KONA HONZO ESD | A downhill-focused chromoly hardtail with extreme geometry

Downhill performance unlike any hardtail. A bike built for aggressive riding.

The KONA HONZO ESD is an aggressive trail MTB based on the classic "HONZO" hardtail, incorporating the design philosophy of the full-suspension flagship "PROCESS X."

By combining an extremely slack 63-degree head angle with a steep 77.5-degree seat angle, it achieves both outstanding stability at high speeds and agile control in tight corners.

The long front center provides a sense of security, while the short rear center, adjustable down to 417mm, allows for aggressive riding rarely seen in a hardtail.

The frame uses chromoly double-butted tubes, combining strength with a supple ride feel. Furthermore, it's equipped with essential features for serious trail and bike park riding, including a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 150mm fork, SHIMANO 12-speed mixed components, and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes.

While focused on downhill performance, this chromoly hardtail offers a high degree of freedom, allowing for self-shuttled trails and even bike-packing adventures.

Features

• Aggressive slack geometry with a 63-degree head angle and 77.5-degree seat angle
• A serious hardtail MTB with downhill performance inherited from the PROCESS X
• Strong yet supple riding chromoly double-butted frame
• Equipped with Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Grip Damper 150mm fork
• SHIMANO SLX/XT/DEORE 1x12-speed mixed components
• SHIMANO DEORE 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
• Front and rear BOOST spacing & tubeless-ready rims
• High off-road capability with front 29x2.5" / rear 29x2.4" tires
• Dropper seat post as standard equipment
• Sliding dropouts for rear center adjustment and single-speed conversion

SPEC

• Frame: Chromoly double-butted
• Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Grip Damper (150mm)
• Components: SHIMANO SLX/XT/DEORE 1x12-speed mixed
• Brakes: SHIMANO DEORE 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
• Tires: Front 29x2.5" / Rear 29x2.4"
• Hub Standard: Front and rear BOOST
• Rims: Tubeless-ready
• Dropper seat post as standard equipment
• Sliding dropouts
• Color: Gloss Metallic Black w/ Furnace Fade & Purple Decals
• Sizes: S (160-173cm), M (168-180cm), L (175-185cm)

If you're looking for a "hardtail that can descend," this model comes highly recommended.

Despite its aggressively slack 63-degree head angle, it offers surprisingly stable handling when ridden. Even at high speeds, there's little sensation of pitching forward, and the front end feels incredibly secure for a hardtail.

Furthermore, thanks to the short rear center, it's unexpectedly nimble in corners. It responds well to quick changes in direction on trails, making it more than "just stable"—it's genuinely fun to ride.

Another appealing aspect is the high degree of freedom in how you can enjoy it, such as adjusting the rear center with the sliding dropouts or converting it to a single-speed. This is a very exciting bike for those who want to tackle bike parks and challenging trails, as well as those who enjoy self-shuttled trail riding.