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Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Sta. Rosa Philippine
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Rennaisance | | Strengths: | Light, Flexible, Durable | | Weaknesses: | No brake tabs | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cindercone, Trek 950, Specialized M2 | | Bike Setup: | SRAM X.O., XTR Crank, Mavic Crossland, Fox Vanilla, Avid Mech brakes, Hutchinson Scorpion | | Bottom Line: | Beed riding this bike for 12 years! Not too many marriages last this long. Got into MTB back in 1993 and bought this as trophy thinking that it would be my last bike. Guess what? I haven't had another bike since I bought it back in 95. I recently updated this year as my son got into biking and gave him my old parts that survived.
Since I bought the bike, I've had 2 wheelsets, 3 bottom brackets, 2 headsets, and now on the 3rd fork and the 3rd drivetrain. This is one tough bike! Keeps a steady line even when being hammered down the hills. Climbs effortlessly.
Looking for to go FS but it's taking me some time to part with this old and trusted friend | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from tulsa ok
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | uh its a ti kona | | Weaknesses: | i noticed a lot of you listed the lack of disc tabs that can be fixed | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale, scaple rockey element, spec. fsr
| | Bike Setup: | easton carbon, sram xo fox float rlc, sram xo | | Bottom Line: | this is the best hardtail ive ever owned for all of you that are scared about buying one without disc tabs ( as there were very few that came from kona with tabs) ti sports can weld tabs on your frame i had mine down about 2 1/2 years ago and they havent broken yet and as a welder myself they did a good job it runs about 100$ plus shipping but its well worth it because as everybody has figured out by now disc brakes are the only way to roll emal the boys at kona to get the ti sports contact info | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Matthews
a Weekend Warrior
from Faversham, Kent, United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dorset Coast Path | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBr.com | | Strengths: | Hard to believe I've had this bike for 3 years, and it's kinda weird to look back on my review in 2001. I've been all over with this bike, raced it and beaten it up, and it still comes back for more. I've never found problems with having no dask brakes, and if in the future I decide to go that way, I can always have one added. In the thick mud of the UK, the cable routing has never been a problem, and I'm grateful for the sloping downtube when I've found myself in some tricky technical situations. The real strength in this product is it's agelessness (if that's a word!), I've upgraded a few times since I've had the bike, and never once have I thought, time to change the frame, as so many others have said, this'll probably be the last frame I'll own...truely hot potatoe! | | Weaknesses: | None, only that Kona no longer make the Hei Hei or King Kahuna. | | Similar Products Used: | None simular, but previously owned, Trek 8500, Trek 970, and an Orange. | | Bike Setup: | Superlight weight ... 19.0lbs rigid bike. | | Bottom Line: | What more can be said. There are still quite a few of these bikes floating about on Ebay both Hei Hei's and King Kahuna's.
They range in age from 1990 - 2001/2 so there's plenty out there..but it's just if you're lucky enough to get hold of one.
The Hei Hei will suit a variety of riders, from weekend warriors to tourers, to out and out race heads.
Ride on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erwan Varron
a Cross Country Rider
from Saint Bonnet de Mure France
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | South France Cassis | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | PIERRE Benite France | | Strengths: | Geometry, State-of-the-art tubes, painting general output | | Weaknesses: | Price !!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kula siez 19 with Easton Elite tubes. Well Alumiunm sounds pretty light and I do not feel comfortable with alloy . South France is hard for both tour bike and your back. I want some something that can lasts | | Bike Setup: | Fork Sid SL with lock out (crappy fork) Gears : XTR Xt front derailleur +sprockets) Brake Vbrake XTR Whaeelsq Mavic Tubeless with Hutchinson Tires(morereliable than Michelin Fizik Saddle Polar S710 Hear raye monitor. I do not want any disc Fisrtly it is too expenwsive then I do not have rear drop outs | | Bottom Line: | Well I bought it to own the most reliable bike I ever ride actually. That 's i amazing because it's very effective whereever trails you ride (from Alpes to South and sometimes muddy ground) Titanium is the ultimate Bike Frame material | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart Berrie
a Cross Country Rider
from Peterborough UK
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | N York moors (England) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Moutain Tamers Boston (UK) | | Strengths: | Geometry,ride,credibility... v cool looks! | | Weaknesses: | No disc brake hanger, but then again it was cheaper for me to buy a good road bike for Winter (i.e.muddy) riding than it was to fit disc brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Marin-Pine mountain
GT Zasker LE
Trek | | Bike Setup: | 19" frame with XT throughout (boring I know, but cheap to buy at the end of the year) USE seatpost & Mazzochi Z2's. X-Lite riser bars. | | Bottom Line: | I am 33 & have been mountain biking for over 15 years, during that time I have had all types of bikes including full suspension.I cannot imagine the day when I will feel the need to get rid of the Hei Hei. It really does climb like a mountain goat thanks to its flexibility and agressive geometry.
