Best Explosif Steel
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i really like my 92 explosif pro, tange prestige, i haven't ridden the others though. i will say i raced it at mayhem this year, it's first race since 94 and i got off it feeling no aches at all, that is a good enough recomendation in my book.
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Kenbo":2sb7cfvj said:
Never seen it asked, but probably hard to compare as the frame setup altered throughout the years.
Also it'll be down to that good old personal preference.
Its probably a tougher question than i thought, after 15 years on my 18" Kilauea I've finally decided (since finding Retro Bike) to get a bigger frame, 19 or 20" and I had always dreamed of owning an Explosif I just can't decide what type of steel to choose as my dream comes true Frame.
I know that Tange Prestige is good (1994 Kilauea) and I've read in Retro Bike that the Columbas Max is good too?
I know that Tange Prestige is good (1994 Kilauea) and I've read in Retro Bike that the Columbas Max is good too?
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if 2 frames have exactly the same geometry but are made from different types of steel then one bike might climb better because it is lighter or it might accelerate quicker because it is stiffer, each year designers make changes to try and make a bike better. but finding the balance is hard.
also the thread question is a arguable point because i think you will find that no one person will have ridden every model of explosif so you are relying on loads of opinions from different people on different frames of different years etc
very tough (but good) question
also the thread question is a arguable point because i think you will find that no one person will have ridden every model of explosif so you are relying on loads of opinions from different people on different frames of different years etc
very tough (but good) question
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Kenbo":1ft34x7e said:
The way to do this is figure out what sort of fork you want on the front. This will cut down your choice of frame. Then go for the nicest colour.
There’s another thread about this if you want to search for it, but steel Explosifs were made of Tange Prestige Concept from 90 to 92, Tange Prestige Ultimate in 93 and 94, Columbus Max from 95 to 97, Reynolds 853 in 98 and 99, True Temper OX in 02 and 03 and Dedacciai COM from 04 to 08. The Kilaueas from 93 to 95 were also made of Concept, so very similar to the earlier Explosifs. The geometry was ‘suspension-adjusted’ from 94 onwards.
The Tange Ultimate and Columbus Max frames were the lightest, if that’s what you’re looking for. After that they got steadily heavier, as their intended role moved further and further away from xc racing and into general xc. Columbus Max was the most sophisticated and expensive tubeset they used for Explosifs, and the biovalising combined with thin gauge tubes gives a very stiff/light front triangle. Those frames may be the most valuable in the market, but it’s all a matter of taste as to which type has the characteristics you’re looking for.
The Tange Ultimate and Columbus Max frames were the lightest, if that’s what you’re looking for. After that they got steadily heavier, as their intended role moved further and further away from xc racing and into general xc. Columbus Max was the most sophisticated and expensive tubeset they used for Explosifs, and the biovalising combined with thin gauge tubes gives a very stiff/light front triangle. Those frames may be the most valuable in the market, but it’s all a matter of taste as to which type has the characteristics you’re looking for.
