Tom Pidcock has not talked about the Tour de France like this before. Not because the race is new to him, but because the context is. Q36.5 are heading to cyclings biggest stage on merit, off the back of what they did in 2025. For a team outside the WorldTour, that is the difference between being i...

The Salsa Spearfish and Kona Hei Hei were both updated last year, bringing each of these short-travel mountain bikes up to speed with modern trends. Both bikes are produced by mid-sized/core brands and are the shortest-travel and lightest-weight full-suspension models in their respective lineups. With 120mm of rear wheel travel, similar suspension designs, frame silhouettes, and geometries, these bikes are quite comparable on paper. The brands even market them as being for roughly the same intended use and rider. Several hundred dollars in price separates them, but they arent too far off in that department, either.But after riding both extensively, I found that despite their obvious similarities, these bikes perform quite differently on the trail. So what makes two bikes that are seemingly cut from the same cloth have different demeanors and trail manners? And, if youre considering a short travel mountain bike like these, which might be the best fit for you, and why? Lets take a look.The Kona Hei Hei.Salsa Spearfish vs. Kona Hei Hei: From the BrandsTo start, lets hear how the brands describe each bike to get a little insight into their intended use.Kona on the Hei Hei: Our intent with this bike was to position it as something more than just a race bike, because the Hei Hei embodies this incredible blend of sharpness and speed in a broadly capable, trail-friendly package that makes even the gnarliest climbs fun again.So, while the Hei Hei fits into the brands lineup as its most cross-country-oriented bike, and they even refer to it as an XC race bike on its product page, its positioned as a cross between an XC bike and a trail bike. For reference, the next closest bike in the Kona lineup is the Process 134, which falls much more squarely into the mid-travel trail bike category.The Salsa Spearfish.Salsa on the Spearfish: Spearfish is our progressive XC bike. Its designed to thrive in stamina-testing XC and endurance efforts, with plenty of fun built in for weeknight trail rides. With a supportive Split Pivot rear end, modern geometry, and ride-all-day cargo features, Spearfish is ready to go the distance.So, again with the Spearfish, Salsa is positioning it as a do-it-all XC and light trail bike. But they also refer to it as the perfect endurance and XC mountain bike, so it would seem they are intentionally leaning more heavily toward that side of the spectrum. In the Salsa lineup, the new Blackthorn 125 is a purpose-built short-travel trail bike with a beefier frame, more fork travel, relaxed geometry, and a heavier weight.But even if there are some very minor differences in the way the bikes are described by the brands, its clear that both are intended to appeal to similar consumers. Both are positioned for riders seeking a bike thats XC-raceable and prioritizes efficiency while maintaining some trail bike chops. Id say both fit that description, but lean toward opposite sides of that description in their stock configurations.Salsa Spearfish vs. Kona Hei Hei: Whats the Difference?These bikes have similar travel, frame designs, geometries, and they even look pretty similar. So lets examine the differences that set these bikes apart from each other.Frame DesignThe silhouettes of the Hei Hei and Spearfish are quite similar. With thinned-out top tubes and beefed-up head tubes, it almost looks like both brands were after the same aesthetic. The primary visual difference is the rear triangle. The difference is that the Salsa uses a Split Pivot suspension design with a link attached to the frames seat tube. The Hei Heis Swinger suspension is a linkage-driven single-pivot design, with the shock linkage attached to the underside of the top tube, just in front of the seat tube. These suspension designs arent the same, obviously, but they arent wildly dissimilar either. The similarity here is that both brands opted not to use a single-pivot flexstay design, which is very common on the majority of todays XC bikes.Salsas Split Pivot suspension puts the pivot concentric to the rear axle, which works fairly well to separate braking forces from suspension movement.Beyond that, both frames get 120mm of rear wheel travel and are designed for 29-inch wheels front and rear. Both frames offer ample clearance for the 2.4 tires that come on their stock builds. Kona and Salsa are big on frame mounts, and you could easily fit three water bottles inside the front triangle of either bike in size large that I tested. The Salsa also has a set of mounts on the top of the top tube, while the Kona has a set underneath. The wealth of mounts on both bikes speaks to their endurance XC/marathon intentions.One of the biggest differences between these two bikes is that the Hei Hei comes with a 130mm travel fork, while the Spearfish matches its rear suspension with 120mm in the front. In addition to having 10mm more travel, the Hei Hei also has a stack measurement that is almost exactly 10mm higher, too which