As a kid of the 70's and a bicycle mechanic of the 90's, since turned corporate rat-race man of the 2000's, I found this one of the most inspiring videos I've seen in a long time. I found this video because I just purchased my first set of bike tools and bike vice since the early 90's, and I'm excited to get back to my roots. Cheers, friend.
Great job. Steel is real. I gave my riding buddy a Kona Explosif I literally found in the trash. Complete bike. I knew he'd do right by it. He took it apart and rebuilt it including building a set of new wheels from scratch with modern rubber and a modern cockpit & groupset. He did that bike justice. I always liked those Konas. A very simple design. I've had full suspension rigs, but I'm going back to a hardtail. Coming from a BMX background and getting heavy into road bikes recently, I just like that instant connection to the ground with a hardtail.
im 42 now and grew up as a teen in the hay-day of the mtb explosion, i look back on those years with much nastalgia, pouring through Mountain bike action magazine, seeing all the new development in frame materials, design and the latest suspension offerings. I took a long hiatus after 2000 and recently got back into riding. its amazing all the new changes in bikes today and how incredible just a basic $600 dollar hardtail with hydraulic disk breaks, 1x systems and incredible suspension forks. how far things have come yet the joy remains when just going for a ride on the local trial
To hear you talk about your older days and what you felt, it makes me say: "We are brothers in mind!" I am from Germany, grew up in the former GDR. The upcoming Mountainbikescene became a part of my life and still today, being almost 45 years old, I love to build and ride and I am very excited, that all over the world there are guys like you. Thank you for uploading! 👍🏻💪🏻
Among all of the _dream build_ bike videos and high end full suspension shredders that can climb almost as well as they descend this video is definetly a breath of fresh air and a new format...
I just ripped apart and powder coated my 2004 Kona Caldera black and gold. My 1st rebuild. Wasn't as easy as I thought it would be but your vids and others helped alot so thank you.
I had a Kona Explosif with AMP fork back in the days. Equipped with the best parts at the time. It was less than 22 IBS and around 6000 Dollars. It was the best and most beautiful bike I've ever had. Thanks for the Nostalgia.
I think adding disc brake tabs to old frames should be a whole category - would you be open to doing a longer video or post about what's involved, materials, process, preparation and how to avoid failures?
One thing to take into consideration is thickness of the chainstays. I wouldn't try to weld disc tabs/braze-ons if it has thin tubing. The thicker the better.
@@brokenchopstickz Also, you need to somehow transfer the braking power to the chainstays too. Many of us just weld a small tubing piece between the chainstay and the upper disc bolt. This creates a small triangle that reinforces the brake also preventing twisting movements on the bake caliper.
Setting a headset with a rubber mallet is nostalgia to me. I’m turning 40 this week and have been riding bike since I can remember. I have thankfully reached a point in my privileged life that my current stable is filled with carbon and titanium but I have found myself thinking of those first bikes I either owned or dreamed about as a kid. I share much of the sentiment you expressed in this video. Thank for sharing your thoughts.
Only found your channel tonight but been loving the video. 32 and recently getting back into my bikes after 15 years away. Currently building up a DMR Sidekicks in white and blue. That bike gets me in the feels. 14 year old me would of loved it. 32 year old me certainly does! Old school is the best school.
With the severe hacking job on the rear triangle, refinishing was inevitable. Would I have used a V brake? Guess what... I already do on two out of my three daily drivers. Nothing wrong with M950 calipers on mavic ceramic rims, IMO.
@@weareallbeingwatched4602 I personally don't like the idea of wearing out a wheel for rim brakes. I will be happy with disc brakes. Simpler and can keep the wheel true and a quicker swap.
I just picked up a 95 Trek Singletrack 930 from my local goodwill for 15 bucks! Im fixing it up and giving it to my friend as a gift! The bike is older than me but after working at a bike shop for a few years I have come to appreciate older chro-moly frames and 26" wheels and this bike shows that these bikes just need a little love and they can be like new and hold up to the modern era!
That is a Nice bike..I do like the paint you used ...My oldest brother gave me my first bike a 20 in Murray frame which he had painted a nice light green candy metallic ...He taught me how to repair every part and how to grease the bearings etc..
