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Submitted by
kemp morris
a Cross Country Rider
from suffolk va , usa
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | top of the hill | | Strengths: | All just the most nimble comfortable hardtail I have ever owned. I just replace the components every 5 years and it feels like the first day I bought it. | | Weaknesses: | They stopped building the frame | | Similar Products Used: | seven,jamis | | Bike Setup: | all xtr with sid fork, ibis ti stem, and I have some old grafton stuff pretty cool | | Bottom Line: | My favorite Bike. 3500 was in 1994 dollars | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesse berg
a Cross Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | 2500.00 | | Strengths: | light, resilient, never rusts....... | | Bike Setup: | rock shox judy fork (sucks), xt v brakes great, top mount xt shifters (still the most reliable), ti stem, seat post, broke the ti bars... | | Bottom Line: | I was a pro developement junior for Kona in the early nineties and got a pro deal on my hei hei, 16 yrs down the trail it is going well. I raced on it for my early yrs , toured on it, commuted, and still cross country ride it. The sandvik frame has held up admirably. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bolton, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Heartland Landfill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | The Frame on this bike is amazing. Its so strong, yet flexible and light, it couples for an excellent ride. Stock components are still working as a charm. I am not sure what year it is, but i beleive its early 90's. Riders who want a wicked cornering, solid cross country bike that can handle harsh down hill racing, or just leisure riding, then this is the product for you. Unfortionatly you will have to find a used one, which will be hard considering that once you own a Hei Hei, you dont want to let it go!! | | Weaknesses: | Hmm havn't, I would say the rider. ;) | | Similar Products Used: | Norco, other Konas | | Bike Setup: | Xt and XTR components, Titanium seat post and handle Bars. Sunrim racing rims. z2 bombers. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, glad i found it for such a good deal, especially with all the components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Howard
a
from GB
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light, Strong, Durable finish, Classic! | | Weaknesses: | In need of new decals - if I can be bothered! | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar | | Bike Setup: | SID XC 80mm, XT '98 (v brakes, rear mech, STI's), original XTR front mech, Mavic Crossride Ceramics, Ritchey 180mm cranks, Rithey A-Head stem, King headset, Kona Ti seatpost, Onza Ti bar-ends, Flite seat. All in all about 23lbs | | Bottom Line: | I will never get rid of this frame!!
I got this bike when my Zaskar was stolen in '96. The Hei-Hei was '93 vintage and hardly ridden - it was in mint condition. It was decked out in the best kit available in 93 - Manitou forks (original Answer ones), Ringle hubs, ceramic rims, Cook bros cranks, Ti seat post, Ti velocity stem,Ti bar ends, Ti BB, Ti bars,King headset, Grafton brakes, XTR mechs and STI's. Over the years just replaced stuff as they wore/broke (most of the kit was in purple - remember when..!)Original parts still on the bike are front mech, seatpost, and headset. But the bike in its current form is still cutting it with modern hardtails, and still looks great (stealth - like!). It is timeless and a classic. I am still marvelling at how it corners even with a longer travel fork. This is the definitive hardtail - great for XC riding and racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from columbia mo
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$525.00 | | Purchased At: | kona | | Strengths: | strong, stiff, corners better than anything ive ever ridden | | Weaknesses: | not a moots (but dosnt cost 2000) | | Similar Products Used: | canndale HT,
spec ground control | | Bike Setup: | hayes, raceface, easton, xo shift derralier american clasic hubs | | Bottom Line: | sweet bike all aroung wonderfull rig rools fast and fits well for me anyway. this bike was stiffer than one of my coworkers easton ultralite frames in the same 20" size. i love this bike and will never sell it although i wouldnt mind having a big play bike. if you get kona on the phone they can put you in touch with ti sports (sandvik) so that you can get disc tabs put on the frame. they did mine for under a hundred bucks, did a realy nice job but they took forever. great way to bring you favorit bike into the modern age. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dorset Coast Path | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBr | | Strengths: | Now I'm a little more informed on the bike, I'd like to give a fuller description of the ride quality.
