An OR Toad and a Brodie.
- Thread starter BC
- Start date
Ooh - Kona Cruisers!
Hey BC,
Yes, it's interesting how certain brands are regarded in different countries.
Several people have previously commented on this board about how well Kona marketed themselves over here in the UK & established themselves as a "quality" brand (almost a niche brand in some ways) despite actually becoming a large company and outsourcing everything overseas.
Equally: Strange that the Kona cruisers were not common in BC. They crop up regularly over here and don't seem to create much fuss. Though I think they're great and have 2.
One like the one you linked to (navy frame with gold forks & stem). It's actually a 1995 model (the first year made), not 1997 as listed on BMX Museum. Mine has done many years as a commuter but is now back to original spec - including almost bald Kona Rush Hour semi-slicks.
The gold coloured straight-tubed "A-ha" you linked on Craiglist is also a 1995. Basically a hub-geared version of that year's Humu-Humu-Thingy....
My second Kona cruiser is the more well-known "A-ha". This one IS a 1997 version. Also blatantly copied from Cook Bros, but has the curved top tube and "Stars & Bars" paint job. The 1997 S&B A-ha was the only time they did the curved tube, sadly.
It's a weighty beast compared to the straight Humu frame tho, as I think they used plain gauge gas-pipe for the curved toptube.
If you're not familiar with the 97 curved A-ha, check out the Kona Retro site:
http://www.konaretro.com/showarticle.php?path=articles/catalogues/
Hey BC,
Yes, it's interesting how certain brands are regarded in different countries.
Several people have previously commented on this board about how well Kona marketed themselves over here in the UK & established themselves as a "quality" brand (almost a niche brand in some ways) despite actually becoming a large company and outsourcing everything overseas.
Equally: Strange that the Kona cruisers were not common in BC. They crop up regularly over here and don't seem to create much fuss. Though I think they're great and have 2.
One like the one you linked to (navy frame with gold forks & stem). It's actually a 1995 model (the first year made), not 1997 as listed on BMX Museum. Mine has done many years as a commuter but is now back to original spec - including almost bald Kona Rush Hour semi-slicks.
The gold coloured straight-tubed "A-ha" you linked on Craiglist is also a 1995. Basically a hub-geared version of that year's Humu-Humu-Thingy....
My second Kona cruiser is the more well-known "A-ha". This one IS a 1997 version. Also blatantly copied from Cook Bros, but has the curved top tube and "Stars & Bars" paint job. The 1997 S&B A-ha was the only time they did the curved tube, sadly.
It's a weighty beast compared to the straight Humu frame tho, as I think they used plain gauge gas-pipe for the curved toptube.
If you're not familiar with the 97 curved A-ha, check out the Kona Retro site:
http://www.konaretro.com/showarticle.php?path=articles/catalogues/
Fantastic BC thanks for the pics.
If you ever feel that the Rocky needs a new home give it to First Flight Mtb Museum, as only there would it be properly appreciated.
I lived in Van 80-84 and went back every summer to ride the shore/Simon Fraiser/Galiano/Kelowna.
The MTB scene went ballistic so fast there.
Oh and The East Kooteneys is a hell of a long way from Vancouver!
If you ever feel that the Rocky needs a new home give it to First Flight Mtb Museum, as only there would it be properly appreciated.
I lived in Van 80-84 and went back every summer to ride the shore/Simon Fraiser/Galiano/Kelowna.
The MTB scene went ballistic so fast there.
Oh and The East Kooteneys is a hell of a long way from Vancouver!
BC
Retro Guru
DM":ii607ic9 said:
Thanks for the info, DM. My memory is really poor and it’s been years since I’ve been around these bikes.
Lid":ii607ic9 said:
Cheers, Lid. Will do when I’m done with it. But I’ve been packing the RM around since ’92 (?) and will continue to do so I think. It’s a momentum from a really cool part of my life, that dreams do come true if you work at it.
Yes, the East Kootenay’s is a long way from Vancouver.
Good day guys, got to get going!
Not sure if this'll help much with the year of the Brodie BC, but I'd be grateful if you could tell me if any bits of this are wrong:
1. Paul Brodie started making bikes under his own name in 86 or so (?)
2. the first bikes branded as Kona came out in 88 and were either designed by PB or 'borrowed' the design of PB's bikes
3. the 88 Konas all sported rear U-brakes, but by 1990 only the Fire Mountain had one, and I *think* the same goes for 89
4. your Brodie has a rear U-brake
5. by 1990, none of the Brodies in the catalogue had a U-brake
So do you agree this might point to your bike being most likely made in 1987 or 88?
1. Paul Brodie started making bikes under his own name in 86 or so (?)
2. the first bikes branded as Kona came out in 88 and were either designed by PB or 'borrowed' the design of PB's bikes
3. the 88 Konas all sported rear U-brakes, but by 1990 only the Fire Mountain had one, and I *think* the same goes for 89
4. your Brodie has a rear U-brake
5. by 1990, none of the Brodies in the catalogue had a U-brake
So do you agree this might point to your bike being most likely made in 1987 or 88?
