2025 Kona

Hei Hei CR

Excellent descending capability for an XC bike

Smooth, well-controlled suspension that resists hard bottoming

Room for two water bottles inside front triangle (size small frame)

Nine water bottle and accessory mount bosses

Attainable price tag ($6299)

Mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission drivetrain impressive so far

Trail-oriented tire and wheel spec is bombproof

Heavy at 30.4 pounds

Slow-rolling Maxxis Dissector tires feel vague as front tire on hard surfaces

Seat tube mount doesn't fit full-size water bottle

No internal frame storage

No cable port for shock remote lockout

Stock saddle (WTB Volt) disliked by most test riders

Climbing performance falls short in full-on race situations

Playful and responsive ride, easy to get airborne

Capable descender with refined geometry (66° head angle, longer reach)

Plush faux-bar rear suspension with good small bump compliance

Strong and reliable SRAM Eagle 90 mechanical transmission

Powerful SRAM Motive brakes with 180mm rotors

Solid build with high-end suspension (RockShox Pike Ultimate and Deluxe Ultimate)

Lively handling due to short 435mm chainstays

Good torsional stiffness and composed on rough sections

Excellent cornering traction with Maxxis Dissector tires on dry conditions

Multiple water bottle bosses for mounting accessories

Quiet cable routing with no abrasion or rattling

Pedal bob on smooth climbs with shock open; lockout reduces traction

Seat tube angle feels slack on steep sustained climbs

Creek from forward shock mount bolt (isolated issue)

Troublesome 3mm collet bolt on linkage over-torqued without grease

Lower stack height may require higher rise bar for some riders

Not as efficient as dedicated 120mm XC bikes on smooth climbs

Weight over 30 lbs with pedals, heavy for XC

Front brake line routing low on non-drive side bulges out

WTB rims have poor reputation