Kona Explosif 1996 [Max OR tubing]

MAX OR: Set exclusively designed for the toughest off-road races. The oversized oriented elliptical cross-sections have thicknessesof as little as 0.5-0.6 mm, thanks to the exceptional characteristics of the exclusive Nivacrom® steel.The oversized unicrown fork blades are cold-rolled for greater elastic strength and resilience. Nivacrom® Steel - Tubeset Weight: 2180 g

the frame

Shimano Zee Shadow Plus

Wolf tooth

Chinese disc fork

C1 disc front

Mavic 317 to hope front and XT rear

DMR V8

Currently waiting for everything to arrive :). Might get a disc tab welded. Still need a chainset.

Nice.

Are you sure that frame geometry will take that modern fork? If the fork is too long it will handle like a chopper.

Nice frame. Is that fork crown going to look a bit big next to a 1 1/8th external headset?

Are you sure that frame geometry will take that modern fork? If the fork is too long it will handle like a chopper.

Looks a bit like a CX fork to me.

Maybe. These frames were only meant for c.80mm sus fork, no?

I think the old Kona project 2 forks were 410mm a-c, so that wouldn't be too far off a CX fork length.

this looks good! i love those old steel kona's. so versatile.
i'd been looking at a'ha's on retrobike, but i don't have room for another steed at the mo.

Originally came with these. Can't find the a2c length.

450 isn't it?

edit - ah you mean the Judy A-C. Internet seems to think about 420.

Your fork may be a bit tall - as I understand it rigids are supposed to factor in a bit of sag, so should be 10mm or so shorter than telescopic forks.

This used RC31 is 440mm (10mm less that the chinese fork) with a disc tab.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pace-RC31-rigid-carbon-forks-/181335260560?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2a386c7d90#ht_215wt_1142

I don't know how much difference 10 mm will make tho.

That fork will destroy the handling.

You want a 420 A-C at the absolute maximum

I imagine this came with 63mm-80mm travel MTB forks .. As a general rule of thumb 440 A-C rigids will ride like 100mm travel forks - 420mm like 80mm forks

• The explosif is an absolute classic MTB frame - please please don't ruin the experience with those 450mm forks
  

Original P2's and weld a disc tab on, maybe then.

Disc brake stress on forks not designed for disc brakes etc, thread >>>>>>>>>

I think the old Kona project 2 forks were 410mm a-c, so that wouldn't be too far off a CX fork length.

The length varied year on year - earliest were 395mm - latest 440 IIRC

450 isn't it?

edit - ah you mean the Judy A-C. Internet seems to think about 420.

Found spec sheet;

http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?year=1996&brand=Kona&model=Explosif

Proper porn in its original incarnation. 1700 dollars was a whole lot of dollars then.

My 16 year old self would be well jelo

under 11kg is pretty impressive back in the 90's.

wtf is that about scratch and sniff tyres? That was a thing? it was an actual thing? Tell me it was a thing! Because if it was, why isn't it now?!?!?!

wtf is that about scratch and sniff tyres? That was a thing? it was an actual thing? Tell me it was a thing! Because if it was, why isn't it now?!?!?!

Yep it was an actual thing way back in the dawn of MTB time

I'd pay good money for Nobby Nics in butterscotch flavour

Stunning frame !!! They ride very well with sweet and sharp handling from original 410 a-c P2's .. More than 425mm would kill it IMHO

Here's my 95 cinder cone

Untitled by Plus one2010, on Flickr

Lovely. Really good nic.

Needs moar seatpost though.

Yes I'm a long legged chap ;)

The length varied year on year - earliest were 395mm - latest 440 IIRC

Crikey, I'd forgotten there were so many of them!

That's a shame about the fork... I'll see if I can cancel my order.

That's a shame about the fork... I'll see if I can cancel my order.

ask if they have something shorter.
on ones 26er forks are about 420 iirc