1994 Kona Explosif

[AxelS]

Hi everyone!
I’m Axel from Argentina.

I’m a retro MTB enthusiast. I started building and collecting them around 2019/20.
There’s one brand in particular that has always caught my eye, mainly because of its unusual geometry for the time, and this brand is Kona!

For a long while, I’d been searching for one in my size (18”), which isn’t easy here in Argentina since Kona bikes were never very common. I’ve owned a few that weren’t quite my size, but I still enjoyed riding them. Eventually, I managed to get this 1994 Kona Explosif, which is in surprisingly great condition for its 31 years, both the frameset and the components.

I’d like to share some photos and a quick bike check.
Hope you like it as much as I do!

– Axel

Frame: Kona Explosif 1994 18, Tange Ultimate Ultrastrong.
Fork: ProjectTwo triple butted.
Stem: Velocity.
Headset: Shimano Deore XT HP-M742.
Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-UN91.
Saddle: Vetta SL.
Seatpost: Ritchey 27.2.
Handlebar: Ritchey ForceLite.
Cantilevers: Ritchey Logic.
Brake levers: Ritchey Logic.
Crankset: Ritchey Logic.
Front derailleur: Shimano Deore XT 737.
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT 737.
Cassette: Shimano Deore XT 737.
Shifters: Shimano Deore XT 739 M008.
Hubs: Shimano Deore XT 737.
Rims: Araya RM-395 Team.
Tires: Tioga Psycho 26x1.95.
Pedals: Tioga Surefoot VI.
Quick reléase: Avenir Ti.
Grips: soon to be replaced.

 

[haggis]

That's a peach

 

[winjohn]

Great looking bike, fantastic condition for the year. I have the 1999 853 framed Explosif which rides very nicely but I prefer the look of the mid 90s bikes.

I have owned a few Konas over the years, they are fairly easy to pick up in the UK but are often in quite poor condition, I have had Hahannas, Fire Mountaiis, Lava Domes, Cindercones, Munimulas and Explosifs and currently have an 88 splatter paint Cindercone and a 97 AA as well as the Explosif. I also Have a Jake he Snake and a Kapu so I am clearly also a big fan.

 

[d8mok]

Very nice

 

[Monkeeee01]

Great bike, I had the same model but mine was reprayed by a previous owner

The condition of yours is lovely, thinks one of the more sought after years with the flutted down tube and flanged seat tube

 

[AxelS]

Great looking bike, fantastic condition for the year. I have the 1999 853 framed Explosif which rides very nicely but I prefer the look of the mid 90s bikes.

I have owned a few Konas over the years, they are fairly easy to pick up in the UK but are often in quite poor condition, I have had Hahannas, Fire Mountaiis, Lava Domes, Cindercones, Munimulas and Explosifs and currently have an 88 splatter paint Cindercone and a 97 AA as well as the Explosif. I also Have a Jake he Snake and a Kapu so I am clearly also a big fan.

Thanks a lot for your comment! The ’99 Explosif is a beautiful bike as well.
It’s great for Kona fans that they’re easier to find in the UK, around here it’s a bit tricky. You usually come across Hahannas, Fire Mountains, and Cinder Cones, but finding a Kilauea or an Explosif is much harder.
Most of the ones that do pop up are pretty affected by rust. The main Kona dealer in Argentina was based in Mar del Plata, a coastal city, so after all these years the salty air has taken its toll on most of them.
Do you have a post about your Explosif? I’d love to see it!

 

[AxelS]

Great bike, I had the same model but mine was reprayed by a previous owner

The condition of yours is lovely, thinks one of the more sought after years with the flutted down tube and flanged seat tube

Thanks for your comment!
Yeah, I think those little details give this Kona a special touch, which might make it a sought though. I believe most people still prefer the late 80s Explosif.

 

[d8mok]

I always find it interesting how location plays a massive part in how rare or desirable a bike brand is which then directly affects its value.

GT is my likely favourite brand as we had one of the UKs largest dealers near to me. Which means we have an abundance of old GTs around here. ( But nothing on the scale of the USA near the factory) along with Kona being a close second.


What sort of money does something like a Explosif command in Argentina?

 

[winjohn]

Do you have a post about your Explosif? I’d love to see it!

Here it is.