Kona has announced the release of two new aluminum mountain bikes; the Process X and the Process X DH. With a geometry based on the Process X CR enduro bike, the two run the very same aluminum tubeset, kitted out with components appropriate to their intention.
The brand is sticking with its so-called Beamer suspension platform. That’s a linkage-driven single-pivot, here delivering 162mm of rear wheel travel damped by a coil shock. The Process X enduro bike pairs that with a 170-180mm single-crown fork, while the Process X DH, with its bike park and freeride intentions, runs a 190mm travel dual-crown fork.
2023 Kona Process X and Process X DH
This is the very first time the Kona Process X has been offered as an aluminum platform, and it rolls up with a 6061 custom-butted tubeset. Frame robustness has been prioritized over weight and adjustability.
On the Process X and Process X DH bikes, a 205mm x 62.5mm stroke coil shock damps rear wheel hits. This is a 148mm x 12mm frame running a 52mm chainline, with a maximum chainring size of 38T. And, unlike the Process X CR, this frame is SRAM UDH compatible. Happily, that makes it compatible with SRAM’s Transmission drivetrains, should you wish to upgrade.
It has a press fit bottom bracket, bordered by an ISCG 05 mount or the attachment of a chain guide and bash guard. A final accoutrement comes in the form of a set of bosses on the underside of the top tube for the stashing of spares or tools. Maximum rear rotor size is 223mm.
Geometry
One drawback of the switch to SRAM UDH is the loss of chainstay length adjustment. This is something the Process X CR offers by virtue of a flip-chip at the dropout. While that carbon enduro bike can run a 435mm or 450mm rear-center length, the Process X Alloy is fixed with 440mm stays across the S-XL size range.
Aside from that, the frame geometry is very similar to that of the Process X CR. A flip-chip at the seat stay-rocker interface corrects for the geometry changes that come with changing the rear wheel size. Thus, the Process X Alloy can be set up with a complete 29″ wheelset, or an MX wheelset.
The Process X Enduro Bike is shipped as a complete 29er (save for the MX Small), with a 170mm fork. Meanwhile, the Process X DH is shipped in the MX configuration. The two actually end up with the same geometry (ATC of the latter is just 4mm taller), with a progressively slack 63.5° head angle, and a reasonably upright 77.9° seat tube angle. Reach is equally progressive at a generous 440mm, 465mm, 490mm and 525mm, on the S, M, L and XL frames, respectively.
Seat tubes are short across the range, allowing for the fitment of long travel dropper seat posts. No need for those on the Process X DH, of course….
To be clear, the Process X DH is not a replacement for the Kona Operator. Sadly, Kona’s dedicated downhill bike hasn’t graced the PNW brand’s lineup since 2018. There’s still no sign of any reincarnation, either. The Process X DH announced today runs the very same frame as the Process X Enduro Bike with just 162mm, but it is fronted by a 190mm dual-crown fork.
Kinematic
Kona has kindly provided some kinematic information on the new Process X. While the leverage curves remain very similar, the start and end ratios are influenced by the wheel size configuration. The MX configuration gives rise to the higher leverage ratio, starting at around 2.92, and finishing up at around 2.45.
Anti-squat sits at around 90% (at sag) in the largest sprockets of the cassette, dedicated to climbing. It drops to around 75% toward the middle of the cassette where a rider is likely to be laying down more powerful pedal strokes; in a sprint scenario, for example.
Geekery aside… Noah Hofmann shows us what’s possible at the Epic Bike Park, Leogang.
“Kona Super Grassroots rider Noah Hofmann is no stranger to getting rowdy. The EDR and World Cup DH Junior calls bike park Leogang home – where no berm-to-berm gaps or sniper lines are safe from his tires. We figured his creative and burly style, combined with Leogang’s high-speed trails, were the perfect way to illustrate just what the all-new aluminum Process X is capable of. There is the small possibility that, in our brief to Noah, he got surly and burly a little mixed up – no one should keep a shuttle mom waiting!” – Kona Bikes.
Pricing, Specifications & Availability
The Kona Process X AL and the Process X DH AL are offered in a single complete build model each.
Yours for € 4,999 is the Process X AL Enduro Bike. Its travel is damped by a Fox DHX Performance shock and a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork with the GRIP damper. It runs a Shimano Deore 12 Speed Drivetrain with 10-51T cassette and Race Face Aeffect R crankset. This one rolls on WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS rims with Shimano hubs. These are home to a Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II pairing in the EXO+ casing. Four-piston Shimano Deore brakes take on speed management with a 203mm rotor, front and rear. Get it in a Satin Metallic Gose Blue colorway, only.
A little more cash gets you the Kona Process X DH AL, retailing at € 5,299. This build is home to a RockShox SuperDeluxe Coil shock, paired with a RockShox BoXXer Select fork at 190mm travel. Translating the rider’s efforts is a Race Face Aeffect R crankset with a KMC chain, and a SRAM 7-Speed cassette with a SRAM X7 derailleur. It rolls on a WTB ST i30 wheelset, home to a Maxxis Assegai, Minion DHR II pairing. Appropriately, both are of the DH casing variety. SRAM Guide T brakes are paired with 200mm Centerline rotors, front and rear. This one is available in a Gloss Metallic Grape colorway, only.
For complete spec information, head to the Kona World website.
