1996 Kona Hahanna finished project two (pic heavy)

[naboo]

Im fairly new to retrobike, and recently (kind of) completed my 1st retrobike project, a tatty 03 firemountain i purchased from ebay, built on a tight budget on parts from here, ebay etc.
One of my purchases was a job lot barn find from gumtree for 25 quid, it included a very tatty, Hahanna frame and forks, so i decided to give in to the retrobike bug and started "project two" :facepalm:

Again it's been a tight budget, and after damaging the paint further (trying to remove the seized seatpost, and it was seized!) and after polishing the aluminium framed firemountain i decided to go raw steel on this one.

Took for her 1st run yesterday, not too far as I had images of me stuck in the middle of the sticks with a pile of metal and handlebars in my hands, I was pleasantly surprised!, no nasty noises or creaks, reminded me of riding my rigid saracen as a kid.

Only problem I have is that I have clown feet and find my toes fouling the front wheel occasionally, other than that really happy

Anyway here are some pics, feel free to have a dig, and i know the saddle needs adjusting!

 

[naboo]

Somebody posted a link before on rust inhibitor but can't find it, been using battery terminal protector and its kept it at bay but supplies are getting low, any ideas?

 

[Plus one]

Like that

Nice to see something different ... I had thought of lacquer over a bare steel frame but someone said it would just craze ??

Must be something you could use ...

 

[Exeter Man]

That's a really cool looking build you've got there .

Not sure about protecting the bare steel though. Every time I've researched it I've concluded that it's a never ending hopeless cause. I've seen people talk about powder coating for £30, which might be a better option in the long run?

Regards

 

[andyfloyd82]

I really like the look of the raw steel, it looks great. I have had success in just spraying clear over it, it did not "craze" it looks great. Its just clear enamel.

 

[videojetman]

that looks great,
looks like titanium.

 

[naboo]

Cheers for the comments!, I've thought about clearcoating it but wanted to see how I got on without it first, I don't want to paint it as I like the raw look on this bike but if it keeps going rat look ill attempt a rattle can clearcoat. I think the inhibitor was ls1 ? That I was advised on here but can't remember who posted it, they had a link to a cheap supplier!

The bike does ride beautifully, and was surprised by how well it shifted as I'm using a sram attack shifter with a short cage 105 shimano rear mech, it works beautifully and haven't dropped the chain once although I'm still looking to add a chain guide.

 

[andyfloyd82]

I too am planning on going raw steel on a bike of mine, I will probably clear it because I just dont want to worry about it rusting. I think sandblast, then hit it with some gritty sandpaper to give it that rough look, then clear over that.

 

[naboo]

Sounds like a plan! I used a combo of a wire wheel, sandpaper and wire wool, wasn't that bad. I clearcoated the forks originally but didnt like the look as much a treated raw steel, may have to settle for that though

 

[Plus one]

Someone on here had a kona stripped then had it done with a clear coat with meta flake ?? It looked the biz... Sure it was an Explosif ..