The aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre are the latest additions to the brand’s lineup of more approachable iterations of its flagship carbon models. For more on the release of these two new alloy bikes, dive into the details below…

The aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre have been released as more budget-friendly versions of the brand’s flagship carbon models. With the exact same geometry, the release of these new aluminum alloy versions means the same great ride feel and capacity, just in a more affordable aluminum package. While the new alloy Libre can be purchased as a frameset, the aluminum Hei Hei is only offered as a complete at the time of writing, with each kit offering decent value for the price.

Kona Hei Hei Aluminum

Miles reviewed the carbon variant of the Hei Hei earlier this year and really enjoyed his time on it. With one of his main cons being that the bike only had one build kit at the time, Kona has rectified that issue with the release of this alloy Hei Hei. Like the carbon Hei Hei, the alloy version has clearance for 29 x 2.5″ tires, 120mm of rear travel, and is now designed around a 130mm travel fork. The Hei Hei Aluminum retails for $3,999. Taking over $2,000 off the carbon version’s price of $6,299 for what appears to be a very similar bike seems like one heck of a deal.

Aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre
  • Aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre
  • Aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre
  • Aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre

Kona Hei Hei Aluminum Build Kit

  • Frame: Kona Race Light 6061 Aluminum Butted 120mm travel Frame
  • Fork: Fox Float Rhythm
  • Crankset: SRAM Eagle DUB
  • Derailleur: SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission
  • Shifter: SRAM Eagle 70
  • Cassette: SRAM 1270 Eagle T-TYPE 10-52t 12spd
  • Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB WIDE PF92
  • Wheels: Boost Formula hubs laced to WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 rims
  • Tires: Maxxis Dissector EXO TR 29 x 2.4″
  • Headset: FSA No.57E
  • Handlebar: Kona XC/BC 35
  • Stem: Kona XC/BC 35
  • Grips: Kona Key Grip
  • Saddle: WTB Volt
  • Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm w/ SRAM Lever
  • Seat Clamp: Kona Clamp
  • Brake Levers: SRAM Motive Bronze
  • Brake Calipers: SRAM Motive Bronze 4-Piston Brakes
  • Rotors: SRAM Centerline 180mm

Find details on the new Hei Hei Aluminum at KonaBikes.com.

Kona Libre Aluminum

Though we’ve yet to test the newest versions of the Kona Libre, the new alloy Libre appears to offer a similar level of value and savings as the alloy Hei Hei. Featuring a Shimano Cues build kit, the new alloy Libre has all the same features as the carbon Libre, with clearance for 700 x 45mm tires with room for fenders, two standard bottle mounts, top tube bosses, and additional mounts under the downtube. The matching fork no longer has three-pack mounts, which is a bit of a miss for bikepacking capabilities. The new alloy Libre retails at $2,099 and is also available direct from Kona.

Aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre
  • Aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre
  • Aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre
  • Aluminum Kona Hei Hei and Libre

Kona Libre Aluminum Build Kit

  • Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted
  • Crankset: Shimano Cues
  • Derailleur: Shimano Cues
  • Shifter: Shimano Cues
  • Cassette: Shimano Cues 11-39t 10spd
  • Bottom Bracket: Shimano BBRS500PB 86.5
  • Wheels: Road / Gravel spaced Formula hubs laced to WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0
  • Tires: WTB Vulpine TCS Light 700x45c
  • Headset: FSA No.57E
  • Handlebar: Kona Gravel Dropbar
  • Stem: Kona Gravel Deluxe
  • Bar Tape: Kona Cork Tape
  • Saddle: WTB SL8
  • Seatpost: Kona Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm
  • Seat Clamp: Kona Clamp
  • Brake Levers: Shimano Cues
  • Brake Calipers: Shimano Cues
  • Rotors: Shimano RT56 180mm

Learn more about the new Libre Aluminum at KonaBikes.com.

Further Reading

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