This is MY bike. Still riding and kicking ass on it, in a place where 27.5 carbon squishies are all the rage. (Vancouver Island, BC, Canada). It was my first race bike, garnered through KONAs GrassRoots race program. Raced my way to Provinical Champion in Alberta (riding the Rocky Mountains on a hardtail is STILL fun!) and the tiny frame (technically a 12") came with 176mm Curve Cranks - and I'm still partial to long cranks because of this anomaly. SO grateful I found a local bike shop that will indulge me and my vintage bikes. I prefer the original colour, but your bike build is inspirational. My wee Explosif would SO rock with your upgrades. Agh. Dream On. ;)
Agreed with a lot of people here. It was hard to watch that beautiful green get scratched off and the brake get MIG'd on, but otherwise....gorgeous bike. Loved the narration.
I can appreciate that. If I had the resources to attach the brake mount better I would have and the original paint was awesome. That all said I am also stoked about the results and instead of the restored bike being a novelty it is now my primary ride.
@@oldshovel That is awesome. I have been looking for a new mountain bike for a little while, but I do not want to spend too much money on one, and I love older steel bikes. I think I might do something similar to what you did here. Love the bike!
I watch a lot of videos about a lot of topics, (bikes are my favorite), however your sessions have the best music , dosed just right so we as an audience can still understand what you are saying and doing......thanks
omg I love it. im 52 now and just purchased a 1996 Kona Kilauea for $25 nz dollars and love it. will put a vid up soon. I have a smile from ear to ear everytime time I ride it. $25 nz dollars I couldn't believe I got it for that money. Thanks for the great vid of the bike.
This is a RESTO-Mod! I converted one exact same Kona bike into mid drive e-bike several months ago. I upgraded the brakes by installing some Magura hydraulic rim brakes to it. Nice build man!
doesn't matter whether the bicycle part was outdated or brand new, as long as it can functioning, just enjoy the cycling and have a healthy life. cherish life.
Just went through this exact same process myself with a super old full suspension Jamis frame, love the video! I agree the building can be just as good.
I am rebuilding a 2003 Kona Kula Deluxe, just sent it off to powdercoat. I just repainted the Suspension fork this morning, the crown n sliders/ Everything is taken apart and cleaned, the suspension parts are in a bucket air drying, gonna rebuild the fork, seals are on the way. Shifters. deraileurs , cranks, ribgs were all cleaned in a bucket of dishwater n degreaser, new cables n housing at the ready with freash rings n cassette. New brakes n rotors, Handlebar n grips , Tires too. everyghing fresh
And a pretty fair DIY headset/bearing press can be fashioned from fender washers and long 1/2" bolts and nuts from any hardware store. Cost ya 5 bucks.
This video really tugged on my heartstrings, I had a mid 90's steel Kona hard tail and loved the resilience the frame gave, even my rigid project 2 forks were so good(with the right tyres). I miss that so much.
My eyes were start bleeding when I see theat you rip of that green paint...However it is a great build! You should replace the cable ties with some cable guides.
Never thought l was so interested in watching an old bike get a new paint job. But once l stated watching l couldn't stop! Lol. Well done! It's beautiful!
Wow what a work if art! Most people wont understand how miraculous it is to restore a bike but to me its like watching a Da'Vinci being painted in front of your eyes! Great job!
Nice restoration/retro modernization. I understand the feeling you were looking for when you restored this bike. Building a bike from your past allows you to reconnect with it in a more intimate way. You remember the little details and it brings back memories. You appreciate the older, basic design philosophy of the time. There's a purity to old bikes that is somehow missing from modern bikes. It's the same with modern cars that seem to lack individuality and character. I've built bikes but never restored and old one and this video inspires me to do just that.
Just come across this video. Absolutely brilliant. I have a 1999 Kona Explosif that I am systemically upgrading it whilst still trying to maintain the retro feel.
Love your outlook on life. Love the positivity. Usually a sign of a lot of pain in the past. Thank you for being a great example for the youth. (Myself included) you’re appreciated.
I've just recently found your channel and have now binged all your bike restoration videos (and the canoe ones). I have just pulled out of storage a 10 speed Randor road bike I got a few years ago for about $25 at the local thrift. I ordered new 27" tires, tubes, cables and chain for it, I also just broke down a 24" Columbia that was given me because the quill had lost the bolt and was seized - I managed to get it out with a lot of penetrating oil. I don't know what to make from the Rando, but I am thinking of putting a straight bar instead of drops, changing the brake levers. I enjoy your channel more than other bike ones - your camera framing is spot on and you don't seem to be yelling at your viewers, I learn more from just watching you work.
I’m getting addicted to your build videos! I built up a Jamis Dakar about 10 years ago and it truly was a very rewarding experience. I’m in my 40s now too and get nostalgic. My first “real” mtn bike was a Diamondback Apex with a set of RockShox Indy Cs. If I find a solid one I’m going to do something similar. Keep up the great work and awesome videos!
