2020 Hei Hei G2
The Second generation of the flex stay Hei Hei XC bike. Ever improving, we set about to redevelop the Hei Hei platform. Using FEA results to corroborate warranty data we set an objective to reduce stress points by redesigning the suspension configuration. This data as well as improved kinematics drove the geometry and shock layout.
Initial Development
Triangulation
Performance directives played an outsized role in the development of the next generation of the Hei Hei. In collaboration with the engineering team we focused on triangular tube profiles, swing link suspension and providing enough room for 2 bottles.
Back to the drawing board
This first chapter of the new Hei hei does not end on a high note. After design and prototyping, the looking samples were shared with a larger portion of the Kona team and ultimately the design was too estranged from the Kona brand. This was a valuable lesson for me and the need to firmly establish the Kona Brand form language.
Revision Development
I centered feature lines along tubes and reworked tube profiles. Through this development cycle I gained a more thorough understanding of the generational iterative developments I could make to advance and solidify the Kona brand through form language.
Within the re-development of the frame aesthetics I ran through several rendering examples for faster feedback and decision making from the teams including graphic and cfm design.
