Kilauea - tweaks?

[How-J]

Just added a complete original Kilauea to the shed, my misses is going to go spare when she finds out...
Having ridden it down the road, I can hardly believe I used to ride these things offroad at all. Scary low speed handling despite the newer V-brake additions..
Question is, how can I make this beauty handle? The stem is the original 2ft long thing...would a shorter stem and swap to later taller P2s help me adjust until I man-up and get used to having my bars somewhere near the front hub?

Mmm

 

[Raging_Bulls]

Re:

I never found the low front ends to provide scary low speed handling. Did you check the headset and wheels for play or rough bearings?

Do keep in mind that modern bikes have extremely slack geometries, which isn't helped by the upright riding position. Whenever I go from a modern to one of my retro rides, the older bikes do feel very lively and nervous at first. After about a mile that starts to fade though and a mile later everything feels like it should.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Check it over, post some pictures up in a readers bikes thread. Then man up and get on with it.

 

[How-J]

Haha yeah time to get a grip! I blame over a decade of being spoilt by modern geometry and suspension

 

[jonthefish]

Just added a complete original Kilauea to the shed, my misses is going to go spare when she finds out...
Having ridden it down the road, I can hardly believe I used to ride these things offroad at all. Scary low speed handling despite the newer V-brake additions..
Question is, how can I make this beauty handle? The stem is the original 2ft long thing...would a shorter stem and swap to later taller P2s help me adjust until I man-up and get used to having my bars somewhere near the front hub?

Mmm

Shorter stem will make the steering even quicker, so maybe less like a "modern bike". Potentially that will feel more "nervous". However, it would also move your weight back a bit and give you a more upright riding position, which might make you feel more confident. If you don't like it as is then no harm trying a shorter stem - cheaper and easier than longer fork. What length and rise stem is on it now?

Also, an excessively short handlebar will make it feel twitchy and uncontrollable. What bar width is on it? Modern bars are very wide compared to retro, some of which seem too narrow to me for any off road confidence.

And yes, definitely check that head race is all ok.

 

[eshew]

Re:

IF you're looking for a bit more modern fit and feel a possibility would be shorter stem and wider low riser bars. I built up a 2008 Kona Dawg with parts from my 2002 Bear. Along with the parts from the Bear came a 110mm stem and 660mm risers. I ride pretty agressive and after much contemplation went with a 85mm stem and 750mm bars. HUGE improvement in handling without cramping the cockpit. Not retro, but certainly an improvement in back country performance.

In my case the shorter stem was offset by the wider bars. Whenever I ride my retro rides with narrow bars I get nervous now.

One downside I did notice is that riser bars that are too tall will cause under steer because body weight is pushed too far towards the rear. I would suggest getting some cheap parts to test ride on until you've found what length and height works best for you then buy name brand. And if you want riser bars, start low.