I had a 2016 Kona Hei Hei that I adored. The Hei Hei felt very much like a hardtail with its 100mm of rear suspension.
Far from plush. Just enough travel to take the edge off, like you describe. I rode it everywhere, including on trails I probably shouldn’t have.
Head angle was 67 degrees, I think. 120mm fork.
I sold the Hei Hei as I broke the rear triangle and got that replaced under warranty. I figured I should get something beefier to suit my stature.
Years later now, and after reading your article here, I realize how amazingly capable, ahead of its time and fun that little bike was.
The Hei Hei too was a bike to be ridden like a hardtail, and not like a Process or some other long travel sqush machine.
March 9, 2023, 1:05 a.m. - Geof Harries
I had a 2016 Kona Hei Hei that I adored. The Hei Hei felt very much like a hardtail with its 100mm of rear suspension.  Far from plush. Just enough travel to take the edge off, like you describe. I rode it everywhere, including on trails I probably shouldn’t have.  Head angle was 67 degrees, I think. 120mm fork. I sold the Hei Hei as I broke the rear triangle and got that replaced under warranty. I figured I should get something beefier to suit my stature. Years later now, and after reading your article here, I realize how amazingly capable, ahead of its time and fun that little bike was. The Hei Hei too was a bike to be ridden like a hardtail, and not like a Process or some other long travel sqush machine.