The Kona Process 246 is a Proper Full Suspension MTB for the Next Generation of Riders

Kona has officially launched the Process 246, a full suspension mountain bike designed specifically for younger riders. This model carries the same design ethos and ride characteristics as the adult Process series but is scaled down to suit children between 4’4” and 5’ in height. Featuring a 6061 aluminium frame with 120mm of travel front and rear, the bike aims to provide a genuine trail experience for kids, helping them develop their skills on a machine built to grow with them. The Process 246 incorporates thoughtful geometry and component choices tailored to smaller riders. It sports a mixed-wheel setup with a 24-inch rear and 26-inch front wheel, offering a balance of manoeuvrability and stability. A flip-chip allows the rear wheel to be swapped to 26 inches without affecting the bike’s geometry, accommodating growing riders. Other kid-friendly features include 140mm cranks for proportional pedalling, Shimano brakes with a wide reach adjustment for smaller hands, and a 100mm dropper post to lower the saddle when tackling technical terrain. Kona has equipped the Process 246 with high-quality components to ensure performance and durability. The suspension system uses a custom-tuned RockShox Deluxe Select shock paired with a 120mm Manitou JUNIT Comp fork, both designed to be sensitive and progressive for lighter riders. The drivetrain is a Shimano CUES 1x10-speed setup, complemented by powerful Shimano Deore 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes for confident stopping power. The bike rides on Alex rims with Formula hubs and is shod with Maxxis DHF and DHR II tyres, a trusted combination for trail riding. The geometry of the Process 246 reflects modern trail bike standards, featuring a slack 65-degree head angle for stability and a steep 75.5-degree seat tube angle for efficient pedalling. This contrasts sharply with the less capable, often hand-me-down bikes many riders grew up with, signalling a significant step forward in youth mountain bike design. The bike’s thoughtful engineering and quality build suggest it will be a serious contender for young riders looking to progress quickly. Priced at $2,699, the Kona Process 246 is now available through Kona’s dealer network. Its launch marks a notable development in youth mountain biking, offering a full suspension bike that doesn’t compromise on performance or features. With this model, Kona is setting a new standard for the next generation of riders, potentially shaping the future of mountain biking talent.