Restore/Upgrade Kona Explosif

[NorthernNewbie]

Hi all,

I should begin by explaining that this is my very first post on any forum, so apologies if I have posted this in the wrong place. I'm also new to the cycling and retro bike "scene", so please go easy on me and I'll apologise now for any daft questions

I'm about to embark on a labour of love to restore and upgrade me Dad's trusty old Kona Explosif. I have attached an image to the post and wondered if anybody knows any details regarding year or spec. I was told this was 1995 model, but after a little research, I'm fairly sure that isn't correct.

The plan is to strip the frame and send it away for powder coating. Then replace and renew parts as necessary. If I can find something to fit I'd like to upgrade the forks, but I'm not entirely sure how easy that will be to source correct sizing.

Again, apologies for my ignorance, any knowledge or information will be very much appreciated (and in need).

Thanks all!

 

[jonnymcenroe]

Re:

Welcome to the forum.
Everything you need is here.

You're right this isn't a '95

It's be easy to find and fit forks however IMHO I'd ride it as Joe Murray intended.
There's something good about this frame and fork combination and you'd instantly lose that by swapping them out.

A drive side photo is always good

What's broken to fix? Paint/powder and decals, some rusted or worn components? Contact areas, perishables?

I've retro fitted a 1991 Explosif with V brakes and some '95+ components from whatecver I had lying around and because this isn't my first rodeo I mangaed to make a decent looking bike which is mechanical sound. Frame fork stem bar seatbinder and headset remain original. Only upgrading unsightly or totally unusable parts.

You'll find my rebuild and many others in the Readers MTB 97 sub forum for inspiration. Kona catalogs are archived.

Please keep the forks!

inabit!

 

[NorthernNewbie]

Re:

Hi jonnymcenroe,

Thank you very much for the reply. I think I'm entering something completely new and generally unsure of what are the dos and don'ts.

Regarding parts, everything is fairly worn and unloved one pedal has been stripped of the threads, so I'm expecting to have a little trouble with the crank. Set stem is seized and doesn't want to budge - so I've been patiently soaking with WD40 and boiling water (no luck so far). Easy fixes will be brake pads and all new cables etc. Tyres are perished and the wheels may need to be replaced. Paint is slightly chipped with little spots of rust but nothing substantial or structural.

I'm hoping to get it into a condition where I can take it on a long run as more of a tourer, UK C2C in the planning. I imagine this may be another daft comment, but I was under the impression carbon fibre forks would be a good idea (I guess this would be considered sacrilege.

I've added a couple of other photos that I have.

Thanks again

 

[coomber]

Re:

those forks are lively and compliant. Nice and supple so don't need carbon.

If it fits, replace what is worn on drivetrain and get some semi slicks and enjoy what is a great bike.

 

[coomber]

Re:

no kona expert but downtube logos look 1992 and headtube 1993. Its definitely earlier then 95

 

[NorthernNewbie]

Re:

Hi coomber,

Expert or not I have no doubt that you know more then I do, so thank you very much for your advice and comments.

Cheers!

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

I've tagged the mods to move this to the pre 1997 stuff.


How northern are you, someone may be near by to help out if needed.


Just get it running first, don't worry about he forks, many tour with them. Carbon is just carbon unless you have a need for a different fork.

can't see the other side, but looks Suntour probably?
Diacompe 987 brakes etc.

Strip it, tidy up. new headset, pedals, bottom bracket. but depending on how the mechs and cogs are it may be a full do. you can modernise that if you want.
and luckily.you should be able to buy 10yeaes ago stuff as as well as newer things.

Serial number under the bottom bracket will shed light on the year. without having to look through catalogues

 

[mk one]

Hi and welcome.

With those dropouts and assuming it takes the seat clamp, then it is either '92 or '93

 

[coomber]

Re:

Looks like a 20" which aren't all that common and would suit a flat bar tourer nicely

 

[FluffyChicken]

Hi and welcome.

With those dropouts and assuming it takes the seat clamp, then it is either '92 or '93

1992 if it has no ribbed downtube,
can't quite make it out.

I was aiming at 1993 myself, mainly as it's looks the same a my Kilauea
but had 1992 in my head from the parts on it.

At least someone else agrees