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Video: Shiggy Mac Hits Handbuilt Shore Lines on Kona’s Process X

Jul 19, 2023
by Kona Bikes  

Words: Kona

There are few things in this world that are hard to beat – the Process X and hand-built trails would make our list a thousand times and we'd be willing to bet a carbon bike that Scott "Shiggy" Mackay feels the same. Somewhere deep in the forest of the North Shore, where no being of faint heart can find, Shiggy and crew whip up some breathtaking lines and if X marks the spot, they're doing their best to make sure it really makes its mark.

Process X CR
photo

Long awaited and much anticipated, the Process X is finally available. Two builds to satiate the masses, the Process X CR and Process X CR DL look almost too good to rally down a mountain.

Process X CR

Process X CR
Process X CR

Big Bikes. Big Builds. Big Moves. Shiggy basks in it.

Process X CR

Process X CR
Process X CR

Could this be our most eye-catching paint job to date?

Process X CR

Process X CR
Process X CR

Finally, the answer is yes. Yes, you can have a Process X. Yes, you can smash through that section faster. Yes, you can pedal to the top. Twice.
Yes. You. Can.

photo
Process X CR DL
photo
Process X CR


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Videos Reviews and Tech Press Releases Kona Scott Mackay


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99 Comments
  • 104 1
 8k for a bike on old Zeb, old RS shock, old GX, AL wheels. Really hard to understand what Kona is trying to achieve with that for end users…
  • 33 2
 Really bad alloy wheels too. Every WTB aluminum rim I’ve owned ends up in the trash can due to dents or flat spots.
  • 17 1
 They'll sell dozens of these bikes. DOZENS!!! LoL
  • 8 15
flag KickouThe-Jams (Jul 19, 2023 at 10:33) (Below Threshold)
 @TannerValhouli: the WTB light i30 have been on my p134 for 3 years and are still in good shape and spinning true. Most of the other components have been replaced- haven’t found any problems with these wheels not sure what you’re talking about.
  • 11 1
 www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3636881
  • 5 0
 @rapidcyc: Already $4k off MSRP. Damn!
  • 6 1
 @ATXZJ: Sad that in just two years a new bike cant be sold at half the price.
  • 10 0
 The thing I don't understand is, they are promoting this bike as if it hasn't been out for a year with these colors and build kits already. I am a kona fan overall minus them shafting local shops as of recently with their updates to their sale through shop policy that kinda screws their dealers.
  • 4 0
 They have not updated their models in 2 years, at least, and in some cases 3. That’s why all the spec is old. Even the prices reflect the Covid-related inflation. They need to slash prices here a good 30-40 percent before they will be able to sell these. Then again, it doesn’t look like any stock is left for either of these models in their online store. So maybe they will now update the lineup?
  • 1 1
 @KickouThe-Jams: sorry… my personal anecdote is better than yours. In all seriousness though what’s your use case? For enduro/DH/bike park riding I’ve never heard a good thing about them. The HTZ rims seem half ok but they weigh a lot more than offerings from DT Swiss or Stan’s that have a much more established track record.
  • 1 0
 @noplacelikeloam: This is how it was for years with NORCO bikes. One year it was a ‘Team DH’, the next year it was an ‘A-Line’. It was impossible selling a used ‘Team DH’ for more than new ‘A-Line’ money. Ask me how I know…. Lol
  • 4 1
 @TannerValhouli: nah man you’re just being a bit dramatic. Im not saying they’re the best but they serve their purpose for me and I’m sure a lot of other people too. The 134 is a mid travel bike what more information do you need
  • 6 0
 RIP Kona and the product spec manager's self respect.
  • 3 1
 @rapidcyc: www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3679148
  • 3 0
 @KickouThe-Jams: me and a buddy both bought slayers 2 years ago, wtb i30 front and rear. out first ride he busted both i busted one. they are trash
  • 1 1
 @KickouThe-Jams: “mid travel” means nothing on modern bikes and their intentions. Those wheels are just bad for anyone riding anything remotely gnarly with the slightest hint of speed.
  • 2 4
 @TannerValhouli: you’re drama bro
  • 3 0
 @TannerValhouli: alls I’m sayin is I’m a lighter guy on a trail bike. No inserts, running tubeless. I do run a slightly higher pressure than most. It’s not my style to brag about how bad I beat my bikes up but so far they aren’t as bad as the picture you’re painting
  • 1 0
 @KickouThe-Jams: Out of the 3 WTB ST Light rims I've owned and maybe 4 or 5 out of mate's bikes I've owned (even when these rims were used for gravel bikes) all suffered rim cracks at the nipple within the first year or two of use. One of the worst rims on the market (would take a bog standard Alexrim over a WTB ST OEM rim). A shame because their KOM rims are decent.
  • 1 0
 @TannerValhouli: Offset on the HTZ rim is cool, especially since Dt doesn't really do offsets and stans doesn't do alloy rims with offsets, but the 13 gauge spokes on the HTZ wheelset are heavy and overkill if it isn't an ebike rear wheel. I agree with ya that I'd never want to pay for a wtb wheelset on bike this expensive even if it wasn't meant for rough descents. 6069 alloy on the newer wtb stuff (looks like the old frequency series is gone from the wtb website), and dt sidewalls aren't really that thick, but still. Overpriced complete builds are what got me into building my own wheels.
  • 1 0
 @lennskii: I have the KOM lights on my full sus and the ST’s on the hardtail. My ST did bend pretty good in a fairly mild crash. The KOM lights I’ve wanted to replace but they have been so low maintenance. considering the cost of a decent wheel upgrade- I haven’t found a good reason to replace them
  • 1 0
 @TannerValhouli: you aren't wrong. Here in the rocky North East, inserts are a must with WTB rims.
  • 1 0
 @ATXZJ: I'm from the future, they did not.
  • 27 1
 I really like that pink color. I can’t explain it… it just works.
  • 2 0
 Was thinking the same.
  • 4 0
 Seen it in person, it's a looker
  • 2 0
 Agreed....very nice color.
  • 3 0
 It's reminiscent of the 2007 stinky primo
  • 3 0
 They've had the same colour on Unit's from at least 2 years ago. Trying to pass it off as new seems weird.
  • 5 0
 If you sell enough Mary Kay cosmetics, they will give you one.
  • 23 0
 DPX2 making a comback? Haha
  • 6 11
flag Roost66 FL (Jul 19, 2023 at 8:47) (Below Threshold)
 looks like a Float x
  • 7 1
 @Roost66: definitely a DPX2
  • 6 0
 @danielfloyd: My bad, I was looking at the nonstudio pictures.

