Bargain Kona with mint XTR brakes & 517s

[SantasLoneCruzer]

Judging by the integrated seat-clamp it would likely be a resprayed '91 frame. Difficult to see if it has the classic 'Prestige' bulge at the BB so I don't think it is an Explosif. A decent, but strange, mix of components would make it a good deal if it doesn't go much above the starting price, most of that being the brakes. Not sure what is going on at the front end though, threaded headset and probably forks with an a-head stem.

Seller thinks it’s a frame from the early 2000’s…

 

[murphy79]

Seller thinks it’s a frame from the early 2000’s…

I'd be very doubtful of that. The integrated seat clamp was gone on Konas by '92 (other than a few Explosif Pro's), and that version of the impact headset, which is probably the only bit of original kit left, was finished in '93. And the seller has now added a couple of extra pictures, without the padding, which shows the original cable guides, last seen in '96. So I would still be guessing a '91/92 frame. The serial number would answer on the year.

Interestingly the new picture shows more of the seat tube and, it might be my eyes playing tricks, but "might" there be a bit of a bulge where the white sticker starts? Which "might" make it an old Prestige Explosif! I wouldn't be taking the risk, but maybe the bargain the thread title mentions (probably a bit late to ask the seller to check now, only a couple of hours left).

 

[SantasLoneCruzer]

I'd be very doubtful of that. The integrated seat clamp was gone on Konas by '92 (other than a few Explosif Pro's), and that version of the impact headset, which is probably the only bit of original kit left, was finished in '93. And the seller has now added a couple of extra pictures, without the padding, which shows the original cable guides, last seen in '96. So I would still be guessing a '91/92 frame. The serial number would answer on the year.

Interestingly the new picture shows more of the seat tube and, it might be my eyes playing tricks, but "might" there be a bit of a bulge where the white sticker starts? Which "might" make it an old Prestige Explosif! I wouldn't be taking the risk, but maybe the bargain the thread title mentions (probably a bit late to ask the seller to check now, only a couple of hours left).

View attachment 993212

I’m not keyed up on kona bikes, at all. Good info all the same though.

 

[Stretch79]

I'd be very doubtful of that. The integrated seat clamp was gone on Konas by '92 (other than a few Explosif Pro's), and that version of the impact headset, which is probably the only bit of original kit left, was finished in '93. And the seller has now added a couple of extra pictures, without the padding, which shows the original cable guides, last seen in '96. So I would still be guessing a '91/92 frame. The serial number would answer on the year.

Interestingly the new picture shows more of the seat tube and, it might be my eyes playing tricks, but "might" there be a bit of a bulge where the white sticker starts? Which "might" make it an old Prestige Explosif! I wouldn't be taking the risk, but maybe the bargain the thread title mentions (probably a bit late to ask the seller to check now, only a couple of hours left).

View attachment 993212

Kind of looks oval rather than a bulge to me but odd angle to tell

 

[Spanky22b]

I'd be very doubtful of that. The integrated seat clamp was gone on Konas by '92 (other than a few Explosif Pro's), and that version of the impact headset, which is probably the only bit of original kit left, was finished in '93. And the seller has now added a couple of extra pictures, without the padding, which shows the original cable guides, last seen in '96. So I would still be guessing a '91/92 frame. The serial number would answer on the year.

Interestingly the new picture shows more of the seat tube and, it might be my eyes playing tricks, but "might" there be a bit of a bulge where the white sticker starts? Which "might" make it an old Prestige Explosif! I wouldn't be taking the risk, but maybe the bargain the thread title mentions (probably a bit late to ask the seller to check now, only a couple of hours left).

View attachment 993212

I can see how your eyes are thinking the tube is like a Prestige Concept, the best view would be side on then you can see if the tubing bulges out front and rear. If its got a 27.0mm seatpost then it would likely be a 91 Explosif

 

[murphy79]

I can see how your eyes are thinking the tube is like a Prestige Concept, the best view would be side on then you can see if the tubing bulges out front and rear. If its got a 27.0mm seatpost then it would likely be a 91 Explosif

Yeah, the tube seems to bulge out, but at the weld it looks more oval in shape. Comparing to some of my frames from a similar angle it looks closer to the '92 Kilauea (so same frame as the Cinder Cone and Lava Dome). No one has taken a gamble on it yet any way, with an hour to go.

 

[XTSTIMAN]

Looks like it tapers. Worth it for the parts.

 

[db95]

@SantasLoneCruzer you get it?

 

[murphy79]

Good deal at that price!

 

[SantasLoneCruzer]

@SantasLoneCruzer you get it?

No, too much other stuff going to get another bike. Heart said “do it”, head won over and said “leave it for someone else”……I start o new job on Tuesday and kids start secondary school too, throwing “another” bike into the mix is just the wrong time……besides, I’ve got my RC200 to work on.