Kona Explosif 853 - 1999 - Finished bike!

[jujupunk]

Welcome to the 853 club..

Thanks, been wanting one for ages... I've been after a Saracen Kili 853 but missed one on ebay about 6 months ago so saw this and went for it.

I only ride steel, now I'm looking forward to riding the best steel!

 

[jujupunk]

Finally I had the bike ready enough to ride. The first ride was actually an off road dualthlon and it performed well enough or a 3rd in the mixed pairs (Mainly thanks to the GF running like Mo!) but most definitely needs a new crankset, possibly a longer stem, cut the steerer and the SIDS need a service or a a little bit more air in the least.

Had problems with the rear magura rim brake, didn't bleed it well enough (hydraulic newbie error!) so had a V brake on the back with a magura on the front. The magura perormed amazingly on the front, can't wait to get it sorted on the back.

Happy with the bike though, responds really well, handles really well on the technical twists and turns. Can't comment on its uphill ability yet but feels ok so far.

Happy with the weight too, 26lbs with pedals, my lightest ride yet. Any way some pics:

CLEAN

DIRTY

 

[magas]

looking good you cant go wrong with a 853 Explosif

 

[VA_kona]

Re:

I have a 1999 Kona Explosif frame (20") for sale if anyone is interested...

 

[yeti_bomb]

Very sweet build