Hei Hei or King Kahuna? Who prefers what?

[Kona Paul]

Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering if the retro folks in here prefer the lighter (and the possibilty of being older) Hei Hei or the less common and less flexible King Kahuna? Or if there are other reasons for a preference, what are they?

I'm also curious about what model year people prefer: is a '91 Hei Hei more desirable than a '95, for example? And is a '96 KK more desirable than a 2000?

For the record, I have two KK frames from 2000. The year doesn't make much difference to me (though the '96 with 6/4 chainstays has some interest.) I do like the colours of the 2000 decals, but maybe that's just because I'm so used to seeing them. I do prefer the bi-oval tubing and the gusseting of the KK, however, and don't care about the extra 300 grams or so. Maybe because I weigh 60kg/130 pounds, so a little extra weight on the bike doesn't get noticed.

Do share your thoughts.

PS does anyone own a 1990 Kona Joe Murray titanium when they were made by Merlin?

 

[theboy]

'97 Hei Hei for me... shame the one I had was an 18" not a 17", but still, lovely bike... like you I have a preferred year of decals too, so if I ever found a 16 or 17" 97 again (and I had the spare ££) Id take it in a flash

The catalogue '95 Hei Hei was also pretty amazing though...

 

[Jones]

Hei Hei for me the Kahuna is a better race frame but the Hei Hei is a much nicer frame to ride in general

I rode both as race bikes in 97 and the Kahuna was very stiff and felt more like an aluminium frame where as the Hei Hei rides a lot like my Dekerf

 

[andy.l]

Hei Hei for me for the simple reason being that when i got my first Kona Lavadome the Hei Hei was the 'Unicorn' bike for me,the Kahuna hadnt been built then but its stuck with me all these years as being the bike that id love to own.

 

[Kona Paul]

Yup, I know a few people who like the Hei Hei for the same reason...the KK didn't exist at the time. Being a late bloomer, I don't have that problem For me, the Score is the Unicorn of Kona ti bikes (or the aforementioned 1990 Joe Murray ti.)

Haven't actually tried a Hei Hei, but my friend is building one up, so I might have to take it for a ride to feel the difference. I have an idea it's like the difference between my KK and my Score, where the Score is stiffer and feels a little more like an alloy frame. My KK rides pretty smooth, but having ti forks, bars, stem and seatpost probably helps "soften" the ride. Still, would be nice to try the Hei Hei and compare.

 

[Tallpaul]

The Hei Hei looks prettier, but no idea how a KK rides.

My favourite decal year was 1994 and aesthetically i don't like triple top-tube cable routing, so i guess a 1994 Hei Hei would be perfect

Out of interest, anyone know why some Hei Hei's appear to have shorter seat-tube extensions, is it size dependant or model year (or both)? Like this one:

 

[Kona Paul]

I think my King Kahuna's look pretty nice, but that's a peference thing. Depends if you prefer the look of round tubing, which is nice, or if you have an aversion to gussets I guess. I can't make a first-hand comparison for ride quality, but King Kahuna's do ride very nicely.

I would guess the seat tube extensions depend on size. Not sure the model year makes a difference, but Anthony can answer that when he sees this thread. I'm guessing that's a 2000 model in the pic, judging by the down tube decal? I'll throw in a pic of one of mine so others can compare (on the slight chance they haven't seen both before.)

 

[Tallpaul]

I think my King Kahuna's look pretty nice, but that's a peference thing. I can't make a comparison, but King Kahuna's ride very nicely.

I would guess the seat tube extensions depend on size. Not sure the model year makes a difference, but Anthony can answer that when he sees this thread. I'm guessing that's a 2000 model in the pic, judging by the down tube decal?

It's pre '97 (as defined by cable routing), i think the seller claimed 1994.

 

[Kona Paul]

Ah, didn't notice that. The decals are replacements then. Might have guessed by the TT.

Just took a better look at your pic...now I see it.

 

[beepbeep]

I just had the opportunity to buy either, the KK was at a slightly higher price and 17" and the HH a 16" which should fit me better.

I did think it over for a while as the KK was the 'king kahuna' so to speak, but in the end I preferred the classic round-tubed look of the HH and bought that. Less is more in my book....

Still in the process of building it so I've no idea how it rides, but it is a thing of pure beauty, I was tempted just to hang it on the wall!

And damn, talk about light!!