Kona Explosif 1992 refurb

[jonthefish]

Time has come to give my Explosif Pro a wee tidy up. It was bought as frame and fork, built up with an odd mix of bits and gets ridden plenty. Would have liked to go full Suntour XC Pro but as that isn't so easy to find and I have some XT735/730 bits I will go that route (mostly).
It won't be one for the purist :|

Pics as it was:

 

[jonthefish]

Re:

The lower half of the Impact headset is pitted and rough. Lower half of an STX headset out of box of bits seems the right height. Silver rather than black but it will be hidden by the rubber 'boot', which is important for originality and for the retention of grit and cow crap.

 

[Bawgixer]

Nice bike u have there
The black looks smart.
I’ve the same frame with paint that was past it so got it redone

 

[jonthefish]

Good colour that - I think I've seen photos of it built up recently?

 

[Bawgixer]

Yes
Built back up and out on it as n when time
Couldn’t find the pics of it built up to many on the phone lol

 

[jonthefish]

Re:

BB fitted. Tange Seiki 7922. Light weight and supposed to be good quality (fingers crossed).
Cranks on - M730.
Headset fully fitted and forks on. Definitely smoother without lower half of the Impact headset. Time for beer and fodder.

 

[jonthefish]

Re:

Hubs: XT M730/M732. I won't polish these as logos are already vanishing and then I'll forget what the hell they are. Patina and wrecked logos will match the frame so entirely in keeping. And they run nice and smooth : )

Rims: Ritchey Vantage Comp in nice condition with faded logos. In keeping with not dressing mutton like lamb.

 

[jonthefish]

Re:

Bar and stem on. Logos a bit rough but I don't look quite as I did 28 years ago either so they'll do fine. Bit of rust treatment needed on fasteners and cable guide.

XT M735 mechs tidied up but not polished, lubed and fitted.

OK from 15 feet.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Good idea giving it a spring clean
Handy tip about the lower headset too, headset on my '91 explosif is headed the same way I think :?
M730 looks good, silver and black is a classic combo.

 

[jonthefish]

Can claim no credit re the headset - I got the idea somewhere here on Retrobike. Fine though - keeps the look and adjustability of the original.