Kona Titanium Frame Serial Numbers - List on Page 9:

Good stuff Mark,

It make sense that the Prefix that TST used, did indeed directly relate to the Company they were building for. Hopefully we will discover what the B or BG signifies from 1991 to 1997 used on Kona frames.

From 1997 however until production of Titanium frames ended in 2000, there was a change in the Prefix that to some extent signified the model. This could be to accommodate running out of 3 digit figures, but as we have learnt, there is reason to believe this wasn’t an issue.

The King Kahuna changed to a K Prefix for 1997, then KK for 1998 – 2000. Interestingly, my records show that the 3 digit Serial number was zeroed for each of those Prefixes.

The Hei Hei changed to a KH Prefix from 1998 – 1999. Again the 3 digit serial was zeroed.

The Score’s only year of production in 2000 had a KS Prefix, so we can see that the letter(s) were initials for the model and / or the Company.
KS – Kona Score
KK – Kona King or Kona Kahuna or King Kahuna
K – take your pick from Kona or King or Kahuna
KH – Kona Hei (Hei)

Finally, unlike the different size B Prefix frames that are out of whack with each other (see post Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:05 am) my records show that these later Prefixes run entirely in numerical sequence throughout all frame sizes.

Pip.

i have an offer for a hei hei frame. but i'm not sure if it's a hei hei. for what does the L in L19xxx stand? should not be for kona frames?

Without seeing some pictures of the frame, it would be difficult to identify it accurately.

We would need an in focus picture of the underside of the Bottom Bracket to confirm the digits and serial number. However, I would suggest without seeing any pictures, that the "L" could be a poorly stamped "B", which was used on the 1991 to 1997 Hei Hei frames.

I have read many people's interpretations of serial numbers over the years, and the "B" of both Hei Hei and Haole frames have been mistaken for an "E", while the "HT" of an early Altitude Hot has been mistaken for "IT"

Pip.

I'm a bit late to the party for this discussion but I had to ask about a titanium bike I purchased last week.

The owner explained that it was a TST and that it was a trade show bike, (whatever), and that he was the original owner and had bought it directly from TST years and years ago.

It's a beautiful bike, if it's been ridden 5 times I'd be shocked. Truly mint.

Would love to know more about it if it's possible to decipher the serial of BM2010.

Photo attached.

Hello and welcome to the Forum,

We know that TST built Ti frames for many bike manufactures. A member on here was tying to compile a list of the Prefix letters that TST used to identify those frames.

There are a few suggestions of Prefix letters on pages 4 & 5 of this thread, but it would appear that your serial number BM 2010 was used for Mongoose frames. I would assume that your frame is 20" with serial number 10.

A picture of the rest of your frame would help, but meanwhile here are a few pictures of a Ti frame advertised as a Mongoose Pro, which has the same prefix.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mongoose-Pro-T ... 2225583692








Pip

Thanks Pip.

I'll get a few frame photos up this evening.

Whomever is selling that frame on Ebay is proud of it.

I bought a near mint that is built out in XT for only $350 USD.

Now I just need to figure out what I want to do with this thing lol. Gravel bike perhaps?

Time to resurrect this thread again following up on the suggestion of a Kona Titanium Frame Register:

While I have been signed off work err... convalescing , I busied myself with documenting all of the photographs of Kona Titanium frames and their Serial Numbers that I have collected over the years and saved on P.C. file. Many are from this site, while others are from various other sites on the Internet found during Google searches. I have currently only produced a Word doc (rather than Excel), which I can continue to update.

The Draft that I have produced for here is merely using this site's BBCode to colour code those serial numbers that are confirmed with a photograph, or quoting from a known RB member, or just relying on unknown members of various Internet sites.

The Register has a little detail for most frames to help with identifying the year of manufacture, although I have omitted the current or previous owner with a view to keeping it uncluttered.

I could start a separate thread for the Register, or just add it to this thread to keep it all together - this may make referencing information a little easier when disagreements arise over a frame's year of manufacture .

I am hoping that producing a Register will result in other members revealing further examples of these frames.

What say'st thou?

Pip

Hi Pip,

I say yeah....information want's to be free.

While I know this thread is about Kona, the reality is that any Sandvik/TST owner will find this thread the
reference to knowing more about the asset between their legs. I'm eagerly awaiting the breakdown of the
the "main contractors" prefix list too.

W.

Rightyho Woz,

I'll add my list of documented serial numbers to this thread soon. For ease of reference, I'll adjust the title adding the page number where they are.

