The first year the Process line of bikes came out, it included 3 models: the Process 111, Process 134 and Process 153. Quickly, we landed the cover of the industries most respected gear guide: the Dirt 100. We also one the “most improved brand” award from Pinkbike. There were a lot of late nights and weekends worked to get the original Process line done in time to show at Eurobike 2014, but it was all worth it as it made a huge impact in mountain biking.
The Process bikes took the market category revenue for Kona from 8 Million a year and doubled it to 16 million by its second year. This was all done with careful long term planning, from defining the ride experience, to laying out the models and how the fit into the Kona product line.
The Kona Operator debuted in 2014 as the first composite downhill bike by Kona. I began this project as my first with Kona and with the freedom to do whatever it took to make the best downhill mountain bike on the market. The design phase of the project lasted about 6 months. Then a few moths later we has aluminum test mules, and a few months after that, the first carbon prototypes. The bikes were first for sale to the public in the fall of 2013 and we expect a 3 year life cycle for the product. It ended up staying relevant and being sold by Kona until 2019, 6 years later.
The Kona Operator as seen in the Dirt 100 magazine
Some details on the Kona Operator
Early design process
Poster of the Kona Operator for the Sea Otter trade show