Kona Caldera Serial Number List - list updated 04/11/24

[Mortonm]

Are my eyes deceiving me or does the seat-tube look fluted?

I think it's a reflection ?

 

[al-onestare]

Wind up the klaxon, we have a 13th (12th confirmed) 97 Caldera:

CA 9609064 Molotov Red, 20" (H1v9a8c8 )

The SN is hard to make out but I trust the info kindly provided by good friend of ours @H1v9a8c8

This is the 6th red version, a real turn-around from when we first found the model in the wild and they were only blue.

 

[al-onestare]

Wind up the klaxon for the 12th recorded Caldera. It's been 14 months since the last one was identified.

We hope further details are coming from @murphy79 but for now another red Caldera joins the party!

CA 9609126 Molotov Red, 18" (murphy79)

 

[murphy79]

Hi, as @al-onestare mentioned, I have a 19" red Caldera. Here are a few pics, apologies for the poor lighting, no sun here today! I've tried to get the S/N, it's not really clear but it is CA9609126 as mentioned above. Frame is in pretty good condition except for the down tube bottle mounts which have been ripped out it seems (previous owner), something I need to get fixed. Also there was a horrible glittery sticker which covered part of the "A" on the down tube, proving a right pain to get it all off without damaging the original sticker, which is on top of the powder coat so not protected by any lacquer.

 

[al-onestare]

Hi, as @al-onestare mentioned, I have a 19" red Caldera. Here are a few pics, apologies for the poor lighting, no sun here today! I've tried to get the S/N, it's not really clear but it is CA9609126 as mentioned above. Frame is in pretty good condition except for the down tube bottle mounts which have been ripped out it seems (previous owner), something I need to get fixed. Also there was a horrible glittery sticker which covered part of the "A" on the down tube, proving a right pain to get it all off without damaging the original sticker, which is on top of the powder coat so not protected by any lacquer.
View attachment 897715View attachment 897716View attachment 897717View attachment 897718View attachment 897719

Beautiful! Corrected and updated:

CA 9609126 Molotov Red, 19" (murphy79)

Well done for removing the decals without damaging the original decals. Buried on my build thread is the fact that as you've encountered, the decals were adding on top of the clear/coat. This was on purpose in the custom spirit that owners could easily take off the original decals should they wish to do so, just like they could on ti frames.

 

[murphy79]

The decals are a work in progress, here you can see the problem (and the unfortunate damage to the bottle cage bosses) of removing the glitter which feels like it is welded on, without affecting the originals. I'd love it if anyone has any suggestions?

 

[al-onestare]

The decals are a work in progress, here you can see the problem (and the unfortunate damage to the bottle cage bosses) of removing the glitter which feels like it is welded on, without affecting the originals. I'd love it if anyone has any suggestions?

View attachment 898294

Lighter fluid seems to work well, try it on a small patch, then rub gently with a cloth. You can have the bottle cage rivets sorted with some replacements hopefully.

 

[al-onestare]

Cross posting alert.

I'm toying with the idea of producing a weekly IG post of new editions to the list, should there be any in that given week. The post would contain a picture (not the SN) with a brief summary of what it is, calling out any oddities, differences or historical points of note.

The purpose of this approach is to increase awareness of these incredible bikes, and widen the net to capture new stories and knowledge, and broaden and strengthen our network of investigators.

Retrobike (and the offline spreadsheet) would remain the primary port of call for the lists.

What do you think? Your feedback is welcome.