There is likely to be a difference of opinion regarding some of the dates that I have documented. May I suggest that other members contact me by Private Message to discuss this, and I can adjust the list accordingly. I'm sure however, that many members may think that this needs to be thrashed out in the open!

Likewise, if anyone has a Kona serial number that they would like to add to the list, perhaps they could again contact me by Private Message to keep the thread uncluttered. They can add their own post to the forum for a frame or bike in the appropriate Reader's Bikes section.

Perhaps Mark may put together a list of prefix letters for other manufacturers. Back in March he mentioned that the list extended to 21 manufacturers that TST made frames for during the '90's.

Pip

Kona Titanium Frame Serial Numbers.

Red - confirmed with picture, Blue - good source, but TBC, Black - only quoting from forum post or advert.


Hei Hei Frame Numbers 1990 - 1999:

1990:
The frames were welded at Merlin Metalworks Inc., but the Geometry was designed by Joe Murray and bikes were sold by The Bicycle Group. Listed as Kona Titanium in the 1990 Catalogue.

1345 - Built in January 1990.
1495 – c/w Merlin Head Tube, Down Tube and Seat Tube Decal with Titanium Top Tube Decal and Geometry by Joe Murray Decal on Chain Stay. Kona Top Tube and TBG Seat Tube Decal missing.

From 1991 to 2000, frames were welded by Titanium Sports Technologies (TST or Ti Sports) in Kennewick, Washington State. Historically, there has been much discussion regarding how the sequential serial numbers were issued over the different Kona sizes, or indeed other Manufactures. To date, I have one “B” prefix, and eight post “B” prefix serial numbers that are repeated across different frame sizes or models:

1991:
B17001 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B17009 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B17014 – Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19005 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube, Disc Tab, No decals.
B19010 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube Decal.
B19013 – Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, from archived e-Bay listing.
B19014 – Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube decal – c/w original invoice.
B19037 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19065 - Verbal via Anthony from e-Bay listing.
B20031 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B20054 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B21022 – Only known example of a 21” frame! - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, original Down Tube and Joe Murray Decal – c/w original Invoice.


1992:
B17320 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B17329 – Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, c/w 1994 Decals.
B19281 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19294 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Headtube Decal only.
B19342 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube Decal.
B19463 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19484 – Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension – bought new in May ’92.
B19493 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, no Decals.
B20367 - Verbal from Anthony’s records.
B20370 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B20372 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube, no Decals.
B20374 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension.
B20433 - Pre-Bullet, no Canti Bridge - seller says removed , Long Seat Tube extension.

Kona appear to alter their frame size measuring method:
1988 to 1992 - Actual Seat Tube length (top of Bottom Bracket to Top of Seat Tube)
1993 onwards – Centre of Bottom Bracket to Top of Seat Tube.

1993:
BG16007 – Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension! Verbal from 24pouces.
BG16012 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B17347 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking 1993 Decals.
B.G.18014 – Bullet (with no triangle cut-out), Long Seat Tube extension.
BG18024 – Bullet referred to, but pictures now deleted via Photobucket.
B18105 – Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B18136 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19497 - Pre-Bullet, No Canti Bridge!?!, Long Seat Tube extension. Possibly ’93 transition.
B19536 – Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19602 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, 1994 Replica Decals.
B19655 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking ’94 Top & Down Tube Decals, Top Tube Cable Stop removed – evidence showing in picture!
B19666 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, 1998 Downtube Decal.
B19667 - Bullet, with RB member’s measurements confirming that this is pre-suspension geometry, which confirms 1993.
B19684 – Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking 1993 Decals.

1994:
B16054 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, added Top Tube Rear Brake Stop.
B16090 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, pictures on file with original '94 Decals - now removed except Seat Tube Oval “K” 3-2.5 Titanium Tubing Decal.
B17411 - Short Seat Tube extension, Evidence of ’94 Silver Top Tube Hei Hei Decal, Orange and Silver ‘94 Headtube Decal, ’94/’95 3-2.5 Titanium Tubing Seat Tube Decal.
B18187 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B18196 – Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, '94 Seat Tube Decal & remainder '96.
B18235 – Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, genuine looking 1994 Decals, confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B18240 – Verbal only, awaiting pictures. Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’93 “Designed by Joe Murray” Decal.
B18263 – Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, were 1997 replica Decals, replaced with 1995 Decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B18272 – Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension c/w Kona Custom and Head Tube Decal only; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B19692 – Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, ’98 Decals.
B19762 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension, replica 1994 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B19783 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension, replica 1994 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B20515 – Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension, Headtube Decal only; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B20527 – Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension, traces of ’94 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.

