Kileaua - front bounce or not?

[oldave]

My 97 Kileaua currently runs SID XC Hydra Air. Have acquired NOS 2006 Project 2s, 410 a to c, full 260mm steerer, never fitted. Although I can find no confirming stamping, the sales invoice says triple butted - and weight 930grm with full steerer seems about right.
Obviously would drop front end a bit, but I think OK for tarmac use as my necessarily low geared dry weather "road bike"!
To swap or not.....

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Try it, I think it would look smart and be fast. You could always refit the sus fork if you don't like it. I like the chain stay protector.
Didn't you buy a Lava Dome (I think) frame in purple, have you built it? Edit where did you get your saddle bag?

 

[oldave]

Pretty much my thinking, Rob!
Yes, 99 Lava Dome OTR - first rigid, now with bounce!
The saddle pack is a "

Carradice CarraDura Maxi Saddle Pack"​

Currently on sale at SJS (must buy another!).

The newer Lava Dome:

 

[mk one]

I am biased as prefer rigid over suspension anyway, but for road I would think rigid would be better, as long as your roads are better condition than around here the bike will be lighter for starters and like above should be faster.

 

[oldave]

Roads standard rubble and pot-hole strewn awfulness! Aestheticly I prefer rigids, but my arthritic hands and wrists are thankful for suspension!
Could use rigids with current 2" tyres or keep SIDS but with 1.5" tyres for "speed". Probably equal out.
I am v slow rider these days, so even marginal weight savings and rolling improvements are a help!

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Pretty much my thinking, Rob!
Yes, 99 Lava Dome OTR - first rigid, now with bounce!
The saddle pack is a "

Carradice CarraDura Maxi Saddle Pack"​

Currently on sale at SJS (must buy another!).

The newer Lava Dome:

View attachment 758625

Thanks mate. It was another purple Kona not that one

 

[oldave]

It'll be the 1993 one then! My favourite bike for many years and accounts for half my mileage this year so far.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

It'll be the 1993 one then! My favourite bike for many years and accounts for half my mileage this year so far.View attachment 758689

It's my favourite too

 

[JRGSXR]

Nice Kilauea , I favour rigid also. All my Konas run rigid, feel/ride better that way IMHO.

 

[oldave]

Nice Kilauea , I favour rigid also. All my Konas run rigid, feel/ride better that way IMHO.

Only my hands and wrists would disagree!