You are 100% correct.
  • 7 0
 Interesting how the closeup photo is a float x, but the full bike photo andthe parts spec lists a dpx2…
  • 20 0
 Kona never struck me as race oriented but they’re certainly in first place in the “who can kill a brand the fastest” race. Sad, used to drool over the first gen of process bikes a decade ago.
  • 33 9
 Kona is done....
  • 5 0
 If they don’t update the lineup soon, yes.
  • 8 0
 There are a few people on here complaining, but in reality there are tons of people riding and loving Kona bikes. Most people after buying a bike upgrade the wheels and cockpit, all my buddies run we are one wheels, they definitely dont come stock on any brand.
  • 3 0
 @scurvy: really? I don't see many Konas on the Shore/Squamish other than sponsored riders.
  • 1 0
 @scurvy: Yeah, I still Love my Kona, but it’s an older model — a 2019 Process 153. And you’re right. The first thing I did was upgrade the wheels and cockpit, along with the cranks (formerly NX). It’s a great bike and would definitely ride another one. I thought the Process X was sweet when it came out a couple years ago. And I like some of their gravel bikes and Honzos. That said, it’s critical for them to bring their line up to date. The sooner, the better. Another year like this and they might be done.
  • 21 3
 They laid off all their sales folks, havent updated bikes in years, and now charging $8k for a $5K bike at best...

