Hei Hei
Origin
The Hei Hei debuted in 1991 as a lightweight titanium hardtail — its geometry penned by legendary designer Joe Murray — and is named after the Hawaiian word for 'race.' It is one of Kona's longest-running model lines, evolving from titanium XC racer into a carbon full-suspension platform. 2025 marks the 10th generation (G10), a ground-up redesign with the new Swinger linkage (single upper link tucked inside the top tube, replacing the old rocker), a real pivot above the rear dropouts instead of flexstay, more progressive geometry, and increased travel (now 120 mm rear / 130 mm fork — pushing into down-country territory) plus 9 bottle bosses inside the main triangle. Carbon-only, signaling Kona's intent to stay in the XC / down-country conversation.
Specifications
- Frame
- Carbon fiber only (10th-gen G10 frame; new straighter downtube and seat tube for long-travel droppers, PF92 press-fit BB with ISCG tabs, SRAM UDH dropout, 9 bottle bosses in front triangle, 120 mm rear travel). Not mixed-wheel (MX) compatible.
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- SRAM 90 Eagle Transmission, mechanical 1×12 (2025 CR build). Max 38t chainring, no front derailleur mount.
- Brakes
- SRAM Motive 4-piston trail hydraulic disc (2025 CR build)
- Wheels
- 29", 30 mm internal-width rims, 12×148 mm Boost rear axle
The verdict
- Versatile, efficient pedaling — testers found it so good in firm/pedal mode they'd reach for it over a hardtail, yet 'fast like an XC bike but not a one-headed beast.'
- Long wheelbase and 66° head angle give a planted, surefooted, trail-capable descending character well beyond a pure race bike.
- Nine front-triangle bosses plus clearance above the rear shock make it genuinely bikepacking- and cargo-friendly.
- Modern progressive geometry with deep dropper insertion (up to 200 mm) and trail-oriented spec (SRAM Motive 4-piston brakes, 2.4" tires).
- Strong value: at $5,299 it undercuts the previous generation by $1,000+ with better forks and brakes than comparably priced rivals.
- Only one complete build kit offered, limiting affordability and choice; awkward size jump between Large and XL.
- PF92 press-fit bottom bracket — disliked by riders who prefer threaded BBs for serviceability and creak-free running.
- Smaller main-triangle space than competitors like the Salsa Spearfish, reducing frame-bag capacity.
- Cable routing near the head tube is tricky with some handlebar bags, and the mechanical SRAM Transmission 90 proved extra-sensitive to handlebar-bag compression.
- $5,299 entry price is still steep for the single available build; carbon-only means no budget alloy option.
Where to buy Kona Hei Hei in Estonia
Local shops and marketplaces in your country.
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Want one?
Find this bike on the marketplace, or compare notes with riders already on one.