Restore/Upgrade Kona Explosif

[NorthernNewbie]

Re:

Thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate this. I haven't really used forums in the past, but with this response - so far, so good.

I currently have the frustrating task of removing one seized, stripped thread crank arm and a seized seat post. I'll update if/when I make progress - WD40, a kettle and my patience are all being put to good work

Also, any thoughts on do I or don't I add disk brakes, since I'm respraying anyway?

Fluffychicken: Not super Northern, but Sheffield areas. And the serial number is: F1071484

Again...thank you

 

[coomber]

Re:

No disc brakes, as no disc mounts. But not sure you'll need them.

Seatpost, wd40 won't work. Try penetrative oil. There's plenty of threads on here how to remove them, best of luck

 

[NorthernNewbie]

Hi Coomber,

For the disc brakes, I was considering having mounts added before the respray...not necessary?

Cheers for the advice

 

[coomber]

Re:

Ah right yes, simple enough but then I'd probably not bother personally. Depends what you intend to use for it. If its gravel and light trails I'd stick with v brakes or magura rim brakes.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

F107 so made 1991 July, so almost certainly a 1992 model (since they are like school years in models)


Disc? I wouldn't, seen it done though (tab and brave added). but it was never designed for it and you may as well just grab a late 90s early 00s frame designed for tabs. If going v brake as the alternatives you may want a rear brake cable stop added to the top tube/Seattube area...
You'll see why.

 

[mk one]

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

Ah yeah, forgot about the ribbed Ultrastrong down tube on the '93, Hard to see for sure in pic, but happy with '92

 

[Kult Friction]

Re:

Without doubt a '92, but with '93 decals..... Most probably applied with the respray to current colour (as it's not exactly '92 spec)

Top tube is concept (oval with taper to seat tube) Down tube not ribbed, Bulged base of seat tube, No rack eyelets on seatstays.... '92 Prestige Concept frame

Nice thing is..... To take it back to former glory, all you need do is black frame, black fork (no ral required here) and some '92 decals from Gil..... Job done!

 

[pebble]

Re:

I have a New Old Stock Control Centre headset available if needed.

 

[rogerzilla]

Check the tubing profile and weight to see if it really is an Explosif. Since all Konas of a given year look similar, many frames are restickered as Explosifs (or Kilaueas) when they are cheaper, heavier models.

 

[FluffyChicken]

To be honest, I'm sure we're all owed and update on the bike NorthernNewbie

;-)