What frame is this?

[Twentysixtoes]

I recently picked up a bike badged as a Kona Explosif but on closer inspection and talking to other enthusuasts its become clear this isn't a Kona.

I was hoping someone might be able to shed some light onto what frame it could be? Some of the unique features not found on a Kona are the forward facing seatpost clamp and Shimano branded droputs. There is a frame number which is either 190022022 or T90022022 and this is found under the BB.

Any help appreciated as this is a bit of a head scratcher.

 

[mk one]

Early Kona's have got forward facing seatpost clamps.

 

[velomaniac]

Re:

I thought forward facing seat post clamp was a Kona thing. Didn't they come up with the idea to prevent seized seat posts in the somewhat wetter and muddier West Coast Canada climate :?

If not a Kona, what about a Voodoo or Rock Lobster as I believe there are links back to Kona via designers etc.

 

[Twentysixtoes]

Thanks for the info, there is also the bridge type cable stop for rear canti which is not found on any Kona models that I can see.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

1990 Kona Explosif.

Probably had the hanger added at some point and noodle removed.

Dropout seem fine to me, year on serial is correct
front facing, shorter Seattube extension correct
tubing correct.
TBG branding correct.

what's the problem?

 

[jimo746]

Kona - Tange Prestige Concept tubing (bulge at BB junction and down tube should be oval used near the ends).

Kona - forward facing seat clamp.

Not Kona - no rack mounts on seatstays.

Not Kona - canti brake bridge at rear.

Not Kona - Shimano Dropouts.

Not Kona - frame resprayed??

Just my thoughts, at first I thought it was very similar to a 1991 Explosif I had, but there's too many differences
I don't think it's a Kona, but can't say for sure what it might be!
But if it's made from Tange Prestige Concept tubing then it's a decent frame from around the same time period.

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

I've never seen a Kona with Shimano stamped rear drop outs.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

have a look here then and seen a few others too.

they are just another company that supplies frame parts.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=237077

 

[Julius72]

Thanks for the info, there is also the bridge type cable stop for rear canti which is not found on any Kona models that I can see.

My 97 Hahanna has got the same or similar cable stop at the rear.

 

[Twentysixtoes]

Thanks for the link to the thread its reassuring to see a Shimano dropout on another Explosif!

It seems that respraying frames back in the day was more common than I thought and as another reader points out Kona seemed to be going through a period of transition where different features were being tried out on their frames, its been really interesting to start uncovering this story.