Explosif 1992

A small but satisfying bodge fix today.

On a recent ride I noticed that the saddle was getting loose and slowly tilting back. The rear securing bolt in the seatpost was not staying tight - because the thread had sheared in the alloy top piece (see pic).



I really didn't want to lose this seat post, as it's a Joe Murray O-Beam, original spec to the 92 Explosif. So I thought about how I could fix it.

I noticed that there is a lot of space between the seatpost clamp and the underside of the saddle. Enough space for a bolt...

I dug out a longer bolt from the stash and topped it off with a titanium nut from an old X-Lite seatpost binder.
This by-passes the sheared threads and is 'belt and braces' secure:



Fitting the seatpost to the bike, I put the front bolt as far into the seatpost threads as possible to get the strongest hold, and then secured the new rear bolt set-up.

...and... seatpost saved...

Kona meets rocky mountain.

I chose the Explosif for this ride as I wanted a nimble handling bike. It totally delivered. What a joy to ride.

Lovely bike and amazing Landscape. The terrain reminds me of the original Star Wars and keep expecting to see a Tuscan Raider or Jawa lurking in the background!

Also... just been through this thread properly. Love the documentation and weight comparison of the various components. Although I don't care about weight these days, it's still of interest "just because".

Should have bought a Kona as my first proper MTB (Cinder Cone) but for some reason I never did. Great lightweight handling bikes and the taller than average head tubes make much more sense today, now that the 90s are over... although some of us still think we're living in the 90s!!!

Getting nice and dirty

Absolutely gorgeous bike.
I recall perusing the 92 kona catalogue, and salivating over the Explosif, but at the tender age of 16, and only having a Saturday job at the time, could I only stretch to a 92 Lava Dome.

Now in a position to purchase a 92 or 93 Explosif, can I fine one in a 16" or 17" ........no.

I have a few other retro Konas in my collection, including the original 92 Lava Dome plus a few more.... I believe I have a problem

That’s an impressive collection of Kona’s you have there. Reminds me of the sanctuary at @Spanky22b ’s!

JCS said:

That’s an impressive collection of Kona’s you have there. Reminds me of the sanctuary at @Spanky22b ’s!

Click to expand...

I've seen a few of Spanky22b's collection, a man after my own heart