Feature -

Pro Bike Check: Thom Mitchell’s Kona Process 153DL

It is sometimes tough getting a bike that fits properly when you are 6’3″, but 20 year old ripper Thom Mitchell has found the ideal bike in the XL Kona Process 153DL. This 65OB, 153mm travel machine is perfect for the steep and gnarly trails of the Tweed Valley, and Thom has been using it to good effect in the UKGE series, taking 2nd at Dyfi. This is Thom’s first year racing enduro but he is going from strength to strength, and is looking forward to putting his skills to the test in the mighty EWS in Finale in October. Thomas Mitchell rides for Kona bikes, Sweet Protection and Harts Cyclery.

At 6'3 Thom runs the XL sized Kona Process 153 DL
At 6’3 Thom runs the XL sized Kona Process 153 DL
The Pike forks run 95psi with 3 volume reducers, sometimes 4 if a more progressive action is needed.
The Pike forks run 95psi with 3 volume reducers, sometimes 4 if a more progressive action is needed.
The rear Monarch Plus is running 265psi in the XL frame. It delivers 153mm of travel
The rear Monarch Plus is running 265psi in the XL frame. It delivers 153mm of travel
For the muddy, loose Scottish trails, Thom runs a Schwalbe Magic Mary, running at 27.5 to 28.5 depending on terrain
For the muddy, loose Scottish trails, Thom runs a Schwalbe Magic Mary, running at 27.5 to 28.5 depending on terrain
Keeping it fast, a Mavic Crossmax quest rear, in the soft compound ensures fast rolling.
Keeping it fast, a Mavic Crossmax quest rear, in the soft compound ensures fast rolling.
Thom runs Hope straight pull Pro 2 hubs laced onto Stans Arch EX rims, all tubeless.
Thom runs Hope straight pull Pro 2 hubs laced onto Stans Arch EX rims, all tubeless.
A ten speed drivetrain is enough for the big climbs if you have the power.
A ten speed drivetrain is enough for the big climbs if you have the power.
With a top guide for racing, Thom uses a 34 tooth chainring, driving a 10 speed cassette
With a top guide for racing, Thom uses a 34 tooth chainring, driving a 10 speed cassette
The 66.5 degree head angle keeps it aggressive.
The 66.5 degree head angle keeps it aggressive.
If you are a big dude, you need big brakes, The XT brakes haul down Thom's 95kg, with a 203mm rotor front and 180mm rear.
If you are a big dude, you need big brakes, The XT brakes haul down Thom’s 95kg, with a 203mm rotor front and 180mm rear.
Renthal Fatbar Lite bars are 740mm wide, perfect for the tree lined Innerleithen.
Renthal Fatbar Lite bars are 740mm wide, perfect for the tree lined Innerleithen.
With a 1217mm wheelbase and 656mm top tube, the Process is a good fit for taller guys.
With a 1217mm wheelbase and 656mm top tube, the Process is a good fit for taller guys.

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

Back to ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Tags