Beautiful build and re-imagining of this bike. It never ceases to amaze me how people get their panties in a wad over choices made on bike builds--whether it's changing a color or not using period specific parts. I've done a few custom builds on old bikes and got excoriated in comment sections by retro fanatics. I eventually left those groups and stopped posting my builds. I'm a GT guy and found a 1992 GT Bravado that was in miserable condition--the BB was rusted to the shell and I had to actually use a blacksmith hammer to pound it out. I then stripped the frame and painted it a gorgeous copper. I used the original derailleurs, but swapped out the biopace cranks and made it fully rigid. People lost their minds. Funny thing was, Gary Turner himself commented on it and absolutely loved it. The next project was converting a rusty 1989 GT Avalanche into a drop 26er. I custom powder coated the frame. Once again, people were outraged. Bottom line is, do whatever makes YOU happy--you're the one doing the work and riding the damn bike. Anywho, I enjoy your videos--great content!
I'm a fan of steel-framed hard-tail MTBs from the 1990's myself and you did a great job on this Kona. Nice to see how you were able to bring it bang up-to-date with those disc brakes too, great work. Steel is real!
I had an explosive, it was black with rigid project 2 forks, cantilever brakes, 3x7 gears with shimano XT thumb shifters with switchable indexing for the rear mech. I loved it and had upgraded everything as parts wore out. I used to commute 12 miles each way into Piccadilly Circus in central london using slick tyres, then swap tyres and go racing or trail riding at the weekend. I would put around 3,000 miles a year on that bike. I upgraded to early elastomer rockshox, repainting the signature gold fork legs in black to keep the original look. I bought them second hand from a guy at a race, fitted them in the car park before a race. I loved that bike. Years later some scumbags broke into our home, wrecked the place, stole all the small valuables like jewellery and my beloved Kona Explosive. This video tempts me to find another one….. maybe.
At first I was skeptic as I'd rather see that vintage bike kept original , however, given the amount of work you put and the final look, I have to congratulate you.
Restoring bikes of any kind is satisfying for sure. My project this winter is restoring a 91' KX125, can't wait but can't start til the snow starts falling and work slows down.
Brilliant build absolutely love 90s Konas. Personally I think the colour should have stayed original but it's your bike and still looks amazing! But the upgrades and overall look and attention to detail are incredible. Brilliant little build. Thank you.
Great work. Great video. I'm also fascinated by those MTBs of the 90ies. Without searching all the comments which were posted before I would like to point out that I was tought to tighten the bolts of the disc radially - not circularly as it can be seen from 12:30 on.
Man neither the like button or the subscribe button were enough to show how much I enjoyed this video. I am currently doing this exact same thing with an old bike frame that I found at a yard sale and just immediately fell in love with. All of my friends call me crazy for wanting to restore such an old style of frame, but I just don't get the same feeling working on a 2020 Specialized as I do working on my old 90s bike. What an amazing video.
Cool. I'm also the kind of biker who enjoys building a bike as much as riding one. I have 4 small children ranging from 9 to 13 years of age & instead of buying them Hotrocks or any other kids bike what I've been doing is buying adult bikes in sizes small & extra small all 26 inch wheels & I will search for bikes with fox forks & disc brakes & will swap everything from one bike to another. Their bikes are super children's bikes & are as light as 23 lbs. I beleive the lighter the better in case they have to push it up a hill or lord prohibits they fall & the bike lands on them. Building & customizing bikes rocks & I actually like it more than working on cars.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I'm about to turn my old late 90ies aluminium mtb frame into a gravelish commute...ish bike. Nostalgia is the first word. Updated is the second. Love you video !
I just discovered this channel last night, and with my major love of bikes, I find these videos really soothing and cool. Always love seeing old bikes come to life with new upgraded parts and paint. Keep up the good work and I’ll 100% keep watching. 😁👍
I have a '97 Kona Kilauea that I got new and still ride. LOVE that bike. Been wanting to add a disk mount like you've done here. Got recommendations on where to go for the weld on mount or did you make your own?
I’m just curious, what color and year is it? The one I had in the past was a mid year model with a Marzocchi Bomber Z3 on a gray steel frame. I think it was a 1998 1/2 or 1999 model Caldera.
Great! It's so beauty, well, the old steel Konas are fucking beauty! I have a 1995 Fire Mountain, and I have been thinking for a time about to do something like this, I wish I could have a result as pretty as yours!
You've inspired me to keep building my 90s kona lavadome. I just ordered a rockshox recon air fork for it now and I'm gonna keep shredding the chromo frame till it brakes. So probably forever lol.
