RickTheUncivil
Old School Grand Master
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So having got a bit carried away with the bike for my daughter for when she gets to about 7 (she’s currently 3) I thought it time to take a step or two back. She’s just about starting on a 16” wheel Islabike which is fine straight out of the box. I bought it used and in good condition and I am at peace with that.
But AFTER that, when she’s grown out of the Islabike (age somewhere about 4-6 I guess) the next in line is the 20” wheel Kona Makena that was lightly tweaked (mech and shifter) for the boy a few years ago but is now in danger of letting the side down. I could splash on another Islabike, they are £150-200 used, more like £400 new. But where’s the fun in that? We already have the Kona and a bulging parts bin.
So, modding the Makena.
Using some of the learnings from my Caygill project, I’ll be looking at lightening the load, on a budget of course, but assuming that taking out the heavy steel parts and replacing with lighter is the order of the day. I’ll be getting a lighter crankset and BB to replace the (presumably heavy) steel units, only needs single ring so that should be easy. Wheels, I have spare hubs a-plenty, 20” rims are not expensive. It has suspension forks that could be improved and replacing the (presumably heavy) steel stem, headset, bars, seatpost etc which should be simple enough.
Plan is to reduce the weight where possible, give reliable drive and brake systems, and keep it looking smart.
I already have some ideas in mind and have gathered a few parts in anticipation, but plan is to get this one completed by the end of this year (don’t laugh, its going to be tough).
But AFTER that, when she’s grown out of the Islabike (age somewhere about 4-6 I guess) the next in line is the 20” wheel Kona Makena that was lightly tweaked (mech and shifter) for the boy a few years ago but is now in danger of letting the side down. I could splash on another Islabike, they are £150-200 used, more like £400 new. But where’s the fun in that? We already have the Kona and a bulging parts bin.
So, modding the Makena.
Using some of the learnings from my Caygill project, I’ll be looking at lightening the load, on a budget of course, but assuming that taking out the heavy steel parts and replacing with lighter is the order of the day. I’ll be getting a lighter crankset and BB to replace the (presumably heavy) steel units, only needs single ring so that should be easy. Wheels, I have spare hubs a-plenty, 20” rims are not expensive. It has suspension forks that could be improved and replacing the (presumably heavy) steel stem, headset, bars, seatpost etc which should be simple enough.
Plan is to reduce the weight where possible, give reliable drive and brake systems, and keep it looking smart.
I already have some ideas in mind and have gathered a few parts in anticipation, but plan is to get this one completed by the end of this year (don’t laugh, its going to be tough).