New Project - 1998 Kona Kula

[Muddy paw]

Fred Salmon's are Coool , i like a bit of anodising meself but i'd have to fit a black or white ahead stem if i were fitting them and those boots you've fitted look spot on for the money and i just can't wait for your ride review at the weekend ..

 

[Mikb23]

Re:

Looking forward to seeing how it performs Muddy. Quite excited to give it a blast. Won't be pushing it hard as I'll be out with my wife and 9 year old daughter bit should be able to give it a bit of a work out. Definitely think this one's a long term keeper!

 

[Muddy paw]

Yes i'm not surprised that your looking forward to testing it out Mik as it just looks to good to resist and not being able to give it a good blast isn't always a bad thing as you'll be able to listen out for anything not right but generally it will give you time to consider whether the seating and handle bar positions need tweaking and it's never wise to upset the mrs ..

 

[mamadirt]

That looks great! Really fancy another Kona project myself at the mo' and my search led me to your thread. I've had several older Konas but mainly DJ models so never anyuthing super light. There were a couple of 16" Kula frames on the 'bay recently and I was tempted but I have to be honest (although I used to ride 16" BITD) I need something a little smaller.

Will be watching with interest

 

[Mikb23]

These arrived today. May not be to everyone's taste but I have an unashamed fetish for period anodising. The bars and skewers were bagged NOS and I went with the grips to match the forks and the blue and white decals on the frame.

 

[Mikb23]

Gave the Kula it's first run out last weekend and I'm chuffed to bits with it. Rides great - very stiff and direct. The Rapid Rise XTR mech is odd - found it difficult to adjust to the backwards lever operation but the gear change action is fantastic. Everything felt good and tight and belied the bikes 17 year age. The forks are occasionally bottoming out but that may be more down to my heavy physique than anything. Could be leaky seals though so will get it checked out. Only did some local trails and a quick hack round the bike course at Southampton Sports Centre but the initial impressions are good and it was good to get some mud on her! Definitely a keeper.

 

[Mikb23]

New pedals. Prefer a non-clip platform style pedal for weekend fun with friends and family. Another eBay special!

 

[Muddy paw]

It's good to see you got a good 1st ride and if you are a little on the heavier side these days a bit like me :shock: then it's no wonder the forks were bottoming out but loose a little weight and it won't be half as bad but any way it looks a cracking machine and and a little retro anodising is always a good thing ..

 

[Mikb23]

Shiny bits added. I like it a lot but the purists amongst you may frown!

 

[Muddy paw]

Sweet ! , me likey alot ..