RIP Kona... you did your best until you didnt.
  • 1 1
 I knew something was weird when my 2018 process said "Bellingham" and "Monaco" or something on the stem cap. Trying to appeal to Maybach owners? Still don't get it
  • 3 0
 @Dogl0rd: dont forget the kona brand rolling papers
  • 2 0
 Santa Cruz laid off 49 recently as well, definitely not easy.
  • 20 0
 lol @ pricing
  • 18 0
 Ebikes are less expensive than these lol
  • 11 0
 @cuban-b: damn, you’re actually not wrong lol. With sales specialized is having you could have this for about as much:
www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-levo-expert/p/188253?color=317313-188253

And it has XO1 lol
  • 3 0
 @cuban-b: that is not probably a bad sign hahaha
  • 5 0
 @BamaBiscuits: it also has a Turbo
  • 3 0
 @moroj82: Comes with some guy named Levo that jumps over stumps too. You get a lot.
  • 15 2
 Too bad for shitty product management at Kona (weird builds + high cost, likely a result of whatever PE bought Kona). DPX2...are you kidding me?

I bought one of these Process X CR/DL frames used on Pinkbike for under $1500, and it's THE SHIT. Love it. 29r or mullet, 435/450 chainstays. It's a great frame with adjustments that make a massive difference.

Great pedaling position, great jumper (especially in mullet mode running in 435 chainstays), and can be converted into an ultra-stable sled (very different feel in 450 chainstay mode). Feels amazing with an Ohlins TTX2 Air.

More manufacturers should take note on this frame design...just not the "go-to-market" strategy since I think these will flop at those prices. Mullet flip chips, adjustments that make a difference. Not 2 "different" bikes for 29er vs. mullet, etc.
  • 15 0
 Is it just me or do those look just like the old ones....?
  • 6 7
 All they've done is took away the chainstay adjustment and left it close to the short setting.
  • 7 1
 @chrisrobin: you can literally see the chain stay flip chip in all of the photos.
  • 1 0
 They haven’t updated the lineup in over two years with these. I wonder if it’s coming?
  • 4 0
 It looks almost like they took a 2 year old press release and reposted it on PB to try and move some old stock. Lane.
  • 1 0
 *Lame
  • 2 0
 @TheR: if it works…it works?
  • 18 12
 Price vs Spec is obviously the hot topic here over the actual bike and I get it; there are definitely better "value" bikes out there and the bike is not going to appeal to everyone due to cost. I will say though that it is definitely the best bike I have been lucky enough to ride!

It may look like a simpler or more traditional design at first glance; but the fame has been meticulously thought-out and it thrives when you get it out on the trail. Adjustable chainstay length, flip chip, Amazing geo, large and generic bearing sizes for easy replacement, Dam clean lines..... This all adds up to an extremely playful bike and I couldn't be more stoked on mine. If you are looking for a better value spec I hear rumours of something new and Alloy coming down the line!
  • 17 5
 This reads like a ChatGPT-written ad by Kona.
  • 4 1
 Like if other manufacturers did not have amazing geos or adjustability. They of course do.

Kona was simply bought by a company that thought they will milk it based on their past roots but that’s is simply not going to happen these days.

People want both and they should - great bike geo/component wise with a great price.

Not just one thing.
  • 6 0
 so good you're selling it: www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3679148
  • 4 3
 @scotteh: just built up a new one!
  • 5 2
 I agree @shiggypop. I love my Process X. It’s up there with any high-end carbon frame. They’re also super lightweight for such a capable bike.

I feel for brands like Kona who are being ripped in to because of delayed covid issues. Smaller companies got shafted as didn’t have the buying power of larger brands to obtain parts or production slots in factories.

Also with any company sale there’ll be a transitional period. I believe it was only a few people laid-off which pales in comparison to other companies in the industry.

