1999 era midrange steel kona frames. Are they the same frame

[mikesnowdon]

Looking at the 99 Kona catalogue (here: http://www.klassickona.com/oldgold/99bi ... einfo.html)

I noticed that the Caldera, Lava Dome, and Fire Mountain are all quoted as having 'Kona Cromoly Double-butted' tubing.

Does this mean that they each use essentially the same frame and that each frame has a comparable weight?

 

[EarlofBarnet]

Read from your link, it looks like the FM is butted, whereas the higher models are double butted. I think they'll be a little bit lighter because of this.

 

[Anthony]

The three are all different, although I think the Lava Dome and Fire Mountain may have shared the same stays. All three have double-butted main tubes and plain-gauge stays, but the Caldera has tapered stays and the Fire Mountain has heavier-gauge main tubes.

 

[mikesnowdon]

Hi Anthony.

Do you know roughly the difference in weight between these 3 models above?

 

[Anthony]

From the tube specs, it looks as though the Caldera and Lava Dome weigh about the same, and I believe that is c4.8lbs for a size 18 (the 99 Explosif weighs 4.5lbs). If so, I believe the Fire Mountain would be about 5lbs.

Although the weights may not differ much, I would say the Caldera's greater sophistication may well give it a noticeably better ride. I think the stronger down tube compared to the Lava Dome, balanced out by the lighter and more sophisticated stays is a slightly superior design, although obviously slightly more expensive to build.

Incidentally, owners may have different weights and I never argue with people about weights because everybody believes their own scale to be correct, but these figures are derived from magazine tests via my admittedly imperfect memory.

 

[FluffyChicken]

mike, the 1997 or 1998 I forget has the frame weights for these models and shows the lower two model to be increasingly heavy.

Anyway

just went and got this for you


1999 Tech info.
FRAME MATERIALS

STEEL

While the term "steel frame" covers anything from the stamped high tensile rig sold by mass merchandizers to the custom cromoly handbuilt, we'll limit this to the quality end of the range. Steel is appealing because it's durable, easy to work with and repairable. Basic components of 4130 chromoly steel are Chromium, Molybdenum, Manganese and Carbon. The ratio of elements combined with extrusion techniques is what makes a quality steel tube different from others. If made properly, a 4130 CroMo frame can last a lifetime. Unless a quality steel frame is pushed beyond its maximum yield, it should not fail. Yield strength of "standard" CroMo is @760N\mm2 compared to 3-2.5 Titanium's 792N\mm2. Steel is durable and can be comfortable and efficient. Spings are made of steel as the material can retain energy and expend it back. A steel frame doesn't absorb the force of a pedal stroke or the impact of a water bar, it stores it. The gathering of force is what makes a frame comfortable and the return of that energy gives a steel frame a lively feel.

REYNOLDS 853 TUBING

A steel with the most impressive numbers is 853 tubing from Reynolds. This material is a high strength, heat treated, air hardening steel. When 853 frames are TIG welded above 850¡C (1560¡F), the joints increase in strength as the frames cool to room temperature. This is the opposite of what occurs in most frames. 853 is very rigid and highly resistant to denting.

STEEL HARDTAIL MODELS

EXPLOSIF

Our top of the line steel hardtail is a classic Kona model. Although steel frames are generally heavier than Aluminum, Reynolds 853 is lightweight and has the resiliency that many experienced riders prefer. Steel is an efficient "spring" and provides a comfortable & fluid high-performance ride.

Constructed of Reynolds 853 tubing.
Tubing dimensions: Top - 31.7 x .8/.5/.8t, Down - 34.9 x .9/.6/.9t, Seat - (28.6 x 1.2-.6-.9t, Seat stays - 18-16.5 x .7t, Chain stays - 22.2-16.5 x .9/.6t.
Custom drawn, oversized stays with Kona "New Drop" investment cast dropouts dramatically improve braking and accelerating performance.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 28.6mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset.
Available as frame only, 4.2 lbs (18").


