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#10 on this list
Process 134
Kona
The durable everyman trail bike. Simple linkage, tough bearings, and geometry that has aged better than most.
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#1 on this list
Hightower
Santa Cruz
145 mm of VPP travel with the best pivot-bearing longevity in the class. Climbs efficiently without a lockout and stays composed in rock gardens.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Process 134 | Hightower |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension Travel | 140mm Front / 134mm Rear | — |
| Wheel Size | 29" (some 27.5" models exist) | 29-inch |
| Frame Material | Aluminum (some carbon options available) | — |
| Intended Use | Trail, All-Mountain | — |
| Braking | Hydraulic Disc | — |
| Maker | — | Santa Cruz |
| Model | — | Hightower |
| Travel | — | 145mm Rear / 150mm Front |
| Suspension | — | VPP |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Process 134
- Low maintenance suspension
- Great value used
- Fun on flow trails
- Dated linkage design
- Basic stock components
Hightower
- Lifetime frame and bearing warranty
- Balanced climbing and descending
- Excellent resale value
- Expensive at every build level
- Sizing runs long
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