I bought and still have my Kona Caldera. Bought it I think in 2005. Just tore it all down completely and now I'm getting it sandblasted and then powder coated. Its getting a much deserved make over.
Freakin awesome. I built up a ‘93 Specialized Crossroads hybrid into a cyclocross bike. Sti shifters, drop bars, 1x, 386Evo bracket and cranks, Chris king headset, 35c tires. I ride it all the time, so much satisfaction to take something that was sitting in someone’s basement for 15 years and modernize it and make it live again
Geezer is talking about nostalgia while welding on an IS mount, hacking off the brake bosses, removing decals... I'm surprised he hasn't chopped out the steerer and put in a tapered steering column and stuck 700c rims on it!
Confession: I love the update even more than the restoration. I knew I was in for it 2 1/2 min in when you welded the disc brake mount on. This was such a good watch.
I sold you that frame, love what you did with it!
Thanks 🙏 I’m glad you got to see what I did. I was thinking of texting you about it. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for selling him the bike loved this build how amazing
Should continue doing restoration bike video
@oldshovel this is not a Restoration bike dat is Rebuild bike,, dat old components are totaly off...littlebit clickbite🤷🏻♂️🙈
This is not a restoration, the world is one '94 Explosif down now.
Horrible build imo..what a waste of a classic frame.
Ah man back in 97 I had a 96 lava dome, man I loved that bike, you've got that bike looking gorgeous 😍 👌
As a kid of the 70's and a bicycle mechanic of the 90's, since turned corporate rat-race man of the 2000's, I found this one of the most inspiring videos I've seen in a long time. I found this video because I just purchased my first set of bike tools and bike vice since the early 90's, and I'm excited to get back to my roots. Cheers, friend.
Awesome
Great job. Steel is real. I gave my riding buddy a Kona Explosif I literally found in the trash. Complete bike. I knew he'd do right by it. He took it apart and rebuilt it including building a set of new wheels from scratch with modern rubber and a modern cockpit & groupset. He did that bike justice. I always liked those Konas. A very simple design. I've had full suspension rigs, but I'm going back to a hardtail. Coming from a BMX background and getting heavy into road bikes recently, I just like that instant connection to the ground with a hardtail.
Agreed. Thanks for watching.
the speech.. the passion.. the professionalism.. the love put into this build is undescribable.. and the music is amazingly matching
Thanks Samir for the kind words.
My thoughts exactly! It was truly enjoyable to watch, very professional. Great job!
Restoration...just another beautiful Kona down.
im 42 now and grew up as a teen in the hay-day of the mtb explosion, i look back on those years with much nastalgia, pouring through Mountain bike action magazine, seeing all the new development in frame materials, design and the latest suspension offerings. I took a long hiatus after 2000 and recently got back into riding. its amazing all the new changes in bikes today and how incredible just a basic $600 dollar hardtail with hydraulic disk breaks, 1x systems and incredible suspension forks. how far things have come yet the joy remains when just going for a ride on the local trial
To hear you talk about your older days and what you felt, it makes me say: "We are brothers in mind!"
I am from Germany, grew up in the former GDR.
The upcoming Mountainbikescene became a part of my life and still today, being almost 45 years old, I love to build and ride and I am very excited, that all over the world there are guys like you.
Thank you for uploading! 👍🏻💪🏻
There is a calmness watching your passion as you become one with the bike...
Among all of the _dream build_ bike videos and high end full suspension shredders that can climb almost as well as they descend this video is definetly a breath of fresh air and a new format...
I just ripped apart and powder coated my 2004 Kona Caldera black and gold. My 1st rebuild. Wasn't as easy as I thought it would be but your vids and others helped alot so thank you.
I had a Kona Explosif with AMP fork back in the days. Equipped with the best parts at the time. It was less than 22 IBS and around 6000 Dollars.
It was the best and most beautiful bike I've ever had. Thanks for the Nostalgia.
I think adding disc brake tabs to old frames should be a whole category - would you be open to doing a longer video or post about what's involved, materials, process, preparation and how to avoid failures?
One thing to take into consideration is thickness of the chainstays. I wouldn't try to weld disc tabs/braze-ons if it has thin tubing. The thicker the better.
@@brokenchopstickz Also, you need to somehow transfer the braking power to the chainstays too. Many of us just weld a small tubing piece between the chainstay and the upper disc bolt. This creates a small triangle that reinforces the brake also preventing twisting movements on the bake caliper.
The pace at which you showed your progress and your narration makes this video very relaxing.