This might sound a bit daft but there is also a certain reassurance about the longevity of Ti over Steel (which rusts) and Aluminium (which for me still has a 'failure'stigma attached to it.) No such worries with Ti though!You know it will last longer than you will.
Ti really is the ultimate frame material & I would highly recommend the Hei Hei to any cross country/singletrack rider who is looking for a serious piece of kit, which in the long term, despite the initial expense, will prove to be excellent value for money
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BIGern
a Cross Country Rider
from D.C.
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Can't say | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheel Bikes | | Strengths: | •lightweight
•Agressive Geometry
•Tight turnung
•Comfortable ride | | Weaknesses: | •No disc brakes mounts ( Well thats why older model bikes are more affordable)
*Price for frame
| | Similar Products Used: | •Rocky Mountain frames
•Marin Frames
•Trek
• Giant frames
| | Bike Setup: | XT drivetrain with XTR rear derailer. MavicX225's with DT onyx Hubs wheelset. Marzochi Bomber Z2 Atom Race. Azonic Riser Bar with Avid Singler digit brake setup. Some ovation parts too. | | Bottom Line: | I work at a bike shop and tried alot of frames and took my time looking for a good ride that worked for me a 5,11 165lb guy with more leg than torsoe length. The kona frame really seats me nicely. I have plenty of standover height and I can stretch out . I got this 19 in. bike to do a little bit of everything (Urban, Cross Country, Free Ride). So far I have no complaints. It weighs in at 24.3 lb's so you can throw it over stuff with ease and fly up hills. It is nimble as hell and handles fast speeds with ease. Get the urge to do some gnarley riding just lower the seat way down thanks to konas down sloping top tube design.................. I Love Kona frame designs. I love Titanium (soft and light).....!!! What a perfect match !!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ti YourMotherDown
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | luv-em-all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat..com | | Strengths: | Light, strong, beautiful Sandvik welds, American tubes, closeout pricing, nice graphics, perfect XC geometry, low stand over height, and let's not forget - the freakin' ride is awesome!!! | | Weaknesses: | Uh... no replaceable derailleur hanger... no disc tabs... both seem to be facts of life with ti frames. | | Similar Products Used: | First time on titanium. CANNOT compare to chromoly, aluminum, vanadium, scandium, etc... | | Bike Setup: | Full XT, monkey lite risers, Thompson Stem, USE XCR seatpost, 517 wheels, Avid Arch Supreme brakeset, Panaracer XC Pro Kevlar 2.1 tires | | Bottom Line: | I'm 38 years old. I live in the foothills of Northern Colorado. I have been active in the MTB community since 1988. The guys I ride with usually do 20 to 40 miles at a time. I always thought of titanium as being for the chi-chi set who, without kids and dogs, could afford Merlin's or Litespeed's. I never thought I would desire a ti frame.
Over the past few years I started to develop a degenerative condition in my neck. I had to get off my alu hardtail immediately - way too abusive - too much high frequency vibration going right to the base of my spine. So, I went big and built up a GT i-drive carbon / thermoplastic frame - the STS 1000. I figured fully suspended carbon fiber with 4.5 inches of travel would buy me lots more time on the bike - and it did. This thing is plush. Unfortunately, even with the lightest parts this pig still weighs about 29 pounds. Add some 2.4's and a long travel fork and it's a 30+ pound trailbike. Of course, now my knees started hurting....
I had heard of ti's sweet, forgiving ride but always thought that at least half of the hype was necessary due to the prices people were paying. I rode an acquaintances ti FS bike and right away I felt the "ride". Based on a friend's recommendation I scored one of these frames on closeout. I am happy to say that not only am I one of the converted but that I will probably never ride anything but ti again. I am now a true-blue, chi-chi-ti man!!!
The ride is "plush", forgiving, predictable, fast, responsive and in NO WAY abusive. You can feel the trail slapping you around - not the bike.
