2009 Kona Fire Mountain for 1994 Breezer Jet Stream

[john]

Cool story, look forward to seeing the Breezer complete

 

[Maxipedia]

What is its serial number?

Serial number: H4A016231

 

[Anthony]

They did change around at times, but serial number: H4A016231 could mean:

H = Hodaka
4 = 1994
A = first month
01 = first fortnight (or even second fortnight if 00 = first)
6231 = works control number

If so the build date would be quite early for a 1995 model, but not impossible. Perhaps more likely a 1994 model though.

Serial numbers don't tell us either the brand name or the model. A Kona Explosif built there at the same time would have the exact same first five digits, plus a similarly random-looking works control number.

 

[Maxipedia]

Interesting stuff!

Looking at the spec list, this seems more like a 1994 to me. I guess I was fooled by the Suntour levers that are not listed as such on the 1994 list, but in 1995 rims and cranks plus the SRT-800 X-Ray were very different compared to the 1994 model. It seems that the frame has a lighter tubeset also. Is that right?

http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/Bike ... &Type=bike

http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/Bike ... &Type=bike

Thanks,
Mx

 

[Anthony]

It seems that the frame has a lighter tubeset also. Is that right?

I don't know, but I would guess they were very much the same. Both years' catalogues are in the archive here and they both say Ritchey Logic Prestige for the Jet Stream. I would take that as more reliable than the Bikepedia listings personally.

 

[Maxipedia]

Then it's my fault that I don't browse that section and look into Bikepedia that often. Let's see!

Mx

 

[petitpal]

Even from the bikepedia listing, and given the lack of reliability mentioned earlier, yours has an XT front/rear mechs and LX crank which is spot on for the 94 spec, also looks like the earlier gripshift (from the photos).

 

[Maxipedia]

The 1995 also has XT front and rear. I guess I was fooled by my own self.

So, what fork now?

- 1995 Judy XC?
- 1998 Indy XC?
- 1996 Manitou Pro XC?
- 1994 (I guess) Manitou 3?

I also have that set of M900 XTR wheels that are laced to mismatched Mavics that I don't intend to keep as such. Unfortunately, they are 36H and this wheelset with M737 Deore XT and WCS Ritcheys is 32H. The most handy option would be new Sun Ringle CR18s in black and I think they would give some resemblance to the Breezer Backdraft wheels that were also black...

And tires? NOS Michelin WildGripper (amberwall), lightly used Z-Max's or kinda used Smokes and Darts? Oh, I also have minty Michelin Transalps, but I kinda save them for a more gravity oriented build...

Cheers,
Mx

 

[ferrus]

Forks? Personally I'm a fan of rigid forks on Breezers, - if any bike suits them it's a Breezer
The early-mid 90s models used Ritchey Logics and later ones had Spinners (generic/off-the-peg?) so it wouldn't matter much as long as they're the right length. I ran some Bonty Comp's for a while and they worked (and looked) fine.

Great swap btw!

 

[Maxipedia]

Uhm, not that I hate rigid forks, but I have these handy and it doesn't make too much sense to start looking for a Breezer fork, as I can't imagine any other make on that bike...

I am currently thinking about the Judy, as I said before.

Mx