Setting a headset with a rubber mallet is nostalgia to me. I’m turning 40 this week and have been riding bike since I can remember. I have thankfully reached a point in my privileged life that my current stable is filled with carbon and titanium but I have found myself thinking of those first bikes I either owned or dreamed about as a kid. I share much of the sentiment you expressed in this video. Thank for sharing your thoughts.
Awesome steel is always a great thing to have in the stable too. Thanks for sharing.
@@oldshovel remember the ole Yamaha 20" with the coil over rear shocks & forks. 1973-74 ?
Only found your channel tonight but been loving the video. 32 and recently getting back into my bikes after 15 years away. Currently building up a DMR Sidekicks in white and blue. That bike gets me in the feels. 14 year old me would of loved it. 32 year old me certainly does! Old school is the best school.
That green color on old frame... Spectacular... You shouldn't takit off man... Other than that great job...
With the severe hacking job on the rear triangle, refinishing was inevitable.
Would I have used a V brake? Guess what... I already do on two out of my three daily drivers. Nothing wrong with M950 calipers on mavic ceramic rims, IMO.
Completly agree
@@weareallbeingwatched4602 what pads do you use for ceramics?
@@oreocarlton3343 the vanilla shimano ones do me fine
@@weareallbeingwatched4602 I personally don't like the idea of wearing out a wheel for rim brakes. I will be happy with disc brakes. Simpler and can keep the wheel true and a quicker swap.
I just picked up a 95 Trek Singletrack 930 from my local goodwill for 15 bucks! Im fixing it up and giving it to my friend as a gift! The bike is older than me but after working at a bike shop for a few years I have come to appreciate older chro-moly frames and 26" wheels and this bike shows that these bikes just need a little love and they can be like new and hold up to the modern era!
That is a Nice bike..I do like the paint you used ...My oldest brother gave me my first bike a 20 in Murray frame which he had painted a nice light green candy metallic ...He taught me how to repair every part and how to grease the bearings etc..
Green candy metallic sounds awesome.
I'm watching these videos over and over again.... So inspiring ☺️
26" ain't dead \m/
That answers my question re wheel size....
This is MY bike. Still riding and kicking ass on it, in a place where 27.5 carbon squishies are all the rage. (Vancouver Island, BC, Canada). It was my first race bike, garnered through KONAs GrassRoots race program. Raced my way to Provinical Champion in Alberta (riding the Rocky Mountains on a hardtail is STILL fun!) and the tiny frame (technically a 12") came with 176mm Curve Cranks - and I'm still partial to long cranks because of this anomaly. SO grateful I found a local bike shop that will indulge me and my vintage bikes. I prefer the original colour, but your bike build is inspirational. My wee Explosif would SO rock with your upgrades. Agh. Dream On. ;)
Agreed with a lot of people here. It was hard to watch that beautiful green get scratched off and the brake get MIG'd on, but otherwise....gorgeous bike. Loved the narration.
I can appreciate that. If I had the resources to attach the brake mount better I would have and the original paint was awesome. That all said I am also stoked about the results and instead of the restored bike being a novelty it is now my primary ride.
@@oldshovel That is awesome. I have been looking for a new mountain bike for a little while, but I do not want to spend too much money on one, and I love older steel bikes. I think I might do something similar to what you did here. Love the bike!
I watch a lot of videos about a lot of topics, (bikes are my favorite), however your sessions have the best music , dosed just right so we as an audience can still understand what you are saying and doing......thanks
Still using my Kona Hahanna from the 90's ^^ (Thank you for your video).
Awesome 😎
omg I love it. im 52 now and just purchased a 1996 Kona Kilauea for $25 nz dollars and love it. will put a vid up soon. I have a smile from ear to ear everytime time I ride it. $25 nz dollars I couldn't believe I got it for that money. Thanks for the great vid of the bike.
Wow this got me so emotional... Even though I can't remember the 90s or even early 2000s this was great inspiration! Thank you.
Awesome 👏 thanks for the comment. I’m happy to share in the nostalgia.
This is a RESTO-Mod! I converted one exact same Kona bike into mid drive e-bike several months ago. I upgraded the brakes by installing some Magura hydraulic rim brakes to it. Nice build man!
doesn't matter whether the bicycle part was outdated or brand new, as long as it can functioning, just enjoy the cycling and have a healthy life. cherish life.
agree; as long as you like your bike and ride it regularly.
This bike is beautiful! Classic. Modern. Unique. Great work.
Just went through this exact same process myself with a super old full suspension Jamis frame, love the video!
