Kona Model Framesets

[Pipmeister]

With reference to another thread: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... ht=#678452

Would I be correct in thinking that the Kona Pahoehoe and the Kula were both the same frameset tubing and geometry during their respective years of production 1998 – 2001?

Further to that, would I be correct in thinking that the Koa and Muni Mula were also the same frameset and geometry with just a different finishing kit – although from what I have found, the Koa was only produced 1995, 96 & 97.

Pip.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Year 2000
KULA & PAHOEHOE
Lightweight production frame sets are designed for highly efficient hardtail cross-country racing and riding, with focus on lightweight equipment.

Constructed of Easton Ultralite tubing, with shaped Bi-Oval down tube.
Tubing dimensions: Top Ð 34.9 x 1.8/0.8/1.3t, Down - 45 x 2.4-1.0-1.3t, Seat - 31.8 x 2.35/1.8t, Seat stays - 19 x 1.4 x 1.8 Ð 1.3 Ð 1.4t, Chain stays - RHS 22.2 x 2.0 Ð 1.2 Ð1.4t; LHS 22.2 x 2.0t.
Forged replaceable HRD dropouts, I.S. Disc mounts, Downtube gusset.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 31.8mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, and 1-1/8" headset.
Made with Easton frame tubing and 7005 Aluminum custom butted rear stays, 3.5 lbs (18").
Kula available as frame only.

&

MUNI-MULA
Hardtail mountain bike for fun and technical single track riding.

Constructed of custom butted 7005 aluminum tubing.
Tubing dimensions: Top Ð 34.9 x 1.6/0.9/1.6t, Down - 44 x 2.3/1.2/1.5t, Seat - 31.8 x 2.35/1.8t, Seat stays - 19 x 1.8t, Chain stays - 22 x 2.0t.
Forged replaceable HRD dropouts, I.S. disc mounts & down tube gusset.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 31.8mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset.
Available as frame, 3.7 lbs (18")


&
Year 1999
KULA & PAHOEHOE

Our lightest production frames, for efficient hardtail cross-country racing and riding.

Constructed of Easton Ultralite tubing.
Tubing dimensions: Top - 35 x 1.6/.8/1.3t, Down - 44.5 x 2.4/1.0/1.3t, Seat - 31.8 x 2.45/1.8t, Seat stays - 19 x 1.8t, Chain stays - 22 x 2.0t.
Forged replaceable KRD dropouts.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 31.8mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, and 1-1/8" headset.
7005 Aluminum custom butted rear stays, 3.5 lbs (18").
Kula available as frame only.


&

MUNI-MULA, CINDER CONE, NUNU
Our hardtail series of bikes for fun and technical single track riding.

Constructed of custom butted 7005 aluminum tubing.
Tubing dimensions: Top - 35 x 1.6/1.3/1.6t, Down - 44 x 1.8/1.4/1.6t, Seat - 31.8 x 2.5/1.0/1.6t, Seat stays - 19 x 1.8t, Chain stays - 22 x 2.0t.
Forged replaceable KRD dropouts.
Made for 27.0mm seat post, 31.8mm front derailleur, 68/110 bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset.
3.9 lbs (18").
Muni-Mula available as frame only

 

[Pipmeister]

Thank you very much sir for your help.

It hadn’t occurred to me that a “justification” for 2 identical frames with different names, was to make one available as a frame only model.

I was also interested to read how the different butting affected the weight of the Muni Mula for those 2 different years of manufacture, while the changes to the Pahoehoe / Kula resulted the same weight. Strength vs weight is presumably the challenge in frame design.

Do you know if either of those 2 different framesets continued to “improve” during their years of production – i.e. a 2001 Pahoehoe / Kula will be noticeably nippier than a 1998?