Re: Kona Caldera 1997 - unicorn scenes
Right then. Time for some more pictures of the unicorn. I've tried to compare it with the Kilauea since it's the same frame size. My Explosif is 19" so I don't think it'd be fair to use that. Big apologies from the outset that this is not a technical comparison by any means. I don't have the inclination to be that detailed plus I don't own the necessary equipment to do that: calipers, scales, etc. However I think I've managed to uncover a few things, as well as raise a few more questions!
Covering weight first off and remembering I don't have scales, I have to say it's a really close run thing. If you had a gun to my head, I'd say the Caldera is ever so slightly lighter and my guess is because the stays are much more slim. But really, there's very little in it. To me that answers one thing: the tube-set is decent! Remember the Kilauea is Columbus Cyber so a really nice tub-set. We still don't really know what the Caldera is but it's definitely not your standard gauge double butted chromoly otherwise it'd be notably heavier. That's my logic anyway
I measured up both frames as best I could. Baring in mind production differences and all the other obvious factors that result in variances, the Caldera has a longer wheel-base, by about 15mm. However the rear triangle is shorter by 10mm meaning, the top and bottom tubes are slightly longer. The head-tube is fractionally longer as well. This should mean that it'll be proper rapid on climbs. I'll also need to pay attention to the cock-pit set-up so it's not too far away. I should be fine as the stem isn't as long as the whopping Tahoma Somme it came with. The final clear visible difference is the BB shell: it's thinner than the Kilauea.
I'd welcome any observations from you as well, can you spot any other differences?
The drop-outs are an obvious difference. I'm a big fan of the slotted variety introduced in this range. But these are dainty and as Kona describe here, pretty neat (this was from the latest exchange I've had with them):
Check out the angles of the stays to the slots and compare both. With the pivot plugs, this is why they were able to make the rear triangle shorter. Question - which bike in 99 got these? The Hot?
You would have noticed that I've stripped both frames right back. I was ready to start building Caldera up but was thwarted from the outset by the forks which need a crown brace. Bit odd I thought as they are Judy's and I usually expect that from Pace steerers but hey, a brace is on it's way so I'll give that a go when it arrives. It did mean I got the T-Cut out and polished away, taking great care, more than usual because of what Kona also revealed. Remember how I was a bit confused whether the frame has been clear-coated? And that isn't generally possible on powder coated frames? (Remember this was the first and only powder coated Kona frame - to save on costs).
So spotters badges to Pip and the gang: you were right Can you imagine doing this though, back in the day? Removing decals has proved a sore point for me so even though these aren't perfect on the down-tube there's no way I'm removing them!
I'll take some pictures of the frame in it's glossy glory. The depth of colour has improved considerably.
There are a few more nuggets to reveal but I'll hold onto those for now since this is a fairly chunky update. As ever, thanks for your support and feedback. Your input is really helping this story come alive and sheds more light on a really interesting time in the industry.
Right then. Time for some more pictures of the unicorn. I've tried to compare it with the Kilauea since it's the same frame size. My Explosif is 19" so I don't think it'd be fair to use that. Big apologies from the outset that this is not a technical comparison by any means. I don't have the inclination to be that detailed plus I don't own the necessary equipment to do that: calipers, scales, etc. However I think I've managed to uncover a few things, as well as raise a few more questions!
Covering weight first off and remembering I don't have scales, I have to say it's a really close run thing. If you had a gun to my head, I'd say the Caldera is ever so slightly lighter and my guess is because the stays are much more slim. But really, there's very little in it. To me that answers one thing: the tube-set is decent! Remember the Kilauea is Columbus Cyber so a really nice tub-set. We still don't really know what the Caldera is but it's definitely not your standard gauge double butted chromoly otherwise it'd be notably heavier. That's my logic anyway
I measured up both frames as best I could. Baring in mind production differences and all the other obvious factors that result in variances, the Caldera has a longer wheel-base, by about 15mm. However the rear triangle is shorter by 10mm meaning, the top and bottom tubes are slightly longer. The head-tube is fractionally longer as well. This should mean that it'll be proper rapid on climbs. I'll also need to pay attention to the cock-pit set-up so it's not too far away. I should be fine as the stem isn't as long as the whopping Tahoma Somme it came with. The final clear visible difference is the BB shell: it's thinner than the Kilauea.
I'd welcome any observations from you as well, can you spot any other differences?
The drop-outs are an obvious difference. I'm a big fan of the slotted variety introduced in this range. But these are dainty and as Kona describe here, pretty neat (this was from the latest exchange I've had with them):
Those Mountain Goat dropouts were a slick solution for frame building. You’d need 2-3 sets of dropouts to cover a size range of frames but with those you could pivot the plugs till they were right and then cover the whole range of sizes.
Our 96 vintage dropouts were stamped but the next year the new ones were investment cast and had bigger fixtures to fit the bigger and stiffer seat and chainstays we liked to use. The only run of custom bikes that got those dropouts was the very last one we did in 99. After that it was Ti only for customs.
Check out the angles of the stays to the slots and compare both. With the pivot plugs, this is why they were able to make the rear triangle shorter. Question - which bike in 99 got these? The Hot?
You would have noticed that I've stripped both frames right back. I was ready to start building Caldera up but was thwarted from the outset by the forks which need a crown brace. Bit odd I thought as they are Judy's and I usually expect that from Pace steerers but hey, a brace is on it's way so I'll give that a go when it arrives. It did mean I got the T-Cut out and polished away, taking great care, more than usual because of what Kona also revealed. Remember how I was a bit confused whether the frame has been clear-coated? And that isn't generally possible on powder coated frames? (Remember this was the first and only powder coated Kona frame - to save on costs).
They Ti bikes used dry release decals that were a huge pain to apply. They had no clear coat applied after. The idea was with a scotch brite pad and some new decals you could make your bike brand new. The custom Caldera had the powdercoat and then a vinyl adhesive decal on top with no clear with the same intent; you could freshen the bike up with wash and new decals.
So spotters badges to Pip and the gang: you were right Can you imagine doing this though, back in the day? Removing decals has proved a sore point for me so even though these aren't perfect on the down-tube there's no way I'm removing them!
I'll take some pictures of the frame in it's glossy glory. The depth of colour has improved considerably.
There are a few more nuggets to reveal but I'll hold onto those for now since this is a fairly chunky update. As ever, thanks for your support and feedback. Your input is really helping this story come alive and sheds more light on a really interesting time in the industry.