Verdict on the Kona Hei Hei CR test
With a 130-millimetre fork and rough tyres, the Hei Hei CR is supposed to be a real trail bike. However, the Kona is not entirely convincing. The losses when rolling are greater than the benefit downhill. Other tyres and possibly lighter wheels would suit the Hei Hei much better. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Data and facts about the Kona Hei Hei CR
| Weight | 13.73 kg |
| Fork | Rock Shox Pike Ultimate |
| Rear shock | Rock Shox Deluxe Ultimate |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission |
| Front brake | SRAM Motive Bronze |
Just last year, the ownership of the traditional Kona brand changed hands again. The two founders Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron bought back the company founded in 1988 from Kent Outdoors (which mainly owns water sports brands) and want to focus on the original values. So far so good. The Hei Hei can now also look back on a long history at Kona. In 1991, the bike appeared as a titanium hardtail in one of the first Kona catalogues. However, the original Hei Hei has little in common with the tenth generation that has now been presented, clearly demonstrating the ongoing development. The latest version, the Kona Hei Hei CR, even breaks away from its direct predecessor and aims to be more than just a thoroughbred race bike. To give the Hei Hei CR more trail vibes, the suspension travel has been increased.
Instead of a 120 mm race fork in the format of a Fox 32 or Rockshox SID, a Pike Ultimate with 130 millimetres of travel is now used. At the rear, however, Kona still relies on 120 millimetres of travel. However, the quality of the suspension travel has also been tweaked while maintaining the same quantity. Kona deliberately moves away from the somewhat lighter Flexstay design and gives its trail aspirant a completely ball-bearing rear triangle. By dispensing with the flexing carbon stays, Kona hopes to achieve a finer response and better rear suspension function overall.
Inventory
The Hei Hei CR costs 6499 euros. However, fans of customised builds can also get the carbon frameset including the Rockshox Deluxe Ultimate shock for 2699 euros. But back to the complete bike, which weighs in at 13.7 kilos without pedals. In addition to the solid Pike in Ultimate version, a Rockshox Deluxe rear shock, also in Ultimate quality, is at work. Kona opted for a Sram Transmission for the gears, but dispenses with electronics. The Eagle 90 fitted here is priced between a Shimano SLX and an XT - slightly spongy in its shifting feel but very robust.
The brakes also go to Sram. The Hei Hei brakes with a Sram Motive in the affordable bronze version and with 180 mm discs front and rear. When it comes to the wheels, Kona goes for an economical approach: WTB-KOM aluminium rims and 370 DT-Swiss hubs don't shine and drive up the weight. In combination with the rather chunky Maxxis Dissector tyres at the front and rear, the wheel weight climbs to over five kilos, which reduces the sprint quality. Thanks to the straight seat tube, the dropper post can be lowered completely. Kona has fitted an affordable Tranz X with 170 millimetres of travel. The serviceability of the slim carbon frame has also been improved. Thanks to the laminated guides on the inside, all cables and hoses can be easily routed. Kona riders only have to do without a storage compartment in the down tube. Instead, there are nine bottle cage positions that create space for individual requirements.
Not a real climbing ace
With a reach of 472 millimetres and a short 40 mm stem, the seat length is balanced to compact. Although the wide handlebars have little rise, there are enough spacers under the stem to slightly soften the riding position. As soon as the trail starts to climb, the slightly rear-heavy riding position becomes noticeable. The seat angle is not excessively steep and the seat tube is slightly slacker due to the forward position. To put more weight on the front wheel, you have to push the saddle far forwards. The rear suspension reacts sensitively to bumps and generates good traction, but the rear end doesn't pump too much when pedalling out of the saddle. Only those who want absolute composure have to use the shock platform. However, the Kona's strengths don't include fast acceleration and simply making the line. The wheels are too heavy for that and the MaxxTerra tyres on the front and rear wheels roll too poorly. At least on the rear tyre, a faster profile would fit in better with the overall concept.
Equipment
- Fork / damper: Rockshox Pike / Deluxe Ultimate
- Circuit / bandwidth: Sram Eagle 90 Transmission / 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Motive Bronze / 180/180 mm
- Impellers: DT Swiss 370, WTB KOM Team i30
- Tyres: Maxxis Dissector Exo MaxxTerra 29 x 2.4
- Seatpost / Stroke: Tranz X / 170 mm
- max. system weight: k. A.
- Guarantee: 3 years
- Special features: Nine bottle cage positions
From the test lab
- Total weight: 13.73 kg without pedals
- Weight of wheels: 5163 g
- Impeller inertia: 4104 kg x cm²
Really already a trail bike?
Uphill, the Hei Hei CR has to pay tribute to the heavy wheels and tyres. But does the tide turn downhill? The grippy tyres and the 130 mm suspension fork give the Kona a little more reserves. The geometry also feels harmonious and awakens the rider's thirst for action. While the Pike does its job sensitively and provides sufficient support, the rear works quite softly and bottoms out quickly with the usual sag. Even with more compression, the 120 millimetres of travel are quickly used up. For more balance in the suspension, we recommend a slightly firmer setup and a larger volume spacer in the shock. Compared to the fast race tyres on most 120cc bikes, the Maxxis tyres provide significantly more grip, even in the wet. Only in dry, loose conditions does the Dissector Gen. 1 tyre prove to be less forgiving and often breaks out.
Test summary of the Kona Hei Hei CR by Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager
With a 130-millimetre fork and rough tyres, the Hei Hei CR is supposed to be a real trail bike. However, the Kona is not entirely convincing. The losses when rolling are greater than the benefit downhill. Other tyres and possibly lighter wheels would suit the Hei Hei much better. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
