Staff Pick

I got the original version of this bike for my son when he was 9, and all of the sudden we were shredding the single track and hitting the ski area bike parks. This beefy kids bike has excellent brakes and suspension. If you spend less, the bike may look just like this, but the parts are junk. These brakes work like your adult bike, and the frame soaks up the vibrations with authority. The geometry is dialed, and the mullet is a good idea to lower standover and help them learn to throw weight rearward to soak up impacts with small branches and rocks. If you want to take your kids down trails you will also enjoy yourself, get them a good bike like this. We have been selling Kona kids bikes for 30 years.

From the manufacturer

The Process 246 is the natural next step for young riders leveling up, carrying the same DNA that made our Process line award-winning. Built to optimize performance for smaller bodies without compromising capability, it’s everything we wanted in a young shredder’s bike.

The Process 246 is highly tunable—whether you’re adjusting for rider size, style, or terrain. Named for its ability to run matching 26” wheels or a mixed 26”/24”, it rolls confidently through all terrain.

We spec’d brakes with adjustable throw so smaller hands can reach levers comfortably and brake with precision. Add intuitive suspension, great standover, and an efficient pedaling platform, and you’ve got a bike built to take youngsters from playful laps to serious lines.

From backyard jump lines to their first real descent—they’ll clear it, send it, and ask to ride it again.

Geometry

• ST Length: 330
• TT Length: 509
• Reach: 370
• Stack: 537
• Standover: 628
• HT Angle: 65°
• HT Length: 90
• ST Angle: 75.5°
• CS Length: 422
• BB Drop: 5
• BB Height: 297
• Wheelbase: 1081
• Front Center: 659
• Fork Length: 500
• Fork Offset: 41