Kona introduces new carbon Hei Hei bikes

For 2017, Kona has updated its full-suspension, cross-country Hei Hei with two 29er models in carbon: the DL and Race DL.

Kona increased bike stiffness and dropped the weight by giving the two-bike line full carbon frames weighing 1800 grams (just under 4 pounds). Kona’s own Fuse Independent Suspension—a design that eliminates a pivot at the chainstay seatstay—is now lighter and stiffer. The geometry continues to have a low-slung frame weight and good standover, highlighted by a rider fit that incorporates a short stem, long front center and compact rear triangle.

Both bikes feature Boost spacing and stealth dropper post routing. The Hei Hei Race DL was developed on World Cup XC courses. While the Hei Hei DL was built on the same carbon frame, it gets more travel up front (120 mm vs. 100 mm), a dropper post, chunkier tires and a more aggressive cockpit.

We have already been rolling on the Race DL for about a month and will bring you a full review in an upcoming issue of Dirt Rag. Start by reading our initial impressions of the bike for more details (spoiler: we like it).

The Hei Hei DL is currently available in North America, while the Race DL will follow in August. Both models are currently available in the EU and UK.