1991 Kona Explosif DX

[pwebb]

good work, deore shifters aren't that durable, if you are going to give it a workout, keep your eye out for XT variants that have more robust construction and likely to stay the course. the solid purple colour reminds me of the now defunct Rowntrees tooty frooties ;-)

 

[pencilman77]

good work, deore shifters aren't that durable, if you are going to give it a workout, keep your eye out for XT variants that have more robust construction and likely to stay the course. the solid purple colour reminds me of the now defunct Rowntrees tooty frooties ;-)

I will be on the lookout for a set of XT, but these ones are like new and I have a spare set if needed.
I did prefer the splatter paint jobs of the previous year, but this just came up at the right time.

 

[pencilman77]

 

[pencilman77]

So it's completed, for now! sporting a few modern bits to make it a good rideable machine, the IRC tyres are a modern take on the original Blackwall tyres, I also went 2.25 on the front and 2.1 on the rear, again to mimic the original spec of different sizes.
Only fitted a couple of off spec old school items, that being the ones chill pills and the QBP engagement ring.
New decals supplied by Gil as if you look back at the first photo when I got it delivered, the colours of those decals were wrong, the green and purple were the wrong way round! looks so much better now.
Full spec will be posted up later

 

[winjohn]

Very sharp looking bike!

 

[Once A Hero]

That's a cracking sympathetic restoration, well done

 

[al-onestare]

That should absolutely fly - great job.

Looking forward to the ride report!

 

[JCS]

Wonderful job you have done on that. Looks like a brand new bike!

 

[jonthefish]

Looks great. Lovely bike
It may actually be an 18" in old size, as I think the pre-1993 Konas were measured from top (not centre) of BB to top of seat tube. Have a look at the post from Anthony (Kona guru) here https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/what-size-92-explosif.267748/
Either way post some ride pics!

 

[pencilman77]

Looks great. Lovely bike
It may actually be an 18" in old size, as I think the pre-1993 Konas were measured from top (not centre) of BB to top of seat tube. Have a look at the post from Anthony (Kona guru) here https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/what-size-92-explosif.267748/
Either way post some ride pics!

Well well.....i learn something new everyday! thank you for the additional info. Your right, i did indeed take the measurement from centre to top. I have just looked at the 91 catalogue, done some measuring and yes, it is indeed an 18" frame!
I just hope that it is indeed big enough, as i am 6ft3! It felt fairly small on the quick ride round the work car park, but then i am used to riding my 2 year old emtb which is frankly massive!