{"id":244845,"date":"2026-05-22T19:56:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T19:56:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/22\/the-kona-process-246-is-a-proper-full-suspension-mtb-for-the-next-generation-of-riders\/"},"modified":"2026-05-22T19:56:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T19:56:41","slug":"the-kona-process-246-is-a-proper-full-suspension-mtb-for-the-next-generation-of-riders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/22\/the-kona-process-246-is-a-proper-full-suspension-mtb-for-the-next-generation-of-riders\/","title":{"rendered":"The Kona Process 246 is a Proper Full Suspension MTB for the Next Generation of Riders"},"content":{"rendered":"

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We caught our first glimpse of the Kona Process 246 at Sea Otter<\/a> a little over a month ago. The brand was understandably proud of it, and I\u2019ll admit, I was immediately jealous of how good kids have it these days. At the time, the Process 246 was \u201ccoming soon,\u201d but now, this full suspension kids\u2019 mountain bike has officially launched, and we\u2019ve got the rest of the details. <\/p>\n

The 246 carries the same DNA as the rest of Kona\u2019s 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\u2026<\/p>\n

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Kona Process 246 Details<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s adult bikes, with kinematics and handling that \u201cintentionally mimic the Process ride feel<\/em>.\u201d The suspension has been custom-tuned for lighter riders to provide both sensitivity and progressivity for smaller bodies.<\/p>\n

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The Process 246 has a similar suspension design as Kona’s bigger bikes, plus the rear wheel can be switched to a 26″ with a geometry-preserving flip-chip.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It comes in one size, which is intended to fit riders between 4\u20194\u201d and 5\u2019. It comes with a 24\u201d rear and 26\u201d 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\u201d rear wheel without disrupting the geometry. <\/p>\n

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\u2019re shredding the gnar or boosting big jumps.<\/p>\n

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With proper geometry and components, it’ll be even harder to keep up with kids on the Process 246.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Components<\/h3>\n

In addition to capable geometry, Kona specc\u2019d 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. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

You can find the rest of the spec details below.<\/p>\n

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Geometry<\/h3>\n

The Process 246\u2019s geometry looks strikingly similar to what you\u2019ll 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\u2019s a far cry from the steep, twitchy, hand-me-down hardtails that many of us middle-aged riders learned on decades ago, that\u2019s for sure. Check out the rest of the details in the chart above.<\/p>\n

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Tech and Spec Highlights<\/h4>\n