I agree the building can be just as good.
Awesome. Building is awesome.
Loved the back story while doing the work... I've owned so many bikes and each one has a story.... what you said at 6:20 really resonates with me ....
great job! takes me way back, i had a sweet red Kilauea in 94, and a blue Explosif in '98. I still love steel hardtails (last 5 yrs on a Trans am 29r)
Classical meets state of the art for a retro reboot that just screams out 'authentic build'. Well done. It's a real beast to be proud of.
Thanks 🙏
I am rebuilding a 2003 Kona Kula Deluxe, just sent it off to powdercoat. I just repainted the Suspension fork this morning, the crown n sliders/ Everything is taken apart and cleaned, the suspension parts are in a bucket air drying, gonna rebuild the fork, seals are on the way. Shifters. deraileurs , cranks, ribgs were all cleaned in a bucket of dishwater n degreaser, new cables n housing at the ready with freash rings n cassette. New brakes n rotors, Handlebar n grips , Tires too. everyghing fresh
sick! could you send me a link to some photos?
You brought tears to my eyes with that naration and music. Wonderful video. Thank you.
Really awesome video man! Just a tip I've found restoring my bikes: Try a heat gun for sticker removal and a pipe cutter for steering tubes.
Thanks.
And a pretty fair DIY headset/bearing press can be fashioned from fender washers and long 1/2" bolts and nuts from any hardware store.
Cost ya 5 bucks.
This video really tugged on my heartstrings, I had a mid 90's steel Kona hard tail and loved the resilience the frame gave, even my rigid project 2 forks were so good(with the right tyres). I miss that so much.
I felt the same.
My eyes were start bleeding when I see theat you rip of that green paint...However it is a great build!
You should replace the cable ties with some cable guides.
Had the same. That was such a beautiful paint.
Yeah that paint was great and in better shape than any of my bikes.
Never thought l was so interested in watching an old bike get a new paint job. But once l stated watching l couldn't stop! Lol. Well done! It's beautiful!
That’s awesome. Thanks for watching 😁
Your clips are more soothing than any therapy.
Lol 😂 thanks
@@oldshovel no really except for the epic bikes and restorations i like the soothing aspect of your vids!
Wow what a work if art! Most people wont understand how miraculous it is to restore a bike but to me its like watching a Da'Vinci being painted in front of your eyes! Great job!
Thanks 🙏 you are kind. It was a fun build.
Damn it's so beautiful. Comparable to one of those dream bike builds.
Awesome thanks 🙏
Nice restoration/retro modernization. I understand the feeling you were looking for when you restored this bike. Building a bike from your past allows you to reconnect with it in a more intimate way. You remember the little details and it brings back memories. You appreciate the older, basic design philosophy of the time. There's a purity to old bikes that is somehow missing from modern bikes. It's the same with modern cars that seem to lack individuality and character. I've built bikes but never restored and old one and this video inspires me to do just that.
Absolutely fantastic job. I wish I had kept my 1992 Kona Caldera , it was an awesome bike.
Just come across this video. Absolutely brilliant. I have a 1999 Kona Explosif that I am systemically upgrading it whilst still trying to maintain the retro feel.
oh man... you build it with your heart. so beautiful
Thanks 🙏
Really great project. I'm in the middle of doing this with my 1996 GT Zaskar. Can't wait to ride it!
Great Video! I will try to do the same to my old 26 inches bike, thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome thanks
Love your outlook on life. Love the positivity. Usually a sign of a lot of pain in the past. Thank you for being a great example for the youth. (Myself included) you’re appreciated.
Beautiful bike. Great job bringing it into the next century. Cudos.
Thanks 🙏
I've just recently found your channel and have now binged all your bike restoration videos (and the canoe ones). I have just pulled out of storage a 10 speed Randor road bike I got a few years ago for about $25 at the local thrift. I ordered new 27" tires, tubes, cables and chain for it, I also just broke down a 24" Columbia that was given me because the quill had lost the bolt and was seized - I managed to get it out with a lot of penetrating oil. I don't know what to make from the Rando, but I am thinking of putting a straight bar instead of drops, changing the brake levers.
I enjoy your channel more than other bike ones - your camera framing is spot on and you don't seem to be yelling at your viewers, I learn more from just watching you work.
Beautiful bike. Makes me miss my mid 90s Trek.
Brother I saw all your cycle restoration video . awesome work . Your tyres choice is superb
Awesome build. Love the passion that you have for it.
