1991 Cinder Cone

[johnwood704]

Inspired by Retrobike posts I recently acquired this old girl. Long ago I had a 1993 Kilauea, bought new that year. I thought I still had it at my mums house but have been told she gave it away!! Not happy that day I can tell you.

So I'm working in Vancouver for a year and I got this for about 85 quid from craigslist. I love these Konas as much as I did when they were new. No modern bikes look as cool.

So far I have upgraded the saddle and replaced the knackered chain. Got some XT thumbies waiting to go on along with new cable, new ergon grips and DMR V8 pedals.....all the contact points first, got to get comfortable. Also some Schwalbe Marathons as I'm just using it around the city right now.

Long term plan is rigid forks, hopefully Project 2's along with new stem and bars. New seatpost. New V brakes, (any recommendations on good brakes?).

Inspired by this website:.....

http://www.pvdwiki.com/index.php?title=Six_Speed_MTB

....I really fancy having a go at 1x5 on a single speed hub. If anyone has experience doing something like this I would appreciate any advice, especially chain line and BB advice.

Paint will come last, if at all. I'm tempted to keep the original paint and just touch up the rusty spots. Less shiny=less attractive to thieves. Plus I think it has a certain charm the way it is.

OK guys, will update soon.

 

[feetabix]

Nice John....I too would keep the original paint.....I have done the singlespeed thing with my cannondale and love the light weight and simplicity of it, especially around town......I used the 7 speed freehub with spacers surrounding an 18 tooth rear cog, 48 tooth pace at front......it's overgeared for offroad but gives a real workout on road and the spacers allow you to fine-tune the chain line.......the xt v's look great, I wouldn't change them either!.......keep us posted!....