Kona Kula 2000 - New member, first build thread

[JERider]

I have the same Kona frame all original on mine except handlebars & brake calipers .

 

[JERider]

I have the same Kona frame all original on mine except handlebars & brake calipers mines in the champagne gold colour.

 

[captainsully]

Nice! I've seen the gold ones and they look awesome. Have you posted photos on a thread anywhere? @JERider

Mine has been delayed by some things - including needing new parts (silly me for choosing ispec brake levers that didn't leave room for a normal shifter!) and making some time to get ready for a cyclocross event (it was hard, and a very silly sport, I love it).

I plan on getting this build wrapped up this week one evening and will post photos when I get a chance to take it out in daylight.

 

[JERider]

Nice! I've seen the gold ones and they look awesome. Have you posted photos on a thread anywhere? @JERider

Mine has been delayed by some things - including needing new parts (silly me for choosing ispec brake levers that didn't leave room for a normal shifter!) and making some time to get ready for a cyclocross event (it was hard, and a very silly sport, I love it).

I plan on getting this build wrapped up this week one evening and will post photos when I get a chance to take it out in daylight.

 

[JERider]

Do anyone know if I can still get the seals or service kit for the front forks ?

 

[JERider]

Do anyone know if I can still get the seals or service kit for the front forks ?

Or a recommended set of front forks for this Kona Kula.

 

[JERider]

Hi I'm a new member and recently picked up a lovely Kona Kula from Dom (@d8mok - thank you!)

View attachment 795712

It arrived in great condition and didn't need much of a clean, though I did give it a nice polish and wax - for those interested in the detailing details there's info below.

I'm going to put this together as a bit of a dream build - all the best parts I've collected recently, and some influence from what I wished my first Kona would be a couple of decades ago - which has to include Marzocchi Bombers.

Trigger warning - this build will include a 1x drivetrain. And a dropper (more on that in my next update). But also a cat, so that should keep everyone happy.

As for parts, I'm trying to keep weight down without compromising on it being able to handle a decent trail. Easton Ultra Lite tubing helps there! I'll be weighing the parts and can give numbers if anyone is interested, and currently estimate around 11.5kg if all goes to plan.

View attachment 795717

Some bits may change along the way - the plan so far is:
Frame: Kona Kula 2000 (glow in the dark decals)
Forks: Marzocchi Bomber MXC 100mm
Wheels: Mavic XC717 on Hope hubs
Crankset: Shimano SLX M7100 (if the chain line is alright)
Cassette: Shimano HG500 11-42t 10sp
Derailleur & shifter: Shimano M6000
Tyres: Either a pair of Maxxis Aspen or Continental Speed King in 2.1 width
Headset: Cane creek 10
Seatpost: Dropper - details coming soon
Brakes: Shimano M665 calipers with M6100 levers (once I put them together)
Stem and handlebars with be picked when I get the rest of the bike put together

The first stage of the build was prep and clean. This turned out really well and I was thinking it's to nice to ride, but then came to my senses.

View attachment 795715

First removed the stickers with a hair dryer, and cleaned off almost all the marks with a magic eraser. Then a going over with two polishing compounds - Meguiare's ultimate (to restore the lacquer and colour), then Autoglym super resin (protect / fill), then Collinite wax. The photos don't do it justice - I'll make sure to take some outdoors when the weather's good.

What a lovely frame!

View attachment 795716

Thanks for taking a look.
- Darren

Loving those colours here is my Kona Kula in gold champagne needs tidying up new stickers.

 

[JERider]

Loving those colours here is my Kona Kula in gold champagne needs tidying up new stickers.

Panacer tyres a little shabby on the sides but tread is good I’m going to replace them original front brake cantilevers but the rear ones the retrieving spring broke so stopped working replaced with some specialized ones I had spare,handle bars are not original but I like the raised bend on them the front forks need a service not sure if can get the service kits for them.
What other front forks would you recommend for this Kona?

 

[captainsully]

@JERider That's cool - I'd say Marzocchi forks are a great choice and the ones you have are the original Zokes 500? Assuming yours is a 1994 as it matches the one in the catalog at https://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery...ve/Kona/Catalogues/Kona+Catalog+1994.pdf.html
I recommend posting a thread to see if you can get some advice on the service/seals - and see if you can keep the original forks as they're really nice.

 

[captainsully]

All done! Well, as much as these things ever are!

The paint comes out quite bright in the daylight and the decals on the fork match the frame perfectly. Really looking forward to taking it out on and see how it handles on the trails.



There's a couple of things I may change once I've ridden it - the brake hoses could be a couple inches shorter, and the dropper lever needs replacing with one in the right place. And I'm not sure how long the grips will stay white for! Overall the build was great fun and I'm sure riding it will be even more so. It feels agile and easy to control from the quick ride after taking these photos.

Thanks for taking a look, and for the messages while I've been putting this together. We've got a really welcoming community here and I'm happy to be a part of it.