1996 Kona Kilauea - re-freshed for 2010?

[kaledi]

Thanks for the positive replies. Now that it is built, I very pleased with the results.
I've given it a quick shake down today, and this is the first time I've ridden a rigid fork Kona for years. Now that I ride a FS Kona, I was expecting a harsh ride, however, complete opposite - loved the ride, and the riding position just feels right. I can't wait to take her our into the woods, maybe I'll learn to enjoy life without suspension again? If not I'll be on scout for canti mount 80 mm Magura forks.

Mikesnowdon, how would you build this differently? My priority was to update where appropriate (drive train in particular), and use parts I already had. Overall priority was to build a classic frame into up to date bike

 

[mikesnowdon]

Thanks for the positive replies. Now that it is built, I very pleased with the results.
I've given it a quick shake down today, and this is the first time I've ridden a rigid fork Kona for years. Now that I ride a FS Kona, I was expecting a harsh ride, however, complete opposite - loved the ride, and the riding position just feels right. I can't wait to take her our into the woods, maybe I'll learn to enjoy life without suspension again? If not I'll be on scout for canti mount 80 mm Magura forks.

Mikesnowdon, how would you build this differently? My priority was to update where appropriate (drive train in particular), and use parts I already had. Overall priority was to build a classic frame into up to date bike

Its just not my personal style but if you like it that's all that matters. Its a super bike.

 

[kaledi]

Just interested in what you would do differently - should have followed your link to 97 Cinder Cone. Nice build there and see the differences you'd make compared to my build.
A few more boutique components on there and of course your investment in Disc brakes.
I used to have a lovely Machine Tech front whee and many other high end parts. However, this is a second bike, and I've come to realise that Shimano make very dependable hubs, and the transmission at XT level is every bit as good as XTR. Point is, I needed to contain costs in certain places, and the build reflects that, but I don't think I've compromised function (or weight really) in any areas despite this.

As for disc brakes, I have to admit, not putting tabs on the frame is maybe something I'll regret, and was a decision I thought long and hard over. I have no strong desire to run discs on this bike - XTR Vs provide superb performance - however if I run a suspension fork it is inevitable I'll have to get discs........ Then again, if I ride this bike frequently enough to justify a new suspension fork and disc brakes, maybe I'll just send her back to Argos for the tabs and another livery

 

[mikesnowdon]

I wouldn't change the frame now its done. Its far too sexy

You could always get some prettier components as time goes by, after all, a boutique frame deserves....

 

[dr.juggles]

hello kaledi,

super beautiful bike

i have a 94 kilauea in grey which needs a respray as it has some scuffs n scratches.
i always loved the colour of the 96 kilauea like yours had before the respray.

do you know how the original colour is named :?: metallic blue or has it a special name?

where did you get the decals from?
gil?

best regards

 

[Andy R]

As for disc brakes, I have to admit, not putting tabs on the frame is maybe something I'll regret, and was a decision I thought long and hard over. I have no strong desire to run discs on this bike - XTR Vs provide superb performance - however if I run a suspension fork it is inevitable I'll have to get discs....

Not at all - you'll have no trouble finding some good suspension forks with rim brake mounts.

 

[dyson]

Hi,

Lovely bike there, great paint job.

Sorry to have to ask you about decals - again, but I am after a columbus tubing decal for my 97 kilauea. I have a reynolds 853 one with my new set but would like the proper one.

Can I ask where yours was done? I presume it was gil_m?

Many thanks

 

[kaledi]

hello kaledi,

super beautiful bike

i have a 94 kilauea in grey which needs a respray as it has some scuffs n scratches.
i always loved the colour of the 96 kilauea like yours had before the respray.

do you know how the original colour is named :?: metallic blue or has it a special name?

where did you get the decals from?
gil?

best regards

Hi there,
I couldn't find a match for the original colour, but I didn't try too hard, and I didn't visit Argos to see what colours samples they had - however, their boys could identify anything obviously close.
Decals were indeed from Gil.

 

[kaledi]

Hi,

Lovely bike there, great paint job.

Sorry to have to ask you about decals - again, but I am after a columbus tubing decal for my 97 kilauea. I have a reynolds 853 one with my new set but would like the proper one.

Can I ask where yours was done? I presume it was gil_m?

Many thanks

Thanks, yes very please with the paint job.
Interestingly enought the Columbus decal I got direct from Columbus. The UK importers sent me one for £5 (as far as I remember), Columbus Italy were even kinder and sent me one for free - however, the Italian one was a different design.
So you could get a replacement from Columbus UK, or.. you could as Gil, because I was kind enough to give him a high resolution scan of the decal, so he has it on file, and indeed I chose to fit Gil's decal rather than the original.
CHeers,

 

[dyson]

Many thanks - Columbus sound a helpful bunch. Ill crack on with that little job now.

Hope you are enjoying getting out on your Kona, sure it is turning lots of heads on the trails!