May 2015, here she is:
So, after the previous week's jaunt on the Kilauea it was time to compare the ride.
It probably sounds obvious - and I assume this is what Kona were trying to achieve back then - this bike is proper racey. The Kilauea is a more comfortable ride, it soaks up the bumps more than this, front suspension aside. I'm much more out the saddle on this which could be down to the size difference, but I think is more to do with the stays and tube-set. The Kilauea feels more aluminium but with a zip and zeal. This is 100% zip and zeal and very rigid.
However, because this is more twitchy, more edgy, it makes you a) be much more aware of your lines and b) encourages you to go faster. This is a good thing.
In simple terms, if I want to go super-fast
and have a massive smile on my face, I chose the Explosif. If I want to go fast and be out for longer, I chose the Kilauea. Add the Manomano in for pure nut-case riding, then it's a pretty sweet stable