1990 Kona Titanium - FINISHED PAGE 13

[F.R.O.]

Bump!!!

Its a amacing bike

 

[al-onestare]

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]

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?

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]

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....

That was going to be my question: Aside from the decals, how does this frame differ from other Merlin Mountains from the same year?

 

[sho220]

That's a beauty.

 

[raidan73]

That was going to be my question: Aside from the decals, how does this frame differ from other Merlin Mountains from the same year?

Based on my research, and I've not heard anything to the contrary, absolutely nothing!

 

[raidan73]

Re:

Such a pleasant experience to go out on a ride and come back with nothing but dust on the bike. No mud in sight tonight

 

[raidan73]

Re:

I'm pretty much over the moon with the way this has turned out and the ride is just fantastic. Where I notice it most is the climbs - I'm no climber but the Merlin frame really does feel like it gives me a real advantage in comparison to my other bikes.

Finally I can stop poring over page 5 of the 1990 Kona catalogue in order to pick up every little detail.....................well perhaps a little while longer maybe.

 

[klasse]

Re:

that's awesome man. I may just have to give you my merlin mountain to round out your collection and compare the ride quality

Love that you purchased an entire bike just to get after the tires
I bought a Litespeed for the steerer tube awhile back

 

[al-onestare]

Re: Re:

Love that you purchased an entire bike just to get after the tires

Speaking of which, how do they perform? Fingers crossed they are better than the later Scratch/Sniff's.