1997 Kona King Kahuna Hei Hei

[Pipmeister]

Rightyho, as I originally said in the first post - "Since I made the reluctant decision to sell off my collection (see nearly there thread page 16), I have tried to avoid viewing any of my previous bikes as they were subsequently sold on, as I was obviously very attached to them."

Anyway, I became drawn into it, and although it's probably a bit involved to explain why, I would prefer to bow out now. Here is one more shot of me and the King Kahuna somewhere that I loved to ride - The Malvern Hills. This is just above St. Ann's Wells on the first stop off before the next stage up to Lady Howard de Walden Drive, then the final climb to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon.

1997 King Kahuna c/w V's & SID World Cup 2003 Rolling Green Lowers & 2007 Crown Stanchion Unit.



Pip

 

[Magpiegifts]

Apologies Pip, I posted that without thinking at all. Something I do a lot. Sincere apologies.

 

[al-onestare]

Rightyho, as I originally said in the first post - "Since I made the reluctant decision to sell off my collection (see nearly there thread page 16), I have tried to avoid viewing any of my previous bikes as they were subsequently sold on, as I was obviously very attached to them."

Anyway, I became drawn into it, and although it's probably a bit involved to explain why, I would prefer to bow out now. Here is one more shot of me and the King Kahuna somewhere that I loved to ride - The Malvern Hills. This is just above St. Ann's Wells on the first stop off before the next stage up to Lady Howard de Walden Drive, then the final climb to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon.

1997 King Kahuna c/w V's & SID World Cup 2003 Rolling Green Lowers & 2007 Crown Stanchion Unit.

View attachment 544353

Pip

Phwoaaar.

And the bike isn't bad either

 

[mk one]

This is an extract from the reply that I received from Kona H.Q. when I wrote to them in 2009 just after receiving the frame:

"1997 for sure. All the published pictures show yellow decals but we had a colour option so you could also get blue ones.
Happy Trails!"

I would assume that you could choose either colour when ordering the frame.

View attachment 544336

Pip

Didn't know that, personally i prefer the blue

 

[Matttymm]

LOL. Don’t you start. !!!!

 

[pw_pw_la]

A lot to take in over the past couple of pages, and obviously this is a frame and build that comes with a lot of history, opinion and expectation. Not to mention the fact it's already gone through several incarnations, and so choosing a path for the build is fraught with uncertainty...

All that said, it's a lovely thing you have and I'm sure it's going to come out great. Hopefully to be ridden hard and regularly!

Oh, and I'm stoked for you on the Chris King choice!

I think Magpie is right on the "build it how you want" but also on the "you're sharing the build here for a reason".

Sometimes people, myself included, steam in with strong opinions, but I'd like to think, by-and-large, they tend to come from a place of excitement and love.

 

[Magpiegifts]

That sir is a fantastic reply

 

[Matttymm]

Thank you for your post and I completely echo Magpiefifts response.

I love this site and I genuinely appreciate the comments and support.

Strong opinions and very welcome and creating the thread to stimulate the debate is why I’m sharing it.

As I said I do want this to be a build that recognises the history and it’s only my third build and every one has been a step forward and there’s some much great experience out there that I’d like to tap into.

Please do keep the interest and comments coming.

Also if anyone has a decent set of Z1 Bomber Bam that aren’t excessively priced please drop me a PM. Still deciding between Judy SL and the Marzocchi and would be nice to have the choice.

Finally next piece of the puzzle - FD

 

[BrushedAluminium]

Coming along nicely! King headset is definitely a good choice along with M95x groupset.

Marzochi bombers would be spot on and if your stuck for seat post collar ideas a simple Kona 31.8/32 would be ideal.

 

[Matttymm]

Coming along nicely! King headset is definitely a good choice along with M95x groupset.

Marzochi bombers would be spot on and if your stuck for seat post collar ideas a simple Kona 31.8/32 would be ideal.

Thanks, appreciated.

I’ve got some Judy SL 98 coming which gives me that option too but the more I look at forks the more I’m liking the Z1s. Thought I found some but way too pricey. I understand the 98 Bam variant is lighter.

Without starting further controversy I’ve going with the Hope QR clamp.