1996 Kona Fire Mountain vs 1996 Lava Dome Frame Quesiton

[Mahoney1978]

Hey team...

Probably very easily answered (frame butting no doubt), but I just wondered if/what the differences are between the 1996 Fire Mountain and the 1996 Lava Dome Frames?

Reason - Just picked up a 1996 Fire Mountain (original spec apart from tyres and a pair of RST shocks!!!! What was the original owner thinking) for GBP70.00. However, growing up I always wanted the Lava Dome. The research I have done shows no difference between the frames, just the groupsets and other gear (both say they are butted frames), but maybe a Kona specialist can let me know.

Cheers

 

[hamster]

If I remember right (standby for senior moment) the Lava Dome had butted chain- and seat-stays while the Fire Mountain's were plain gauge cro-mo.
The Hahanna had Hi-ten stays.

 

[cce]

in 1996 the lava dome and above were 0.5in longer in the top tube. they also came with project 2, not the project 2 sport of the fire mountain/hahanna which has a different rake

the lava dome frame is also the same frame as the cinder cone. quite a lot nicer than the fire mountain.

 

[Mahoney1978]

Thank you both for your replies. Interesting point about the shorter top tube, meaning I will be sligtly more upright? (does this make sense??).

To be honest I am made up at the price I got the Fire Mountain for, considering it's condition. Unfortunately Lava Dome's tend to go for far more (especially here in New Zealand).

I haven't inspected the bike myself, but my father in-law says it looks good (he's not a bike person!!). Will try and introduce the bike on here soon (with some pics) when I head to the in-laws.

Might have to replace the RST front shocks though!

 

[cce]

yeah, for the same size you will be sat more vertically. more of a comfort/cruiser position. not a massive difference though

 

[Mahoney1978]

yeah, for the same size you will be sat more vertically. more of a comfort/cruiser position. not a massive difference though

May suit the kids seat my wife wants me to put on the back for my youngest..... :shock:

 

[jamswinna]

If your interested i have a 18" Lava Dome that quite possibly could be up for sale soon...

 

[Mahoney1978]

If your interested i have a 18" Lava Dome that quite possibly could be up for sale soon...

I am currently living in NZ so pretty restricted at purchasing overseas bikes! (got quoted £160+ to get my Raleigh Dyna Tech from Wales to NZ). Thanks anyway! (unless you live in NZ of course!)

 

[jamswinna]

well i'm actually australian, and was planning on bringing the bike back with me. It's a hell of a lot cheaper to send from there, maybe a pm later when i'm home?

 

[Mahoney1978]

well i'm actually australian, and was planning on bringing the bike back with me. It's a hell of a lot cheaper to send from there, maybe a pm later when i'm home?

Cool. I have my new (old) Fire Mountain to keep me interested for the next wee while, so all good for the moment.