Question for Kona experts.

[winjohn]

I have just bought a 97 Kona AA, a nice light Easton Aluminium frame in good condition, not many original parts but I have lots of stuff in my garage to build it up any way I want, so it's all good. And the price was what the P2 forks are selling for on eBay!

Looking through the catalogues for the original spec, I noticed that the Kula seems to be the identical frame, just higher spec parts, is that correct, or is the Kula frame subtly different somehow. They are both described as Easton tapered tubing and both have the same geo.

Any ideas?

 

[TiHardtail]

I uploaded a Kona Technical Information pamphlet into the scans section a few weeks back. Might have some of the info you're looking for. HTH.

 

[winjohn]

Thanks very much, it tells me exactly what I suspected, the Kula and the AA are identical frames, using Easton Elite for the main tubes with different components. The Munimula and the Koa were slightly lower grade 7005. The Ku on the other hand was a slightly higher grade frame using Easton Elite for all tubes.

 

[murphy79]

That's a good buy. The AA's are really nice frames, maybe not as flashy in colour as Kula's but I like the simplicity of the grey, and it is much easier to find forks that match!

 

[winjohn]

Here it is halfway through some changes. It had a Deore Hollowtech crank on that the seller said would not shift with the front mech so he was running it as a single speed. The chainline was way out with the Hollowtech BB so I fitted a square taper BB and some Sugino triple cranks and it shifts like a dream. Now I just need to swap the cheapo combo 8 speed shifter for some LX units and the no name v-brakes for some LX , then an XT rear mech,and it's good to go. New tyres and saddle too of course. Plus I nearly forgot the new seatpost is on the way.