Kona Explosif - build advice needed (PHOTOS ADDED)

[ededwards]

Picked up an Explosif last night (80 mile drive through pretty thick freezing fog but well worth it, many thanks Graham).

Frame is very tidy even if the paint is tatty, very small ding on the top tube from a swinging bar and small ding on the underside of the downtube but neither anything to worry about. It's cherry red and I was told it's a 93 but can't see one in this colour in the catalogues (not really worried but it's always nice to know).

The dilemma I have is whether to build it up and ride it as it is or respray it and bling it up. I gave away a dog collar in a karmic moment a while back so it looks like I'll have to go with v brakes. I'm more tempted by the former option but would appreciate thoughts (and if a respray, what colour?).

Oh, and fork options? I'd like to go with what I have so would RC30s (colour matched legs if resprayed?) or RC36s be very wrong?

 

[Russell]

RC30s are great forks but it has to be P2s surely?

 

[IbocProSX]

If you take the ride it as is route now you can still do the respray and bling it later. Twice the fun and the reverse doesn't work.

As for forks, a P2 is the norm but I think an RC36 Pro Class will work as well. IMHO the skinny steel stanchions of the 36 could match the frame quite well.

Enjoy!!

 

[sunchaser]

Sounds like a nice frame, any pics? I think '93 was black n silver & '95 cherry red.. either way you've got a very nice project to get ye teeth into

Makes mental note to self... 'must get another Kona'

 

[orange71]

there's a pic of a kona explosif with rc30's on here only yesterday:

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... light=rc30

 

[ededwards]

Hmm, for some reason I'm struggling to upload a photo, not sure why.

Anyhow, really liking the look of the Explosif with the RC30s, works well and looks very purposeful

 

[sunchaser]

mmmm....

http://www.konaretro.com/articles/catalogues/1993/6.jpg

One of the nicest Konas ever IMO

 

[CTK]

I'm not sure how much you paid for the frame but I'm guessing that the cost + the cost of a respray + getting dents filled etc will be more than sourcing a mint explosif frame.

And besides this well used bikes look cool!

 

[Anthony]

If it's a 93 then it isn't suspension-adjusted and it has a head angle of 71 degrees with a 39cm a(c)-c fork. Opinions vary as to whether 93 and earlier Konas should be run with suspension. Presumably it isn't a disaster, but personally I can't see why you wouldn't buy a later frame that is suspension-adjusted if suspension is what you want.

If it is a 93, it will have the distinctively fluted Tange Prestige Ultimate Ultrastrong downtube. If the red paint is original, it is a 95 and will have the equally distinctive bi-ovalised Columbus Max OR top and down tubes.

 

[ededwards]

I'm not sure how much you paid for the frame but I'm guessing that the cost + the cost of a respray + getting dents filled etc will be more than sourcing a mint explosif frame.

And besides this well used bikes look cool!

Hmm, not sure how much mint Explosif's go for but this was a very, very good buy so even with modifications and respray it would still be good value. Agree that bikes with patina look good though.

If it's a 93 then it isn't suspension-adjusted and it has a head angle of 71 degrees with a 39cm a(c)-c fork. Opinions vary as to whether 93 and earlier Konas should be run with suspension. Presumably it isn't a disaster, but personally I can't see why you wouldn't buy a later frame that is suspension-adjusted if suspension is what you want.

If it is a 93, it will have the distinctively fluted Tange Prestige Ultimate Ultrastrong downtube. If the red paint is original, it is a 95 and will have the equally distinctive bi-ovalised Columbus Max OR top and down tubes.

Thanks Anthony, knew you'd come through with the goods! The red is original and it has the bi-ovalised Max OR top and down tubes so 1995 it is.