. Wheels are 2016 Stan's Arch EX ZTR with the new Neo hubs. Renthal Apex 40mm stem, and Renthal Fatbar Carbon bars. Otherwise, it's stock. After the first ride, I have swapped over to my American Classic wheels which are slightly wider and lighter, so I am itching to try it with them. I expect it to be even easier to get rolling and maintain momentum. Thats is a strong point on this bike you notice from the first ride.

First impressions - the bike is long and low. My Scott Genius 930 rides a bit higher and turns a bit sharper in the slow tight stiff. Measuring reveals the pedal height off the ground on both bikes is nearly identical. I tried to ride the Kona more like an XC bike on the first try and found myself fighting it a bit. After about 9 or 10 miles, I found the groove by relaxing more on the bike by pedaling and steering. What strikes me is how well this bike steers. It holds a line better than any 29er I've had. In flowy stuff, it is incredible. Technical drop offs, quick ups and downs it shines. Since we don't have many true downhills in Florida where I live, I don't know how it handles the fast downhill stuff, but my guess is it would do very well.

The suspension keeps the bike from wallowing when set up right, and the travel feels very plush. Climbing seems good, but I need to work with it more to be 100% sure. Set the shock on the platform setting and just go. It's super comfortable, and I found myself going faster on some flowy sections of trail because the steering precision had my confidence up over previous bikes. Even with a slacker head angle than I'm used to, the wide bars, short stem, long top tube with short chainstays seem to create a super maneuverable bike for a 29er. It does feel playful., especially at speed. The faster you go, the more fun it is. I have to get this out to a rougher trail this weekend to try that, but my initial reaction is that I love the bike. It's super fun for a trail rider like me. It's no XC racer, but neither am I. I bought it to have fun on and fun it is. Can't wait to log more miles on this thing.

I'll give it 5 stars after my first outing, and I expect it to maintain that level of fun...