Steph Wood’s 2025 Kona Hei Hei CR is built for long days, wet winters, and the kind of riding where plans change but the bike just keeps going. This Hei Hei is less about chasing grams and more about surviving the season, then refining things as conditions (and budgets) improve. At 28 lbs as it sits, Steph’s calling it a win.
Up front is a Fox 34 Factory fork, chosen for stiffness and confidence through rough, winter-soaked trails, paired with a RockShox Deluxe Ultimate rear shock to keep the Hei Hei efficient and composed over long days. A lighter SL fork is on the wish list, but for now, this setup is all about reliability and control.
We Are One Composites Wisp rims laced to OneUp hubs strike a balance between strength and responsiveness, while Schwalbe Albert Gravity tires bring the traction needed to survive the wet months, even if they add a little weight. Lizard Skins Oury grips are non-negotiable (“ride or die”), proving comfort still matters when the trails get ugly.
Shimano Deore XT shifter and cranks paired with an SLX derailleur keep things crisp and dependable, while a Garbaruk 12-speed cassette and Burgtec 30T chainring round out a drivetrain built for steep climbs and long hauls. Magura MT8 brakes with Formula 180mm rotors deliver confident stopping power when conditions are less than friendly.
OneUp components feature heavily, with their V3 dropper post, handlebars, hubs, and clipless pedals keeping the build clean and cohesive. A Wolftooth Remote Pro dropper lever adds smooth, reliable actuation, one of those small details that makes a big difference on big days.
Some parts will change as the weather dries out and the grams start to matter more, but this Hei Hei is already doing exactly what it was built to do: go far, handle anything, and keep the stoke high all winter long.