Here's an analogy. I used to build and play guitars professionally. If you play guitar you might appreciate this. Aluminum hardtails are like beginner, laminate acoustic guitars - they're cheap, they get the job done and most people don't know the difference. Full suspension bikes are like electric guitars - lots of new tricks become easier to do. Your style of riding will change. Ti bikes (this one in particular) are like beautiful, handmade, solid wood acoustics. It's all about getting back to the purity of the sport and not losing any of the excitement.
Bottom line. The frame is the heart of the bike. No other part affects the ride so much. This may be the sweetest frame on the planet. If you have the chance, buy two!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bucktown Pa, USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYTHING REALLY, ITS ALL GOOD | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | BIKE LINE OF POTTSTOWN PA!! | | Strengths: | light, nice welds, comfy for longer rides and still nible as hell for tight twisty single track...the bike is also super stable in everything which makes riding it fun as hell. | | Weaknesses: | nothing really, it's not as nice as an expensive custom ti frame but then again it wasn't $4000 | | Similar Products Used: | gt alum. frame and tested a few other ti frames | | Bike Setup: | Mars Fork, Cane Creek WAM Wheels, XTR, Raceface Next LPs, Thomson Stem/Post, Paul levers, Avid V's and all that other dank stuff that makes up a cool bike | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike, its fast in tight stuff yet good for longer rides and is light. I think that if you were to want something in a bike, the HEI HEI has it all. I ride tech. stuff all the time and it holds its own, lets you throw it around and get threw it... I say its a great bike for all kinds of riding so I give it a great score. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from Tonbridge, Kent, UK
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dorset Coastpath | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | On mtbr.com | | Strengths: | Well, this baby is just a frame at the moment, but I'm already impressed with the welds and light weight of the frame...it's got the 1997 decals on it too, which personally I think is better than the black decals of later years. | | Weaknesses: | None found as of yet...maybe the downtube cable routing, but this frame was built in 1996-97, pre-top cable routing. | | Similar Products Used: | None touch this, but my other bikes were, Trek 8500, Trek 970, and Orange Clockwork Deore. | | Bike Setup: | When built it'll mainly be Shimano XT, Spin Wheels, Marzocchi Z2-Super Flys, USE Shokpost, Time Pedals. | | Bottom Line: | As I've only had it less than a month, I can't describe the ride, but from what other owners have said here, I think I'm gonna be hanging onto my hat...this is gonna be one heluva ride!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim matsell
a Cross Country Rider
from banff Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | LTJ | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | bicycle cafe | | Strengths: | super strong, beautiful welds, great geometry | | Weaknesses: | non so far | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Hot 853 steel | | Bike Setup: | sandvik 3-25 ti with full xtr and race face, sid 100 shock | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this bike kicks ass. It is very fast on the single track. It does not beat you up on the long haul rides.
And its agressive geometry is great for climbing. I need not say more!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Corky Still
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage,alaska,usa
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | flume trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | kona | | Strengths: | Light weight, softer than aluminum ride, rigid rear end, all around riding bike. | | Weaknesses: | not as nice as other titanium frames, not nearly as light as an aluminum frame. | | Similar Products Used: | litespeed ocoee frameset. | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi super fly, full xtr, race face accesories. | | Bottom Line: | This frame has provided me with a number of wonderful rides. It is a far better bike, in terms of all around riding, than my old S-works frameset was. The kona is as comfortable on the race course as it is in the mountains. That's why I like it. If you are looking for a hardtail that you can use to race on the weekend, take long rides in the mountains during the week and hit up the streets for some urban assualt at night than this is your ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eben Saling
a Cross-Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Durability, Build quality, Heavenly ride and all-day comfort. Kona design. | | Weaknesses: |
Cable routing. Water bottle mounting hardware. | | Similar Products Used: |
I've owned: Kona Explosif-2 years, Klein Attitude(pre-trek)-1.5 years, GT Zaskar LE-2 years. Ridden Numerous bikes testing both the Lightspeed Obed and VooDoo D-Jab before buying this frame. | | Bike Setup: |
Had my frame built up at the Fat Tire Farm in Portland, OR. Marzocchi Z2 Bomber, Shimano XT with XTR wheels, Race Face Cranks, Stem, Headset and BB, Time pedals, Titec Ti
Bar and LP Composites Bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | I have owned a lot of great bikes and ridden even more but I have never enjoyed anything as much as this masterpiece from Kona. I hear the Kahuna is better but I am afraid to find out because I plan on keeping this bike for a long time. The frame was purchased used and is not a '99 but I believe the construction is virtually the same except they
