Kona Caldera 1997

[al-onestare]

Re: Kona Caldera 1997 - unicorn scenes

I have lots of love and respect for this thread and your build Al And thanks for the link to that FB group, I've not come across that one until now and with over 5K members I'm expecting to find some bits on there that I've not seen elsewhere. Or should I say I'm afraid of seeing bits not found elsewhere haha!

Love the forks and stem

Cheers That group is dangerous to wallets so be careful

 

[Klein-aficionado]

Re:

Fascinating thread :!:

I kind of bumped into this by accident (and a slight hint of curiosity triggered by the use of the word "unicorn") only to discover a fascinating study on a rare model.

As this was a model to fill out a gap I am pretty sure, nobody back then could imagine, how this rare one could be the starting point of an investigation into rare glimpse of how things were in the bike industry of old. Seems outsourcing presented some issues that are still valid to this day, and that close collaboration with trusted partners is a must.

I cannot state whether it is the rarity of the bike itself or the story revealed behind it that fascinates me the most, as normally bikes takes the prime stand, but I am leaning towards a combination of the two. Even has some trails towards Denmark :shock:

Made me so inspired, that I have had to reread the whole story of Kona and trawling the old catalogues just because.

Maybe it's time I start searching for a Hot in 853 steel.

Full salute to Al and all other contributors for creating a most inspiring and rewarding threat. If we all could dig this deep, find details and insights, then we are not only collecting bikes but presenting history long forgotten. I normally focus on getting to know a bikes history from its former owners, but Al's approach takes it to a much higher and rewarding level. Congrats

Will follow this

K.

 

[dyson]

Re:

How did I miss this thread!?

What a find al and enjoyed reading all the background to the story. Look forward to the finished photos and a ride report would be great. Sorry if I missed it but what will happen to your Kilauea now?

I do have some magic yellow Z1 bombers from '98 if you were interested but 100mm so maybe not quite suitable.

Anyway cracking thread and lovely bike

 

[konaben82]

Re: Kona Caldera 1997 - unicorn scenes

Al, forks look great condition and the yellow is perfect... If I were in your lucky shoes I'd remove the fork decals and replace them with some 96/97 type...

 

[konaben82]

Re:

How about these brakes

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=341955

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

Cheers Ben but got my fav M739's lined up.

 

[al-onestare]

Re: Kona Caldera 1997 - unicorn scenes

Some progress yesterday. The Kilauea is in bits. I've taken the plunge and have a headset press and cup removal tools arriving later this week. With my lbs not so l these days I may as well man-up and do it myself. Once removed I'll do a very non-scientific comparison weight test with the Caldera.

Wheelset with (NOS) boots):

Nik's mech, now cleaned, lubed and tip top:

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

The last part of the build puzzle arrived from the states. Got the usual import tax sting but this will scrub up well. When I say scrub up I mean gentle TLC!

(that's not my hand by the way)

I also have some more insight from Kona. To anyone who's been reading through the story (and thanks to those that have) you will have seen that it's expanded from just the Caldera to Altitude, to Enigma and Kona, plus the years 96 to 98, and the models of Hot and Ku. Well the next update covers a load of these but also, selfishly for me, specifics about the Caldera. Stay tuned

 

[Dare]

Re: Kona Caldera 1997 - unicorn scenes

Nice to hear that there is more to this already very interesting story!

Lovely saddle, when can we expect some pictures of the bike?

 

[Klein-aficionado]

Re:

Looking forward to more great stories in this epic thread

Keep them coming......

K.