Thought I would post my current Kona modernisation project. Probably not true to the proper retro bike ethic so look away now if offended.
I bought the bike new from Finch Cycles in Reigate for what I think was £575.00. I had saved up after getting my first job. I rode it as my only bike for 8 years, by the end of which the only original part left was the main frame.
In its time it sported such classic forks as Quadra 5s, Mag21s and Judy DHs. It was used to do the South Downs Way, a trip to Wales and thousands of local miles.
By 2001 the Kona was not used much anymore having moved away from the cycle club I used to ride with. I got into downhill buying an Orange Patriot, so after a few more years had passed I made the Kona into a road bike with skinny tyres. I found the elastomers in the Judy DHs had disintegrated so had to take them off. The original threaded P2 forks had long since been lost so bought some secondhand aheadset style P2s instead.
Unfortunately it was still not ridden much, so I recently decided to try and make it more usable by fitting disc brakes. After investigating bolt on adaptors etc the best way seemed to be proper welded tabs and repainting the frame. This was entrusted to Argos Cycles.
I went for the 2 pack orange and used artistic license for the decals choosing a set from a later year, the 1993 ones were a little too retro and dated looking for me. I also decided to take advantage of the minimalist skinny steel tubes and go for a single speed setup to enhance that look.
Only read a few days ago that disc tabs on P2s may not be a good idea. However Argos said it is one of the few forks they will do, so should not be a problem.
All the bits I have so far.
Have also got a set of Fox F80RLs on the way which I may fit instead of the P2s to start with.
Just waiting on a Middleburn UNO front sprocket and the chain tensioner.
TBC
I bought the bike new from Finch Cycles in Reigate for what I think was £575.00. I had saved up after getting my first job. I rode it as my only bike for 8 years, by the end of which the only original part left was the main frame.
In its time it sported such classic forks as Quadra 5s, Mag21s and Judy DHs. It was used to do the South Downs Way, a trip to Wales and thousands of local miles.
By 2001 the Kona was not used much anymore having moved away from the cycle club I used to ride with. I got into downhill buying an Orange Patriot, so after a few more years had passed I made the Kona into a road bike with skinny tyres. I found the elastomers in the Judy DHs had disintegrated so had to take them off. The original threaded P2 forks had long since been lost so bought some secondhand aheadset style P2s instead.
Unfortunately it was still not ridden much, so I recently decided to try and make it more usable by fitting disc brakes. After investigating bolt on adaptors etc the best way seemed to be proper welded tabs and repainting the frame. This was entrusted to Argos Cycles.
I went for the 2 pack orange and used artistic license for the decals choosing a set from a later year, the 1993 ones were a little too retro and dated looking for me. I also decided to take advantage of the minimalist skinny steel tubes and go for a single speed setup to enhance that look.
Only read a few days ago that disc tabs on P2s may not be a good idea. However Argos said it is one of the few forks they will do, so should not be a problem.
All the bits I have so far.
Have also got a set of Fox F80RLs on the way which I may fit instead of the P2s to start with.
Just waiting on a Middleburn UNO front sprocket and the chain tensioner.
TBC
