Kona Explosif - build advice needed (PHOTOS ADDED)

[one-eyed_jim]

I'm running rigid forks with an A/C dimension of 440mm on my '95 Explosif. I don't find them detrimental to the handling at all, but then maybe I just have strange tastes in handling (but I don't think so...)

Well, it's a question of taste (and habit) of course, but Konas are steepish to start with, and an inline post compensates for some of the slackening that a longer fork will produce. 74 degrees reduced to 72.5 is one thing. 74 degrees increased to 75.5 is another. My Kilauea was certainly rideable with a 385mm RC30, but I find the handling a whole lot better with the 410mm P2 it was designed for.

 

[explosif_fan]

I put the RC30`s on my Explosif as the impact headset was knackered. I had them left over from my old RC200 and more importantly they were the same axle / crown height as the P2`s and could be converted to ahead for minimum hassle.

I was originally going to rebuild it all period correct with correct impact, cantilevers etc, respray it but in the end I decided to slap it together with whatever I had kicking around, stop worrying about the fact it has a 95 seatpost clamp on a 93 frame etc and ride the thing.

Ive only usd it twice but I remember why i bought it originally it rides so nicely.

 

[sunchaser]

Nice James Bond Lotus on the shelf.. bikes ok too

 

[Harryburgundy]

Nice frame....dunno, something to be said about keeping it like it is...patina and all that, but I know if it was me I would have to respray it.
As for colour....dare I say...please not white...some great white examples around,,,but too many.
Original or Olive Green?????
HB

 

[andrewl]

I'll take a bad photo of the catalog page to see if that helps or hinders your choice...

 

[Anthony]

This one is the first I've seen with white decals. The ones below have the decals in the catalogue colour.

 

[ededwards]

This one is the first I've seen with white decals. The ones below have the decals in the catalogue colour.

Actually mine has gold decals, I think it must have been my limited photographic skills that made them look whitish.

Again, lots of handy stuff above, many thanks. I've pretty much decided to stay with frame as it is (although being Libran always prone to be indecisive) and build it up with parts I have to hand so Ritchey WCS cranks, XT rear and front mechs, Deore thumbies, Syncros post and stem, either XT v's or cantis and RC30s if the right length - I really like the look of them on the black/silver Explosif above).

But if I was to respray was thinking perhaps beige/light brown or army green with non colour matched forks.

 

[Anthony]

1996 was green, this is mine. Spot differences in frame. Incidentally, it also has rear v-stop, so I could lend you its dog collar until you found one.

 

[sunchaser]

That looks nice Anthony, is it a mat finish?

 

[Anthony]

That looks nice Anthony, is it a mat finish?

No I think it's just a matt photo. It's a slightly metallic grey/green, metallic enough that I found it impossible to match it with touch-up paint, but at least there's zero rust and it doesn't look too bad now.

And then there was the other 1996 colour that was sold in Spain (and maybe elsewhere? I don't know.)