Slim, well-trained, tan lines on arms and legs, tight clothes with company logos - in the marathon starting block you are surrounded by these types. Kona has developed the 29-inch Hei Hei Supreme for precisely this clientele. It also has a slim figure and hardly weighs anything: the brand new carbon fibre chassis (carbon main frame and rear triangle, aluminium rocker) weighs only 2300 grams, the bike as a whole is eleven and a half kilos. The sporty, long geometry and the race equipment with very light wheels, narrow tyres and tight gearing match this. The stiffness measurement in the BIKE test lab also restricts the range of use to the above-mentioned type of rider. The flex of 61 Nm/degree excludes heavy riders. We say: Up to a good 85 kilos it fits.
The fact that the frame twists is also noticeable in practice. On the difficult Lake Garda trails (admittedly not the Supreme's home turf), the steering precision is somewhat lacking as a result, and you don't feel very comfortable with the seatpost extended over high steps anyway. On the other hand, thanks to the successful geometry and the large wheels, you'll be able to get around everywhere safely. You won't lose any time on the competition. Uphill, the bike is in its element and becomes a rocket. Kona says: "The fastest race fully we've ever built." We say: That's right! The riding position and power transfer are optimal, the wheels accelerate well and keep up the pace. The interaction between the fork and rear triangle works well, marathon riders don't need more riding comfort.
Conclusion The longer, the better: the Hei Hei Supreme is a racing machine. Whether for marathons or fast training laps, the bike makes you want to heat up.
PLUS Six frame sizes, low frame weight, lifetime guarantee, consistently sporty design. Reasonable price.
MINUS Moderately stiff, not recommended for heavy riders. No quick-release saddle.
The alternative
The Hei Hei Deluxe is less expensive than the Supreme. For 2499 euros, you can purchase an aluminium chassis with 100 millimetres of suspension travel (Reba fork), SRAM X9/X7 equipment and Easton wheels.
