100% Original (I think) 1996 Kona Kilauea

[squareman]

Just picked this 1996 Kona Kilauea up. Purchased new by my sister and probably has less than 30 miles on it. To the best of my knowledge it’s 100% original as purchased in 1996. Like everyone else here, “wasn’t looking for another bike”, but I’ve wanted it for almost 30 years.

While I don’t think it’s particularly valuable, I’m hesitant to kill the originality and make the changes I’d want to make to ride it. For now it’ll sit with the others.

 

[BlackCat]

I like a factory spec - and that one is mint. I would keep it as is, because there can’t be many more in this spec and condition. That’s what makes it special in 2024.

That being said, it’s your bike so

 

[al-onestare]

Just picked this 1996 Kona Kilauea up. Purchased new by my sister and probably has less than 30 miles on it. To the best of my knowledge it’s 100% original as purchased in 1996. Like everyone else here, “wasn’t looking for another bike”, but I’ve wanted it for almost 30 years.

While I don’t think it’s particularly valuable, I’m hesitant to kill the originality and make the changes I’d want to make to ride it. For now it’ll sit with the others.


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Yep 100% original. A wonderful time capsule piece.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Lovely machine with a fantastic tubeset. In order to elevate its beauty, it needs a thorough thrashing, would look fantastic with a bit of grit applied. I can handle that for you if you'd like. And maybe remove the dork disk and reflector from the wheel, not cool, no matter how stock

 

[Coquitlam Geoff]

pristine original condition
very rare
don't change it
these gems are very rare

 

[DrDaveTampa]

I dunno man. I might have to ride that thing. I hear what you're saying but I'm not sure I could hold out more than a couple of days.

 

[Markybeau]

It's only original once. Don't change it. Lovely bike

 

[mk one]

Just picked this 1996 Kona Kilauea up. Purchased new by my sister and probably has less than 30 miles on it. To the best of my knowledge it’s 100% original as purchased in 1996. Like everyone else here, “wasn’t looking for another bike”, but I’ve wanted it for almost 30 years.

While I don’t think it’s particularly valuable, I’m hesitant to kill the originality and make the changes I’d want to make to ride it. For now it’ll sit with the others.


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Great original bike.

Bought one new back in '96, first thing I did was chage a few parts. I would change whatever you feel you need to to enjoy it, keep the original parts though for if you ever decide to pass it on.

 

[Scott-S]

Great original bike.

Bought one new back in '96, first thing I did was chage a few parts. I would change whatever you feel you need to to enjoy it, keep the original parts though for if you ever decide to pass it on.

Absolutely this ^^^
Make it your own and enjoy it

 

[KayOs]

Ride it!
When does one get the chance to enjoy something like that the way it was sold.
Everything can be cleaned, restored, repainted if necessary, but the pleasure of riding it as it came out of the store only comes once.