Once A Hero
Old School Grand Master
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One of the next on the work stand for me is this 1990 Kona Explosif. Bit of a poster bike for me at the time, but I joined the mountain biking scene a bit too late, and other kit was more affordable for me so I never pursued actually buying one.
I did flirt with one around ‘92, by having a test ride whilst at the Cheddar Challenge, and found the riding position too relaxed - so riding one actually closed that chapter for me!
Fast forward 30 years....this frameset popped up on Facebook earlier this year with a reasonably strong asking price, but being in my size (unlike many that come up for sale) I decided I’d go for it.
She is no garage queen that’s for sure! Plenty of patina, scratches, and apparently a dent somewhere according to the seller - though I haven’t found it yet!
I’ve done some research, looked at other fine examples recreated by other members in order to decide on what spec to build it with - then settled on doing something different...
I’ve decided to go full ‘Campag’ on this one!
Apart from the odd chainring, mech, and quick release, I’ve not got any Campag kit, or any experience with using it...
I’m planning an ‘all black’ build where possible, not withstanding that some parts are only available in silver. I’m also trying to stick to year specific parts, so I’m looking to build with the following components;
Rear mech : Campag Euclid
Front mech : Campag Euclid
Chainset : Campag Euclid
BB : Campag
Cantis : Campag Euclid, black (M732 like)
Brake levers : Campag Euclid
Shifters : Campag Euclid bullet
Hubs : Campag Euclid 36h, (silver)
Skewers : Campag
Rims : Campag Thorr 36h black
Cassette : Campag 8spd
Chain : Campag
Seatpost : Campag Euclid
Seatpost QR : Campag Euclid
Pedals : Campag Euclid
Headset : Campag Euclid
Many parts already acquired but it feels like I may have to compromise in a few cases.
More to come in due course.
I did flirt with one around ‘92, by having a test ride whilst at the Cheddar Challenge, and found the riding position too relaxed - so riding one actually closed that chapter for me!
Fast forward 30 years....this frameset popped up on Facebook earlier this year with a reasonably strong asking price, but being in my size (unlike many that come up for sale) I decided I’d go for it.
She is no garage queen that’s for sure! Plenty of patina, scratches, and apparently a dent somewhere according to the seller - though I haven’t found it yet!
I’ve done some research, looked at other fine examples recreated by other members in order to decide on what spec to build it with - then settled on doing something different...
I’ve decided to go full ‘Campag’ on this one!
Apart from the odd chainring, mech, and quick release, I’ve not got any Campag kit, or any experience with using it...
I’m planning an ‘all black’ build where possible, not withstanding that some parts are only available in silver. I’m also trying to stick to year specific parts, so I’m looking to build with the following components;
Rear mech : Campag Euclid
Front mech : Campag Euclid
Chainset : Campag Euclid
BB : Campag
Cantis : Campag Euclid, black (M732 like)
Brake levers : Campag Euclid
Shifters : Campag Euclid bullet
Hubs : Campag Euclid 36h, (silver)
Skewers : Campag
Rims : Campag Thorr 36h black
Cassette : Campag 8spd
Chain : Campag
Seatpost : Campag Euclid
Seatpost QR : Campag Euclid
Pedals : Campag Euclid
Headset : Campag Euclid
Many parts already acquired but it feels like I may have to compromise in a few cases.
More to come in due course.
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