Modifying/updating a classic frame - sacrilege?

[pete_mcc]

At the end of the day you're modifying a Kona. Good bikes but factory built in huge numbers. So it isn't like you're altering a super rare machine.

I'm with you. If you f it up there'll be another one along soon; they are good, solid bikes that make a great base for a restomod. Go for it, it's not like you're drawing a moustache on the Mona Lisa!

 

[cornholio's RC200]

Depends to me what condition said frame is in. If it is like Si's grellow Fat which was a shed when he started with it then do what you like as it is recycling an old frame. If it's sound but you REALLY don't like the colour then change it. Otherwise I'd leave as is.

 

[We_are_Stevo]

Like this you mean?? You can just about make out the disk tab...

Sparkly clearcoat over bare metal...

...now with Manitou 4's, CrossRide wheels and Hyperlite bar though

 

[jax13]

I don't see any issues with colour changes, smoothing mounts etc. & adding a disc tab, they are simply additions / mods to an existing, proven design.

altering the headtube angle is a curious one though. if you were to change it the bike would ultimately handle slightly differently so won't really be an explosiv anymore but technically a full custom kona so maybe consider a re-name? it may also be worth weighing up the potential gain vs cost compared to a 'suspension corrected' frame as fluffy chicken said.

 

[letmetalktomark]

My modified 1999 Caldera - full disc hose routing and tab

Fine with a 100mm fork - a bit wandery maybe but I have always thought that these later Konas rode better with a longer fork.

If your adding a tab may as well get a respray ......

 

[Gruff]

If your gonna go the whole hog and adjust the head tobe the you may as well go and buy somthing like an OnOne

I voted for respray & leave the rest but i 'spose the disc mount would be ok (Marks Caldera is gorgeous)if you like that kind of thing

 

[letmetalktomark]

Marks Caldera is gorgeous

I'm all a flutter

On a serious point I spoke to 18bikes about replacing the HT on my Cotic (crazy idea!) they said that in work alone it would far outweigh the cost of the frame even at full RRP.

Below is a(nother) pic of my 99 with 100mm forks. I went from a std 110mm stem down to 100mm and like I said it handles really well:

Oh and my brothers 1998(?) with 100mm forks:

And my Caldera ith forks adjusted (internal spacer) to 90mm:

 

[Gruff]

Marks Caldera is gorgeous

I'm all a flutter

 

[sic_nick]

Love the raw look, just purchased an On One 456 like that to satisfy the urge.

Like this you mean?? You can just about make out the disk tab...

Sparkly clearcoat over bare metal...

...now with Manitou 4's, CrossRide wheels and Hyperlite bar though

But I haven't got an Explosif yet, hmm, I wonder.....

 

[albash82]

Like this you mean??

Yes! Just like this. Love the clear coat sparkle!

My modified 1999 Caldera - full disc hose routing and tab

This one also. Mark, I remember seeing your caldera and i must say it is an inspiration, lovely job, was it Argos?

Hmm, I must say i didn't realize they rode fine with a 100mm fork, which is more than enough really!
I'm now certain i'll do the respray, fairly sure i'll add a disc mount and totally against modding the geometry.

I mean, i've my rigid lava dome with cantis, my decade has an F120 fork & obviously discs. I should probably just respray as it is and run it with an 80-100mm fork & V's..... (buti'dquiteliketoaddadiscmount).

Then all I need is to replace my enduro with a new zesty, and buy a DH bike & the collection is complete... ha! as if.

i used to be indecisive.........................