If you have been reading the Compass long, you know that we geek out on new gear that is innovative and fun. The new 2021 Kona Process-X is a piece of equipment that is well thought out and has promise to be extremely FUN! A recent article by Bike Rumor broke the news about this trick new setup.
The 2021 Kona Process-X enduro bike is a 29-inch, carbon, full-suspension mountain bike with 161mm of rear-wheel travel paired with a 170mm travel fork. The interesting and innovative feature available on the new Process-X is the ease with which the rider can switch the 29er wheel-set to accommodate a mullet 27.5” wheel on the rear. Adjustable flip-chips, often reserved for geometry swaps on bike frames, are used on the Process-X to better accommodate a 27.5” wheel and tire on the rear of the bike. Adjustable chain-stays allow the rider to still cram 29” x 2.5” tires in the rear with the shorter chain-stay setting.
Konaworld.com
In short, a rider can flip the flip-chips and maintain the same geometry figures as the 29/29 setup while using the 27.5/29 combination. Cool!
What are the geometry measurements of this mullet-able full-squish? Kona has released the following geometry chart to give you an idea of the fit and behavior of this new bike.
Konaworld.com
Low seat tubes abound on all size models to allow for cramming in massively long-travel dropper posts, a 170mm dropper on small and medium sized frames and a 200mm dropper on large and extra large frames. The bountiful reach is apparent on all sizes small to extra-large.
Konaworld.com
The most important question is cost and the new Kona Process-X is not cheap at $4,999 and the higher-end Process-X DL comes in at $6,999 with upgraded shock, fork, drivetrain and wheels over the base model. Is the Process-X too much carbon or money for your taste? Check out the toned down, aluminum Kona Process 153 29.
Header image: Konaworld.com
