The Kona Hei Hei first appeared in Kona's product portfolio in 1994 as a titanium hardtail. The name was later used in connection with a thoroughbred carbon race bike. In 2020, the range of applications shifted further towards trail bikes. Like the fork, the rear suspension travel also increased to 125 millimetres. Although this provides more reserves downhill, the Kona cannot deny its race genes despite the upgrade.
The 2139 gram full carbon frame has room for two bottle cages. Long-distance enthusiasts will be just as happy about this as they will be about the sportiest riding position in this year's comparison of trail bikes up to 5000 euros. The 65 millimetre long cockpit and the slack seat angle (74 degrees) are responsible for this.
Tight & yet sensitive: The Kona Hei Hei CR on the trail
The fast Maxxis tyres are also more familiar from the racing segment. This plays into the Hei Hei's hands on long climbs on tarmac or gravel. The rear suspension, which remains very stable even when pedalling and is high in its travel, encourages you to go full throttle even in open mode. Despite the firm suspension characteristics, the rear end responds sensitively and has good traction.
The biggest point of criticism is the somewhat dusty geometry. The slack seat angle positions the rider very far back on the bike. During the test, we had to push the saddle all the way forwards to gain sufficient control over the front wheel. Downhill, the Kona Hei Hei CR impresses with its harmonious handling despite the comparatively short suspension travel: the steep head angle and short chainstays
guarantee lots of fun on winding trails. The wide handlebars and the large adjustment range of the dropper post provide a lot of security.
Conclusion Test Kona Hei Hei CR (2023)
Sensitive suspension, harmonious handling and strong acceleration - the Kona Hei Hei CR presents itself as a successful trail bike for sporty tours. The geometry seems a little old-fashioned in comparison. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, test editor
Technical data and notes Kona Hei Hei CR
Manufacturer information
- Price: 4799 Euro
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: S, M,L, XL(tested size L, 46 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 13.02 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 2139 g
- Weight of wheels: 4696 g
- Handlebar width: 790 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Performance Fit Grip
- Shock: Fox Float DPS Evol Performance
- Front / rear suspension travel: 124 / 125 mm
- Crank: Shimano FC-MT611-1
- Gear system: Shimano XT 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Shimano SLX / 180 mm / 160 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Fox Transfer / 170 mm / 31.6 mm
- Wheels: WTB KOM Team i30
- Tyres: Maxxis Recon Race Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.4
- Ease of maintenance: weak
BIKE test rating*: very good - 181.5 out of 250 points
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Max Fuchs
Editor
