1992 Kona Lava Dome

[jimo746]

Just picked this up, think it's a 1992? Looks in decent condition but won't get a proper chance to investigate in daylight until the weekend.
Seller said 18" frame but looks a tad smaller to me, will check that.
Decent parts list, not entirely sure how much is standard kit? Mavic M231 rims, XT brake levers/ shifters, XT M732 brakes I think.

Only real issue is rust spots on the Velocity stem, anyone have a top tip to clean it up? (or is it a rattlecan repaint job?).

Sellers pics, will take some more in the daylight this weekend.

 

[t wild]

If it's all xt kit then it's all been upgraded. Lavadome's weren't top flight and would have had exage kit I believe so you've scored there.

 

[mk one]

Nice, looks like an 18" hard to say for sure from that angle though.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

I've had a '98 Lava Dome before, and really liked it, despite it not being in the same league as the Explosif (for example).

You're right about the spec, should be Shimano 500LX so I'll have to have a good look at it this weekend

 

[Hawmaw]

Seller said 18" frame but looks a tad smaller to me, will check that.

Jim , these Konas all seem small. I've had 2 Fire Mountain 2 Lava Domes and a Cinder Cone .
They all came up smaller than other makes of bike supposedly of the same size.
Great XC bikes for the natural single track. Fast and nimble.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Are Kona's measured from the BB to the top of the seat tube? I think that's right? Probably why it looks a small 18", what with the sloping top tube.

Had a quick look today, LX hubs, chainset and rear mech, DX front mech, XT brake levers/shifters. Odd mix but is all working fine. Tyres are Ritchey Z-Max and look virtually unworn.

 

[t wild]

Yeah your right about the measurements. Probably just had an upgrade on the sti's. if there period it may have been done when new. Don't know if it had thumbless from the factory but a nice upgrade.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Had a proper look at it in the daylight today. Good news is that everything works. Bad news is that the stem has seen better days. I'll look at replacing the stem, and also the bars which are Profile Designs bars, same as the bar ends, must have been changed at some time.
Everything needs a good clean and polish, probably new cable inners at least.
And the solitary Blackwall tyre will be going, probably.

Took a few "before" pics...

 

[jimo746]

Re:

It's amazing what a bit of a clean and polish can do. New cables, fitted some Smoke/Dart tyres, and a once over with black spray paint has made all the difference...

 

[tintin41]

good year for Kona.