1996 kona explosif ... To respray or not dilemma

[spokes]

I've not ridden either but just wonder... Is the ride difference 'really' that noticeable and if so in what way? If you changed everything off one frame onto the other without changing anything but the frame, would the average rider really notice?

I can't believe that anybody wouldn't notice the difference. The half pound in weight is really a minor thing put alongside the handling and ride quality. The 96 Explosif is an exceptionally sophisticated and efficient design, very stiff at the front with the bi-ovalised tubes, compliant at the back with its slender seat stays, and yet fast accelerating owing to its stiff chainstays. Overall, it's just a very fast bike, and although I haven't ridden either the 95 or 97, I would guess the 96 is the best of the three versions of the Columbus Max Explosifs, at least for me.

That's not to say that the Lava Dome is a bad frame, on the contrary it's a very good generic double-butted frame. But you can't say that the experience of riding a bike with 9-6-9 tubes and plain-gauge stays is indistinguishable from one with 7-4-7/8-5-8 bi-ovalised tubes and that sophisticated rear triangle.

Now that's an answer! I now think you should build the explosive just to see if you do notice the difference. As to to your original question, no don't paint it. Original is always best unless it's past saving.

 

[matt24777]

I would look at it like this....

1 what would you have done BITD? gone for the highest spec you could achieve? Therefore Explosif

2 The Explosif is going to corrode sat in the shed or riden in it's current state. Therefore use the Explosif as it is if the paintwork is not too bad

3 If it needs a respray (I've just done this with one of mine) go for it and make it look brand new, but you would probably want to renew/up spec the parts too which will cost more!

In short I'd transfer the parts over and ride it. Try it out. if you prefer it to the Lava dome you know its the right move, if not you haven't lashed loads of money on it to be disappointed.

Personally I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed

 

[cce]

I've not ridden either but just wonder... Is the ride difference 'really' that noticeable and if so in what way? If you changed everything off one frame onto the other without changing anything but the frame, would the average rider really notice?

I can't believe that anybody wouldn't notice the difference. The half pound in weight is really a minor thing put alongside the handling and ride quality. The 96 Explosif is an exceptionally sophisticated and efficient design, very stiff at the front with the bi-ovalised tubes, compliant at the back with its slender seat stays, and yet fast accelerating owing to its stiff chainstays. Overall, it's just a very fast bike, and although I haven't ridden either the 95 or 97, I would guess the 96 is the best of the three versions of the Columbus Max Explosifs, at least for me.

That's not to say that the Lava Dome is a bad frame, on the contrary it's a very good generic double-butted frame. But you can't say that the experience of riding a bike with 9-6-9 tubes and plain-gauge stays is indistinguishable from one with 7-4-7/8-5-8 bi-ovalised tubes and that sophisticated rear triangle.

Now that's an answer! I now think you should build the explosive just to see if you do notice the difference. As to to your original question, no don't paint it. Original is always best unless it's past saving.

the real beauty here is that the geometry is identical, so it's purely down to the tubing. I'm watching with interest....

 

[maroon113]

Very doubtful if you'd notice any difference Spokes , the geom's are the same so there will only be a very slight difference in metal twanginess , I run a 97 LD and a 2102 Soul , both set up very similar in spec and the diff between 853 on the Soul and the DB chromo on the LD is hardly noticable , both ride great .

Wow. Beg to differ. I've ridden two different brands of steel in regard to Mid-range vs. Higher-range. All Mid 90's: Kona Lava Dome (chromoly double butted)---->Kona Kilauea (Tange Prestige), and: GT Karakoram (chromoly double butted)----->GT Bravado LE (Tange Prestige). The lower-end frames had more flex. Felt more pedestrian. There was a feeling of loss of power through the pedals, especially when trying to sprint. At times there was a 'dead' feeling that is difficult to describe. When pushing the frame to the limit maneuvering and sprinting, the lower-end frame seemed to suck up the rider's energy vs transmitting it to the ground.

Both higher-end frames felt more energetic, spirited. Stiffer, although compliant to road imperfections, due to the steel. Did not feel any loss of power through the pedals. There was no flex. Especially in the bottom bracket area. The frame pushed back when you pushed it. As if the frame was coaxing you to take it to the limit. Instead of an object that you were riding, it was something alive and pulsing. More direct feel when maneuvering, thus the rider is more connected to the turn. The handling was sharper. The riding experience was more intense. At least that is my two cents.

 

[lumos2000]

I agree with all of the above.......but

I had a 96 explosif and really liked it it was everything that has already been mentioned but it also felt fragile to me, the tubes felt thin and I found myself holding back on some of the harder stuff, my regular ride was a cinder cone and I was happy to throw that around all day long and not have to worry about it or me,

I suggest build both to as near as the same spec ride them both, you may find one is a good summer single speed and the other a winter hack, as for re-spray its up to you but if your tempted to sell it later then its probably best to leave it.
incidentally 6 months after I sold the explosif the chain stay snapped, I now ride a 97 hei hei

 

[sylus]

Pics would help

Generally... Not always, some bikes look better with patina than fresh paint. I tend not to do repaints unless they are absolutely necessary or are a unicorn.

 

[pimpmykona]

Thanks for the useful replies guys...to be honest I love the way that my LD rides and it looks great as well. The Explosif really is quite tatty and I can possibly see a solution...which may not be to everyones approval.

I think I will make the explosive into my Singlespeed ( Currently a 96 CinderCone) and see how it rides before any full swap with my LD.

As requested some pics..not great

 

[DeletedUser006]

or go for the shabby look ??

Now your talking sorry I couldn't resist, nowt wrong with a shabby kona :razz:

Your Explosif frame is the best colour one made IMO , I would build it up with P2's , give it a good polish and it will go on for years.

 

[lumos2000]

singlespeed rigid kona mmm nice, doesn't look all that shabby either

 

[jonthefish]

Don't respray it. The original paint is part of that bike and in time I suspect you'd regret it. It looks great. I fail to understand why anyone thinks a Retrobike should look brand new :?