The 1995 catalogue shows the Hei Hei with a flatter Top Tube / shorter Seat Tube extension geometry, while the previous year’s 1994 catalogue shows the more traditional sloping Top Tube Kona geometry. It seems however that the short Seat Tube extension version was available both years.

Introduction of 17” frames to U.K. Catalogue.

1995:
B16138 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 Gold Decals.
B16184 – Picture now deleted, but flatter Top Tube referred to on RB thread.
B17436 - Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’94 Decals - formerly ’93 Decals.
B17444 – Short Seat Tube extension (no picture – but figured out from quoted measurements).
B18328 – Short Seat Tube extension, 2002 Decals.
B18404 - Short Seat Tube extension, Disc Tab – now removed, Top Tube Cable Guide drilled out, now c/w replica ‘94/5 Decals.
B19828 – Verbal only.
B19860 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 replica Decals.
B19901 – Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’96 Decals (same 95/96 crossover as B20594?).
B19909 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1997 replica Decals.
B20529 – Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 Headtube Decal only.
B20538 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B20559 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B20594 – Short Seat Tube extension, c/w '96 decals - told it’s a 1995 build for the 1996 model year.

1996:
B17553 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, replica 1997 Yellow Decals.
B18440 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, no Decals.
B18448 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, Blue Decals.
B18471 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, one Blue Decal.
B18555 – verbal only from Bike Index.
B19929 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, Blue Decals.
B19985 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, 1997 Blue Decals.
B19997 – Verbal from Anthony’s records.

1997:
B17577 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18571 – Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18589 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, 1999 Decals.
B18595 – Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18597 - Verbal only.
B18609 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B19941 - Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals – Sales Invoice 24th July 1997.
B20636 – Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B20638 - Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Orange 1997 then 1998 Decals.

1998:
KH20012 – Verbal only from MTBR member, no picture.
KH19016 – Verbal only.
KH18022. - Original Decals complete.
KH18047 - Painted top 2/3 Lime Green, Original Decals complete.
KH18049 - 1998 Headtube, Seat Tube and "Handmade Made In U.S.A." Decals, with replica ‘95 Decals Down Tube and Top Tube Decals.

1999:
KH20021 – Evidence of Red Paint stripped from Headtube, Seat Tube Decal only.
KH17039 – Red Headtube paint possibly “scraped away” to form flames - or possibly ’98, Seat Tube & Head tube Decals only.
KH19048 – Claimed evidence of removed Red paint inside Headtube & original ‘99 owner’s handbook, Replica 1998 Decals c/w 1997 Kona Custom decal. verbal from RadNomad.
KH17063 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH20071 - Unpainted Headtube, Headtube and Seat Tube Decals only.
KH19096 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals, Verbal only from MTBR member.
KH19099 – Unpainted Headtube, Headtube Decal only.
KH19101 – Unpainted Headtube (sandblasted), No Decals.
KH18114 – Verbal only from Bike Index.
KH18119 - Unpainted Headtube, Red 1998 style Decals.
KH18120 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19142 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19146 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.


The King Kahuna was introduced in 1996, but that year’s model was unique with its’ 6Al – 4V rear triangle. These have same B prefix as the ’91-‘97 Hei Hei, but the 3 digit serial number has a suffix of “-64”. They also share the same round 3Al - 2.5v tubing Front Triangle as the 1994/5 Hei Hei with no gussets and the flatter Top Tube / Shorter Seat Tube extension geometry.

King Kahuna Frame Numbers 1996 – 2000:

1996 6-4:
B17492-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B17495-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B17501-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Head Tube and “Thumbs Up” Decals only.
B17512-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B18418-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B18433-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Decals.
B19872-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B19900-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Seat Stay Decals, Blue ‘97 Headtube Decal, remainder Orange replica 1997.
B19903-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Decals.
B20561-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals
B20563-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B20565-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B20577-64 - Short Seat Tube, Partly obscured, but likely to be 577 – one piece Disc Tab, No Decals.

1997:
K18003 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
K19009 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, verbal on RB.
K19011 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals, purchased new 21/11/96.
K19015 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
K20019 – Verbal from andrewl.
K17021 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Team Rasta Flame - Leslie Greene or Tomlinson 17”, Yellow Decals.
K18031 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals.
K17038 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, 2000 Down Tube, Seat Tube & Headtube Decals with 6-4 Jungle Decal in white/silver on Top Tube.
K1704# - Downtube Rear Mech Routing.
K19041 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, ‘99 Decals Blue edge, Disc Tab.
K19049 – Verbal only.
K19063 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals.
K19065 – Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Disc Tab, Replica 1997 Decals.
K18066 - All Top Tube Routing, Stars ‘n’ Bars, Blue Decals.
K18073 - All Top Tube Routing, Blue Decals.
K19087 - All Top Tube Routing, Yellow Decals.
K19088 - All Top Tube Routing, Disc Tab formerly Blue Decals, now 1999 Decals.

