Anthony":3k3ll5jb said: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.spokes":3k3ll5jb said: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?
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.