This bike is super strong and super light, and I've made a sensible 20.5lbs race bike out of it. It accelerates well and climbs like a dream...on the decents the tracking is excellent, and requires only a little of my input to stear me out of danger. | | Weaknesses: | None, only that Kona no longer makes the Hei Hei...maybe they'll come back to it in the future? | | Similar Products Used: | Alot of top end MTB's from Pace, Specialized, Marin, Klein, Trek etc....this is the best so far :) | | Bike Setup: | Tricked up with Pace carbon forks, Race Face Next LP cranks, carbon saddle, seatpost and bars, Mavic and Hope wheels...did I mention I still use XTII overbar shifters | | Bottom Line: | I joked before saying that I'll use this bike till it breaks...but I guess that could be a long time!!!
I've seen a few Hei Hei framesets on Ebay, and it you can get it for under $700, you could be in for a bargin.
Happy riding.........................Rich | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lamarre Sébastien
a Cross Country Rider
from Montréal
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Come on! Any trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Montreal. | | Strengths: | Durability: I own a 1992 Kona Hei Hei straight-gauge pipe, plate drop-out frame. I have taken this bike with me for ten years now. I raced Expert on it. This has to be the best all around hard tail ever made, all in all. Simple, classic geometry that climbs and goes down with confidence. All Kona from this era shared the same geo. Good straight forward company. | | Weaknesses: | I have never had any problems at all with this bike. The only thing I would add to such a great frame would be a replaceable rear der. hanger. But Ti is so strong, it's very unlikely to be a problem | | Similar Products Used: | I had the chance to ride all other competition bikes offered by Kona; Explosif, Hot etc... And also Gary Fisher, various steel bikes, Asama Carbon, Rocky Mtn, Swapped bikes a lot with friends. I owned alu, steel bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Still today: lots of original 1992 Shim XT: seatpost, rear brake/lever, thumb shifter! front derailleur. Rest is mix and match of LX, XT, Judy xcLT, blabla, anything that works. | | Bottom Line: | I had this frame given to me by sponsor. Over the years, I replaced lots of parts, because worn out or broken, never to really upgrade (except front end: fork, stem, a-head and V brake) So I can say I really got my money's worth. My frame has over 30 000km (conservative -I'm 32 and I still ride it a lot). Buying a Ti frame is worth it for any serious xc racer. This one is going straight to my children when I die!!!
I would pay to have it again, I would get this very bike if I could start over again. I had my dream bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint Sheffield
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Tx
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rocky hill ranch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | '97 Hei Hei is neutral, light, climbs like billygoat.... everything but pedal for you. Sloping, long top tube is the best. Kona stands behind their product (read next). | | Weaknesses: | If you run with quite a bit of seatpost exposed, consider using 420mm post. My previous CrMo Hot frameset suffered from a separated weld at the seattube / toptube joint. I don't blame the bike design, material, or welds... I blame 4 years of really tough trailriding and a too-short 350mm post. It was replaced under warranty with no BS or interrogation. | | Bike Setup: | Suntour XC Pro thumb shifters / 8spd XT drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | I highly recommend this bike. Probably gonna keep it 'till I can't pedal any more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bare
a Racer
from Victoria,B.C. Can.