makes sense given the 10mm extra travel.The Hei Hei has 130mm of front travel using a Pike fork with 35mm stanchions.GeometryBoth of these bikes have geometries that align fairly well with each other and with many other modern cross-country bikes. One of the key figures is the 66-degree head tube angle, which leans both bikes more toward XC than trail, by todays standards, anyway. On the large frames I tested, the wheelbase measurements are only 1mm apart, the chainstays differ by 4mm, and the seat tube angles by 1 degree. Theyre obviously not identical, but they have many similarities.As mentioned above, the Hei Heis 130mm fork adds 10mm to that bikes stack, which isnt a huge difference, but it does result in a slightly taller front end. Another difference worth mentioning is the reach, with the Salsa at 487mm and the Kona at 474mm. Thats a fairly sizeable difference, but I found the Salsas steeper seat tube angle mostly accounted for that, and they felt quite similar to me. Also worth noting, the Salsa has a flip chip in the lower shock mount that makes some minor changes to geometry between the high and low settings. Check out the charts below for all the details.Spearfish GeometryHei Hei GeometrySpecs and PricingThe Spearfish C DLX GX transmission build that I tested currently sells for $6,999, while the Kona Hei Hei CR goes for $6,299. Neither bike is cheap, but both are in roughly the same ballpark, which is considered to be mid-range these days (angrily shakes fist). The builds share some similarities but also notable differences that impact both their weight and performance on the trail. I think its worth noting that the Kona comes in only one build with a carbon frame, while the Spearfish is offered in three options/price tiers.Both bikes come with house-brand cockpit components and the same TranzX droppers that are okay, but nothing special.Both bikes have the same Motive Bronze brakes.Lets start with the similarities. Both bikes come with SRAM Motive Bronze 4-piston brakes and 180mm Centerline rotors. Both bikes come with TranzX RAD+ dropper posts and a whole bunch of house-brand cockpit components. Both bikes come with WTB saddles: Silverado on the Salsa, Volt on the Kona.Interestingly, press-fit bottom brackets are used on both of these bikes, too.The Salsa is equipped with a higher-end SRAM GX AXS Transmission wireless drivetrain, while the Kona comes with the SRAM Eagle 90 Mechanical Transmission. I know the wireless GX is more expensive and considered to be fancier, but I think this is kind of a wash. The Eagle 90 works quite well, and I dont find much of a performance difference between the two options (and some may even prefer the mechanical).GX AXS wireless on the SalsaEagle 90 Mechanical on the KonaPersonally, I could go either way with these drivetrain options, but I might even lean towards the Eagle 90 mechanical.After those similarities, the builds start to move in slightly different directions, with the Salsa prioritizing weight and efficiency and the Kona leaning more towards ruggedness, comparatively speaking. In the suspension department, the Salsa is running the lightweight Fox 34 SL Performance Elite 120mm fork and the Fox Float SL Performance Elite shock. In contrast, the Kona has a heavier and sturdier RockShox Pike Ultimate 130mm paired with a RockShox Deluxe Ultimate shock.Both bikes roll on WTB KOM rims, but Salsa chose the lighter KOM Light, while Kona opted for the more durable KOM Team. Moving out from the rims, the Spearfish rolls on lightweight, supple, and extremely fast-rolling Teravail Camrock tires. The Hei Hei comes clad with chunkier, heavier, and grippier Maxxis Dissector EXO tires front and rear.Maxxis Dissector on the KonaTeravail Camrock on the SalsaTires make a significant difference.Along with differences in frame weight, those component choices make a significant difference in complete bike weight. My size-large Spearfish weighed 27.1 pounds, while my size-large Hei Hei weighed 30.1 pounds. While neither is competing for the featherweight title, its quite clear that Konas deliberately more robust spec choices result in a higher weight. I know three pounds isnt the end of the world, but my 135/150mm trail bike weighs less than the Hei Heis stock build.On the TrailI rode both of these bikes extensively over the summer and enjoyed both immensely. But when thinking about them recently, I was struck by how different they were despite their similarities and intended uses. Even if their marketing copy describes them as being for the same user, Id argue that it isnt that cut and dry, not in their stock configurations anyway.SpearfishI beat my previous best time to this summit by several minutes on the Spearfish. The Salsa struck me as more of a full-on XC bike, and it was shockingly fast uphill and in the flats. I honestly felt superhuman at times and set a bunch of PRs on big climbs that Ive been riding for many years. No, at 27.1 pounds, its not competitive with the featherweight XC rigs with flex stays and high-end builds, but I felt it rode lighter than that number suggests, and that was reflected in my times as well.Not only did it feel incredibly efficient, but it was nimble and responsive, and more forgiving than its 