Sorry It's another Kona Lava Dome

[Scott-S]

I finally got my hands on a Kona, and I only waited 30 years to do it..
What was it Rutger Hauer said about Good things come to those who wait?

I bought it locally and Im well aware that I paid over the odds, but given it's exactly the bike I always wanted when I was a young man and how good it looks I gave the guy the money without even blinking.

Anyway its a 1991 Lava Dome on an 18 inch frame that’s spent at least the last decade in the original owners lockup and by the look of things it had a very easy life when in use as the decals are in remarkable condition plus its still wearing the original tyres which are cracked on the sidewall but still had 7psi of air in them.
Sadly the grips are long gone, and a set of x-lite risers were fitted and the saddle has been replaced for a more comfortable commute (I assume as the bike also has mud guards)
It’s had an initial cleaning, but it does need a deeper clean which will happen over the next few days and for the sake of safety Im going to order new tyres along with Shimano gear & brake cables and also brake shoes as they are probably original and I don’t know that I trust 33 years old brakes that much.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Your images would be easier to view if you attached them directly using the forum software instead of using image hosting software
Your hosting site also distorts the image. Here's how it would appear if uploaded on the site:

Here's what I see when I follow your link

 

[Scott-S]

Your images would be easier to view if you attached them directly using the forum software instead of using image hosting software

Thanks Matti, I'll edit my post right now and correct that.

 

[Scott-S]

As advised, pictures loaded to the forum directly.

Side


Serial Number (Pre Cleaning)


Decent Condition Chainstay


Top Tube Paint Damage


Wheel & Tyre


X-Lite

 

[Scott-S]

Decals

 

[captainsully]

Very nice! I'll be watching this one as I'm doing a similar restoration at the moment for myself - really like the black early Konas, the decals go well with the gloss paint.

 

[sam_white]

Yours is the oldest Fairly built Kona I have a record of (so far...) F1087449 would be a August 1991 build. Thanks for showing the serial number!

 

[Scott-S]

Very nice! I'll be watching this one as I'm doing a similar restoration at the moment for myself - really like the black early Konas, the decals go well with the gloss paint.

Thanks captainsully, Ive finished buying the parts I need and Im just waiting on the tyres and new brake shoes to arrive.
Hopefully this weekend I will finish stripping it down and do a final deep clean before I start on the paint repairs and t-cutting the minor scratches.

Yours is the oldest Fairly built Kona I have a record of (so far...) F1087449 would be an August 1991 build. Thanks for showing the serial number!

Wow thanks sam_white, and an extra thank you for telling me the build date

 

[minor_LEGEND]

There seems to be a number of these black 91 Lava Domes on here & some selling platforms of late. They do look good & are very worthy of a few upgrades or just some love to keep them going another 30 years.

Keep us posted!

 

[dirttorpedo]

Nothing wrong with a clean Lava Dome - I test rode Lava Domes every year I bought bikes back in the 80's and 90's. Always regret never pulling the trigger on one.