Kona Kula

[andycambs]

Hi
I missed a Kula on Ebay at the weekend, I'm guessing it was from around 94 but could be wrong.
Anyway, with the wife kind of on side with the whole idea of another bike I'm wondering if I should hold out for another one, problem is they don't seem to come along too often, so, are they rare or is it a case of those who have them just hang on to them?
Thanks in advance
Andy

 

[gibbleking]

round here konas are like buses ...just keep looking...im sure one will pop up sooner or later.....

 

[Anthony]

I assume you mean this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KONA-KULA-/120644 ... 1c16f4f862

It's a 1995 Kula, and I'd say it is unusual to find one in such good and original condition as this appears to be in. That would explain the price, which was on the high side for a mid 90s Kula. They are worth considerably less than Explosifs, which is ironic as this was just the time when aluminium was beginning to take over from steel. A process that was complete by 1997 - and yet you won't often see a 1997 Kula for sale.

I suppose it's possible that they are so coveted that owners don't want to sell. But if that was the case, how come they fetch less than Explosifs?

I would say 95s are slightly less rare than 96 or 97. They all come up from time to time.

 

[andycambs]

Yeah thats the one Anthony :cry:

I've been thinking about buying a mid ninetees Kona for a while now and this one just seemed to tick all the right boxes, I guess if they are not as rare as the slightly later ones I'll hold on and see what shows up.
Problem is so many tempting bikes will come up for sale now I'm going to have to exercise some discipline.

Andy

 

[ringo]

Mid nineties Kona eh... How about this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....31&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123#ht_771wt_1141

Mind you John has outed it on here...

 

[Anthony]

Yeah thats the one Anthony :cry:

I've been thinking about buying a mid ninetees Kona for a while now and this one just seemed to tick all the right boxes, I guess if they are not as rare as the slightly later ones I'll hold on and see what shows up.
Problem is so many tempting bikes will come up for sale now I'm going to have to exercise some discipline.

Andy

Provided you pay less than the resale value, you will have lost nothing. Unlike when your wife goes to the hairdresser. Or just about anywhere actually.

If you are specifically after an aluminium frame, the AA frame was similar and in some years identical to the Kula. AAs are stealthier and go for roughly half the price of a Kula.

Most people on here prefer steel bikes, and this 1997 Kilauea went for a lowish price earlier today http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0516710986 The frame only weighs half a pound more than the Kula you missed and the ride is far better.

If you want to race, get a Kula. If you want to ride xc for several hours, most people would be happier, and faster overall, on a Kilauea.

 

[andycambs]

Thanks for the replies, some good advice here and something to think about.
Definately not a racer, and I have looked at Kilaueas before but the funds weren't there, and I'm not too worried about the extra weight as I've abit of my own anyway so steel may be the way to go :idea:
Thanks again
Andy

 

[iandennis]

Mid nineties Kona eh... How about this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....31&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123#ht_771wt_1141

Mind you John has outed it on here...

I was having a look at this, when you say outed does that mean there is a problem/history with the bike ?

Thanks

Ian

 

[MikeC]

Outed just means that it has been spotted and posted on the ebay watch section for all to see

I still miss my Kula - http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... sc&start=0

 

[dyson]

As an owner of a '97 Kilauea's I would definately recommend one!

To be honest I have more fun riding it than my newish GT Zaskar.

I love the steel frame, it has so much zip and spring and is very comfy. Every ride involves flat out blasting, sliding round corners, big near misses. Just fantastic.

I dare say a Kula is a lot of fun but the steel frame does it for me.

Here's a pic - not the best and forgive the slightly modern stem and bar set up. Normally ride spd's too.