Yeah Bike: Bike Review: 2012 Kona Hei Hei Deluxe Review

2012 Kona Hei Hei Deluxe

This bike right out of the box with minimal tweaks and suspension adjustments was spot on. Really loved how fast and nimble it rode. Geometry wise I test rode an 18," I'm 5'8" weight 185lb, my riding style; is of race, x/c, epic ride nature. I generally find my self on the more rocky, rooty "technical" sections of single track...dig the up as well as rippin the down !!!

This particular build utilized Rock Shox Reba RL's "q-thru" style "maxel" which if you have yet to ride a bike with this is a HUGE difference. Front end performance wise the steering was very effortless and predictable in pretty much ever case scenario of riding. Adjustable wise the Fox rear shock offered up enough "passive lock out" option good for those quick punchy type climbs. Long haul grind wise the rear triangle was stiff enough to get you the top and ready to crush the down. Another key to the Hei Hei's stiff front end can be attribute to the robust head tube. Was not a big fan of the stock rise bar...probably would swap out for a straight bar for quicker front end handling.

I found the Easton OEM spec xc wheels to be surprisingly fast & responsive. Even was able to handle a few of those "surprise" drops on the trail. Quality level wheel set...I felt was evenly matched with the price of the bike for certain.

In terms of shifting...Kona did it right by specing SRAM X9. This drive train was non stoppable, offered up pin point precision shifting even under some not so favorable shift scenarios. Big fan of the 2 X 10 set up makes riding and shifting effortless. From a braking stand point the Elixr offerings get the job done, great out of the box spec all day long. Another nice touch...over size front rotor for beefy stopping precision.

Even the Maxxis tire spec was a nice touch, just enough rolling resistant to keep the hammer going, but enough tread to crush the climbs and those gnarly hair pin corners.

Bottom line...buy this bike of your a long time rider of everything. I can say hands down in terms of the "Ginsu" of bikes in the race / light trail category this is my choice.

P.S. - I would also like to thank my friends at Tryon Bike for allowing me to test ride the bike...now good luck getting it back ;o)

Hope to see you on the trails...

Jonah D.
Follow; @TheHoggle