Kona Hot - Isle of Wight

[Ackers]

Seems to be causing some interest and rightly so. Personally, as others have said, the fact it's had a respray would put me off. Mainly for originality but also if it's covered any damage etc. That said, if it's a good one then applying the correct decals alone would be enough.....add some decent kit and off you go

 

[mklilja]

Interesting that the '96 Hot frame was already Reynolds 853, whereas Explosif and Kilauea would be made of Columbus until '97.

 

[Monkeeee01]

Interesting that the '96 Hot frame was already Reynolds 853, whereas Explosif and Kilauea would be made of Columbus until '97.

Kilauea never made it to 853 I don’t think. There was a Reynolds one but I think it was 651 or something like that

 

[mklilja]

Right, I meant Reynolds tubing in general, Kilauea was 631.

 

[mk one]

They were custom colours anyway, so getting it painted well in a colour of your choice would be just as good imo. Would have to be stars n bars of course

 

[d8mok]

They were custom colours anyway, so getting it painted well in a colour of your choice would be just as good imo. Would have to be stars n bars of course

That’s my dream and I’ve got a guy to do it. But just need the frame

 

[KonaHoathy]

Just a reminder, the serial number is real. I read it off the BB shell this morning. I bought this from a guy I trust, and it’s not my only retro Kona.

 

[al-onestare]

Interesting that the '96 Hot frame was already Reynolds 853, whereas Explosif and Kilauea would be made of Columbus until '97.

Essentially custom "new" tubing vs. XC pedigree tubing

 

[KonaHoathy]

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/1996-kona-hot.30980/

 

[KonaHoathy]

I particularly enjoy that in 2008 someone suggested it was surprising that 853 had reigned as the best steel for mountain bike frames for 12 years. And it’s another 16 years later and nothing has changed.