Kona geometry

[bod]

Back in the day I had a '94 Kona Fire Mountain and it rode beautifully but then I got the '95 version which didn't feel the same at all, I've checked the geometry in the catalogue and it's saying they're the same so maybe I'm even more prissy than I imagined...
Anyway, question is, does anyone have any opinions on the difference in geometry between the Fire Mountain/Hahanna and the higher end bikes from '94? The higher end ones have a longer top tube and wheel base but I can't see any info on the trail, looking at the numbers I'm guessing the steering would be slower.
Any help so I can decide on what new toy to buy would be great.
Cheers,
Matt

 

[Anthony]

The 94 Fire Mountain had a Tange frame and a triple-butted P2 fork. The 95 had a generic butted cromoly frame and a plain-gauge P2 fork. Of these two downgrades, I would guess that the frame material made a little difference and the fork made quite a lot of difference.

The differences aren't massive and lots of people enjoy owning Fire Mountains and can't see the need for spending more. Nevertheless, the Lava Dome/Cinder Cone (which most years used the same frame) are one step better, and the Kilaueas and Explosifs were a step better still.

 

[bod]

Huh, I didn't spot that in the catalogue, little buggers! I didn't realise it would make so much difference but I could definitely tell, I flogged it and got a Ridgeback instead which was actually a nice bike than the '95 fella.
Has anyone ridden Cinder Cones/Lava Domes and been able to compare them to Fire Mountains/Hahannas? I'd be very interested to hear opinions on the changes in geometry between models.
Cheers,
Matt

 

[DM]

I had a 20-inch Fire Mountain that rode great. It was slightly weighty, but obviously it had basic tubing and was a large size frame.

I think I liked it because it fitted me the best out of all my 18, 19 and 20-inch Konas (slightly shorter top tube, as you say).
Ride quality was fine (maybe partly due to it being a good fit), but WAS noticeably harsher than higher end frames after riding all day.

 

[bod]

Gah! I was looking for a pub bike so a Fire Mountain or Hahanna would have been fine but now I'm thinking if I spend a bit more on a Cinder Cone it'll be a nicer ride. This always happens! I bet I end up with an NOS Hei Hei with ti bars and forks now...
Anyone got any Konas for sale?