1998:
KK17000 – No Decals.
KK17005 - Verbal from e-Bay advert.
KK19016 – Top and Downtube Decals missing.
KK16026 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, full set of replica 1998 Decals c/w Kona Custom.
KK19026 - Original Decals complete.
KK20030 – Verbal from bestmtb.
KK20031 – Original Decals complete.
KK19033 - Factory Team Decal on Seat Tube.
KK19038 - Verbal from Anthony via e-Bay advert.
KK20039 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, 2001 Downtube & Headtube Decals.
KK19047 - 1998 Top Tube Decal c/w 1999 Downtube Decal, now Orange 1998 style Decals.
KK19048 - Craigslist advert.
KK18053 - Verbal on RB.
KK19053 - Disc Tab, 1998 Black & White Jungle font Decals trying to emulate the 1996 King Kahuna c/w Hei Hei Top Tube & King Kahuna 6-4 Decals on the Seat Stays & 1996 Spiral Headtube Decal.
KK19058 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, No Decals.

1999:
KK16005 – Painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18026 – Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18039 - Blue painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18062 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals, Top Tube Decal now Missing.
KK20064 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals, Disc Tab.
KK19067 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK19070 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.

2000:
Despite featuring in the 2000 catalogue, it appears that this model was not available. JP Saville who ran Second Level Sport, the UK distributor, cannot recall importing any.
To date, I have not seen any pictures of a 2000 King Kahuna in the wild.
Read here


Score Frame Numbers 2000:
Production of the Score was halted mid-season, allegedly due to the cost of producing the frame. Dan Capek at Kona told me that if he had to guess, between 20 and 50 Score frames were built.

Another source however that seems more certain, said that 100 Score frames were made. Fifty 15’’, Forty 17'' and Ten 17'' - long (longer top tube).

The 18” frame was never documented in any of the Kona Spec – only 15”, 17” and 17” Long - or Small, Medium & Long. Nevertheless, I now own one in 18”, and I’ve seen one more 18” Score for sale in the U.S. in an old Pinkbike advert, which may possibly be mine before it came to the U.K.

KS15003 - Verbal from Anthony via e-Bay advert, no picture.
KS15004 - Verbal on RB.
KS15006 - Konaworld.com.
KS15020 - Original Decals complete.
KS15022 - Original Seat Tube Decal, 2001 Down Tube Decal – now removed.
KS17083 - Original Decals complete.
KS17088 - Verbal on RB via e-Bay advert.
KS17090 – Seat Tube and Head Tube Decals only.
KS17094 - Original Decals complete.
KS17098 – Photo of Serial Number only.
KS18170 – Replica Seat Tube Decal, remaining original Decals complete.

It would appear that my 18” frame was not part of the documented production run, which may explain its high serial number.


Haole Frame Numbers 1992 – 1994:

1992: Three Cable Guides along top of Top Tube (for Cable Outer), Integrated Seat Tube clamp at rear. Pre-Bullet Dropouts.
B57002 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1” Headtube.
B57020 - Pre-Bullet, Seat Post Binder visible in pictures – possibly in addition to Integral Clamp?
B57025 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1” Headtube.
B55041 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp.
B55084 - Quoted on RB, 1" Headtube.

1993: Cable Stops front and rear along lower LHS of Top Tube, Bullet Dropouts, Seat Post Binder Collar c/w rear slot.
B59531 – Bullet, Seat Post Binder, 1" Headtube.
B59537 - Bullet, Seat Post Binder.

1994: Cable Stops front and rear along lower LHS of Top Tube, Bullet Dropouts, Seat Post Binder Collar c/w rear slot.
B55081 – Verbal from e-Bay. I assume that the “0” could possibly be a “6” (see below), which would make more sense regarding the dating of a 1994 frame. A rare painted example, with genuine looking 1994 Decals and a bit of Ti exposed. The Bottom Bracket area is painted, which may have filled in the digits causing the owner to mistake a 6 for a 0.

To Be Continued, Pip

Please send me a Private Message if you would like to add a serial number to this list, or discuss the year currently documented for a frame.