120/120mm travel numbers might suggest. The Split Pivot suspension design performed well, providing support under pedaling yet remaining supple when needed. The seat tube angle was a tad steep for my taste, but otherwise, the geometry felt pretty much spot on for a modern XC bike. It was poppy, snappy, and quick, and I had a lot of fun riding this bike it absolutely exceeded my expectations.But although it was a blast to ride, it could definitely get a little overwhelmed in the rough stuff. I felt comfortable riding it pretty much anywhere, but with the 120mm Fox 34 and lighter XC tires, it required a more conservative approach to anything super chunky. So, much like Salsas description of the bike, Id say it leans more toward XC than trail, especially in its stock build. Id honestly have no hesitation racing this bike, but might swap out the tires for something with a tougher casing.Hei HeiThe 10th-generation Kona Hei Hei is not exactly light for its category, but it sure is a good-looking bike. Right out of the gate, I was struck by how quickly the Hei Hei rolled and how efficient it felt on the climbs. My personal trail bike might be lighter, but with shorter travel, relatively supportive suspension, and more conservative geometry, the Hei Hei definitely pedals more like an XC bike. Given the comparatively heftier weight, however, I wasnt lighting up the leaderboards like I was on the Salsa, even though it felt quick on the ups and through rolling sections.The rear suspension performed admirably, but it didnt feel quite as supple or ground-hugging as the Split Pivot on the Salsa. It worked well enough that Im not really complaining, just making a comparison. Up front, however, the extra 10mm of travel, along with the stiffer Pike fork, added both sturdiness and forgiveness, giving it noticeably more composure in rough, chunky terrain. Combined with the heavier wheels and beefier tires, this translated to a more muted, confident feel in those situations, comparatively speaking.The same fork, tires, and wheels that provide that added sturdiness and composure are also the primary contributors to the Konas heavier weight. That weight, and particularly the rotational weight of the wheels/tires, takes away a little bit from its overall pep and zippiness, making the Kona feel a tad more lethargic. Dont get me wrong, its still fairly poppy and quick, but in my opinion, this bike feels much more like a trail bike compared to the zestier Salsa, in its stock configuration anyway.A stiffer fork, a touch more fork travel, and some meaty tires would turn the Salsa into a snappy short travel trail bike.Yes, And..Riding both of these bikes last year really highlighted the outsized role that components can play in the performance and ride feel of two seemingly very similar bikes. And if you know a lot about bikes, youre probably thinking, well, yeah, duh. And thats totally fair. But, for a couple of bikes that are so similar on paper and are marketed as being more or less for the same intended use, youd also be right to think theyd perform about the same on the trail. But, in their stock builds, I wouldnt take the Hei Hei to an XC race, nor would I really consider the Spearfish to be a trail bike.Now, you could slightly change the character and performance of either bike with a simple tire swap. But youd need to go a little deeper and spend a bit of money to make the Spearfish a trail bike or the Hei Hei an XC race machine. The Salsa would be a little easier and cheaper to convert with beefier tires and a 130mm air shaft to increase fork travel. If you really wanted to beef it up, youd probably want to swap the fork out altogether for something with bigger stanchions, like the new Fox 36 SL, and that would cost you ~$1,000 give or take.With lighter wheels, faster tires, and some other component swaps, I have no doubt you could get the Hei Hei down to racing weight.Turning the Hei Hei into a lightweight race whippet would be a little more involved and likely significantly more expensive. Fast-rolling tires would be the first step, but to get to a racing weight and unlock some speed, youd want to upgrade to some superlight carbon wheels, like the Roval Traverse SL or the DT Swiss XRC 1200, either of which would set you back more than $2,500 (there are less expensive options, too, obviously). Of course, a carbon handlebar, lighter saddle, lighter dropper, and higher-tier cassette would help you get there as well.ResultsSo, after all that, my point is that while both of these bikes are super fun to ride, they arent quite as similar as the looks, numbers, and marketing copy might suggest. The Salsas lighter weight and zestier character ride a lot more like a proper cross-country bike, while the Konas more robust and sturdier components give it a ride feel thats more trail than XC. And while you can adapt either bike to the other side of that spectrum, itll cost you a few bucks to get there. So, if youre choosing between them, be honest with yourself about what youll be using it for, and it should be pretty easy to pick the one thats right for you.salsacycles.comkonaworld.comThe post Bike vs. Bike: Salsa Spearfish vs. Kona Hei Hei Similar on Paper, Different on Trail appeared first on Bikerumor.

