Kona King Kahuna

[KeepItSteel]

thanks for your input guys, its a big help for in deciding whether or not to go for this one - watch this space

 

[Anthony]

The King Kahuna is a stiffer and fractionally heavier version of the Hei Hei, introduced after some riders (but very far from all) found the Hei Hei too flexy.

The first KK was the 96, which was barely distinguishable from the Hei Hei, just lightly gussetted. The 97 one that is for sale was the first with shaped tubing and more substantial gussets. It was still called Hei Hei as can be seen, but had a KK decal in addition (it was 98 before a KK with no HH decal came out). The frame cost about 20% more in the UK than a Hei Hei.

The two carried on alongside one another in 1998 and 99, until only the KK was sold in 2000. I guess that indicates that the KK gradually took over from the HH in popularity.

I would agree that a Hei Hei frame is worth about £450-500 in the UK, but my impression is that King Kahunas usually fetch £50-100 more than Hei Heis, although saying that, £600 would be quite high.

 

[stevek]

This may be rare but I know of a Hei Hei going for as much as £630 and a KK going for £750, it all depends on how much somebody (s) want it.

 

[KeepItSteel]

my chain of thought is.... I cant afford and dont really want to pay out £1200 - £1500 for a new ti frame

A good second hand modern frame goes for around £500 - £800 , whereas this is a retro Kona beauty in great condition and has more appeal to me because of its retro and rare nature..

worst case scenario I could sell it for no doubt circa £600 , so if I lost one or two hundred pounds over the course of a year or two then I can live with that - ive thrown alot more than that away in the past!

At the end of the day its a dream frame for me and if I can cut a deal with the fella then id be very interested - I just dont want to pay silly money and risk the sniggers from your guys

have i just talked myself into it?

 

[KeepItSteel]

There was a bloke on here selling a 1997 KK built up for £850 a few weeks ago. Looked in good nick too.

I nearly had it myself, but thought better of it.

bigbarryfatbaps is the person.

searched for him but not seeming to have any luck finding him...

 

[Kilawayah Child]

you're right; the price is what ever anyone wants to pay.

A friend (come on, seriously, I do have one :shock: ) and myself have both bought Hei heis recently. Both sub £450.

 

[mynchiboy]

my chain of thought is.... I cant afford and dont really want to pay out £1200 - £1500 for a new ti frame

A good second hand modern frame goes for around £500 - £800 , whereas this is a retro Kona beauty in great condition and has more appeal to me because of its retro and rare nature..

worst case scenario I could sell it for no doubt circa £600 , so if I lost one or two hundred pounds over the course of a year or two then I can live with that - ive thrown alot more than that away in the past!

At the end of the day its a dream frame for me and if I can cut a deal with the fella then id be very interested - I just dont want to pay silly money and risk the sniggers from your guys

have i just talked myself into it?

Just to offer my 2p again, I think a bit of perspective is needed here... Yes the price is whatever you're willing to pay and it's fair enough if you really want it but I still think this frame is overpriced, even for a King Kahuna. As HB points out and I hinted earlier, the postage will probably add at least another £30-40 to the price of the frame and that's if you're lucky avoiding customs. In theory you could end up paying closer to £900. Also, have you contacted the seller? Are they really likely or willing to do a deal and theoretically lose $300?

Patience is the key - Hei Heis and the occasional KK do crop up on here and Ebay from time to time and they will definitely cost less than this one. If you're happy with your ride why rush? Frames like that really need a decent top end build to justify their quality and the £250-300 you could potentially save would at least cover a fair percentage of the parts - remember it's just a frame only you would be buying. They also don't lose value if bought at a sensible price, if it's looked after you will easily recoup what you pay with one of these. I personally have never owned a Ti Kona (although I could easily have done so a couple of times) but have been lucky enough to own Fats, Kona Hots, MacMahon Ti and Bontragers to name but a few and I've never paid over the odds for a frame. I've never had huge sums of money to burn which may explain my willingness to hold back for a bargain as opposed to paying slightly over the odds to secure something I really want.

Anyway, don't be put off by what I've said, if you have the dollar as I mentioned earlier, go for it. I just want to offer a bit of friendly advice at the end of the day and not see you shafting yourself

 

[stevek]

I think he's contacted a guy here in the UK about a KK for sale.

 

[KeepItSteel]

I appreciate the advice, Im holding back because im trusting my instincts and your comments which say this is too much of a price to pay.
If the guy will do a very good deal with me then maybe ill have it but until then...

 

[stevek]

Best of luck mate, let us know how you get on.