Thanks 🙏
I’m getting addicted to your build videos! I built up a Jamis Dakar about 10 years ago and it truly was a very rewarding experience. I’m in my 40s now too and get nostalgic. My first “real” mtn bike was a Diamondback Apex with a set of RockShox Indy Cs. If I find a solid one I’m going to do something similar. Keep up the great work and awesome videos!
I loved and love the bikes from the 90’s
Beautiful build and re-imagining of this bike. It never ceases to amaze me how people get their panties in a wad over choices made on bike builds--whether it's changing a color or not using period specific parts. I've done a few custom builds on old bikes and got excoriated in comment sections by retro fanatics. I eventually left those groups and stopped posting my builds. I'm a GT guy and found a 1992 GT Bravado that was in miserable condition--the BB was rusted to the shell and I had to actually use a blacksmith hammer to pound it out. I then stripped the frame and painted it a gorgeous copper. I used the original derailleurs, but swapped out the biopace cranks and made it fully rigid. People lost their minds. Funny thing was, Gary Turner himself commented on it and absolutely loved it. The next project was converting a rusty 1989 GT Avalanche into a drop 26er. I custom powder coated the frame. Once again, people were outraged. Bottom line is, do whatever makes YOU happy--you're the one doing the work and riding the damn bike. Anywho, I enjoy your videos--great content!
Am in zimbabwe. I love the way you do man.you are great.am inspired. I have learnt a lot from you.👏👏👏👏👏
This video really mellowed me out. I enjoyed watching it slowly come together and when I saw it complete I totally cracked a smile ☺👍🤘🤙
Awesome thanks 🙏
This isn't mechanics, this is Poetry.
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Italian " ciao " at the end has surprise me.
Greetings from Italy
Love that old kona, been a kona fan for years now. This video makes me wanna dust the cobwebs off my 1999 specialized stump jumper and fix it up. 👌
Do it. I have an old stumpjumper from the same era. They’re great bikes.
Craig Eazy I’m riding Specialized Hardrock even now. I bought it 28 years ago, used.
@@oldshovel yeah man they are, been wanting to do it for a while now. Might be pricey but ima do it
@@sirshanksalot1 nice man i also have a Hardrock still in good condition its a 2000 or so
I really, really miss my early 90's Trek 990 and absolutely regret ever letting it go. I love what you did here!
Wow, stunning work and the colour scheme is spot on. The pedals forks and decals are just enough, you nailed it. Another one saved the best Andy
Man that green paint was so much better...but great video.
I'm a fan of steel-framed hard-tail MTBs from the 1990's myself and you did a great job on this Kona. Nice to see how you were able to bring it bang up-to-date with those disc brakes too, great work. Steel is real!
I had an explosive, it was black with rigid project 2 forks, cantilever brakes, 3x7 gears with shimano XT thumb shifters with switchable indexing for the rear mech. I loved it and had upgraded everything as parts wore out. I used to commute 12 miles each way into Piccadilly Circus in central london using slick tyres, then swap tyres and go racing or trail riding at the weekend. I would put around 3,000 miles a year on that bike. I upgraded to early elastomer rockshox, repainting the signature gold fork legs in black to keep the original look. I bought them second hand from a guy at a race, fitted them in the car park before a race. I loved that bike. Years later some scumbags broke into our home, wrecked the place, stole all the small valuables like jewellery and my beloved Kona Explosive. This video tempts me to find another one….. maybe.
Only Steel is real! Nice Job! 😍
This is really art, not only bike restoration or bike building. And it is so relaxing.
Thanks
At first I was skeptic as I'd rather see that vintage bike kept original , however, given the amount of work you put and the final look, I have to congratulate you.
Thanks. Much appreciated. I was a bit torn to restore it also as it was so cool a bike.
Very nice job! I have a Raleigh M-50 that was purchased in 1995. I plan on upgrading and refreshing it this year.
That’s really nice , I’ve had the same satisfaction out of restoring 90s motocross bikes. Liked 👍🏻
Thanks 🙏
Restoring bikes of any kind is satisfying for sure. My project this winter is restoring a 91' KX125, can't wait but can't start til the snow starts falling and work slows down.
You have a great touch for storytelling. Great video.
Brilliant build absolutely love 90s Konas. Personally I think the colour should have stayed original but it's your bike and still looks amazing! But the upgrades and overall look and attention to detail are incredible. Brilliant little build. Thank you.
Great work. Great video. I'm also fascinated by those MTBs of the 90ies. Without searching all the comments which were posted before I would like to point out that I was tought to tighten the bolts of the disc radially - not circularly as it can be seen from 12:30 on.
I feel euphoric watching this video.