went to top tube cable routing the one thing mine is missing. I have not had any problems with my cables yet but from experience top routing is the way to go. When I purchased it the holes for the bottle cage bolts were stripped, they appear to be
aluminum inserts, oversized bolts and loc-tite fixed it but be carful if they are still made the same. Small complaints compared to the quality of the rest of the bike. The construction is top notch and beautiful, I don't have any decals or paint on mine and the flat grey gives it an industrial, fast like a jet, kind of look. the ride is very controlled and natural, point and shoot. Great climber and among the best you could ask from a hardtail on decents. Comfort is to be expected from Ti but the Kona design is for me a perfect compliment on epic rides. I highly recommend this frame and now that
Kona is offering a built bike with similar components to mine I would consider it to be the best bike in it's price range. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Brown
a racer
from California
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Just put togehter a '99 Hei Hei what a beautiful ride, very fluid after an aluminum frame. I do not feel as beat up after those fifty milers. Nice top tube routing and the geometry rules. Kona bikes are the best, including my 853 Kapu road bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a weekend warrior
from Edmonton, Alberta
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First off I would like to suggest that a seperate site should exist for the King Kahuna as it is as different from a Hei Hei as the AA is from a Kula! I bought my K.K. last Feb and I must say I'm very impressed, I'm 6'3, 190 lbs and chose the bike because I thought the ovalized tubes and gusseting the front triangle would be stiffer than the Hei Hei, which it is. The bike climbs amazingly and with my A-bomb and riser bars feels as though it is ready to handle anything. It is a great bike for classic Canadian technical trails and I'm looking forward to my next trip to North Van. Also thanks to Kona for finally putting the cables up on the top tube where they belong! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a cross-country rider
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Amazing. Not as light as some of the aluminum frames out there, but then aluminum doesn't ride quite like Ti, does it. I have had the King Kahuna version (gussets and shaped tubes) for 8 months and can't say enough about it. It is a little squirrely on super steep downhills due to the 74 degree seat tube angle, but once you get used to it, you can scream down 'em with the best. Excellent feel, soaks up a lot of vibrations and remains pretty stiff laterally. I have ridden a lot of brands (specialized, schwinn, nishiki, scott, giant, trek) but this KONA rides better than any of them. 5 chilies for a company that KNOWS how to make a 5 chilie frame. Buy KONA, you won't regret it. EVER! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce
a cross-country rider
from Wa Usa
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame is awesome. I know that is what everyone says on this page, but it is true! This is my second Kona Mt Bike, the first was a Kileuea Steel tange prestige model. It awas a really nice frame but for the kind of riding that i do the Ti is even better, ( lots of Single track) It accelerates like A rat with on Steriods and climbs great too! And the workmanship is as good as the best frames out there! Love this Bike!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been on a Hei Hei, not the King Kahuna though, for about a year and have nothing but good things to say about this frame. The handling is telepathic. Think about changing direction and its happening. I even have a sacked out Manitou fork on the front end right now and the handling is still that good. The quality of the build is awsome. Welds are clean, bottom bracket and headset went in nice and easy. No chasing threads or other B.S. required. After ten years on aluminum hardtails, beginning with one of the old late eighties Cannondales (WAY STIFF) I have to say the softer ride just kicks butt. When I first put this bike together there was a noticable amount of side to side frame flex around the bottom bracket area when standing and hammering. I don't really notice it now. Recently, I took a ride on my buddys Alu hardtail. The old feeling of instant power that I thought I might have given up was just not there. It was stiffer, but not in a way that made it any faster, just stiffer in a crappy, choppy way. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some Ti snob. I bet a sweet steel frame feels good too.
Just no more fat aluminum for me, thanks.Also, Kona was really cool as far as customer service. I bought this frame as part of an upgrade/warranty swap for my old Alu Kona that cracked. They were gonna give me a replacement for my old frame no questions asked. I didn't even have to break out the Just Riding Along.......bit. Good guys over there at Kona. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrik Sedin
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Kona Hei Hei Is the greatest bike I have ever ridden, ever.
I had a Sintesi before but the Hei Hei is IT.
XTR naturally, and Mavic x517
Other comments is to say too much.
