Kona launch 2019 was July 29-August 1 of 2018 in beautiful Squamish, British Columbia. For those outside the bike world the term 2019 might sound confusing, but they use the next year because we are viewing all the new 2019 products. This is the second time I made my way to this event and I have to say, it is one of my favorites. The crew at Kona Bikes are fun, which makes what could be a very stuffy corporate event feel more like you are visiting old friends.
This year the two big bikes being launched in the Carbon Process 153 29er mountain bike and the Libre, a full carbon gravel/adventure bike. Since I am into both of those style of bikes my stoke level was pretty dang high. I could not wait to get my hands on both bikes.
The first full day of events we went through the new products, had walk throughs in more detail with the ability to touch and feel all the new models. We also went through some of the history of Kona over the last 30 years. As a brand, they have had some ups and downs but as it sits now I feel they are really on the up. I have ridden and owned many models over the last few years and every time I hop on one I get the same “dang this is a really good bike” feel.
Anyway, back to what we were talking about. Talks, lunch, now it’s test ride time! Being aware of what was in store for the mountain bike test loop I opted to take a Libre out to warm up. The first ride was on the Libre DL, 1x drivetrain and 700×42 tires. Instant “dang this is a really good bike” feels. Pedals like you want a carbon bike to pedal, press down go forward.
The first stretch of the route is paved road and the bike just scooted along effortlessly. Definitely more efficient than my current Rove NRB DL, which is no slouch might I add. As we ventured towards some neighborhoods our route takes us into a little wooded area that is mostly flat but feels like single track. Yes, drop bar bikes are fun on single track. Carbon drop bar bikes are really fun on single track! Stop for a quick photo sesh, then back to the hotel for a bike change.
Next up, the big guy, the 153 Process CR 29. 160mm of travel in the front, 153 in the rear. Full carbon frame minus the chainstays. 2.5″ Maxxis Minion DHF in the front 2.3″ of the same in the rear. She’s big, green and ready to eat; but first we have to pedal through a field and up a really steep climb. Drop a lung, no dabs (yes!), and we made it to the top. Man it’s hot; I thought this was Canada. Anyway, off to the “longer” loop that is quite honestly over my ability on the climbs. Super tight switchbacks and a ladder bridge that is narrow, with a step up at the end of a really steep, punchy climb where momentum is not to be found. To whoever can ride this stuff kudos to you!
Towards the end of the loop I catch a sign that says this way for more, don’t mind if I do. Spits you out at the bottom of a steep climb, oh yeah we have to go back up. Back at the top, quick photo session, snag a cheap Canadian beer and continue back down for a bike swap. This loop has a little more extended downhill. I can tell you this, if you like going fast down steep and technical shit, the 153 Process 29 is your bike. I’ve made this analogy a couple times about riding the Process, it’s like a good friend comes along, puts his arm around your shoulder and says “don’t worry buddy, we got this!” and you do. Just let it eat.
Next bike. Hey look the 153 Process AL/DL 29 is available, why not do a back to back comparison. They mentioned in the earlier talk that the newest AL/DL is 400 grams lighter than last years model. The weight loss was instantly noticeable. Back to the trails! Oh yeah climb up. The aluminum model still climbs well, plus this is now the 3rd time I have gone up so my line choice is way better. No dabs and my lung was equally dropped. At the top I collect myself, somehow forget to do a photo session. Then off down the shorter loop. Just before I rolled out a group headed down, one of which is the product designer for the bike I was on. I gave them a bit of time because I wanted to really let it loose.
Down we go and man was it fast. Lay off the brakes and let the bike do it’s thing. Mid way through the descent the group I was behind was off the side of the trail, including the designer. I felt fast, not world record fast by any means, but fast for me. Turns out I hit a top 10 time on Strava during that segment. I know that doesn’t mean much in the real world of riding but it does tell me I went fast, and faster than I rode that section over the last couple years.
The last bike I got on was the Libre, 650 road plus tires and 2x drivetrain. I also got on a smaller size than the Libre DL I rode earlier. This one is a winner in both size, wheel and drivetrain options. My ride was short but I know this is a winner of a bike, I’ll take it!
Eat, sleep, watch two bears wrestle and get ready for the next day.
Day 2 we go into more detail about marketing and suspension design. On the outside the Kona crew may seem like a bunch of good time loving folks but they are also really smart and work extremely hard to get a good product out. Just listening to the two presentations you get a sense of how much effort these guys put into their work.
Post lunch we head out on our extended group rides. I opted for the longer XC ride, just to change things up from the Enduro ride I did last year. Turns out, our loop was pretty much the same as what we did for the Enduro loop last year. So much for a change but who am I to complain, last years ride was awesome and I know this year will be the same. Weapon of choice: 153 Process CR 29 of course. I looooove this bike. I would have been equally stoked on the aluminum bike but I was in the front of the line so why not carbon.
Climb up for what seems like forever, down Rupert. This trail is what I think about when I think riding in BC. Up, down, rocks, roots, wood features, slabs, etc. Last year I needed a little convincing to roll some of the slabs. This year my buddy the Process 29 had me rolling in right from the get go. Love this trail, really love this bike. It’s trails like Rupert that really allow how dialed the new Process bikes are shine through. Man boobs is next. Less technical still fun!
A couple smaller descents down and on to the final descent, Credit Line. Still can’t get that really steep, ladder bridge climb that is in the middle. Seriously, the people who ride in Squamish on the regular are BEASTS! Down some technical sections with a few drops. No problem for the process. Take a brake at a beautiful overlook, a little hazy this year due to forest fires. Continue down to the end of our ride.
I’m sold. I need a Process 29 and I don’t care if it’s the base carbon or the AL/DL.
Later that night after lots of food we play games, drink beer, and chill with a bunch of other Kona Dealers. This has to be one of my favorite parts. The other dealers are awesome, living the struggle we all live in the bike biz, but endlessly stoked about bikes.
Thanks Kona for yet another good year of informative fun with some really great people. See ya next year!
