1991 Kona Lavadome project

[Henne]

The idea behind doing this project was that I like the early 90's Kona range and I already had a 1992 LD which I didn't want to tamper with so I was on the look out for a similar era Kona frame to build up with some tweaks I would have liked to have made to my '92 LD.

I had I purchased the frame off ebay a while ago. It's a 20" 1991 vintage and the paint was in a bad way, it obviously was well used.

I wanted to try suspension forks and found some Rock Shox Judys with I believe up to 80mm of travel, not too much travel to upset things too much up front and that were not going to break the bank. I know that these frames are not designed for suspension forks but what the heck!!!

 

[Henne]

First off the removal of the paint, clean up the metal in preparation for painting. To keep costs down and for my own personal satisfaction I wanted to do the work myself. The frame itself under the paint was hole free from rust, these frames have quite thick tubes! I got the threads recut and cleaned at the LBS.

 

[Henne]

Next up priming and colour. Now I know that there are a fair number of white Konas around and this colour does make the frame look fresh and is probably not the most practical colour for a bike for off roading. But I thought I will give it a go as I had something different lined up for the decals.
I opted for rattle can domestic appliance paint that seems to be relatively hard wearing. If I enjoy the bike and use it more often I will probably get it resprayed in epoxy paint by a finishing company when funds permit. Six coats of top colour and three coats of primer were applied.

 

[rojo]

Nice build your doing here, lots of time and effort

 

[Henne]

So on to the home straight. I had an idea that I wanted a sunset finish to the decals on the white frame. Decals were produced and applied then frame was laquered a few times. Frame now ready for building!

 

[rojo]

 

[Henne]

Let the build commence!

 

[Henne]

Ta-daa!

The handling with the forks isn't too bad and better than I thought it would be. It's a little on the quick responsive side but with the more laid back feel when in the saddle this seems to suit me more than the old days of a head down low profile feel.

I do have some P2's that are designed for this frame that I will probably put on later on but for now I will enjoy it as it is.

 

[Ernie]

looks nice and fresh..i like the decals colourway..i like that sunburst colour

Ernie

 

[Funk to Funky]

Looking very nice - but someone seems to have cut all the knobs off of your tyres!!