Frameset
Frame
Kona Carbon, 162mm rear travel
Fork
RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2, Charger 2.1, DebonAir, 170mm, tapered, 110mm spacing
Rear shock
RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, Trunnion mount
Process X CR/DL
The Kona Process X is a gravity-focused mountain bike built for aggressive enduro riding, shuttle laps, and bike park sessions. For this generation, Kona transitioned the primary frame design to a robust 6061 aluminum construction, moving away from the previous carbon-only lineup. The updated frame delivers 162mm of rear travel and introduces modern utility with a Universal Derailleur Hanger and external cable routing along the top of the down tube.
Designed to accommodate either a 170mm single-crown or a dual-crown fork, the platform is highly adaptable to different gravity disciplines. A flip chip in the linkage allows riders to run a dedicated 29-inch wheel setup or swap to a mixed-wheel configuration without disrupting the bottom bracket height. Ultimately, this generation prioritizes durability, ease of maintenance, and hard-hitting downhill capability over lightweight trail versatility.
$5,799
Build
Size
| Stack | 632mm |
| Reach | 465mm |
| Top tube | 594mm |
| Headtube length | 110mm |
| Standover height | 700mm |
| Seat tube length | 380mm |
Fit and geometry
The Process X geometry heavily favors high-speed stability and steep descents. A slack 63.5-degree head tube angle pairs with a long reach—measuring 465mm on a size medium—to stretch the bike's wheelbase out to 1246mm. This length provides a highly composed and centered feel when plowing through rock gardens or carrying speed down fall-line trails.
To balance the long front center, Kona utilizes a fixed 440mm chainstay length across all frame sizes, moving away from the adjustable rear center found on earlier carbon models. While this creates a predictable and balanced ride at speed, the bike's overall footprint requires deliberate rider input to navigate tight switchbacks or low-speed technical sections.
For pedaling posture, a steep 77.9-degree effective seat tube angle places the rider in an upright, forward-biased position that helps keep the front wheel weighted on steep climbs. Additionally, the frame features generous seat tube insertion depths, allowing riders to run long-travel dropper posts and get the saddle completely out of the way for descending.
Full specs
Groupset
Shift levers
SRAM GX AXS
Rear derailleur
SRAM GX AXS
Cassette
SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-52T
Chain
SRAM GX Eagle
Crankset
SRAM GX Eagle Carbon DUB crankarms with 32T X-Sync Eagle chainring
Bottom bracket
SRAM DUB PF92
Front brake
SRAM Code RSC
Rear brake
SRAM Code RSC
Front rotor
SRAM CenterLine, 200mm
Rear rotor
SRAM CenterLine, 200mm
Wheelset
Front wheel
WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS; DT Swiss 350, 110x15mm; Double-butted spokes, 14/15/14g
Rear wheel
WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS; DT Swiss 350, 148x12mm; Double-butted spokes, 14/15/14g
Front tire
Maxxis Assegai, EXO+ TR, 3C, 29x2.5 WT
Rear tire
Maxxis Minion DHR II, EXO+ TR, 3C, 29x2.4 WT (S size: 27.5x2.4 WT)
Cockpit
Stem
Kona XC/BC 35
Handlebars
Kona XC/BC 35
Saddle
WTB Volt
Seatpost
RockShox Reverb, 31.6mm, with 1x remote lever
Grips
Kona Key Grip
Builds
The Process X lineup spans a distinct range of materials and intended uses, from premium carbon enduro builds to dedicated aluminum park bikes. The flagship CR/DL build utilizes a carbon frame, pairing it with a 170mm RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork, a Super Deluxe Ultimate air shock, and a SRAM GX AXS wireless drivetrain. This build represents the lightest and most refined option in the range, complete with powerful SRAM Code RSC brakes.
The updated aluminum frame is featured on the Standard and DH builds. The Standard build leans toward aggressive enduro, utilizing a 170mm Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork, a Fox DHX Performance coil shock, and a mixed SRAM NX and GX AXS wireless drivetrain. For riders focused strictly on lift-accessed terrain, the DH build transforms the platform into a dual-crown park bike. It features a 190mm RockShox Boxxer Select fork, a Super Deluxe Coil shock, and a gravity-specific 9-speed SRAM drivetrain. Across the aluminum models, riders benefit from the durability of the alloy chassis, though the entry-level brakes on the lower-priced builds may warrant an early upgrade for sustained downhill use.
Reviews
Reviewers consistently characterize the aluminum Process X as a dedicated gravity sled that excels on descents but demands significant effort on the climbs. The bike's substantial weight—often weighing around 40 pounds with pedals—makes ascending a chore. Testers noted that the plush initial stroke of the coil shock caused the rear end to "sink too much into the top part of the travel on the climbs" (Theloamwolf), hindering momentum on technical singletrack.
However, pointing the bike downhill reveals its true purpose. The suspension platform is highly praised for its ability to absorb heavy impacts while maintaining a supportive mid-stroke. At high speeds, the chassis feels incredibly stable, allowing riders to "charge through your line rather than having to pick your way around it" (Mountain Bike Action). Despite its heavy footprint, testers found it retained enough pop to comfortably hit jump lines and side hits.
The primary criticisms center on the stock components equipped on the tested alloy models. Multiple reviewers experienced brake fade on long descents, noting the stock stoppers "felt underpowered and not as consistent for an enduro and freeride-focused bike" (Mountain Bike Action). Opinions on the stock wheelset were mixed; while one tester found them adequately stiff, another reported the rims were overly compliant and frequently lost spoke tension during aggressive park riding.