Former world champion Bart Wellens did not see the elite womens race at the 2026 UCI Cyclocross World Championships as a story of a winning attack. He saw it as a story of a race ridden incorrectly at the front, and read perfectly just behind. The opening laps were frantic. Pace changes, accelerati...

Max Fitzgerald has added a new senior record for the 1km TT to the junior Irish record he set last year after smashing his personal best at the European Track Championships in Konya, Turkey, today. While there were no medals for the Irish today, 12 months on from Lara Gillespies historic elimination race triumph, the []

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Mathieu van der Poel has done it. He's becomethe best cyclocrosser in history with his eighth world title in Hulst this past weekend. At 31 years of age, Van der Poel still has many productive cycling years ahead, and he could potentially aim for a magical '10', or switch his attention to another d...

The Divine was always BikeYokes more affordable of their premium dropper posts, and now the new Divine 2.0 adds more travel options, more seatpost sizes, and even lower pricing across the board. The BikeYoke concept remains unchanged. You still get a premium dropper post that can easily be serviced and will never get spongy from air getting past its seals, just with simplified internals that keep costs down. The new 34.9 option is big news for anyone with a bike using the larger diameter standard, and probably suggests well see more bikes get OEM BikeYoke droppers, out of the box. And now travel options from 125-213mm for all diameters just means more possibilities to get the most possible dropper travel on your current bike. The fact that the new Divine 2.0 is up to 1/4 cheaper than when it debuted years ago is just icing on the cakeBikeYoke Divine 2.0 affordable premium dropper seatpostsrated to -10C (Photos/Cory Benson)BikeYoke had been working on a refresh of their lower-priced Divine dropper for several years. First, they wanted to make a more affordable 34.9mm diameter option, and to make 213mm travel more accessible, too. But while the R&D had been settled for a while, they also needed the industry to recover a bit from its woes of the past few years to have more bikes ready for these bigger Divine droppers. In the meantime, BikeYoke unified the designs of the Revive (now 3.0) and Divine 2.0 so that they could share the same lower stack saddle clamps, increased production volume, and managed better pricing from their suppliers to pass real savings onto mountain bikers looking to upgrade their dropper posts.What makes a Divine different than a Revive?The new Divine 2.0 carries on with its simplified internal design that auto-Revives with each up & down movement. That means a Divine dropper will never need to have an internal cartridge replaced because of air getting into the hydraulics, since any air getting past the seals is automatically purged from the system. Anyone who has ever had their dropper go spongy and start bouncing up and down can appreciate that.To make that work, it does add slightly more seal friction, which also means about 1/3 higher internal air pressure to get it up and down. The downside of the simpler design is that it requires a bit more force to drop (not an issue for most riders, especially not anyone who weighs 80+kg, like me). BikeYoke says it is a bit louder too, although not something I really noticed. And it is about 10-30g heavier than the comparable Revive 3.There are several benefits, though. One, the Divine is a bit simpler than the Revive. That means it is a bit easier to adjust internal air pressure to suit how fast you prefer it to return. There are fewer small parts to fiddle with. And it costs a third less than a Revive. The new BikeYoke 2.0 certainly isnt a low-cost dropper. But it is one that you can be sure will keep dropping smoothly for years to come, if you are willing to service it every season or two.Review: On the