Awesome
Man neither the like button or the subscribe button were enough to show how much I enjoyed this video. I am currently doing this exact same thing with an old bike frame that I found at a yard sale and just immediately fell in love with. All of my friends call me crazy for wanting to restore such an old style of frame, but I just don't get the same feeling working on a 2020 Specialized as I do working on my old 90s bike. What an amazing video.
Amen brother amen.
Cool. I'm also the kind of biker who enjoys building a bike as much as riding one. I have 4 small children ranging from 9 to 13 years of age & instead of buying them Hotrocks or any other kids bike what I've been doing is buying adult bikes in sizes small & extra small all 26 inch wheels & I will search for bikes with fox forks & disc brakes & will swap everything from one bike to another. Their bikes are super children's bikes & are as light as 23 lbs. I beleive the lighter the better in case they have to push it up a hill or lord prohibits they fall & the bike lands on them. Building & customizing bikes rocks & I actually like it more than working on cars.
A father after my own heart. I have done a lot of the same. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely awesome rebuild. You have inspired me to carry on with my orange clockwork rebuild.
Hey you're a creator on the rise !!!! :)
That was a pleasure to watch and what a truly iconic era for mountainbikes. That bike is beautiful, what a stunning colour!
I just found my new addiction on UA-cam.
Awesome 👏😁
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I'm about to turn my old late 90ies aluminium mtb frame into a gravelish commute...ish bike. Nostalgia is the first word. Updated is the second. Love you video !
I just discovered this channel last night, and with my major love of bikes, I find these videos really soothing and cool. Always love seeing old bikes come to life with new upgraded parts and paint. Keep up the good work and I’ll 100% keep watching. 😁👍
Will do. Thanks for watching.
Instead of repairing my Marzocchi xc 600 fork, I am fell in love with those restoration videos!
Great looking old school bike with a new look
The classic bikes are better
I would love a test ride video on this one and on the Gary Fisher. Thanks for your work
we are about the same age. I bought my Trek 800 in 1992. I love it. I want to do the same thing to my old bike that I love
Awesome thanks for watching.
I have a '97 Kona Kilauea that I got new and still ride. LOVE that bike. Been wanting to add a disk mount like you've done here. Got recommendations on where to go for the weld on mount or did you make your own?
I'm after a weld on mount too. Maybe he made it out of sheet steel?
@@TheMattfell I've found a few online. The one here looks to be lower profile than the ones I've come across and I dig that. Still searching!
I have that Kona caldera with marzochi and steel frame the best bike ever
I’m just curious, what color and year is it? The one I had in the past was a mid year model with a Marzocchi Bomber Z3 on a gray steel frame. I think it was a 1998 1/2 or 1999 model Caldera.
Nice. I really miss my 1996 Kona Lava Dome in metallic orange with blue walled tires. Best bike I ever owned.
Great! It's so beauty, well, the old steel Konas are fucking beauty! I have a 1995 Fire Mountain, and I have been thinking for a time about to do something like this, I wish I could have a result as pretty as yours!
You've inspired me to keep building my 90s kona lavadome. I just ordered a rockshox recon air fork for it now and I'm gonna keep shredding the chromo frame till it brakes. So probably forever lol.
Somehow this is therapeutic to watch...
Lol 😂 thanks 🙏
I bought and still have my Kona Caldera. Bought it I think in 2005. Just tore it all down completely and now I'm getting it sandblasted and then powder coated. Its getting a much deserved make over.
Love your videos / content, but find myself forgetting to like them. Everyone Hit The Like Button!
Freakin awesome. I built up a ‘93 Specialized Crossroads hybrid into a cyclocross bike. Sti shifters, drop bars, 1x, 386Evo bracket and cranks, Chris king headset, 35c tires. I ride it all the time, so much satisfaction to take something that was sitting in someone’s basement for 15 years and modernize it and make it live again
Awesome. Thanks for watching.
Would love to see you restore a "MADE IN USA" Cannondale with the lefty fork.
I would too. If I come across one it could happen.
A buddy of mine has one 96 cad2 f500 hit me up if interested
That is a work of art mate you have inspired me to fix up my 1994 Lava dome....... Long live beautifully crafted mountain bikes!
Geezer is talking about nostalgia while welding on an IS mount, hacking off the brake bosses, removing decals... I'm surprised he hasn't chopped out the steerer and put in a tapered steering column and stuck 700c rims on it!
Confession: I love the update even more than the restoration. I knew I was in for it 2 1/2 min in when you welded the disc brake mount on. This was such a good watch.