About a year ago, I got into the habit of every Friday lunchtime, running a google search for "Kona Kapu for sale" set to the last month.
I've dived back years worth of internet information from forums all over the place; threads long since dead, members long gone. I've followed up emails to try and find out if the mention of a Kapu was something from the 95-97 era. I've had a few false starts but broadly absolutely nothing.
A few times a 98 version came up - even here - but they'd be re-sprayed, the wrong size or not in good condition. 99's come up a little more often but they are a completely different frame and sadly I really don't like them. I even had a moment of madness earlier this year and bought an orange/silver modern Kapu frame...and sold it within a week. I hated it to be honest - rubbish Italian finishing quality. Haole's are even rarer and when they do come up, rightly, very, very expensive.
Even Kona who at this point were having a look for me, came up with nothing. They don't even have any other pictures on file of the 1997 version apart from the catalogue shot - I've never seen a different picture of one - do they even exist?! Bless them, Kona even sent me a link to their new Honky Tonk which looks a bit like a Kapu...if you skwint hard enough
Fast forward to September this year. I was in NY with work (yeah, yeah - tough times), and ran the search and something rather curious popped up - on page 3 of the search - an add from Kijiji (I thought the same - what the hell is that? Turns out it's a Canadian fee-add site) with the words Kona Kapu.
No pictures were supplied but my spidey senses were twitching big time when I saw the magic words "Race Light" - this appeared on all Kona MTB's back in the day during this era. I fired off an email expecting nothing:
Quote:
I just spotted you ad about the Kapu. I just wondered what year it's from? I'm desperately looking for the 1997 model and since you say "Race Light" it might be what I'm after. Whilst I'm based in the UK I'm happy to pay the shipping. If you could email me some pictures that would be wonderful.
At best, I just wanted to see a picture of a Kapu - from that era - and share it here 'cause there are so few pictorial references outside the catalogue shots.
What I got in reply was beyond my expectation:
Quote:
Apologies for the picture quality - more of a cyclist than a shutterbug. Couple of more details: frame is Ritchey, wheels are Mavic 700c, all the rest is Campy. Pedals are the Look/105 style (have cleats if needed).I did have an overhaul summer of 2011 after triathlon season (Ben Instone the former UK time triallist - he was training and working here). Oh, he replaced the saddle with a Unity and the tyres are Michelin Sport. Frame serial number F4050715.
I am keen to hear from you as I recently sold an older Cannondale Sport touring bike (after much difficulty) to a former bicycle mechanic. Any and everyone who had inquired after it sniffed at it but I must confess it warmed the cockles of my heart to see him dance for joy - literally. I'd like to see this one go a new home as well - hope it's what you are looking for.
Cheers
P.S. Even if it isn't, I'd love to hear the back story.
