Before I start a little about why I’ve gone with the Kona.... I started mountain biking in the halcyon days of the mid 90’s. My first proper bike was a ‘94 GT Talera which soon was upgraded with some purple anodised bars and a pair of Tioga Surefoot 6 pedals.
I joined the RAF in ‘96 and before long I’d gone for the cheque spread option with Leisure Lake and purchased a gorgeous ‘96 Kona Kilauea which was a superb bike. Three years later I sold it.... I still regret it now.
Seeing the Retrobikes and talking with their owners at Mayhem last year gave me the push I needed to buy another Kilauea. The plan was to have it ready and race it at this year’s Mayhem, shame I can’t now! Sadly it appears ‘96 Kilaueas are rare but a ‘95 came up for sale relatively close and I snapped it up.
As you can see the paint is in good condition, not perfect but very good for 25 years old! The decals will be need replacing before I do too much more with it. It came with the Race Face headset (period or not I’m keeping it) and a seatpost which is slightly bent. I’ll have to see if I use it or not.
I joined the RAF in ‘96 and before long I’d gone for the cheque spread option with Leisure Lake and purchased a gorgeous ‘96 Kona Kilauea which was a superb bike. Three years later I sold it.... I still regret it now.
Seeing the Retrobikes and talking with their owners at Mayhem last year gave me the push I needed to buy another Kilauea. The plan was to have it ready and race it at this year’s Mayhem, shame I can’t now! Sadly it appears ‘96 Kilaueas are rare but a ‘95 came up for sale relatively close and I snapped it up.
As you can see the paint is in good condition, not perfect but very good for 25 years old! The decals will be need replacing before I do too much more with it. It came with the Race Face headset (period or not I’m keeping it) and a seatpost which is slightly bent. I’ll have to see if I use it or not.
