Well, where to start? This was a very lucky find - I'm still pinching myself.
Through a number of threads on here, I was well aware of Kona's first foray onto tarmac. Particular kudos to al_onestare for information he's discovered while searching out his '97 Kapu (and finding/restoring his '94).
I got this from a chap who is sailing home to New Zealand, having had this for 20+ years; originally buying it from the US, he'd ridden it in 17 countries, including some credit card touring rides from London into France and Spain.
It's been well-used therefore, and the decals show the years, there are some paint splashes etc.. and a bit of rust on the steel fork. Used but not abused.
Although the decals look older, unless someone can shed more light, I reckon this is a 94 or later looking at the bullet-ended stays, the seatclamp etc...
It has an almost complete 8-sp Suntour Superbe Pro group, apart from rear mech and cranks. I scored a set of cranks on eBay, so with a replacement rear mech and new brake hoods (any tips on finding those), could be good to go. Neat 'hidden spring' brakes and even bladed spokes on the front wheel build.
Also tempted to go for a full modern groupset at some stage.
Frame # B595*1 (interestingly I can't see a 'Made in USA' stamp but could be under a cable guide), but it has all the hallmarks of a Sandvik frame. Seems a high number, being in the 500's.
A size too big for me, but I can cope with a 59, even if the bike would (IMO) look better with more seatpost.
Here's a few pictures:
I'll post some updates when I've given it a clean up. Any comments appreciated, especially wrt the history of the model and age, and groupset recommendations!
Through a number of threads on here, I was well aware of Kona's first foray onto tarmac. Particular kudos to al_onestare for information he's discovered while searching out his '97 Kapu (and finding/restoring his '94).
I got this from a chap who is sailing home to New Zealand, having had this for 20+ years; originally buying it from the US, he'd ridden it in 17 countries, including some credit card touring rides from London into France and Spain.
It's been well-used therefore, and the decals show the years, there are some paint splashes etc.. and a bit of rust on the steel fork. Used but not abused.
Although the decals look older, unless someone can shed more light, I reckon this is a 94 or later looking at the bullet-ended stays, the seatclamp etc...
It has an almost complete 8-sp Suntour Superbe Pro group, apart from rear mech and cranks. I scored a set of cranks on eBay, so with a replacement rear mech and new brake hoods (any tips on finding those), could be good to go. Neat 'hidden spring' brakes and even bladed spokes on the front wheel build.
Also tempted to go for a full modern groupset at some stage.
Frame # B595*1 (interestingly I can't see a 'Made in USA' stamp but could be under a cable guide), but it has all the hallmarks of a Sandvik frame. Seems a high number, being in the 500's.
A size too big for me, but I can cope with a 59, even if the bike would (IMO) look better with more seatpost.
Here's a few pictures:
I'll post some updates when I've given it a clean up. Any comments appreciated, especially wrt the history of the model and age, and groupset recommendations!
