Kona Caldera 1999 - 29er Lite Upgrade (Pg 2)

[letmetalktomark]

I have had this bike since December 1998 when she became an insurance replacement for a Stumpjumper that was sadly stolen.

Over the years she has been built up to cater for all sorts or fiding and to keep up with modern trends

In 2008 she was treated to an Argos cycles make over. Disc tab added, canti studs removed, new paint etc.

However since the arrival of my Cotic Soul she has seen little riding.

The plan is to revert to a more period build hence the replacement of modern parts with nice older stuff.

Pics>>

Frame: 1999 Kona Caldera

Fork: Salsa Cromoto or Z3 light

Headset: Ritchey WCS
Stem: Thomson
Handlebar: FSA
Grips: Funn

Brakes: Magura Louise BAT


Shifters: LX M570
Front Derailleur: LX M570
Rear Derailleur: XT M750
Derailleur Cables: Avid Flackjackets
Cassette: SRAM PG980
Chain: SRAM
Cranks: Truvavtiv but soon to be STX RC again.

Pedals: Shimano M520

Hub Skewers: Mavic
Rims: Mavic
Hubs: Mavic Crossride

Tyres: F: Tioga DH 2.1 R: IRC Mythos


Saddle: WTB
Seatpost: Thomson
Seatpost Binder: Kona

So then what be your thoughts?

 

[carter711]

Looking good! I'd like to see it with the Bombers on though.

Is the brace on the rear triangle there because of the new disc brake mount?

 

[LeeDevelopment]

I absolutely love the orange colour, it's just so vibrant and yet, for some reason, also understated.

 

[CTK]

Keep as it is, it looks great. You've got the Cotic as a hardtail & this as fully rigid.

IMO its too late to go period as it has the discs etc on it now.

Maybe go tubeless? With some fast summer tyres?

I would like this bike!

 

[Neil G]

Agree with the above, looks pretty nice as is

 

[letmetalktomark]

Is the brace on the rear triangle there because of the new disc brake mount?

Yes it is.

Although not strictly required it apparently cuts down on vibration through the frame + I guess it must help structurally......

But really because it looks cool

 

[letmetalktomark]

Keep as it is, it looks great. You've got the Cotic as a hardtail & this as fully rigid.

IMO its too late to go period as it has the discs etc on it now.

Maybe go tubeless? With some fast summer tyres?

I would like this bike!

Thank you for the comments.

I had thought that, but have also been looking at some period Hope C2 brakes.....Hmm.

The IRC tyres (of which I have a pair) are lightish in weight (about 550g) and they do like the summer

 

[letmetalktomark]

Quick update and a change of direction.......

29er wheels with racing slicks to use for road work and then 32mm for cross works :shock:

Looks okay (to me) and although the BB must be 1.5'' higher it doesnt feel ungainly. Have to watch disc brakes and 23mm tyres though :twisted:

What do you think?

Loads of clearance too.

Air horn is just meant for the London to Brighton but its soo much fun :roll:

 

[CTK]

Looks fast!

Maybe it is possible to have 1 do-it-all bike after all...

Judging by the clearance between frame/fork and wheels I would say that:

26" wheels + fat tyres = 700c wheels + skinny tyres

Reckon your BB is near enough in the same place.

 

[letmetalktomark]

Looks fast!

Maybe it is possible to have 1 do-it-all bike after all...

Judging by the clearance between frame/fork and wheels I would say that:

26" wheels + fat tyres = 700c wheels + skinny tyres

Reckon your BB is near enough in the same place.

It is pretty quick - help no end by the road block on the back and spine shattering 100psi plus tyres :shock:

There is still a good deal of difference in the height of the BB but I have not found it to be anything too much to worry about

Forks have a mahoosive clearance for 425 AtoC versions.

I have fitted 2.5 tyres, 29'' 2.3 tyres and there is still room :shock: Like the tardis when the wheels are fitted