bike, do those differences matter?In use though, to be honest, setup was almost the same as the Revive v3, and it doesnt feel all that different thanks to new lighter action at the remote. Push the button, it goes down, push it again, it goes back up. The fact that it just auto-Revives makes it even simpler. You can feel the little bit of extra friction if you are just pushing the seat down by hand (and have a similar Revive 3 to compare back-to-back with the Divine 2). But under my butt, I didnt notice anything really different. It just works, and it promises to keep working. And then, can be easily rebuilt when it does show signs of wear.And thats why I measure other droppers against BikeYoke as a baseline. Just now, the Divine 2.0 lowers the cost of entry to that reliable performance benchmark even more.Tech details624g for 30.9 x 213mm for Divine 2.0mechanical dropper seatpost with automatic air-purging/self-bleeding hydraulic internalsavailable in 30.9 or 31.6mm with 25mm upper tube, or 34.9mm with 28mm slideroffered in 125, 160, 185 & 213mm dropper traveltravel can be reduced up to 20mm in 5mm increments to maximize travel for your frame/saddle height (with included spacers)piston shaft is now steel, which adds ~30g (was a rolling update even to the original Divine)2-bolt head, compatible with round & oval railsshorter 37mm stack height and shorter overall length (-5mm) shared with Revive 3.0user serviceable and fully rebuildable, even 30.9 & 31.6 lowers can be swapped if you get a new bikeaffordable spare parts & rebuild kits available to dealers & online to end consumerscable actuator at the base of the dropper can be rotated 360 tool-free to clear seattube bends or bottle bossesclaimed 20% lighter remote feel than the original first-gen Divinerated to -10C / 14Fclaimed weights: 30.9mm is 470g (125mm), 530g (160mm), 570g (185mm), 640g (213mm)31.6mm is 490g (125mm), 550g (160mm), 590g (185mm), 670g (213mm)34.9mm is 540g (125mm), 605g (160mm), 645g (185mm), 720g (213mm)BikeYoke Divine 2.0 dropper Pricing, options & availabilityThe new BikeYoke Divine 2.0 now comes in three diameters, and all offer the same 4 travel options 125, 160, 185 & 213mm (each of which can be internally reduced by up to 20mm with included spacers.) The 30.9 & 31.6 share the same chassis, while the all-new 34.9 gets larger upper and lower tubes, which greatly increase stiffness and also improve smoothness a bit, without adding much extra weight. The Divine 2 retails for $260 / 259 in the two smaller diameters (30.9 & 31.6), no matter its travel. Thats between 10-24% cheaper than the original Divine was when it was introduced 6.5 years ago, which also didnt include the longest travel option.. We asked BikeYoke how the price went down while it seems like the price of everything has increased in recent years, and they explained that a mix of design & manufacturing refinement and simple efficiencies of scale enabled them to pass those savings onto the customer. The larger 34.9 droppers are a bit more expensive at $320 /299. But even though the bigger diameter wasnt yet available in the original Divine, thats still generally cheaper than the smaller originals. Plus, thats almost 1/3 cheaper than the Revive Max in its large diameter, long travel option.The new, more affordable Divine 2.0 dropper posts are all available now, directly from BikeYokes website, or through their retail partners & bikeshops globally. BikeYoke Triggy remotes are available separately for $ 60-69 / 45-65.BikeYoke.de/enThe post BikeYoke Divine 2.0 Dropper Goes Big with 213mm Travel, 34.9 Options & Lower Prices appeared first on Bikerumor.

Wout Van Aert has been through many downs in recent years which notably slowed down his great career. And although bad luck has been the culprit more often than not, Van Aert is not a supporter of supernatural causes, and looks for a rational reason of some of his struggles elsewhere. Forget the lon...

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