Modifying/updating a classic frame - sacrilege?

So I've recently acquired a '98 explosif. Always wanted an 853 tubed kona and it is in my size. Whoop!
The only problem I have with it is the colour scheme. The blue with red decals was possibly my least favourite of the konas from that era. D'oh!
I would've held out for a '99, but for a 20" to come up at the right price could've taken an age!
So, if I decide to respray - the condition of the paint isnt bad, just not great - do I go ahead and get a disc mount added, remove all extraneous braze-ons and potentially even go the whole hog and have the headtube adjusted for a slightly longer fork? (100-120mm)

When I sent my lava dome off for repair and respray a couple of years ago at Bob Jackson, they asked me if I wanted any changes made. This got me thinking about modernising and old frame. I Decided to keep that one original (I'd already bought some cantis) and look to do one in the future. When I saw Dr S' modernised Fat Chance, the fire was rekindled in my belly!

I think the fact that I'm not sure about this means I probably shouldn't change it too much... After all, my kinesis decade completely fits the bill really... And I might feel a bit guilty once it's done.

But it could be nice to update a classic...

Feel free to give me your thoughts/ abuse.

kona sold bikes with that geo with 100mm forks.

i wouldnt adjust the geo, it ceases to be an explosif if you do that - the rest is cool tho

Can't see a problem with the disc brake if the frame is up to it. Look a bit naff if they put a triangle crossbar in though.

As for adjusting, why not do what Kona did and run the fork and just use a shorter stem. If it's good enough for the manufacturer of your bike than it should be good enough for you. You would kind of loose that fact it has Kona geometry if you alter it.

At the end of the day you're modifying a Kona. Good bikes but factory built in huge numbers. So it isn't like you're altering a super rare machine.

I will add, what's the cost of all this on top of buying the frame.
Then think would it have been better just to have spent all that on a new or already suitable frame ?

FluffyChicken":fyxe2kuh said:

Look a bit naff if they put a triangle crossbar in though.

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not as naff as a broken frame

Respray and leave it at that
25% [ 1 ]

That was me BTW

cce":28sngyc8 said:

FluffyChicken":28sngyc8 said:

Look a bit naff if they put a triangle crossbar in though.

Click to expand...

not as naff as a broken frame

Click to expand...

at which point I wouldn't do it

I voted for go the whole hog. Its going to be a keeper the bike you always wanted but better. as you said your going to get a standard one aswell so why not pimp your ride.

If you're talking removing canti bosses, adding disc mounts, changing paint and geometry it's not the same bike anymore imo.

Respray and leave it.