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Kona Explosif Build...Help!

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11K views 51 replies 12 participants last post by  akaBrowntown  
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#1 ·
I purchased a new leftover stock Kona Explosif frame to give the 27.5 wheel size a try on my tight twisty local trails. This is my first 27.5 build (everything else I have is a 29er) and I have everything I need but wheels and a fork so I am looking for input there.

I do not want to have a lot in this build due to its intended purpose but what is the best bang for buck wheel set and fork? I have been looking at the XFusion Velvet RL2 basically for the price and I have no clue regarding wheels. Used is also an option and preferred.

Thanks for any input.
 
#2 ·
CB2423 said:
I purchased a new leftover stock Kona Explosif frame to give the 27.5 wheel size a try on my tight twisty local trails. This is my first 27.5 build (everything else I have is a 29er) and I have everything I need but wheels and a fork so I am looking for input there.

I do not want to have a lot in this build due to its intended purpose but what is the best bang for buck wheel set and fork? I have been looking at the XFusion Velvet RL2 basically for the price and I have no clue regarding wheels. Used is also an option and preferred.

Thanks for any input.
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I did the same thing end of last year. So now is a great time to pick up new 2017 leftovers for less. I went with a FOX Float 34, and snagged it for $500. As with other parts related inquiries, you'll get several opinions. Everyone rides different. I had I9s with Michelin Rockr R2s on it and it rode like a heavy pig. I rebuilt my old WTB SX23s with Onxy Racing hubs, didn't go tubeless and it immediately came to life. I built mine for an in between bike smaller than my Kona Process and larger than 26er HardRock. I jacked it up for more aggressive riding. 140mm fork.

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#4 ·
You can get hope hubs laced to arch ex rims off of bike 24.com for $375 shipped. They also have some other rims laced up for similar prices. The velvet is a good fork for tweener bikes. If you run the fork soft and stick a riser bar on the bike it will be a fantastic descender. If you run a flat bar and run the fork stiff it will make a good XC bike. The velvet is a very light weight fork for the money.
 
#6 ·
What is your budget for fork/wheels? Some people make wheels a priority over forks, but ive always felt the opposite. I have had an X-Fusion Sweep and a Pike on my Explosif and much prefer the Pike. The X-Fusion that is on there now is ok, but as soon as I get the Pike rebuilt it will go back in the closet. I was able to get my X-fusion for 240 shipped new @ CRC.

I have a lightish wheel set - DT350's on Velocity Blunt SS's with heavy 2.6's and love how it rides.
 
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#7 ·
Budget would be about $350 for wheels and probably 4-500 for a fork. This is why I am hoping to find something used. Again, if this turns out to be just as fun as my 29ers I will upgrade. I just hate to go expensive out of the gate and not like the smaller wheels.
 
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#12 ·
Just search arch ex. At the top of the page there is a tab for choosing your country and the armerican prices are cheaper than the german prices.
https://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=74884;menu=1000,2,140,318;page=2
These rims work perfectly for 2.3 maxxis tires. Something like a 2.25 ardent and dhr2 combination would work well on this bike and at this rim width. I like these trail hardtails because they make a good bike for epic xc rides if you build them light enough. The lightest I would go is something similar to the new giant fathom though.
 
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#13 · (Edited)
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#14 ·
This is probably a ridiculous question and I am terrible at math but I have to ask... Could I run a 29er fork that I had on my Honzo on the Explosif? If I planned to run 140mm on the Explosif and the fork I have is a 29er 120mm fork? Thinking about all aspects I feel like the center of the wheel height would affect something but what I don't know? Honestly just trying to cut corners.
 
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#19 ·
Just received my frame and I'm a little bummed. Outside of there being a very noticeable and large paint defect the head tube is not centered on the frame and can easily be noticed without much effort. It is set to the left. Is this something I should worry about? This is my first frame up build so I apologize if this is the norm in production frame sets as far as alignment goes.

Thanks
 
#20 ·
CB2423 said:
Just received my frame and I'm a little bummed. Outside of there being a very noticeable and large paint defect the head tube is not centered on the frame and can easily be noticed without much effort. It is set to the left. Is this something I should worry about? This is my first frame up build so I apologize if this is the norm in production frame sets as far as alignment goes.

Thanks
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Can you post a picture? That definitely sounds bad. The head tube should be centered. Maybe this is why it was on sale/closeout?

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#24 ·
I would doubt that it is off. They would likely have to place the tubing in a jig and cut it for the head tube. Then they would have to place it in a second jig to weld it together and not notice it's off. One of my eyes is stronger than the other and it's a huge pia for me to line up the seatpost straight.
 
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#26 ·
Took the frame to my closest Kona dealer yesterday and they confirmed the misalignment and said the frame should be returned. Question for those Who own this frame...does your down tube water bottle bosses roll to the right side of your frame and not centered?

Please note: These things happen in mass production and this is not a bash Kona thread AT ALL. Just looking for another perspective from real world experience. I have a Honzo as well that is my favorite bike and I will never sell it. I am hoping to just get this swapped out and move on with the build.
 
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#32 ·
Where you start out a post with "not to hijack the thread" it is because you know you are hijacking the thread.

Back to topic:

Kona is going to warranty the frame and so far the process has gone well. I will take the frame to my closest dealer today and they will handle it from there. My only fear is not getting the same frame in return. I do not want a 2018 replacement for several reasons and I wouldn't think a company would send an older model. Any input? I have never had to warranty a frame before.
 
#33 ·
Unfortunately unless they can get their hands on a 2016 gold frame, you may be out of luck. This has happened to a few of my friends and they had to take the new frame and upgrade components that wouldn't work. You may be able to work through your LBS and have them see if Kona can check other LBSs they sold that frame to. I tried this when hunting for a Ti Explosif before buying the steel one. In addition, I've occasionally seen these on eBay. Maybe set a search there and hopefully something pops up. An XL is going to be easier to find then a M or L. Good luck.

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#34 ·
I guess I will have to see what Kona offers. I bought the bike from the Kona store in Bellingham and their website states they do allow for returns. I am thinking if I cannot warranty it for the same frame I should be able to get a refund. I just in no way want this to get messy.
 
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#38 ·
Actually 2016 was purple. 2015 was orange.

I know 2018 moves to boost. I think boost is b.s for my riding because more hub spacing doesn't make the engine faster. Plus...there is no way to turn the volume down on that lime green paint of the 2018 frame.
 
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