1993 / 1994 Kona Kilaueas

[plasma2873]

Are there any differences between frames on the 1993 and 1994 Kona Kilaueas or were they the same tange Prestige tubeset?


Many thanks,

Stuart

 

[Geoff]

As we speak Anthony is probably writing a reply which will prove me wrong, but as far as I know, the 93-95 Kilaueas were all the same Prestige Concept frame.

 

[cce]

top tubes got longer in 1994. suspension adjustment also occured then.

 

[Geoff]

Dammit, forgot about that!

 

[Kona Paul]

Both are Tange Prestige Concept for the main frame, however the 93 is listed with "Super Light rear triangle", and the 94 is listed with "New Extra Light DB stays." Presumably both main triangles are DB, however only the 93 is listed as "multi-shaped" tubing. This doesn't mean the 94 isn't necessarily, but Anthony can fill in the blanks here. I'm not sure the difference between the rear triangles, if any. But as stated, Anthony will let you know if there is one.

 

[Anthony]

Are there any differences between frames on the 1993 and 1994 Kona Kilaueas or were they the same tange Prestige tubeset?

Many thanks,
Stuart

Well I've yet to own a 93 Kona, so I should just say I don't know, but in theory the biggest difference is that the 94 frames were 'suspension-adjusted' and the 93 ones weren't. I'm pretty certain though that the 93 range were all sold as standard with c39cm P2 forks, whereas the 94s were sold with suspension and from 94 onwards the P2 was 41cm long. So you'd think the frame geometry must have been changed to take account of that. If you look at the Frame Geometry section in the 94 catalogue here http://www.konaretro.com/articles/catalogues/1994/7.jpg that seems to be what they're saying and the implication is that it's a change relative to the 93 bikes. As has been said, I'm pretty certain that the half inch lengthening of the top tubes came in from 94.

As for the frame, the Tange Prestige Concept tubeset for the front triangle was the same throughout and Concept was always shaped. This is the tubeset that was used for the Explosif from 90 to 92, so Kona kept faith with it for quite some time. As Paul says, they list the 94 stays as 'new extra light db stays', so presumably they must have been new in relation to 93, but I don't really know what that means. I've never heard of a db seat stay, and even the highest grades of Tange Ultimate had pg chainstays at that time, aside from Ultimate Superlight - and if they were using such an expensive tube as that, surely they would have said so? So I guess they must have found some generic 4130 db chainstay and used that for the Kilauea and Explosif in 94.

 

[plasma2873]

1993/4 Kona Kilaueas

Just want to say a big thank you for replies to my question about Kona Kilauea's. You've been a great help.

Regards,

Stuart