1994 Kona Explosif

[amclean]

Nice one, good thread. Like you I’ve had my 94 Explosif from new. Not as many mods but still being used, in fact it wasn’t used for about 15 years, and not until the last year really, and since then I’m really back in love with that bike. So pleased I didn’t sell for buttons in early 2000s.
Mine will need a full respray, thinking of doing it myself as I’m reasonably good with these type things, in the colour Porsche Oak Green which is similar to original.
I changed the decals on it once around 99 and could only get the later Explosif decals in gold but have a set of original grey decals now for doing the work later in the year. Will try and post a couple of pics.

 

[amclean]

Shortened the chain since those pics. In fact the SRAM chain snapped at a factory made joint last week, really disappointing as it has less than 250 miles on it. Thinking of going to Shimano HG71 or possibly a 9 speed Ultegra chain - I believe those are compatible with 8 speed.

 

[benjabbi]

Thanks @amclean, they are lovely bikes and yours looks like a great example with a few nice period upgrades I always use HG-71 chains myself and never have any problems.
Unfortunately I haven't owned this from new but it was the first bike I ever lusted after in my teens, it took a fair old while to find one the right size but now it's going nowhere! I've recently changed the wheels again, so it's now running full XTR and original spec rims.

 

[benjabbi]

Current spec list:

Frame: 1994 Kona Explosif, Tange Ultimate Superlight tubing, 16"

Fork: Kona Project 2 triple butted

Headset: Tange with Kona Control Centre locking nut
Stem: Kona Velocity 100mm
Handlebar: Titec 118 butted titanium
Grips: ODI Attack
Barends: N/A

Brakes: XTR m900
Brake Pads: XTR m900
Brake Cables: Shimano
Cantilever cable hangers: Tektro
Brake Levers: XTR m900

Shifters: XTR m900
Front Derailleur: XTR m900
Rear Derailleur: XTR m900
Derailleur Cables: Shimano
Cassette: XTR m900
Chain: HG-71
Cranks: XTR m900
Crank Bolts: Royce
Chainrings: XTR m900 46/36/26
Chainring bolts: XTR m900
Bottom Bracket: UN-91
Pedals: PD-M525 SPD

Hub Skewers: XTR m900
Rims: Mavic 230 front 231 rear
Hubs: XTR m900 32h
Nipples: DT Swiss alu
Spokes: DT Revolution front and rear non driveside, DT Swiss Competition rear driveside
Tyres: Panaracer Smoke/Dart Classic 2.1"
Tubes: Bontrager

Saddle: Selle Italia Turbo
Seatpost: Bontrager Race
Seatpost Binder: Kona

Weight: 23lb 1oz

 

[amclean]

Nice

 

[benjabbi]

I'm currently running through all my bikes and sorting out the little bits that bug me.
This now has an Impact headset and proper Kona dog collar, Titec post and Bonty Ti saddle, Onza pedals and Chill Pills and standard crank bolts.

 

[MuchAlohaNui]

How do these ride? The Explosif is on my (very long) "want" list.

 

[benjabbi]

@bchicks, sorry I somehow missed this!
They ride really nicely, have all the attributes of a lightweight steel frame. Takes the edge off the bumps nicely and loves twisty singletrack. I don't think you'd be disappointed if you ever take the plunge.

 

[benjabbi]

This is still about although it doesn't get used much, I've toyed with selling it recently as I also have a Kilauea which I use all the time. I just can't bring myself to do it!
Couple of small changes, USE post and Flite saddle, Pace/Renthal handlebar and lightweight grips and tan wall tyres.

 

[JCS]

Looks so good