Yet another white Kona....

[ruttegercarruthers]

I’ve always fancied an Explosif, and managed to pick a complete 1997 one up on eBay a few months back. It was a bit big for me though so I then bought a 1998 frame, transferred most of the bits, bought a few more bits from here, and this is the result. I guess it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, as it’s a bit of a mix - it’s also my first proper build, so be gentle

I know the colour choice is a bit unoriginal, I only decided on white as I sat on the train with it on the way to the powder coaters I figured the 1998 decals wouldn’t look that great on the white frame, and given it was always going to be a bit bastardised I thought I’d put some 1997 stickers on it, as I liked the baby blue colour.

Here’s the full spec:

Frame: 18” 1998 Explosif
Fork: Bomber Z2 Light
Stem: ControlTech
Handlebar: Easton CT2
Grips: Poshbikes foam
Brakes: XTR M950
Brake Levers/Shifters: XTR M950 STI
Front Derailleur: XT M738
Rear Derailleur: XTR M950
Cassette: XT M737
Chain: SRAM
Cranks: RaceFace Prodigy XC
Bottom Bracket: FSA Platinum Pro
Pedals: DMR V8 (should replace these with Wellgo MG1s asap)
Rims: Mavic XC717
Hubs: XT M770
Spokes: DT
Tyres: Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Saddle: BeOne
Seatpost: Kore Lite 2 (polished)
Seatpost Binder: ?

Here she is mid-build

The finished article

It's not superlight, but not heavy, and aside from the bombers needing a bit of a tune up its exactly what I wanted, nice and fast, quite flickable but not too twitchy!

 

[TSP]

That is PROPER smart, nice one mate

 

[Archemist]

like lots and lots

(mine's a fire mountain!)

 

[kaya]

A nice clean looking build, Well done mate

 

[paininthe]

All the boxes ticked for me. Good one.

 

[mikesnowdon]

Really like the way you've done the decals

Superb build mate. We should have a WKoTM thread.....

 

[magas]

......,but a very nice one

 

[Neil G]

Spot on

 

[renaldo]

Very nice, matches your kitchen quite well too

 

[Anthony]

I'd be interested to know how you rate the Reynolds 853 frame compared to the Columbus Max for their respective dynamic properties. I have one of each, both excellent but very different.

I am always honest and I must say I have a personal aversion to using the wrong year's decals, especially as it can make people wonder whether the bike really is a genuine Explosif. Just a suggestion, but Reynolds sell 853 seat tube stickers for £5, and I think one of those would look good and add a nice extra touch of authenticity.

Just to show that our minds have thought alike in some respects, here is a picture of my 96 Explosif.