Agree Kona has some work to do and need to be price competitive but they have some great bikes on the market.
  • 10 0
 THE SHIGSTERRRRR
  • 7 0
 It's all about inflation,.this is super amazing value and we should all be grateful to manufacturers for even bothering in the first place........apparently
  • 3 0
 Still running my 2018 Kona Process 165 and loving it. Although now it rocks front coil, Code rsc, 29` hand built Al wheels and gx axs. Theres plenty of good bikes out there, but I`ve struggled to find something that I like better(on the way down).
  • 6 1
 They see them rollin', they hatin' ... feels good to ride the Kona underdog!!!
  • 2 0
 I picked up a 153 29er in the classifieds and found the wheels utter cheese - they'd preload through berms and 'boing' out the backside. Strangest damn wheelset I've ever ridden... Upgraded to carbon, problem solved. Overstroked the shock to get about 160mm out back too. It's now one of the best bikes I've ever owned - never thought I'd say that about a Kona when I was growing up in the era of Stinkys...
  • 2 0
 You could get outdated suspension, drivetrain, alloy wheels etc. or pick up the We Are One Arrival SP1 build for the same price

Spec difference: carbon canadian-made frame, wheels, handlebar, Sram transmission (XO instead of GX), i9 Hydra hub instead of DT 350s etc.

www.weareonecomposites.com/shop/2024-arrival-170-sp1-1593?category=29&_kx=tcqK6JKDwWTwxFlmPmeNLasNjlB3eXiW5SN8d4bo9DbSp6galf1thmSrrzrhfiKa.SF4wAg#attr=5624,5626
  • 5 0
 Nice work Shiggy and Brian! Loved the effortless style and bike control
  • 1 0
 Took a look at the spec for the $5499 X CR and was about to post a snarky comment about the mess of slx, deore, and fox performance components but yall beat me to it. I'll stick with my transition XT/factory build for the same price. Cmon Kona what're you thinking.
  • 4 0
 Slow DRIP is a large send! Rad video and photos - nicely done crew.
  • 2 0
 Cheers buddy!
  • 3 0
 Everybody is getting laid off. Better log off Pinkbike and log back onto zoom, ppl, u could be next!!!
  • 1 0
 Prices are way to high. But thats Not only the Case for Bikes from Kona. Suspension ,wheels, brakes... Everything so overpriced. i Like Kona Bikes they are Pretty fun Bikes to Ride! And the process x Looks so good!
  • 7 3
 This is a joke right?
  • 4 0
 pinkbike
  • 6 3
 press fit bb..........ugh
  • 3 0
 Awesome stunts! So shore!
  • 1 0
 all I have to do is bone my bike shop that has carried Kona forever and save a $150?
  • 2 0
 Pretty sure these bikes have been out for awhile now
  • 4 1
 No UDH?
  • 2 2
 ok but the process rips, its a nice race bike, rides well as long as you have a megneg and some tall bars. id recommend it to anyone who races, just dont go mullet, it sucks.
  • 2 0
 Dude rips!
  • 1 0
 battle the one wheel Shiggy for the name
  • 1 0
 Thats "Shibby" and he's a mad man!
  • 1 0
 Color reminds me of the 2007 stinky primo. Yes, I am that old.
  • 1 0
 that makeup color is bonkers. kind of love it, kind of hate it.
  • 2 0
 It's insane when you see it in person in the sunlight.
  • 1 2
 Damn, everyone trying to cash in on Barbie these days. Hope Margot Robbie getting some commission on this!
  • 1 3
 Rose Gold, one of the dudes who got sacked is laughing now.
  • 1 3
 Their design guy was some sort of musician who modeled the colorways after guitars. Some of it was just awful.
  • 3 0
 Or could be that the woman's market is exploding and that color works for them, I know my wife is loving that frame and color.
  • 1 4
 @scurvy: you have to be kidding. Right?

When was the last time you saw a process x on the trail? Much less a woman riding a Kona. Been to my share of parks and I've seen one. My wife.

Kona made a video on how they come up with their colors. Had nothing to do with XX.
  • 1 1
 @ATXZJ: amazing how you keep track of specific frames ridden by women, you might not see it in your neighborhood in El Paso, Texas but in BC and the NW they are out there.
  • 1 0
 @scurvy:

I was in Canada from August through October. Saw one at the bike park.

Oops







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