New Project - 1998 Kona Kula

[Mikb23]

Having called it a day on the Rockhopper due to a combination of a troublesome seized seat-post and it being too small for me and too big for my daughter I've moved on. I chucked the Specialized on eBay and doubled my money which was a result (and yes, I was honest about the seat-post in the advert!). Anyway, armed with an increased 'Retro Project' budget I combed eBay and Gumtree and found this little beauty which is now stood in my dining room (much to the wife's dismay!). It's a one-owner 1998 Kona Kula and it's in pretty damn good condition. Groupset, forks etc are all original with the exception of the crankset which has been replaced with a later XT set up. Everything else is it's original XT/XTR spec. It has all the original receipts and manuals. The guy paid £1745 for it back in 1998. It's currently sat on slicks but I'm expecting a set of Rocket Rons in the post today to restore it to off-road status. Think this is a keeper for myself. It's a little small as you can see from my seat-post position but fits very comfortably as I'm a big fan of the racier, low front-end stance. Thinking I may just spruce it up and have it as my daily ride. Would appreciate any feedback from you guys regarding value and whether this can be regarded as a genuine 'retro' bike.

 

[jointhedotz]

Re:

Swap for a leg of your choice, right or left?

 

[Mikb23]

Do you like them then Dotz?

Rocket Ron's have just turned up at work so will be fitting those when I get home!

 

[jointhedotz]

They're on my list for when funds allow, lusted over them bitd

 

[Muddy paw]

Re:

I'm loving the Kona and i can't believe how good a find it is ..

 

[Mikb23]

New boots on and ready to ride! Will be giving the Kula it's first run out on Saturday in the New Forest.

 

[al-onestare]

I bought one of these to help with the Kilauea build - same size. 6ft 2in on a 16" doesn't work although I could make it into a jump bike if I was into that.

Anyway, the frame is light as a feather - good old Easton tubes. This was (and in previous years) the top of the range non-custom build aluminium bike hence the kit - XTR/XT/Bombers - and price.

 

[Mikb23]

I bought one of these to help with the Kilauea build - same size. 6ft 2in on a 16" doesn't work although I could make it into a jump bike if I was into that.

Anyway, the frame is light as a feather - good old Easton tubes. This was (and in previous years) the top of the range non-custom build aluminium bike hence the kit - XTR/XT/Bombers - and price.

I'm 6ft Al and it just about fits me. Luckily I have a short inside leg for my height. I'm riding it as you see in the picture and I have to say it's a very comfortable riding position for me. I think the long top tube helps.

 

[Mikb23]

May put some risers on just to bring the front end up a little but not sure if that may ruin the overall stance of the bike?

 

[Mikb23]

Just picked up these NOS Fred Salmons from eBay. Going to give them a try and see how it feels. Sorry, I'm a sucker for a bit of anodising!