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Dump | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Titanium frame,beautifully crafted by Sandvik.Scratch proof,crackproof,an excellent frameset to upgrade throughout ownership.Lightweight,nimble and rust/dent proof. | | Weaknesses: | Target for thieves.1991 vintage so front-end steerer tube angles too slack for forks 100mm or greater.Rear tire clearance minimal for large volume tire.Can't wear it out so wife won't let me buy new ride!! | | Similar Products Used: | N\A | | Bike Setup: | Marzokks z-2(80mm) Atom race(2001)Xtr,blah,blah,blah. | | Bottom Line: | I raced this bike from '91 till 93' for Kona,then purchased it at race year end.I simply love the bike.Unparalled durabilty,handling and coolness factors.Resale is extraordinary for a bike of this vintage.I just put new decals each year and Wahla..new bike!Lifetime warranty,incredilble insured replacement value.I intend to race again this season on it..privateer.If you intend to buy a Hei-Hei or any Sandvik made Ti bike..don't hesitate.Rocky,Norco,et al are good second choices in Ti.Ti rocks..Kona bikes rock.BB | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from Tonbridge, Kent, UK
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dorset Coast Path | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBreview.com | | Strengths: | Very pleased with my Kona Hei Hei..waiting for a bike like this for 10 years, and now I have one, I'm well chuffed :). I've been previously riding a Trek 8500 hardtail which was itself 10 years old..and to compair Aluminium to Titanium was is interesting. The Hei hei is a heck of alot lighter, and accelerates like a dream..but I'm currently running a longish stem (140mm) which feels quite stretched out. | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | None really apart from my Trek 8500 | | Bike Setup: | Sweet set up:
Marzocchi Z2 Superfly forks
Syncros Stem
X-lite Ti Bars
Deore XTII shifters (original and still the best)
Deore brake levers
LX V-brakes
USE Shokpost
Flite Saddle
Race Face Next LP cranks
Time pedals
XT front mech
XTR rear mech
Ti cassette
Spin Wheels | | Bottom Line: | The rocks...if I can get used to the long stretch, I think this'll be the last bike I'll buy. Recommended | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sigmund Forseth
a Racer
from Lillehammer
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Kona USA | | Strengths: | Light, strong, indestructible. | | Weaknesses: | Rear brake wire routing, bottle mounts looseened. | | Bike Setup: | Full Shimano XTR, Onza MT74-A Ti barends, Rock Shox Mag 20, Ti handlebar and seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I'm using my Hei-Hei for the 9th year. Best bike ever. Perfect is the word that describes it the best. It's a race-bike with very nice geometry and solid build.
If you haven't bought yourself a Hei-hei yet, the good times is still not over | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gino
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Will never let you down. Undestructible. Stiff & light | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | A lot. Nothing came close. | | Bike Setup: | Actual setup:Race Face crank & Stem, XTR derailleurs, King hubs, Avid 50 brakes & levers, Marzocci z2 Atom Bomb fork, Studbuster supension post, Italia Flite Gel Saddle, Ti handelbar. | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the best bikes on the market. It just feels good and it takes the abuse over and over again. I have riden with it for 6 years now and & I am not even thinking about looking for a new frame. I just change the parts on it as they wear out. The geometry fits my style 100% and it just feels like it is a part of me. This is the kind of bike you keep forever. I have tryed many other bikes and would not change for anything. If you can find one used on the market, you should really buy it. It is the only thing I concider as an investment on my bike. To me the value is still the same and it will always be. This is the perfect bike for XC riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Robinson
a Racer
from Victoria, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | LSD (Lick my Severed Dick) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | This hardtail handles singletrack awesomely. It absorbs a lot of the smaller bumbs and vibrations that a steel frame misses and an aluminum frame amplifies. I have read other reviews where people only think it's climbing abilities are average, I have to disagree, I have ridden with a lot of elite riders that can kick my butt over the long haul and are very good technically, but when we hit a very hard rocky, rooty, steep uphill, I can stay in the saddle while they get off and walk. The trick is to keep your butt low and stay there. I don't know how many people have heard of Vancouver Island but we have the best singletrack in Canada, and the top mountainbikers in Canada are from Victoria on southern Vancouver Island. Believe me we have the stuff. | | Weaknesses: | I find the Hei Hei to be a little hard to turn sharp on steep, slow, downhills, and I don't like the drag of the rear brake guide tube that passes the seat tube. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is for someone who likes a smooth ride but doesnt want a full suspension. If you want an awesome all around cross country bike that does everything, this is the machine that can do it if you can. The only limits are set by the rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shoreboy
a Downhiller
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
GMG | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Frame is strong as fuck, yet flexes to give a responsive ride that follows the fall line of descents and absorbs small vibrations and shifts in your center of gravity to allow more controlled riding. The bike is quite lite, even with a Shore setup (which consists of a heavy tires that allow for low psi and less pinch flats - ie Kujos, and components that sometimes sacrifice weight for strength). Shore riding is more like trials riding mated with downhill riding, so the bike takes an amazing amount of abuse - read: steel and aluminum bikes break on regualar basis if not fully suspended up here. | | Weaknesses: |