Oooooh ooooh oooooh ooooh ooooh ooooh ooooooh oooooh yea yea yea yea yea What a great bike.Why not try one.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a cross-country rider
from Uranus
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike for a chellenge. No prob at all! UWH WUO HUAWOHWO* WY* WYA AW* A*WY AWH OWAH HWA* HD* *WYA *W *EY *AWY)EAW) HAWOHE *HWAOYE W*E *WY *EWY PE* *(E *EW*WEY WE**EWY *WE*WEYO HEO HE*WHE*H W HWH *EH H *EH *H *AH *E WAYE AWH OEAWO EAW HE*(AWH *(AWH *A AW*AOEA | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Tan Kah Thye
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I like the weldings. Very clean and good weldings. And the natural Ti finish
is cool. And the geometry makes it a very speedy frame I find. Absorbs some of
the shock on the off-road. It makes my handling skills better without having to
fear hitting my groin on the top tube which is slanted.
It's a pretty light frame at 3.3 lbs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jedi
a weekend warrior
from HAWAII
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought this bike for comuting to work. After my FS bike broke I started using my Kona Hei Hei. I found out that it is the best handling bike I ever bought. It climbs very well and the abilities of down hill, single track is awesome!!!! It weight is about 23.5-24 lbs. I'm running Everything XTR except the brake/shifter (XT), Mavic 217 CD w/14g spokes, raceface stem, WTB ti Seat, and my favorit upgrade-USE suspension seatpost. I was looking to build a durable/light bike instead a ultra light bike. This bike is so perfect for me that I don't even use bar ends anymore | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Barca
a cross-country rider
from Pacifica, Calif.
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought mine in April of '91. Before that I had the original Paramountain, great bike. This has got to be one of the Hall of Fame classic frames. Pre-suspension bike that all other frames have copied from over time. Sloping top tube, high bottom bracket, large downtube, etc... Not originally made for suspension, today I run Z2's on it, and it's HOT! The only thing I can fault it on is high speed fire road stuff, attention getting for sure! Let's see how the Z2 smoothes out that issue over time. I don't know about the newer versions of this frame, but I sure as hell like the one I've got. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shivas
a cross-country rider
from santa fe
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
long live the hard tail! at 23.2 lbs (actual weight not the marketing, fine print, no pedals or wheels stuff) my xtr, a-bomb chirs king, race face based king kahuna hei hei is fast both up hill and forgiving on the fast decents. it's ovalized 3/2.5 ti tubing is a work of art and it is bullet proof. no squeaky pivots or pogo shocks needed. single track the way it is meant to be! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Preston Quan
a weekend warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Previous to my Hei-Hei I've owned a Ritchey P-23, GT Tequesta, and Concord Al MTB. I like the Hei-Hei the best. Over flat folling terrain I loved the Ritchey's Chro-mo Prestige tubing, but overall the Titanium frame and steep angles makes this bike an awesome handling machine in the tight woodsy riding I do here in Ontario. My only beef is the bottom mounted cable guides, but the Gore-tex cables I use eliminates mud/clogging problems. This is probably a bike I'll keep for a long time, at least until they come up with a full susupension bike that really works for cross-country use. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sebastian Schwertner
a cross-country rider
from Erlangen,Germany
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had to sell my Kona HeiHei last year. It was one of the sadest days of my life. For cross-country this bike is awesome. Perfectly balanced, flawless welds and a ride only titanium has. The only drawback is the cable routing for the deraillers below the BB which always get dirty with muck. 5 thumps up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vik
a cross-country rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After 3 steel, 3 aluminum and 2 carbon MTB frames over the last 15 years this is no question the best frame I've owned. The geometry is perfect for nearly everything except downhilling. Perfect for the tight and twisty, plus tracks very well at speed due to the long wheelbase. One of the easiest bikes to handle at speed that will also work in really technical stuff. After crumbling 2 carbon frames, its nice to have something durable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Side Show Bob
a cross-country rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Sorry to dis on Kona, I know they are a great company and I think they make quality bikes, but the head and top tube angles have got to go. The head tube angle is much to steep, so keeping the bike on the trail at speed is a problem. It may be a great bike when you're going slow on rolling technical trails like some of those found here in the Northwest, but get these bikes rolling down hill fast, and they become hard to handle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T-Bone
a cross-country rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently got a new Hei Hei frame when my Kona Kula frame's bottom bracket shell bit the dust. Kudos to Kona for warrantying my frame, and alowing me to upgrade by paying for the difference in cost. What a kick ass company!!!!!
