KONA KULA 1997 ? - How desirable are these?

[PeterPerfect]

A friend of mine is thinking of parting with his 19" Kona Kula frame and forks. I'm not really a MTB guru so can't give him any idea what it's worth. It's very lightweight and the paint is in really good condition. Has a quality headset and standard BB. It's the exact same frame and forks shown in the photo and very similar condition that was sold some years ago on this forum. Any help would be appreciated. I will try to get a picture of the actual frame but it still has some components on it that will not be sold with the frame.

 

[lewisfoto]

I recently bought a Kula, frame only, for $65 usd on Ebay. I was the only bidder. Decent enough bike just not that desired I'm afraid.

 

[hamster]

I tend to agree - the love seems to be for the skinny steel frames, not Aluminium. I have a 1999 Cindercone which I think is identical to your 97 Kula. It's light (lighter than an Explosif) has the same geometry and is a joy to ride. But they don't go for strong money.

 

[PeterPerfect]

Thanks for the replies. I have to say I'm surprised that these aren't that popular. I'll let him know. I think you're right about the steel frames but feel people are overlooking quality frames like this so they can buy an average steel one. Makes no sense to me.

 

[al-onestare]

This particular model is decent for sure. Personally it may not ride quite the way I like a steel hardtail but they are still good and if its in this sort of spec and condition then I'd encourage him to keep it and ride it! Z1's are a top fork and the geometry is spot on plus the colour and schema is boss!

 

[PeterPerfect]

Al. Thanks for your comments. I'll pass them on. He's taking the parts off the Kona to re-build a carbon Giant that was an old prototype from them some years ago. Should be interesting when finished. I'll try to get a photo off him when it's done.

 

[konaman1]

I had one of these back in 2003, one of my first ebay purchases Very light and almost eggshell like tubing. I'd lusted after one since the mbuk team used to ride them in the mags in '97. They were crazy money as well back then £500 frame only or £1500 complete bike :shock: . The drawback of these frames is the mech hanger was part of the frame so if it snaps the frame is cheese (or singlespeed)!

 

[hamster]

I built mine and run it as a sub 20lbs singlespeed - even using a stock TB P2 fork and normal bits hung off it.

 

[coomber]

Thanks for the replies. I have to say I'm surprised that these aren't that popular. I'll let him know. I think you're right about the steel frames but feel people are overlooking quality frames like this so they can buy an average steel one. Makes no sense to me.

Don't disagree 100% with your sentiment, but then the ride of a steel to an alu is quite different. Less so with an "average" steel bike but I know what you mean.

 

[coomber]

I'd lusted after one since the mbuk team used to ride them in the mags in '97.... The drawback of these frames is the mech hanger was part of the frame so if it snaps the frame is cheese (or singlespeed)!

Yes, those used by MBUK team were brilliant. And Will Longden in Chainspotting?

Funny that they dont have replaceable rear mechs, thought the purple Kona AA's did and they were 1995 I believe? Why would the Kula not have?