Some people feel less superior to riders of the Hei Hei. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cove Hummer - wicked bike too
GT Xixang - a rigid titanium bike
Just about every steel or aluminum high end bike out there - there are good ones for sure, but they dont perform across the board like the HeiHei | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocchi Bomber Z2
Profile Carbon Fiber Downhill bar
XTR V brakes
XTR shifters and derailleurs
22T and 34T Race Face rings in front with 36T diameter rock ring
XTR rear cogset
Mavic 521 Downhill rims w/XT hubs
Kujo DH Tires
syncros stem and seatpost
Sella Italia Ti rail seat | | Bottom Line: | This is the sweetest ride I have ever had, and that saying something having ridden as many bikes as I have. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terence
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Hei Hei rules!! I have been sponsored by lots of brands (eg Iron Horse,Gary Fisher,Barracuda,Specialized, Corratec)in the past 10 years and they all hold second fiddle to Max Jones' actual race bike that I bought from him in early 1992 when he was in town. It even came with a Ti fork! I've got a couple of bikes but she's still the best! Now, she's speced with a pair of CrossMaxs, the Mega-9 XTR grouppo, a White Bros UL72 suspension fork, a full SRP ti kit for the gruppo and still retains her Ti stem, bars and seat post. She's wicked and at 8 years old, she still kicks butt!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a racer
from Peterborough, Ont. Canada
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently owned a Kona Kula, which I thought was the best bike I ever owned. After having some frame problems, I switched to the Hei Hei. I know know the Kula was not the best bike; the Hei Hei is.
It provides the stiffness needed for effencient power transfer while being flexible enough to help cut down on the high frequency jutters felt by most hard tail riders. It is also a very clean looking bike which hides it's value benieth it's beautiful grey finish.
F.Y.I. I have also ridden a Santa Cruz (a very fine bike) which pales in comparrison to this machine. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vick
a cross-country rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my hei hei (king kahuna model) for just over a year now. Having gone through and tried pretty well every kind of hardtail frame over 18 years of dirt riding – various steel, aluminum, and carbon bikes, this Ti frame is tops. At 200 lbs steel is too soft, alum is stiff enough but lacks feel, carbon rides beautifully, but crash it and its gone (I lost 2). This frame with its tubes worked and joints gusseted for stiffness is the ideal frame for hard technical riding, fast or slow. You can really push the limits with this bike, go over the edge of control and this frame will save you. The geometry cannot be improved upon. Its just shocking how few companies know how to set up a frame for mountainbiking ie Trek, Litespeed, etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a weekend warrior
from Honolulu
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned my Hei Hei for about 1 year now. This is by far the best hardtail I ever owned. It never let me down on the trail. It work really well in the single tracks with rocks and roots. It files going up hill and it can be thrown all over the trail because of it's slopping top tube as well as its on the dot geometry. I am running all XTR and I just added a new Rock Shoc SID.
I don't race very much but it can be a hell of a race bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marky
a racer
from Brockville, Ontario
Date Reviewed: December 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my second Kona and it truly is a telepathic bike. The geometry is aggressive but the bike handles like it senses where you want to go, sounds weird but since riding the Hei Hei I don't crash nearly as much. In addition the folks at Sandvik do a wicked job with the welding and the finish. Excellent customer support as well from Kona. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blue Young
a weekend warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Kona Hei Hei King Kahuna is absolutely amazing. I cannot find any aspect of this bike that is not completely stellar. Many a time, bombing some tricky-ass single-trak, I could have, totally deserved to, and rightfully should have been bucked and sent soaring... but this bike is a damned Jedi master! It read my mind... and when my mind wasn't quick enough, it read the trail and kept me upright and intact. There really oughtn't be bikes this fun!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kerry Norman
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
If you are into hard tails then this is one awesome frame. You can abuse it, crash it, do whatever you like to it and the frame just shrugs it off. Not as quick to sprint as say a Kona AA, but it will by far more comfy on those long epic rides, and a don't know another hard tail that descends like it. The frame warrents a 48x11 top gear - and you still won't find the limits of the frame.I built up the bike using Pace MXCD forks, Mavic 217 rims on Hope hubs with Richie spokes, and Richie Z-Max tyres. Royce BB, Cooks RSR cranks, Richie Ti pedals spinning Pace rings. XTR with GS completed the transmission. XTR cantis (this is pre-V brake) with X-Lite chicken Stix stopped the thing. A Flite Saddle on a Ringle Moby post, and a Control Tech stem with Pace bars provided the contact areas. SRP Ti bolts help the weight down to 22lb.With this package the bike was very nimble indeed. Single track was a blast, and climbing was impressive, but rooty climbs will still beat it.I don't tend to ride it much these days (I now play on a full bounce Boulder Starship..) but it still has qualities which are hard to find it other bikes. These days I use it as a cummuter bike, with slick tyres. Testamount to its design, it is supremely confortable, and can hack it with the cars, along with the best road bike. One awesome all round machine.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Song
a cross-country rider
from Iowa City, IA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Anyone looking for a quality ti bike can't go wrong with the Hei Hei.
