Kona sizing....

[bigdawg]

I have searched and looked but couldnt find anything (in the first 10 pages!) - how are kona's sized bb to top tube or bottom bracket to top???

Someones selling a 1994 18'', measured bb to top but it looks kind small...

 

[DM]

They're sized from the center of the BB to the top of the seat tube (at the seat clamp). Makes sense, as that distance is roughly as low as your seat can go.

The actual junction with the top-tube is typically 2 inches below that.

 

[bigdawg]

bugger - in that case theres an 18'' hei hei down near brighton for sale...

was hoping it was a 16'' :cry:

 

[DM]

bugger - in that case theres an 18'' hei hei down near brighton for sale...

was hoping it was a 16'' :cry:

The seatpost give you a huge range of adjustment on any frame.
Is the 18 really too big?

In contrast, the toptube length is relatively "fixed". It only varies due to the seat moving backwards slightly as it moves up & by using different length stems. Consider the toptube length before deciding.

Buy a Hei-Hei - They're lovely!

 

[bigdawg]

had one and raced one in 94/95, had to get rid of it when the shop switched brands and had to ride a sunn exact - lovely lovely bike but not a hei hei... Ive been looking for another one ever since... In nearly 15 years of looking ive only ever seen two 16'' frames come up for sale (incl the one on here which I found out abotu too late)

18 will be huge for me, I ride an 18 zaskar with my little boy (seat on top tube) and thats too big to race, which is what I want the hei hei for...

Im still not convinced the one in brighton is an 18 inch - he told me the top tube was 22.5 which is more 16/17 sizing...

 

[Anthony]

I know what you mean, I'm currently choosing a size 16 Lava Dome over a size 18 Explosif. The Explosif is a much better bike, and the Lava Dome is supposedly too small for me, but it's more fun to ride.

If the top tube is too long, the bike won't work for you. The length of the stem should be governed by the length of the fork, you shouldn't use it to improve the fit.

 

[DM]

Im still not convinced the one in brighton is an 18 inch - he told me the top tube was 22.5 which is more 16/17 sizing...

Yes it does suggest a smaller frame, AFAIK.

Check here:
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=12057

 

[Anthony]

Im still not convinced the one in brighton is an 18 inch - he told me the top tube was 22.5 which is more 16/17 sizing...

If you mean the one on eBay, it is an 18. It might however be a 93 frame, which would explain a slightly shorter top tube.

 

[bigdawg]

ive asked him for a measurement of the head tube... should be able to work it out from that.

interesting about it poss being a 93, I didnt think they made one in 93, cant find it in the catalogue, but would explain shorter top tube... Can you determine year from the serial numbers?

Anyone else know of a 16'' hei hei or kahuna for sale?

 

[bigdawg]

I know what you mean, I'm currently choosing a size 16 Lava Dome over a size 18 Explosif. The Explosif is a much better bike, and the Lava Dome is supposedly too small for me, but it's more fun to ride.

If the top tube is too long, the bike won't work for you. The length of the stem should be governed by the length of the fork, you shouldn't use it to improve the fit.

my first mtb was a lava dome - got it from evans when it was only one shop in The Cut in Walterloo around 93/94...