We caught our first glimpse of the Kona Process 246 at Sea Otter a little over a month ago. The brand was understandably proud of it, and I’ll admit, I was immediately jealous of how good kids have it these days. At the time, the Process 246 was “coming soon,” but now, this full suspension kids’ mountain bike has officially launched, and we’ve got the rest of the details.
The 246 carries the same DNA as the rest of Kona’s Process lineup, but in a shrunken-down package to fit smaller riders as they learn and progress. With quality components, capable geometry, and built-in adjustability, the Process 246 is a real mountain bike for the youngsters to grow with as they ultimately become better riders than all of us grown-ups. Just check out the video below to see 7-year-old Gavin Gutierrez ripping on his 246. Kids these days…
Kona Process 246 Details
The Process 246 is built around a 6061 aluminum frame with 120mm of rear travel, paired with a 120mm fork. The frame uses a similar linkage-driven single-pivot suspension design as Kona’s adult bikes, with kinematics and handling that “intentionally mimic the Process ride feel.” The suspension has been custom-tuned for lighter riders to provide both sensitivity and progressivity for smaller bodies.
It comes in one size, which is intended to fit riders between 4’4” and 5’. It comes with a 24” rear and 26” front mixed-wheel setup. This is intended to provide a confident front end and maneuverable rear for smaller riders, as well as some extra rear-wheel clearance. As kids get bigger, Kona has incorporated a flip-chip to switch to a 26” rear wheel without disrupting the geometry.
Additionally, Kona chose 140mm cranks for a proportional fit for shorter legs, and Shimano brakes with a large reach adjustment range for smaller hands. The frame has a low standover height, and it comes with a 100mm dropper post to get that saddle low and out of the way when they’re shredding the gnar or boosting big jumps.
Components
In addition to capable geometry, Kona specc’d the Process 246 with quality components. That includes the custom-tuned RockShox Deluxe Select shock and 120mm Manitou JUNIT Comp fork. The drivetrain setup is a Shimano CUES 1×10-speed, with a short cage for clearance, a 28T chainring, and an 11-39T cassette.
Since kids are likely to be getting after on the 246, Kona went with powerful Shimano Deore 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes to keep speeds in check. The cockpit is proportionally sized with 680mm wide bars and the aforementioned 100mm dropper post. The Alex rim/Formula hubs wheelset includes thru-axles front and rear. Kona tops it all off with some proper tires in the form of the time-tested pairing of the Maxxis DHF and DHR II.
You can find the rest of the spec details below.
Geometry
The Process 246’s geometry looks strikingly similar to what you’ll find on my modern trail bikes. The head tube angle is listed at a confidence-inspiring 65 degrees, and the seat tube angle is at a pedal-friendly 75.5 degrees. It’s a far cry from the steep, twitchy, hand-me-down hardtails that many of us middle-aged riders learned on decades ago, that’s for sure. Check out the rest of the details in the chart above.
Tech and Spec Highlights
- Kona 6061 aluminum butted frame, 120mm travel
- Flip chip – change from 24” to 26” rear wheel without disrupting geometry
- Manitou J-Unit 34mm Comp fork, 120mm travel
- RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock, custom-tuned for small riders
- Shimano 4-piston brakes with a wide range of reach adjustment for small hands
- NEW Shimano CUES 10spd drivetrain w/ short cage for great clearance with smaller wheels
- TranzX 31.6mm adjustable dropper post w/ 100mm of drop
- DMJ 140mm length cranks
- Maxxis DHF DC EXO TR 26×2.30” FR /DHR II DC EXO TR 24×2.30” RR tire
Kona Process 246: Pricing and Availability
The new Kona Process 246 retails for $2,699 and is available now. Head to the Kona website to find a dealer near you.
