'93 Kona Cinder Cone - upgrading

daviestar

Hi all, I'm new to the forum. I'm not new to cycling, but I'm new to upgrading bike parts

I have inherited a beautiful '93 Kona Cinder Cone from my brother, this one:
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/v/Manufacturer+Archive/Kona/Catalogues/Kona+Catalogue+1993/8.jpg.html

I'm looking into suspension forks, but I'm unsure if this bike has a 1" or 1 1/8" headset (I know it's threaded). It seems '93 was the year Kona moved to the 1 1/8" standard, so my pre question is: what should I measure to find out?

1. I'm mainly looking to soften the ride, not trail riding forks. What spec will work for this bike? Just any that are threaded?

2. The bike is very light, so I'd like to find some forks which are light too. Any recommendations?

3. Is it possible to upgrade the cantilever brakes? V-brakes or disk brakes. If so, what steps would I need to take / keywords would I need to use when googling.

Thanks!

The Rookie

Don't fit suspension forks, the frame isn't designed for them and you'll ruin the geometry and ride. Just get some larger volume tyres on their to add some cushion.

Swapping to disc brakes would be daft, if you want a modern MTB buy one, otherwise revel in what you have.

Best replacement for canti's is mini V-brakes as you can keep the same brake lever, change to V-brakes and you'll need new levers.

CitizenLee

I don't mean to sound harsh but classic bikes like this should only be restored to the original glory, and then only ridden on sunny, dry weekends. Won't someone think of the Cooldads!

cooldad

P1ss off. I bought a '96 Explosif frame yesterday and am busy sourcing random bits to get it out into the mud. No garage queens here.

Came standard with RS Judys and Magura hydraulic rim brakes. I've got Judys, but the brakes will have to wait.

Monty Dog

If you want a bike with sus forks and disc brakes, sell the Kona and buy something more recent - the Kona's worth more in original condition rather than with some half-baked upgrades.

cooldad

This is true but period mods are fine.

I think that's still 1" threaded. Some elderly contemporary RS will work, or similar.

Vs will be fine.

I'd ask on Retrobike. Once they've finished abusing you about the discs they'll probably be quite helpful

I use another name their so you won'y know if it's me.

BloggingFit

cooldad wrote:

P1ss off. I bought a '96 Explosif frame yesterday and am busy sourcing random bits to get it out into the mud. No garage queens here.

Came standard with RS Judys and Magura hydraulic rim brakes. I've got Judys, but the brakes will have to wait.

I have a set of the bright yellow race sets with QR and brace kicking about if you want them for free. Need a bleed I suspect.

cooldad

BloggingFit wrote:

cooldad wrote:

P1ss off. I bought a '96 Explosif frame yesterday and am busy sourcing random bits to get it out into the mud. No garage queens here.

Came standard with RS Judys and Magura hydraulic rim brakes. I've got Judys, but the brakes will have to wait.

I have a set of the bright yellow race sets with QR and brace kicking about if you want them for free. Need a bleed I suspect.

That would be most kind.

BloggingFit

cooldad wrote:

BloggingFit wrote:

cooldad wrote:

P1ss off. I bought a '96 Explosif frame yesterday and am busy sourcing random bits to get it out into the mud. No garage queens here.

Came standard with RS Judys and Magura hydraulic rim brakes. I've got Judys, but the brakes will have to wait.

I have a set of the bright yellow race sets with QR and brace kicking about if you want them for free. Need a bleed I suspect.

That would be most kind.

No worries.

Can post them out or meet you nr Guildford at lunch or after work if it's convenient as my work is only in Eashing.

cooldad

I've PMd you. Happy to pick them up and buy you a thank you beer.

BloggingFit

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