Just finished building a 2016 111DL frame up from scratch with 2016 parts. XT brakes. XTR drive train w/ Sram XX1 10-42 cassette & chain with goat link to make it work. 130mm Pike, Flows with Hope Pro 4's, Ks Lev Integra and RF 35mm SIXC 800mm bar and RF Atlas 35mm stem. Race face Turbine Cinch crankset with 30T NW ring. Race face Atlas pedals. Weight 28.5 pounds. 6 feet, 30" inseam so I'm all back and arms and went with the XL and super sort stem. I had a lot of bikes over the decades, Spec, Cannonades, Trek, Fishers, Niner Jet 9 RDO as of recent and this Kona Process 111 is hands down, by far the funnest, most competent bike I've ever ridden in my life. It feels SOOOOO much more than 111 in the back. Its climbs well enough, but in the PNW, with our rocky rooty trails, it's the best bike I could ever imagine. SUPER stable but just LOVES to hop off all natural features. Could be a bit lighter, but coming from a 25lb Niner, I don't really notice the difference in weight, but not even comparable in durability and fun factor. Perfect 1 bike quiver killer, if one ever wanted or needed to just have one bike that is.
I always can not wait to read the bible of bike test. I love to see what bikes make it in your test. Love to see all the 29ers this year, but! You have made it very difficult to make a decision on what new bike to pursue! Process 111? Transition Smuggler? Specialized Enduro 29? Trek Remedy 29? The reviews make them all sound that they are all the best (and I am sure they are all great!). What used to be a more cut Nd dry review of bikes had become more foggy.
The bearded dude just keeps getting better and better ... and agree with him on the flex issue... 2015 bikes shouldn't be flexing much IMO so good on him to call it out if it happens
I'm decidedly torn between my next and most anticipated purchase. I'm trying to decide between the Transition Scout or the Intense Tracer 275A Foundation. I just hope that the the Tracer comes into your review list this year.
***** Yea sure agree, its amazing how quickly things change, just an observation. I have the 2014 model, its worth noting the wheelset is really heavy, i have switched them for a lighter stiffer set and gone tubeless . -3lb, way better now.
Just finished building a 2016 111DL frame up from scratch with 2016 parts.
XT brakes. XTR drive train w/ Sram XX1 10-42 cassette & chain with goat link to make it work. 130mm Pike, Flows with Hope Pro 4's, Ks Lev Integra and RF 35mm SIXC 800mm bar and RF Atlas 35mm stem. Race face Turbine Cinch crankset with 30T NW ring. Race face Atlas pedals. Weight 28.5 pounds.
6 feet, 30" inseam so I'm all back and arms and went with the XL and super sort stem.
I had a lot of bikes over the decades, Spec, Cannonades, Trek, Fishers, Niner Jet 9 RDO as of recent and this Kona Process 111 is hands down, by far the funnest, most competent bike I've ever ridden in my life. It feels SOOOOO much more than 111 in the back. Its climbs well enough, but in the PNW, with our rocky rooty trails, it's the best bike I could ever imagine. SUPER stable but just LOVES to hop off all natural features. Could be a bit lighter, but coming from a 25lb Niner, I don't really notice the difference in weight, but not even comparable in durability and fun factor. Perfect 1 bike quiver killer, if one ever wanted or needed to just have one bike that is.
kona is far too underrated. nice reviews yo guys are the go-to on usable information. we all know good on paper means nothing in the real world
I always can not wait to read the bible of bike test. I love to see what bikes make it in your test. Love to see all the 29ers this year, but! You have made it very difficult to make a decision on what new bike to pursue! Process 111? Transition Smuggler? Specialized Enduro 29? Trek Remedy 29? The reviews make them all sound that they are all the best (and I am sure they are all great!). What used to be a more cut Nd dry review of bikes had become more foggy.
Yeah, exactly! I do not know what to buy :(((((((((( Trek, Spec, Kona 111, Kona 153 ? I have no idea :))))))))))
The bearded dude just keeps getting better and better ... and agree with him on the flex issue... 2015 bikes shouldn't be flexing much IMO so good on him to call it out if it happens
Best review ever !
111%
I'm decidedly torn between my next and most anticipated purchase. I'm trying to decide between the Transition Scout or the Intense Tracer 275A Foundation. I just hope that the the Tracer comes into your review list this year.
Please test Kona Process 153!!!! Please :)
patryka11 Best bike I have ever owned! Descends like a beast, and climes pretty darn well for a 6inch travel bike!
what is the song name?
@@MegaTUHAU Never gonna give you up - Rick Astley.
@@shrimpfriedrice494 thank you so much..🍻
does anyone know the song from the intro?
Does Mike have sharpie drawings on his head?
i think so lmao.
I think he fell on his head and those are hematoma marks from his helmet. I HOPE they're not though
It's a stamp from a local pub. You collect them along the brewery "trail" - all 14 of them.
Micahel Foxworthy
and now we know the rest of the story..thx
....wow a lot of companies have ripped off Kona's geo, so many 29ers almost identical.
Its good for the industry, can't think of it as ripping them off, everyone has to do something first.
***** Yea sure agree, its amazing how quickly things change, just an observation. I have the 2014 model, its worth noting the wheelset is really heavy, i have switched them for a lighter stiffer set and gone tubeless . -3lb, way better now.
so ...it was good yeah?
where is this trail??
Man these guys are quite drunk
You said 'I could care less'. The saying is 'I couldn't care less.'
Samuel Davies There is a HUGE list of common sayings in modern culture that are bastardizations of the original sayings.
No Camber Evo C...