CALDERA
Main frame constructed of seamless double butted tubing.
Tubing dimensions: Top - 31.8 x .9/.6/.9t, Down - 31.8 x 1.0/.7/1.0t, Seat - 28.6 x 1.2-.6-.9t, Seat stays - 18-16.5 x .7t, Chain stays - 22.2-16.5 x .9t.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 28.6mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset.
Custom drawn, oversized stays with Kona "New Drop" investment cast dropouts dramatically improve braking and accelerating performance.
Available as frame only, 4.6 lbs (18").


LAVA DOME
Seamless double butted tubing.
Tubing dimensions: Top - 31.8 x 0.9/0.6/0.9t, Down - 31.8 x 0.9/0.6/0.9t, Seat - 29.8-28.6 x 1.3-0.7-0.9t, Seat stays - 19 x 0.7t, Chain stays - 22 x .9t.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 28.6mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset.
4.6 lbs (18").


FIRE MOUNTAIN
Seamless double butted tubing/PG rear.
Tubing dimensions: Top - 31.8 x 1.0/0.7/1.0t, Down - 31.8 x 1.0/0.7/1.0t, Seat - 29.8-28.6 x 1.2-0.6-0.9t, Seat stays - 19 x 0.7t, Chain stays - 22 x .9t.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 28.6mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset.
4.6 lbs (18").
Fire Mountain is available with rigid (Kona Project Two) or front suspension (RST 381R).


HAHANNA
Constructed with cromoly main and high tensile rear.
Tubing dimensions: Top - 31.8 x 0.9t, Down - 31.8 x 0.9t, Seat - 29.8-28.6 x 1.3-0.7-0.9t, Seat stays - 19 x 1.2t, Chain stays - 22 x 1.2t.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 28.6mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset.
4.6 lbs (18").
Hahanna is available with rigid (Kona Project Two) or front suspension (RST 280).


YEE-HA
Steel "hybrid" bike for city & commuting, with mid-sized 700c city tires for efficient recreational and city riding.
Full cromoly construction. Tubing dimensions: Top - (35 x 1.6t, Down - (38.0 x 2.0, Seat - 31.8 x 2..35t, Seat stays - 19 x 1.8t, Chain stays - 25.4 x 1/.6t).
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 31.8mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1" headset.


HUMUHUMU SEVEN & ONE
Classic Cruiser design for Happy-Go-Lucky riders.
Full cromoly construction. Tubing dimensions: Top - 31.8 x .9t, Down - 31.8 x .9t, Middle tube - 31.8 x .9t, Seat - 29.8-28.6 x 1.2-.6-.9t, Stays-19x1.2t.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, no front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset.
Available as frame only, 4.7 lbs (18").

 

[mikesnowdon]

Whatever it is your quoting states that everything below the Explosif weighs 4.6lb. :?

 

[Anthony]

Whatever it is your quoting states that everything below the Explosif weighs 4.6lb. :?

I admit I'm a bit contrary, but I never believe any Kona weight claim, but I do believe everything else the tech docs say.

I think it's quite likely that the tube specs have to be correct to avoid transgressing consumer protection legislation (US), but either weights are exempted or it is legitimate to quote them excluding paint etc. To be fair, many framebuilders quote frame weights before painting.

 

[mikesnowdon]

Hi Anthony.

I read you are the resident Kona Guru? We should make you new 'Kona Guru' Avatar!

Can you ID frames based on serial numbering?

 

[FluffyChicken]

What I was quoting is a cut and paste off Kona's 1999 Technical Page (it's saved in history in archive.org)

I couldn't tell you about the weight's , but i'd be inclined not to believe it. More metal = greater weight unless the frame dimensions shrink.
In 1997 to do see printed on the brochure the increase in frame weight.

For your purpose though I would go for an early 2000+ frame with the disc mounts already on it save you all the hassle and will be built for it. Not as much fun though but must be cheaper in the long run.


Anthony can date and name a frame from a mumbled dinge of a tube over a bad connection on a mobile phone :shock: