al-onestare":2palphp8 said:I won't lie that I struggled to get my head around this one: originality vs. remake.
My first instinct was it's nice but it's not the genuine article.
Then I took a reality check. What are the chances of actually ever seeing a genuine article? And then add in, seeing one this side of the pond?
Looking in the mirror and thinking about my so far futile quest to see, let alone get, a 1997 Kapu, it began to dawn on me that in reality what you were doing here was the only practical solution. With that in mind and looking at the attention to detail you took, I can't help but think you've done a great job.
Until the real deal comes along, I think it's an very, very worthy bike! So, how does it ride compared with the steel framed Kona's of the year? Very different I imagine since it's not really a Kona (even an original one isn't)! You mentioned zippy - is it more eager up than going down? It is stiffer or is there more give?
raidan73":2ocnjm4a said:Thanks pal. I've not owned a steel Kona of that era for some time now so can't really compare. I would say that it will certainly be more compliant though. I've not had a chance to give it a proper ride since the stem wasn't tightened fully when I took it out and I didn't have any tools but it did feel that all of the power went straight to the wheels which I really noticed when climbing. Downhills were taken fairly cautiously due to the aforementioned stem!
I understand your comments regarding the genuine artical/replica but my thought process was that unless I could find one with guaranteed original Kona decals on, how would I know if it was the Kona version or not? From my digging I haven't found out anything to suggest they were anything other than stock Merlin Mountain's from that year. How many people have bought used 1990 Merlin Mountain's without decals and without knowing it own one of the original Kona Titaniums - in reality not many probably but who knows....
klasse":208wti0l said:raidan73":208wti0l said:That was going to be my question: Aside from the decals, how does this frame differ from other Merlin Mountains from the same year?
klasse":211bsi2c said:Love that you purchased an entire bike just to get after the tires