Right then, here we go. My attempt at a re-build (no sniggering at the back). This is not going to be retro friendly but to coin a phrase I saw on the main board this is going to be retromod

Cutting a very long story short I've always had a CC. First one was a '95 and was promptly nicked in the first month. Insurance payout got me a '96 which I happily used for 12 months until that was nicked. Another insurance job led me to a '97 and I had that ever since. I stopped cycling in '99 and it sat in various storages until '06 when I decided to dust it off and get the bug - which I promptly did.

I stuck some slicks on it and used it as my commute. All went well until the autumn of '07 when I was hit by a 4x4. The frame was a write off (tiny cracks around the head tube). Out of frustration (and when I was well again) I purchased another '97, P2 version, and stuck on my usable kit onto it. That was fine....until I found this site and decided it needed some care and attention....

So here we go. Frame has been resprayed by Argos, decals by GilM. Not an exact match but pretty close and to be fair, I like the fact it's a little different to standard. The blue is more royal blue which I asked for on purpose. I dabbled with the thought of going white but that's sooo 2007

Forks with evilbay, not the same decals but same era and are pristine for their age. Other than the stem, every else is new (and where I'll be shot down by the uber geeks ) Fact is, this is going to be used daily and so I need kit that is going to last. Actually, I couldn't bare using lovely NOS on the streets of London - that stuff should go to a better home than mine. I've gone XT crazy, stuck with SRAM shifters 'cause I love them. Found a riser bar than I like, so waiting delivery, then time to build. Will post more pictures as I go along....

...feel free to mock

That would explain why you were quick with an answer to my cantilevers-on-a-Lava-Dome question!

I dig the blue!

Indeed

Couldn't Argos have replaced the head tube on the old frame cheaper than buying a new one? And I'm intrigued to know why you needed a new fork and why you chose an Indy? I think a Z2 or Z3 suits the Cinder Cone's characteristics quite well.

Sweet. May it bring you many retro-rodding days!

I'm sure they can but I didn't know of them or this site until 2 months ago and I purchased the "replacement" at the tail end of 2007.

My old fork was on it's last legs (boom boom) and for just shy of £30 the newbie looked good to me. I think it fits the part but I did toy with a Z3.

All finished, I built this up over the Easter weekend. Since then it's been out for plenty of spins and of course, it's main purpose, the commute. So if you happen to see a blue CC strolling along in SE London/London Bridge then it's probably me trying to catch up the couriers.

Unfortuately the steerer on the Indy's I'd picked from the bay were too short, but I think it was karmas way of telling me to stick with P2's. Karma of course was right. I hadn't ridden fully rigid for a very long time but it's been a revelation. I know you lot knew that already but these P2's are crazy good. They are a bit tired looks wise but it's completely changed the handling is a great way; it's super light (well for me anyway), responsive and it feels like it wants to go faster and faster as a result.

Dead happy with it, retro-mod is the way forward. More pics to come, I also have bits for sale now, so check out the link:

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58763

Frame: Kona Cinder Cone '97, 19". Re-spray by Argos.

Fork: Kona P2's '97

Headset: Cane Creek S3
Stem: Kona own brand, original '97
Handlebar: X-Lite XC-2
Grips: Yeti ODI Blue

Brakes: Shimano XT BRM770
Brake Pads: Shimano XT
Brake Cables: Shimano XTR
Brake Levers: Shimano XT BL-M740

Shifters: SRAM x9 Gripshift
Front Derailleur: Shimano XT M770
Rear Derailleur: SRAM x9
Derailleur Cables: Shimano XTR
Cassette: Shimano XT 9 speed CSM770
Chain: Shimano Hyperglide XT
Cranks: Shimano XT Hollotech M770
Chainrings: Shimano XT
Chainring bolts: Shimano XT
Bottom Bracket: Shimano XT Hollowtech M770
Pedals: Shimano XT SPD M770
Hub Skewers: Shimano XT
Rims: Mavic EX721
Hubs: Shimano XT
Tyres: Bontrager Satellite Elite
Tubes: Bontrager

Saddle: Selle Italia XO
Seatpost: Ringle Moby Deuce SP
Seatpost Binder: Kona own brand, original '97

If you are commuting on it do fit mudguards. While they look a bit unsexy they keep the crap of you and the salt off the bike. Headsets in particular run for years between rebuilds.

I do run with them, a nice set of blue cruds; catcher and race guard from BITD. Both to a sterling job, thankfully the salting days are over with for now...

Ok, some other shots, taken on it's first run a couple of weeks back. XT mech has been replaced because on my 1:1, 1:2 gaff

Some more. It's taken me all over the place, including Lewisham casualty

Don't fret about the modern stuff. I built my M-Trax up with new XT too. It's lighter, it works amazingly and I can get spares in pretty much any bike shop in the country.

My 'proper' retro bikes require their own tool box full of bits that are impossible to find anywhere else, just in case.

'greed!

Sad times After two long seasons of commuting, my CC died a sad death on Friday night on the outskirts of Bromley when after one too many pot-holes, the frame "snapped" on the bottom tube by the gear hanger. A clean break.

I've not felt this gutted about anything non-human before. Tragic really. I used it Monday to Fridays and every other Saturday, along with a host of charity rides during the summers. I hate to think how many miles it's done...

...watch this space for it's replacement but RIP my CC

Can you not weld it up? Worth a go before binning it?