My first Retrobike build, 1995 Kona Kilauea

[Graham_hkr]

Yeah love the White finish!...

 

[ade634]

Thanks for the nice comments! I’m really enjoying getting this built up, I should make more progress over next few days. Is it wrong that I’m already thinking about the next build? I’ve got a pair of MAG 21s in the loft that need building up onto something....

 

[Bensonc]

Re:

Nice!

 

[ade634]

I was able to get some time in the garage this afternoon.... The cassette is on, the rear mech is on and the shifter is indexed. Sadly the same can’t be said for the front. The Kilauea has a lovely fluted seat tube at the BB and the front mech is a low mount and won’t fit. Hence I’m on the lookout for a new FM! I did have a quick pedal on it just to check the indexing (ahem) and I’m already excited about finding some twisty singletrack once we are free of CV19.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2iLVaTa][img....com/65535/49735057603_56a17d3cda_c.jpg[/img]Untitled by A A, on Flickr[/url]

 

[Paul R]

looks brill

 

[Graham_hkr]

Re:

Bloody cracking build...

 

[ade634]

So, I’ve now fitted the front mech and got all indexed. I also managed to grab a nice silver USE seatpost from eBay and fitted it. It’s replaced the original (slightly bent) post.
As it needed a shakedown ride I took the kids out with me for our daily exercise. Firstly I need a longer stem, the Thompson is very nice but 90mm is too short. I’m on the hunt for a period 120mm stem in silver. I’d forgotten how narrow handlebars were BITD and I’ve not fitted the X-Lite bar ends yet either! I may have to look for a riser bar. The Onza HO brakes are needing some adjustment, I’d forgotten you need three hands setting them up! I need some grips next, I’ve got some spare Ergon ones on there at the moment but I need something a little more nineties....

I’m amazed at how different it feels compared to my modern bike, even after this short test ride. I think the stem will really change how it feels. Time will tell. Sorry, forgot to take a picture! :facepalm:

 

[prezza]

Re:

I love this period Kona and up to around 1998.

Very good job you’re doing there...


Look forward to more pics....

 

[ade634]

Finally, it’s finished... sadly I’m not riding this at Mayhem this year- it was going to be my first lap bike. I’ve been able to find a longer stem, a Tioga Alchemy. Not what I was after, but a good stop gap until something turns up. I’ve also sourced some nice Yeti grips.


Sorry it’s rotated, the grips were off eBay, the end plugs were found in my spares box from donkeys years ago.

The Xlite crank bolts were again, from my spares box many years ago, possibly last used on my original ‘96 Kilauea.

This was today, this bike isn’t going to be a garage queen! It rides exactly as I remember, quick steering, compliant and almost telepathic handling. I finished my ride with a massive grin and wondering what the next build will be...

 

[mk one]

The decals transform the bike, looking forward to more ride reports and pics.