Kona Hei Hei race frame painted 18”

[mklilja]

To be clear, it's an Explosif and very different to this, which in my view is the real deal. I would happily make way my entire collection for a 19" one of these. The chances are next to zero but just putting it out there.

More discussion and pics here: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads...ist-list-updated-24-03-23.446735/post-3393428

Sadly the SN is toast from what I can see and since it was a team frame (Seamus') that's not uncommon.

Just needed some scraping - that would be B18442 for the record

 

[al-onestare]

Just needed some scraping - that would be B18442 for the record

Congratulations! That's the only bit of paint removal you're allowed! I'll add it to the SN list later this today.

What are your build plans?

 

[al-onestare]

Side note, I came so close to purchasing this frame. In the end I'm glad I didn't but the itch...oh my...

 

[mklilja]

Congratulations! That's the only bit of paint removal you're allowed! I'll add it to the SN list later this today.

What are your build plans?

Cheers and thanks, it was quite an operation to get it across the pond! As things stand, I have to admit I have more frames than components, so it's going to take a while for me to get it built.

I'd love to find M950 drivetrain, brakes and hubs to honor the origins. I guess Mavic rims would a must too, given the remaining sponsor decals (I've got tatty Crossrides to get started). Other that that, I've got NOS 8s Suntour XC Pro thumbies, titanium barends, either a '96 Kona Easton race light or a flat Raceface handlebar and a yellow Flite saddle waiting.

While it obviously originally sported a lime Marzocchi Bomber, I'll be on the lookout for a TB Project 2, or an aftermarket P2-style titanium fork. A matching paintjob and tiki style decals would be nice of course. Depending on the fork, I've got a forged Raceface ahead stem and a '96 Velocity laying around.

Now if I only knew where I could start finding the missing parts... With "newbie" on the banner (bought my first Kona new in 1994, thank you very much) and not being able to collect anything for obvious reasons, it's been a bit challenging so far but perhaps a common cause will help

 

[mklilja]

Oh and of course will leave the frame as is and save what's left of the original decals

 

[al-onestare]

Happy to help in anyway I can. If you've not read the choices and decisions I made on my team Explosif, it might help...it might not

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=352024

If you go down the route of Bombers, I have a pair of slime green ones gathering dust. We have evidence they were used by Roland later on in the season (not the specific ones I have).

@romanrinos has a sweet pair of after-market ti P2s for sale at the moment.

 

[murphy79]

I love that frame, even with all it's patina, part of it's history!

This Peter Wedge team bike was posted on Facebook earlier, labelled as an Explosif, but clearly a Ti frame. It was also on here a few years ago (link). Shame there doesn't appear to be a S/N for it. It's also wearing the lime green forks, which I think look great. Maybe some inspiration.

 

[mklilja]

This is what it looked like at some point in while still in Canada. Saddle and handlebar being the most obvious non-original parts, rear rim too I think.