Rumors have been swirling for months that Kona has been developing a carbon Process. During the EWS race last weekend, Mtbr caught our first glimpse of the bike in the Whistler lift lines and on the track.

Kona Process Carbon 2017

Kona wouldn't respond to questions regarding the new frame.​

Kona wouldn't comment on the new frame, but it's obvious the suspension layout has been reconfigured. The previous frame had a top tube mounted shock, but on this frame the shock is mounted parallel to the seat tube.

Kona Process Carbon 2017

Water bottle, because enduro.​

This arrangement allows a water bottle to be tucked inside the frame.

Kona Process Carbon 2017 Cable Cover

This large port on the downtube make internal cable routing easier.​

The new frame also boasts internal cable routing and appears to share the same downtube cover/cable guide system employed on the Hei Hei. This large port makes it easier to route cables, helps prevent cable rattle, and (on the Hei Hei) serves as a convenient place to stash a spare derailleur hanger.

Kona Process Carbon 2017

EWS tested.​

The two bikes we spotted were under Rhys Verner, a Squamish based pro racer, and Mark Allison, Kona's chief product tester.

For more info, stay tuned to www.konaworld.com.