First MTB back up and running - Kona Lava Dome 1991

Just on a trip back to the UK and dragged my old 1991 Kona Lava Dome down from the loft and got it running again. Also added some decals I had got having had the frame powder coated about 10 years ago! Thought I'd post a photo in case anyone interested. Still rides great I pleased to say. Even found the old papers - guess I really should have a clear out some time!

Wow that is smart looking bike to have been in the loft

Kona

Are you going to back/up spec it with full on retro kit? Love that colour!
Thought '91 models had Canti's with the dog bone seat post stop collar? yours has a V brake stop, was this added later? :? Also they had captive seat clamp bolts not collars. more like a little later version? Nice whatever though.

Love it! Huge huge fan of the steel framed Kona's. Classic bike.

I like that alot!. Nice blue 2. BTW I had a Purple lavadome back in the day.. must have been early ninetys..b4 it got nicked :roll:

They are lovely

Very nice

Very nice attic find!

Re: Kona

Wold Ranger":3fdf7b1c said:

Are you going to back/up spec it with full on retro kit? Love that colour!
Thought '91 models had Canti's with the dog bone seat post stop collar? yours has a V brake stop, was this added later? :? Also they had captive seat clamp bolts not collars. more like a little later version? Nice whatever though.

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Not thinking of changing kit at all really as still purring! Think I'll wait until I break something although wouldn't mind finding an original Kona 165 handlebar and get the old X-lite bar ends back on

Right on all counts on the technical although was an earlier plastic (useless in my opinion!) version of dog bone collar. Back in the 90's I tried to keep it up to date as best I could so got it changed over to V brakes which meant getting a cable guide welded on (see photo) and at the same time I had the fixed seat clamp cut off as often caught leg on rather over sized quick release. Never found a simple bolted collar that fitted though until recently - saw Salsa has a good range of sizes so thinking of getting one if I can find stock (black or silver I think). Need 30mm dia taking measurement roughly unless anyone knows differently.

passiflora":1n0e0u72 said:

I like that alot!. Nice blue 2. BTW I had a Purple lavadome back in the day.. must have been early ninetys..b4 it got nicked :roll:

They are lovely

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Thanks - colour worked out well I think and powder coating has proven so durable compared to the old paint. Was originally purple too - see clip from catalogue below......

Re: Kona

Rosescapes":2ut39u62 said:

Wold Ranger":2ut39u62 said:

Are you going to back/up spec it with full on retro kit? Love that colour!
Thought '91 models had Canti's with the dog bone seat post stop collar? yours has a V brake stop, was this added later? :? Also they had captive seat clamp bolts not collars. more like a little later version? Nice whatever though.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

....and continuing on the list of changes made to the bike (mainly due to the destructive nature of millstone grit mixed with rain found wherever I rode in the Peak District during happy uni days!):
- wheels upgraded after squaring originals with Mavic 231's on DX hubs
- Middleburn rings
- chain and cassette
- LX rear derailleur circa 1996?
- Smoke rear tyre
- BB - now sealed unit and SO much better
- whole 'flight deck'! STX headset after the Impact headset became too notched, Kore stem with quill adapter, Azonic bar, 'V' levers and STX (I think) 7 speed shifters as 500LX started playing up in first couple of weeks. Ran DX thumbies until they started dying. And finally some free-with-a-mag grips!