[S​​usspect]

Just looked at a 2003 model Kona Unit at a pawn shop, and my brain is disturbed by the thought of buying it. Asking price $150. Seems like a rare find but not sure I need it. OX Platinum "feel of steel" frame, 26" wheels, Race Face cranks, Avid V-brakes, everything original, seems like it must have been kept indoors because it's in excellent condition and the orange frame is very attractive.

I don't need another bike. And if I wanted a single speed, a 29er unit would make a bit more sense.

Snap it up or let it ride?

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

26 is dead to me, except for my VRC bikes, in which case, it's integral.

It makes my brain hurt, so I just drink beer.....

 

[*OneSpeed*]

I want it based on your description alone. Can we share it?

For $150 what do you have to lose? It will never depreciate unless you break it.

 

[S​​usspect]

I want it based on your description alone. Can we share it?

Sure! Just send me $75! :yesnod:

For $150 what do you have to lose? It will never depreciate unless you break it.

I guess if I broke it, I'd feel like I got my money's worth....

 

[chazpat]

Just looked at a 2003 model Kona Unit at a pawn shop, and my brain is disturbed by the thought of buying it. Asking price $150. Seems like a rare find but not sure I need it. OX Platinum "feel of steel" frame, 26" wheels, Race Face cranks, Avid V-brakes, everything original, seems like it must have been kept indoors because it's in excellent condition and the orange frame is very attractive.

I don't need another bike. And if I wanted a single speed, a 29er unit would make a bit more sense.

Snap it up or let it ride?

hmm, sounds a lot like my old SS (which I still have):

2003 model: check
OX Platinum: well, 631 Reynolds
26" wheels: check
Race Face cranks: nope, Cook Bros
Avid V-brakes: levers, yes but brakes are XTR and XT
Orange frame: check

(and psst, don't share a bike with *OneSpeed*!)

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

I'd buy it for that price - I'm a sucker for Konas, good steel and I dig me a single speed.

But why is a 2003 bike being discussed in the VRC boards?

Grumps

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

But why is a 2003 bike being discussed in the VRC boards?

Grumps

Because it's 26".

 

[S​​usspect]

Because it's 26".

And because OP doesn't know the difference between "Vintage/Classic/Retro" and "old bike"...

BTW, it has a Marzochi Bomber EXR Comp 03 on it... which is, I believe, a pretty crappy coil fork from that era. That's the only part that doesn't look bone stock. Kinda wish it was rigid for the way I'd like to ride it...

Untitled Document

 

[*OneSpeed*]

BTW, it has a Marzochi Bomber EXR Comp 03 on it... which is, I believe, a pretty crappy coil fork from that era. That's the only part that doesn't look bone stock. Kinda wish it was rigid for the way I'd like to ride it...

Untitled Document

That can easily be fixed...

When are we going to see a pic of this thing anyway? You pick it up yet?

 

[S​​usspect]

That can easily be fixed...

When are we going to see a pic of this thing anyway? You pick it up yet?

Yep, okay, I just picked it up for $115 OTD. I like that pawn shop.

So the closer-inspection truth is that it does have a few small issues... brake levers a little bit bent, saddle has a few rips, rear wheel with a slight wobble but no hop. My chain checker can barely pop inside the links on the .5 side, and as I think it's the original chain that's a good indicator of how much (or how little) it's been ridden. Original tires - rear tire knobs are worn in the center of the tread. Tubes hold air.

Don't know what I'll do with it - ride it I guess? It'll fun to tool around on. I'd keep it in the house if my wife would let me, bc it's my prettiest bike!

 

[life behind bars]

Good buy, use it to chase the dog if nothing else.

 

[*OneSpeed*]

I want that!!

Yep, okay, I just picked it up for $115 OTD. I like that pawn shop.

So the closer-inspection truth is that it does have a few small issues... brake levers a little bit bent, saddle has a few rips, rear wheel with a slight wobble but no hop. My chain checker can barely pop inside the links on the .5 side, and as I think it's the original chain that's a good indicator of how much (or how little) it's been ridden. Original tires - rear tire knobs are worn in the center of the tread. Tubes hold air.

Don't know what I'll do with it - ride it I guess? It'll fun to tool around on. I'd keep it in the house if my wife would let me, bc it's my prettiest bike!

Really, $115?!?! Why can't I find that in XL in a local pawn shop? Yup, Jealous.

Should probably replace the tires and tubes for safety reasons, the brake pads too. Then go wreak havoc! Be sure to wear a helmet with a bright Green mohawk and spray paint your initials on innocent bystanders and parked cars. :thumbsup:

 

[S​​usspect]

I want that!!

Really, $115?!?! Why can't I find that in XL in a local pawn shop? Yup, Jealous.

Should probably replace the tires and tubes for safety reasons, the brake pads too. Then go wreak havoc! Be sure to wear a helmet with a bright Green mohawk and spray paint your initials on innocent bystanders and parked cars. :thumbsup:

Yeah... I felt pretty slick when the store guy countered my offer of $100 with "$115, no tax"... I thought "yeah, I'm a pretty good negotiator"... until we got outside and I realized they had dropped the price overnight and I hadn't even noticed the sticker now said $115 .

But yes, new tires etc. are in order. I thought I was done with 26 when I got my kids on 29ers... maybe I can find a store that's clearing out their old stock.

 

[eshew]

Nice score! Two crescent wrenches can be used to straighten the levers. One by the body, the other outboard. Takes no time.

Find an old pre 99 Marzocchi Z1 and some flat pedals & you'll be rocking! For whatever reason I've got a thing for Kona and old bolt on brace Marzocchi's

 

[S​​usspect]

Nice score! Two crescent wrenches can be used to straighten the levers. One by the body, the other outboard. Takes no time.

Find an old pre 99 Marzocchi Z1 and some flat pedals & you'll be rocking! For whatever reason I've got a thing for Kona and old bolt on brace Marzocchi's

Ok thanks, I'll try that fix and might look up that fork. I don't know much about old suspension forks. What I can tell you is that the Bomber that's on there right now probably weighs as much or more than the frame, and it's only giving up about an inch or so of travel when I pogo stick on it. Probably zero small bump compliance haha. I'd love to get it off there, I'd take a lighter rigid fork or an old working air fork any day. But it's fine for riding to the store and back .