Since 1988 Kona from Washington has been hard at work in the bicycle industry and can look back on a successful history of formative bikes and equally unique team riders. In 1994, the Hei Hei first appeared in the product portfolio as a titanium hardtail and was developed by Steve Peat at downhill races in Great Britain.
Kona Hei Hei: from race bike to sporty trail bike
However, the new carbon bullet has nothing in common with the former hardtail. Even compared to the direct Predecessor model has been changed far more than just the glittering effect paint that adorns the top model Hei Hei CR/DL. For more downhill reserves, the rear suspension travel has been increased from 100 to 124 millimetres (BIKE measured value). This brings the rear end into line with the fork and positions the new Hei Hei a little further in the direction of a trail bike. On a par with bikes like the Rocky Mountain Element, the Cube AMS 100 TM or the Specialized Epic Evo. This Sport tourers cavort between the trail bike and marathon genres. But the new setup in no way detracts from the sporty ambitions of the Kona bike. On the contrary: the front frame triangle finally offers space for two large water bottles. The new design with the shock positioned under the top tube makes this possible. A real argument for long-distance fans.
Carbon frame weighs 2219 grams
The frame weight of the Hei Hei carbon chassis is 2219 grams (without shock), the top model CR/DL costs 5499 euros. There is also another carbon model: the Hei Hei CR is 1500 euros cheaper, is based on the same frame and is equipped with Fox Performance suspension and a Sram GX Eagle drivetrain. The previous aluminium frame has been updated with the latest equipment and continues to run under the model name Hei Hei. "In order to be more competitive on the market, we have priced the Hei Hei models as low as possible," explains Andreas Hoffmann from Kona. In the past, the top model in this setup would have had a large seven at the front. We are curious to see how the newly priced Hei Hei will establish itself on the market.
The detailed test of the new Kona Hei Hei CR/DL with all measurement data and ratings is available as a PDF in the download area below.
