1996 Kona Lava Dome - COMPLETE

[Nick C]

That was my initial thoughts too, which you may have picked up from the first page. However, my first short ride around the block felt fine and because I've used full length grips, rather than the shorter grips provided with the shifters, it means I'm able to comfortably leave my hands on the bar without shifting gears every time I hit a bump.

 

[Nick C]

I took the Kona up to Whinlatter at the weekend and met up with 'EarlofBarnet' and his father. The bike mechanically performed very well and was only let down my lack of fitness. It was really the first test for the bike and I honestly thought it would disintegrate into a pile of components within seconds, but by the end of the ride only I was falling to bits. This is the first real rigid off road ride I've had since my very first mountain bike, I have to be honest and say that my wrist, which I broke a few years ago when falling off my bike, was really quite sore for a few days following the ride.

What I hadn't really noticed prior to the first downhill section was how low the front end was, there are a few sections on the ride where it felt similar to walking on your hands and knees head first down a flight of stairs (try it if you haven't already), very bottom high!

The Z2's arrived yesterday and I fitted them today with a modern bar and stem to get her running. She doesn't look as pretty in this guise, but I have a feeling that the riding position will be greatly improved.

The handle bar height is around 1 1/2 inches lower than my Trek, which is perfect. I just need to work out what stem will look best and get some better quality spacers. Oh and maybe a touch of red at the back somewhere to tie in with the forks...I also like those brown 'Charge Spoon' saddles...will it never end?? :cry:

 

[Nick C]

I just knocked this image up to see how the geometry had changed with the addition of the suspension fork. It's not perfect because I used two pictures taken from a slightly different angle, but it's good enough. You can really see how low the bar was initially!

 

[Mobes]

how comfy is the Nukeproof saddle? im thinking about changing from a charge sppon to one. just not sure yet

 

[Nick C]

Well a tailor once told me I have a 'large seat' and I'm not talking about the one on the bike! I tend to find any of these size seats uncomfortable, the Selle Italia Flites I always thought were bloody awful. I class the Nuke Proof in the same category.

The only saddles I have ever found comfortable were an old Brooks I used to have on my first racer and the Selle Italia Yutaak which I have on the Trek in my sig.

The Nuke Proof I only really bought for its aesthetics, so perhaps I'm not the best person to ask?

What problems are you having with the Spoon? I heard they are a little hard initially but when worn in are very comfortable.

 

[Mobes]

i like the spoons. have them on both bikes and ive always raved about them to my riding buddies, but on the 15 mile ride i did last night found it more uncomfortable than normal. going to mess around with position before i jack it in for a new saddle, found the nukeproof on ebay for £35 and thought it might be worth a go if i do swap.

 

[mickdeene]

re lava dome

Great job..... top notch.Will have to pull my finger out of my backside and get mine finished before it starts snowing again.
How were the new forks ???

 

[Nick C]

Thanks Mick.

I've only taken them for a brief road ride this evening to make sure everything is seated correctly, but they soak up the small bumps well. I've only ridden on air shocks before and I have to say they seem very plush. I'll give them a good bash at this weekends meet.

Cheers.

 

[Nick C]

Final pics I think.

I've just replaced the tyres in time for the NW meet tomorrow. The Maxxis tyres are really mud pluggers and were a real PITA to drag around. I've also just fitted some nice carbon spacers to replace some cheap ones I'd used.

Aside from the fact I need to replace the pedals at some point, I guess very little else will now change.

And to finish this off, one picture of the patient hound...

 

[rojo]

Wow oh wow we have another PRO bike builder here, that is looking lush, I want it