-Why did this model disappear?
I was overjoyed to acquire this superb Titanium (Ti) frame-only as a factory close-out. When Kona lunched it's "Out of Bounds" line of MTB’s they setout to build the ultimate in a 'go beyond the trail' bike. What Kona’s marketing team found is that the bike was indeed "Out of Bounds" in $ as well. It was quickly pulled in mid production 2000 and Kona added the Scab and Stuff bikes to the line for 2001.
-Why is this frame special?
The frame is custom drawn multi-shaped and directionally shape Sandvik aerospace certified 3/2.5 titanium seamless tubing with 6/4 titanium plate dropouts. TIG-welded, made by Titanium Sports in Kennewick, WA to Kona specifications. Special features are; multi-shaped reinforced gusseted Down-tube, 6/4 titanium plate dropouts (Water-Jet cut and milled) made with "Bullet" plugs for superior strength & perfect rear wheel alignment and the Head-tube is CNC milled out titanium, superb (the Bottom Bracket shell maybe 6/4 titanium as well; see 98 King Kahuna specs). The welds are beautiful. This is all fitted to Kona's performance balanced geometry. Nobody (anymore) builds a Ti frame like this, because the cost of working titanium is so high. Frame only weight: 1670gm/3.6 lbs (15"), 1814gm/4 lbs. (17"), 1905gm/4.2 lbs (18")
The 1999 KING KAHUNA frame-only (without the CNC milled out Ti. head-tube) had a MSRP of $1699 and HEI-HEI (without Multi-shaped gusseted down-tube) MSRP was $1399
-What components will fit this frame?
The frame will fit: 30.0mm seat post, 34.9mm TP-front derailleur, 68mm bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset. Disc brake compliant; Fork suspension design: Fork Length: 500mm; Fork Travel: 100mm/4”
-What type of riding is it for?
Added Note: Before I purchase the frame, I contacted the Kona tech-team and inquired of the Score's performance tests. The Kona team was very helpful (most of the Score info here was verified by the way) it was said that everyone (tech's and pro's) who tested the Score said it handle very well on all types of trails.
Keep in mind, although this can be built-up as a light cross-country race bike (22-23lbs) it's intent was the ultimate "Out of Bounds" ultra responsive frame. That in mind, with frame strength added where it's needed (milled Head-tube and gusseted Down-tube) and a little beefier components it will weigh in at about 23-25lbs depending on frame size and wheel type. Note: If your hard with your bikes and looking for a pounder, see the Kona Hoss. A great specialty addition. All in all once this frame is assembled with the right balance of weight to strength components, it will become an incredible machine for tail and off-trail.
Note on Geometry: The Score has a geometry that is between Cross-Country (XC) and Mountain-Cross (jumping). Unlike the Dirt-Jump/Freestyle frames though, the Score frame was the perfect hardcore XC, Off-trail ultra agile frame and is capable of performing jumps. My kind of a ride.
-In this price range, I need to get it right. Why would I choose a Hard Tail?
I have a 29.5" inseam with a 29" arm reach and the 15" frame is perfect with a 172mm crank for this type of riding. For a XC only frame I would fit a 17". Remember this regarding frame size: You should control the frame (bike) not the frame control you, unless you like to fall down a lot. The uniformed guy tends to buy too big a frame (I will put 50% of the blame on the sales-person) like it has something to do with their libido or something.
SCORE:
Top Tube Length: 21.7" (15" frame), 23.0" (17"), 23.5" (18")
Stand-Over Height: 28.6" (15" frame), 30.2" (17"), 31" (18")