I bought it as a frame in a 17 size. It weighed 3lbs 6oz. I do most
of my riding in the woods where there is predominantly tight singletrack.
With its relatively steep head and seat angles the bike was quick and
nimble. The drawback, obviously, is that it can be a little skittish
on downhills. For those of you who have noticed where I'm from- you're
right there are very few real climbs or descents here, but my opinion
about its descending abilities are coming from my experiences in Vail,
Moab(Porcupine's downhill is killer), and a lot of rides around Colorado
Springs. In regards to its climbing ability, I've ridden bikes that have
climbed better but I wouldn't say it climbs poorly, just average. The
frame being made of ti is inherently a little flexy and it can become
apparent at the bottom bracket in unseated climbing. Workmanship is
top notch with the welds being flawless. The only thing I really
disliked about the bike is the fact that it doesn't come with a
rear brake cable stop; not allowing the use of v-brakes without an
ungainly adapter. I have heard, however, they have changed that for the
'97 season. I had a '95 version. From what I understand, Kona sub-
contracts Sandvik Special Metals to build these frames. Sandvik is
one of, if not the, biggest ti bike manufacturer. They make ti frames
for a variety of brands. As most of you know Kona is one of those
spec'em-and-slap-a-brand-sticker-on-it kind of company; they don't make
anything themselves. Regardless of brand, if you can get your hands on
a Sandvik frame, do it. Again you won't be disappointed.
Unfortunately, I don't own this bike anymore(I bought a Klein Adroit
but I wish I did. I owned the bike for 2 years and sold it out of
curiosity of high zoot Al. The Klein is an awesome bike too, maybe a
little more versatile even. My curiosity is again getting the better
of me and I want to try carbon, steel, unobtainium? The bike was
bought in September of '96. There's less than 750 miles on it and
is full XT with a Judy SL. If you're interested then call me at
319-354-2154 or email at bishop@act.org It was $2500 new and am
willing to sacrifice at $1600 obo. ps-quit lookin' at this screen and go ride you stinkin' lump | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a cross-country rider
from austin,tx
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a number of bikes, very good (but not topend) steel, Easton
Varilite Aluminum, Aluminum FS, and now the Hei Hei King Kahuna.
This is a Hei Hei with a seamless 6-4 Ti rear triangle which is a bit stiffer
than standard 3/2.5. I love it, I have a 19, the frame weighed 3.3 lbs
with seatcollar and BB mounted cable guide.
I like it because:
A) I love the Kona geometry (my 4th)
B) it is lighter than my aluminum was, as instant in the acceleration and climbing, but is not as jarring to me bones.
C)it rails. I know that if I don't clean a technical section, or am slow, that
it is me, the bike is not a limmiting factor.
