Kona goes eXtreme with a capital X with the release of the new Kona Process X and Process X DL. Gravity-fuelled rigs aimed at the enduro/freeride crowd.
Has freeride made a comeback? Well, new bikes from the likes of Commencal and Kona seems to suggest that 29in wheeled bikes aren’t just for podium places, but big jumps and drops too.
2021 Kona Process X
Kona’s marketing team tells us that we will be able to “charge down the burliest of descents” on the new Process X, and with a pair of 29in wheels, 170/162mm of travel and a 63.5-degree head-angle we can only nod our heads in agreement.
Like similar big travel 2021 bikes, Kona has put the seat-tube in the right position too in a steep 77.5-degree angle to ensure that Process X pilots are sitting pretty on the climbs.
Although big on travel, Kona is keen to point out that the carbon Process X isn’t just a mini DH rig, but something you can ride all day on. This means that a full-size bottle cage will fit in all frame sizes so that you stay hydrated while looking for your next freeride challenge.
An all-new carbon frame has been developed for the Process X featuring adjustable chainstays and a flip-chip that puts the X into mullet mode. Internal cable routing and plenty of frame protection should ensure a rattle-free ride.
2021 Kona Process Geometry
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
| ST LENGTH | 380 | 380 | 420 | 450 |
| TT LENGTH | 569 | 594 | 623 | 662 |
| REACH | 440 | 465 | 490 | 525 |
| STACK | 615 | 615 | 625 | 635 |
| STANDOVER | 690 | 700 | 710 | 720 |
| HT ANGLE | 63.5 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 63.5 |
| HT LENGTH | 94 | 94 | 105 | 116 |
| ST ANGLE | 78.2 | 78.2 | 78 | 77.9 |
| CS LENGTH | 435 [450] | 435 [450] | 435 [450] | 435 [450] |
| BB DROP | 20 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| BB HEIGHT | 345 | 345 | 345 | 345 |
| WHEELBASE | 1213 [1228] | 1238 [1253] | 1268 [1283] | 1308 [1323] |
| FRONT CENTER | 779 | 804 | 834 | 874 |
| FORK LENGTH | 581 | 581 | 581 | 581 |
| FORK OFFSET | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
2021 Kona Process 153
If the X is too extreme then Kona has also updated the Process 153. This alloy bike is 150g lighter than previous Kona aluminium models and will be available in either 29in or 27.5in wheel options.
Both models feature 153mm of rear-wheel travel and an updated geometry that gives the 153 a balanced ride. The front end now sits at a slacker 64.5-degrees while the seat-tube angle is steepened up for fast and efficient climbing.
Updates have also been made to the seat tube for improved dropper post insertion and suspension kinematics have been tweaked to give 13% more progression and a similar leverage curve as the Process 134.
If you fancy any of these then you had better be quick as Kona is already selling out fast. Check out the Kona World website for full details.
Comments (6)
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“Kona seam to suggest”
Proof reader on holiday Andi?
What with these and the Honzo ESD, Kona are putting out some decent bikes at the mo.
@Munro Biker iOS keyboard. Fixed now.
@brakestoomuch I’ll be riding the ESD on Friday should have a first look over the weekend.
@Andi Excellent, that will tie in nicely with me winning the lottery 🙂 Looking forward to both.
Still Can’t buy just a frame easily.