96/97 kona custom ku frame

[Customstandards]

vintage kona custom ku. Made in the USA. Late 90's rare find. Has usual wear and tear scratches and a small ding on the top tube (pictured). Has vintage race face crank 175 and cane creek head set. 200GBP plus shipping. Link below is for pictures. Please contact me for any questions.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bop/5421107218.html

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

Wow weee...proper hen's teeth material this.

Do you have a serial number? To me, it looks 97 decal wise and routing but I'm probably wrong, so a SN would help clarify (it's defo 18"). I'm going to say 97 because colour wise, it looks an awful lot like the Caldera blue :shock:

When I say clarify, I mean muddy waters thanks to the Altitude / Enigma story!!

 

[Customstandards]

Re:

As for the frame being 20years old I'm sure it has been in many hands. I don't know all the history on it. Here it is.. K09606107 Any help to fully identity this relic would be much appreciated!

 

[al-onestare]

Thanks for sharing that! I'll stick my neck out and say that's a 'safe' bet for a 1997 model / batch.

If you've got a couple of hours to spare (!) check out the riddle of Altitude / Enigma / Kona here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=337664

This would have been made by Altitude.

 

[Pipmeister]

Thanks for sharing that! I'll stick my neck out and say that's a 'safe' bet for a 1997 model / batch.

If you've got a couple of hours to spare (!) check out the riddle of Altitude / Enigma / Kona here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=337664

This would have been made by Altitude.

Mmm, this is my take on things:

Markwashington's 1997 has the serial number KU9702049



It has typical 1997 cable routing - front mech & rear brake on the top tube with rear mech on the down tube.

The 1996 models of Ernie and Magus have the serial number with the same format as Customstandards black one.

They also have the same cable routing as the black one with rear brake on the top tube and front & rear mech on the down tube - they do differ however from Customstandards as they have 1996 decals - while Customstandards has 1997.

Ernie’s - K09606058 (1996 Stars ‘n’ Bars)

Magus - K09606012 (1996 Stars ‘n’ Bars)

My 1996 Ku rather oddly has a different format: KU0160 (1996 burgundy), but with the same decals and cable routing as Ernie's and Magus.

So my conclusion is that is we should call Customstandards a 1996 as the serial number is the same year and month as Ernie's and Magus and cable routing is 1996 style. I believe both years had identical geometry and tubing - Easton Elite.

Pip.

 

[magas]

when I saw the serial of this KU, I was also thinking this. Then the cable routing is also the same as for 96. Yep, was Easton Elite in 96 and 97.

When Ernies KU was no. 58 and mine was no. 12 - this one could be 102 (of how many made in 96 ?)
This would indicate it was maybe one of the last made in 96, but did not sell in 96. Let me make a guess: A customer ordered a custom KU in 97, Kona took this bare frame of 96, paint it as requested by the customer and stuck the 97 decals onto it. Voila.

Never the less it is a nice and rare frame with a good price.

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

I think you've nailed it magas. Makes it doubly special and even more rare. Proper cool beans!

 

[Customstandards]

Re:kona ku

Hey gents,

Its been a bit since I last posted, but I got in touch with kona in Seattle WA. They confined the frame is a early "97".. Anyways I'm still looking to pass it on to a good home if anyone is interested for 100 gbp plus shipping.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bop/5539878643.html

 

[Ramona]

Re:

PM sent

 

[magas]

if it didn't sell local; and you are willing to ship to Austria, pass me a note