D) it handles so perfectly, it's telepathic
E) it leaves me with a big shit eating grin on my face :) As of this writing I am sort of debating an aluminum frame again,
which would be another Kona, a KU, the US made aluminum, because
I sort of miss the absolute, instant acceleration of aluminum,
but.... I don't miss the jarring.. so...
in all reality, I will probably keep the Hei Hei King Kahuna | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Hagge
a cross-country rider
from Tennessee & Virginia
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an excellent bike. I bought a 1996 Hei Hei frame and built it up with a Judy fork, mostly Syncros and Race Face parts, and XTR/XT components. I was inspired by a 1993 Kona Kilauea that I still use for commuting. The Hei Hei has an outstanding ride - comfortable, stable, and climbs exceptionally well. It handles well on the rolling hills in west Tennessee and in the rugged Virginia mountain singletrack. The frame is flex-free and seems durable. The sloping top tube makes having to dismount in an emergency much easier than other bikes I have ridden. It may be expensive but from my experience, well worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Christoffersen
a weekend warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Before I got this bike, I'd had two Kleins, and I liked the Kleins but wanted
something different. I rode about 50 bikes (seriously), and even considered
one of those FS Cannondales (but I didn't trust the pivot maintanence.)
In the end it came down to the Hei-Hei and the Fat Chance Yo Eddy Team.
The fat is a dream, is awesome and perfect, especially with their rigid fork.
I just couldn't bring myself to get the Fat though, because the frame cost more
than the Hei Hei, plus the top tube length was slightly shorter than I would
have liked and didn't give my crotch enough clearance. There were several
reputable builders in Seattle that could have built me a custom steel bike for
far less.
Further, Fat Chance's business status was in doubt at the time I was buying
this bike, and warranty was really important.
A final argument against the fat, I am wary of spending all that $ on a steel
bike, because Ti bikes are really durable (it takes a lot to bend them), and
it won't rust. Each time I replaced my Klein BB, there'd be a huge amount of
scaling on the spindle. I could just imagine what a steel bikes BB shell would
look like if put in the same position.
I am planning on owning this bike for ten years, and I commute on it year
round in Seattle.
The Bike:
I've had it just over two years and have had no problems with the frame. It is
light and fits my body really well, the top tube is long and low which makes it
easy to move the bike around. I feel that this frame is stiff enough, though
sometimes I miss the Klein. One thing I especially like- the steering is really
steep, I would say unbalanced, and doesn't have the mood of a sunday cruiser,
the bike is slightly insane, and turns on a dime.
The seattube has an aluminum sleeve that the seatpost slides into, my post is
an American Classic 27.2, but is slightly too small. This results in a
creaking sound every three months, so I need to keep it greased.
The cable routing isn't the greatest either. The rear brake cable is routed
through a hanger that binds onto the seat tube, the cable goes through a small
hole, and slowly the cable is sawing through the aluminum, this adds noticable
drag to the rear brake. I would prefer a real welded brake hanger.
Finally, if I were to have a custom ti bike built for me today, I'd say copy
the Hei-Hei exactly, but use larger tubes for the rear triangle. Im curious
what the bike would feel like with larger diameter tube in the rear end.
PS: Dont believe anyone who says the new Hei Hei with the 6/4 ti rear is
stiffer, it isn't true, do your own research and stay away from that hype
religion stuff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Bernick a weekend warrior
a
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Before you plunk your hard-earned dollars down for that full-suspension
frameset, consider the Hei Hei. For the past five years, I've had the pleasure
of riding my Hei Hei and I can say with conviction that this is one of the best
bikes/frames ever made. Remarkably smooth in high-speed rocky downhills, my
Hei Hei also excels in the tight, technical singletrack I typically ride.
Climbing is a dream: the longish, steeply sloped top tube, flex-free bottom
bracket and feather weight of the Hei Hei have made even the most daunting
hills conquerable. It is incredibly manuverable due to the sloping top tube
and the compact rear triangle always feels solid yet forgiving when hammering
over rocks. An often-overlooked consideration is longevity - after over five
years, four 24 Hours of Canaan races, two trips to Moab, dozens of hard biffs,
and hundreds of blistering downhills with a 180 lb. rider, nearly every part
has been replaced at least once. Yet my Hei Hei frame looks/rides like new.
OK, there is a scratch on the chainstay. But no corrosion, dents, cracks or
chipped paint (or worn pivots). I'm looking forward to the next five years!
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