Hey guys –
Trying to decide on a new bike to get me back on the trails after a long hiatus.
I have a lead on a new Kona Process 153 G3 29er at a discount. Obviously the benefits being it's new but still more expensive.
My alternative is a used 2022 134 with 27.5s- by the sounds of things it hasn't seen a shop since it was purchased, but it's barely been ridden. It will likely need some maintenance (dropper post, suspension service) so I'm anticipating extra costs apart from the price of the bike.
The 153 sounds like it'll be better suited for the trails in my area, but I'm apprehensive about diving head first to get a new bike – even if it is better value.
My reservations for the used are just unexpected maintenance and not being as "future proof" (resale, tire size, etc).
What do y'all think?
Looking for some outside opinions, so any advice is appreciated!
by availabledawg
4 Comments
Pointless question without giving actual details.
The 153 is a lot of bike for a new rider. You’re not going to be hitting the kinds of hard hitting enduro trails that the 153 was designed for. And you’ll be giving up pedaling efficiency and user friendly geo of the trail bike like 134. It’s your call, I’d get the used trail bike.
I have a 2023 Process 134 DL with 29″wheels and it can handle anything I throw at it with ease. I can’t imagine a beginner needing a 153. However, it is nice to have a new bike where everything works. The 134 isn’t great at climbing and is heavy. I imagine the 153 is a bit heavier still and perhaps even worse at climbing.
153 so you don’t have to deal with a base 134 running a Recon fork and SX drivetrain, among other things Kona skimped out on probly