Whooooop! Finally sourced a tiny 98 Kona Explosif :D

[mamadirt]

Yes, the Indys are a bit of a tribute to my old Muni Mula so will stay for now until funds allow an upgrade. I crashed the Muni into a storm drain bending the Indy's steerer and destroying my headset and front wheel. The Z2s which replaced them were lovely but were short-lived on the Muni which immediately following the crash and subsequent rebuild developed a nasty creaking sound (even when stripped right down and the frame flexed via a loosely fitted seatpost as leverage). Kona took the frame back for inspection and could find no evident damage but replaced it under warranty anyway).

I must admit I was surprised at the frame weight too - weighed on my digital kitchen scales so pretty accurate - feels feather weight compared to my Blood though

 

[kerv]

That looks really good. I think I'll give patching up the decals like that a go, I've given up trying to source new ones for my '97 Explosif.

 

[Mindmap3]

Looks much better...and looks like a labour of love! I think I'd have got bored / hacked off and sent it in for a respray.

I'd personally ditch the Indy's for some bombers...I had two pairs of Indy's (C and SL) and not great memories of either. The bombers of that era were such a huge leap forward.

 

[mamadirt]

Cheers both! Just polished up the cranks and retouched the lettering (yeh, I know the non-driveside isn't perfect but there was very little of the original decal left - very nice cranks though) - helicopter tape is on order as I know that first muddy ride and it'll be off again . I'll be running 1x9, hence the single ring (I haven't built a bike with a front mech since the mid-nineties).

Postie has just been with (I hope) the correct length spokes and my front hub is 'out for delivery' with Parcelforce so looks like a day of wheelbuilding for me

 

[Mindmap3]

Those cranks have polished up well....it took me a little while to spot the touch up job the cranks, so good job!

Helicopter tape is the best invention ever....if I respray my SX it will get covered in the stuff.

 

[mamadirt]

I've protected the crank decals with helitape, cut to just cover the decals themselves, so should be pretty durable.

All done now and ride fast as . . . .

Running singlespeed at the mo' despite having a full compliment of gear shifters and a rear mech :roll: but it feels so smooth I'm in no rush to run 1x9 (may just keep gears for race duties).

 

[We_are_Stevo]

Not easy finding a decent small frame of any make, let alone an Explosif, so can imagine how chuffed you are with yours...

...and with attention to detail like that who needs a respray

BTW: I suspect that grey Mozo Pro is the fork currently awaiting fittment to my Explosif...

 

[coomber]

Nice work. Well done.

 

[EXODUS]

That looks awesome. Great job on rescuing the paint!

 

[dongward]

That is tidy - +1 good work on the paint, I'm impressed by the touch up. I have one of these in 18" which I'm saving up to get re-sprayed.

What kind of riding are you using this for? My only reservation are the indy's - I'd opt for a more up market sus or a p2 personally... gotta love the way the top tube slopes down in line with the seat stays.

Beezer!