In any case, this frame is awesome!!!!! It has the same aggressive Kona geometry as my Kula, but the livelinesss of the Ti makes it so much better. I loved my Kula, but after a three hour ride, my back was feeling it. With the Hei Hei, I feel ready to keep on hammering. It's like the sweet ride of steel with the lightness of aluminum. also, it climbs like a banshee, and responds to my actions almost telepathically. I can't say enough about this frame. BUY IT!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael
a cross-country rider
from east coast rider
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
after searching for 6 weeks for a new bike i finally found it. i waited a couple of rides ot decide on how much i love it. so after two races under my belt with this i would have to say that this is awesome rig.
it goes where you want a second before you even want it to. it is like it can read my mind. i rode an obed and actually almost bought one until i rode the hei hei.
glad i didnt. and you cant go wrong with the geometry. nice for short legged people like me.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billi-Joe-Bob
a racer
from Hickville, USA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Forget Litespeed, 'cuz this frame rules. Not as light as an OCLV or Easton
Elite frame but super smooth. It'll probably outlast the other too also.
It ain't cheap, but considering what a Merlin costs, this is a relative
bargain. Steep head tube makes it great for singletrack, but a bit scary for
those 45+mph downhill runs. Buy a fs for those weekends at the ski resort
and keep the Kona for racin' cc. Yee haw! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry Sanders
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a used '95 Hei Hei (complete bike), with the intent of replacing my '93 Cadex (Giant) CFM-1 carbon-fiber hardtail. Both bikes had mostly XTR and some trick high-end components on them, and were scrupulously adjusted before testing. I tested them over the same terrain, with all possible factors being equal. The result?The Cadex frame was at least marginally better in all categories (except standover clearance and long-term durability). While the Kona handled beautifully, I didn't notice any advantage in pedalling efficiency. I felt that my Cadex could both climb better and accelerate better than the Kona, while still being noticeably more compliant over bumps. If I wasn't so spoiled by the Cadex, I'm sure I'd give the Kona 5 chilis; but I'm going to have to reserve the 5th chili for another bike. Still looking for a better hardtail than my good ol' Cadex. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Santa Fe, NM
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I simply can't say enough good about this frame. Mine is a 20 with a
full compliment of '96 XTR components, a '97 Judy SL, Litespeed Ti stem,
Dean Ti seatpost... Bottom line: An unbelievable 22.5 lbs (honest!) singletrack
phantom/fire road demon. It's quick but stable enough to bomb local fire roads with oh
so lovely a feeling, and yes it does love to climb, it almosts floats up technical
steeps. This is one beautifully responsive ride. When I first rode the bike at speed
down rocky fire roads I kept thinking that I was flatting my rear tire because the ride
was so sweet and unbelievably supple. The craftsmanship is superb and will rival any Ti bike I've seen so far... I could go on...
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a cross-country rider
from austin, TX
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1996 | | 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 :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my third Kona. After building up my second one (95 Kilauea) with sweet parts (Judy SL w/White cartridge & Speed Springs, Syncros Ti post, TNT Sealed b/b, Cooks Bros E Cranks, Chris King headset, Xrays, Goretex cables, Control Tech brakes, Avid Levers, Speedplay Frogs...), the last thing left to upgrade was the frame itself. I love the geometry and fit of Konas, so I ordered a 96 Hei Hei frame, and swapped all the parts over from the Kilauea. The frame itself is 3.2 lbs, satin Ti finish, and handmade by Sandvik. Beautiful welds and workmanship. But best of all is the ride. Somehow the frame rides stiffer and yet more resilient than the cromoly Kilauea. Don't ask me how. I used to be a skeptic about the merits of titanium, but I'm a believer now. Considering the difference in quality, that it's handmade in the US, and the durability and longeivity of this frame, its $1250 price is very reasonable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Parrish
a cross-country rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
After much deliberation and doubt regarding this frame, I finally broke down and bought the Kona Hei-Hei frame and moved all of my existing XT & XTR components over. And all I've got to say is WOW !! This frame has turned my Trek 8700 Carbon / Composite frame into garbage. The riding characteristics are so much more improved that I don't even know where to begin. But one thing is for sure, if someone tells you that Titanium frames are the way to go, believe them because they are right. First of all, the ride is so much more compliant and absords the harshness of fire roads and other ripple type bumps that you'd think you were riding a full suspension bike. Second, it climbs hills like there is no tomorrow. On every pedal stroke you can feel a surge that just propels you up the hill. Finally, I wasn't a Kona fan until getting this bike and now I'm sold !! They have there geometry perfect for cross country riding. You've got to try out a Hei-Hei and plan on being amaz!
ed at its performance.. | | Overall Rating: |
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