XC Bike Torture Test - Kona Hei Hei CR / DL 

I think it's fair to put the Hei Hei in a separate category from "true" XC race bikes. The Epic Evo, Tranisition Spur, Ibis Ripley, the new SC Tallboy, YT Izzo, etc. I just think of them as lightweight trail bikes.

I’d say in terms of these types of bikes, there are ones which are XC bikes beefed up in travel, and trail bikes shortened in travel. The XC based ones climb better, while the trail based bikes descend better. This bike is firmly in that shrunk XC bike category.

Shrunk trail bike category * Mobile screwing with me in multiple ways

@@rstrakovsky yeah but the epic and spur are more like the hei hei and closer to XC. the tallboy and izzo fit closer to trail bike mode.

@@vitalmtb hard to say without riding them, but the Spur for sure doesn't strike as XC in any way. But we might be splitting hair here..

the really rowdy stuff was up at tamarack resort about 2 hours away, but there's gnar in boise if you know where to look : )

Are you able to tell me where the Intense Sniper T and the Trek Top Fuel are in this portrait ?

the izzo is more of a trail bike than an XC race bike. the travel, the spec and the geo reflect that. they both go fast, but the hei hei as built is geared toward the XC crowd.

in the same boat and mega confused, what did you go for in the end.

@@JimmyJamesonJnr I went for the Yeti SB100 and I love it. It's perfect for the terrain and riding style I do here in Minnesota. I swapped the DT Swiss 1900 wheels that came with DHF and Aggressor for i9 Trail 270 24h (alu but super light) with Hydras and put a Rekon 2.4 front and Rekon Race 2.35, tan both. Love it. Fast, nimble, amazing engagement. I'd probably get the SB115 for that extra travel now since it's similar geo otherwise. IF I was doing it all over again, I would be giving a close look to the new Blur which I have seen but not ridden (it's gorgeous) and the Revel Ranger as well. For me, and since I don't do hard core cross country (if you do, go for the Epic Evo or Fourstroke), the Yeti is perfect. Fast, climbs very well, and is more of a light trail bike that could do XC. I didn't like the older Blur or Epic Evo as they were too XC focused for my taste. I tried the Tallboy and didn't like it much. It seemed to sluggish and heavy, too much of a "tank" for what I was looking for. I also tried the Stumpjumper just for kicks (even though I knew I wasn't going to buy it) and I liked it a lot more than the Tallboy. I recently tried the Revel with SRAM GX AXS and while I liked it I am not sure that I would change it from my Yeti, but it's a great bike and similar feel. The other one that many people love is the Transition Spur, if you want a more slacked front for more aggressive and capable (or confidence inspiring, more forgiving, I could say) trail riding. So, I don't know if I helped you much, but I would say that if you have a chance try the: 1) Yeti SB115 // 2) Santa Cruz Blur (new model) // 3) Revel Ranger // 4) Transition Spur. I am not sure about the Blur since I haven't tried it, but I would bet you'd be super happy with the other 3. I sure love my Yeti and I don't foresee changing it other than adding Enve cockpit. Cheers!

@@jsasa5668 you got a yeti, thats a proper awesome bike, was looking at the sb130 tlr which is what I might go with but maybe its too much bike for what I ride here locally, (fireroads, trails centre, a few natural traila etc) much prefer being on the edge of the bikes and my abilities, instead of using 20% of its travel Thanks for the reply it's really appreciated. Edit: just seen the wheelset your running, that bike must fly.

@@JimmyJamesonJnr Hey! The 130 lunch ride is, according to many Yeti users in the forums I often check out, perhaps the “perfect” bike. It sits right in between light trail and more downhill/enduro oriented bikes while being very capable to do it all well. It won’t be as light as an XC or even “down country” bikes and it won’t swallow every single bump going down allowing you to crank the speed. But it will climb and descend excellently. I see what you are saying about not “over-biking” it but at the same time I think that this 130 is perhaps the last bike you’ll need, and a bike that will potentially allow you to try and do things that you may not feel inclined to do with a bike that you have pushed to the limit. On the other hand, the 115 dialed right could cover a lot of ground for you and be perfect based on what you are describing you often ride on. It’s just that the 130 is more capable. If you are on fire roads 50% of the time and spend the other 40-50% on local singletrack that’s not technical, the SB115/100 is plenty. If you ride on rockier and more technical terrain the 130 may make the ride more comfortable and exciting. I was in Vail last September and rode singletrack with a Devinci Marshall rental that I think had 130mm rear suspension (140 front) and it was perfect for that terrain. I was glad to have more travel, especially because we only ride downhill/singletrack. The SB130lunch ride would have been epic. The 115 would have worked as well, but I may have bottomed out in some parts. Honestly, it all comes down to what kind of riding and terrain you do. The SB115 is plenty bike unless you are doing faster and more technical singletrack/downhill… But it won’t hurt having the 130 and grow with it! Cheers! Edit: yes! Those wheels and hubs are amaaaaazing. My first industry nine product and won’t be last. Amazing ppl to deal with and attention to detail in every single inch of the product. I love these wheels so much and while they’re expensive and not carbon, they are light and fast as hell. And because of them being made from aluminum they should last a lifetime. Love love love them. Maybe one day I’ll throw on the carbon equivalent or a pair of Enve… But not in a rush to do that!

@@JimmyJamesonJnr putting aside all I’ve said, the Transition Spur is probably the one I’d recommend. After that, the Yeti or Revel Ranger. It is true that the reach on the Yeti is a bit shorter, and while it doesn’t bother me as much, having it be a just a tad longer would be better. I’m even thinking about swapping the 50mm stem for a 60 or 65. Also, the fact that the Spur is slacker, it will work better going down. Definitely put the Spur on top of your list. That may be the perfect bike for you, and many others.

it's a hoot for sure! feels sketchy at first, but once you embrace the speed and slide, it's game on!

I have a 370 bigride and considered this upgrade. The genuine DT Swiss ratchet installation tools (2 different types are needed) are $140 and the 54T ratchet kit is $100. Plus a new freehub body that's compatible (~$70). At this point, you're already approaching the cost of a DT350 hub. It wasn't worth the cost to me, but I guess it depends on how much you value the extra points of engagement.

@@andreww.3208 True, the shop I work at has both tools and would charge considerably less than the cost of the tools to make the swap (not ideal for home mechanics tho). I run 350s myself and probably wouldn't bother to swap if I had 370s, but I also don't need less than 10 degrees of engagement

Where did it crack

@@LegolasD I hope my terminology isn't wrong here. But along the pivot (where the chainstay is connected to the frame - what i think is the main pivot axle).

@@xy2601 the bottom bracket?

@@levinsonl No, right above the BB. I think that it is called the main pivot axle. In this picture you can see where I mean. The pivot where the rear triangle connects, right above the bb. images.konaworld.com/2020/full/hei_hei_cr_race_frame.jpg

Pontus Hagman wow im sorry man, thats a bummer!

Tubeless + decent tyres.

u have to get the pie plate cassette.

@@justinwbohner won't help. Having 4-6 gears 'between gears' is way to big a gap. You are always either in too easy or too hard a gear...

I agree. Bring back the front derailleur these new drive trains are friction creating cross chaining nightmare.

@@johnwilsonwilson271 funny story. my buddy and I got new mountain bikes. Both were Niners. I put 3x on mine, he stuck with the 1x. He's dropped his chain more than I have.