Are bikes getting better because of the kids? Or are kids getting better because of the bikes? Whatever the scenario, it’s safe to say that future rippers are starting out earlier than ever, and are sure to surpass most of our abilities before they hit puberty. To help them along with their “shreducation,” Kona is offering up an all new Process 24.
Not too far off from the adult aluminum Process bikes in terms of design, the Process 24 is a real deal kid’s bike that is built for adult level riding. Made from Kona’s 6061 DH aluminum butted tubing, the frame utilizes Kona’s Beamer suspension platform and offers thru axles front and rear.
Running 100m of travel front and rear, the bike has been tuned for lighter riders so the Manitour Machete Comp Air and RockShox Deluxe R Solo air shocks actually move under your little one’s weight.
All of the parts you’ll find on the build are worthy of true trail use and the bike features a 1×10 FSA/Shimano drivetrain, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm(!) rotors, and a Kona OB cockpit. The frame is dropper post compatible allowing for future upgrades as your rider grows.
There still aren’t a ton of options for quality 24″ tires, but the Process 24 makes up for it with Kenda Kinetics 24 x 2.35″ tires with DTC rubber.
To give the bike a proper introduction, Max McCormac headed out to the trails of Kamloops Bike Ranch with Graham Agassiz.
Offered in one size with a 13.1″ seat tube and 19.6″ top tube, the bike uses proper geometry numbers including a 67° head tube angle and 74.5° seat tube angle. It’s also only available in one build which checks in at $1999 which is a lot for a kid’s bike, but it’s probably a better investment than a carbon Strider bike. It also should maintain its resale value pretty well as long as your kid isn’t casing huge doubles.
