2001 Kona Firemountain
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2001 Kona Firemountain
Well the dump got me again. This was to be a source for some decent parts and a provider of a bit of fun money to support a new project I have on the way. Well after some dismantling, sanding and cleaning I’ve gone mad and decided to polish the aluminum frame and turn this into a single speed lake bike. Any input on best methods to do any of this is appreciated. I also want to keep costs down so may need to scavenge this n that
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Starter pics






Fork is fooked
grime on the bottom of frame could not be taken off with paint thinner, WD40, pressure washer or gasoline.
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Sanding


I hand to sand the grime off the lower portion of the frame and realized that my wanting a shiny chrome style bike could be achieved by polishing this aluminum frame. I used what paint stripper i had left and made some progress. I resumed hand sanding but honestly to much work. I will pick up more paint stripper to remove the remaining paint
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Components

Cleaned up and touched up best I could not sure what’s staying and what’s going.
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Nice. The only KONA colour scheme I liked more than the gold was the rasta treatment.
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Looks like you know what you are doing.
Lake house bike? Maybe more grease than usual when rebuilding, wiped-off externally of course.
Best source for used parts:
1. Try the Trade thread here on BF
2. Bike cooperative near you? Saskatoon
Lake house bike? Maybe more grease than usual when rebuilding, wiped-off externally of course.
Best source for used parts:
1. Try the Trade thread here on BF
2. Bike cooperative near you? Saskatoon
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Progress



Well a couple of hours of 120grit my arm was numb and felt like it was going to fall off. Who’s idea was this anyway lol I do have to say this frame is a looker. I think it’s going to look ace when done
Last edited by victorm; 05-03-21 at 08:46 AM.
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600 Grit

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I did the same to my Trek Y-Glide. But I left swirl sandmarks instead of poslished. Then finished it with clear coat

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Semper fi
Semper fi
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That looks great, did the clear coat stay on well? Those wheels🤩🤩
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Ever so close


Well that’s a-lot of work lol inching closer to that mirror finish which seems to be elusive
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More progress


I have a new project on the way and the package included a Rock Shox Judy fork in red colour. I have no other need for it so it will replace the seized fork that was on this bike. Gonna keep it as a 1x8. I bought some red cable housing a while back that was going to use on a different project it will go on this bike as well. Using a few parts bin items to make this thing roll I’m actually excited to
see it come together
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Fork is on

Bit of an upgrade from the seized Insync fork that came on it originally
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Progress




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That's neat. I'm thinking about doing the same thing to a Schwinn S-40 full suspension frame. Replacement rear shocks are expensive though, so it's been sitting.
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I’m afraid this took more work than most sane people would take on but yes there are some great bikes that with a little elbow grease would make great commuters and baggers
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Done deal





Well she’s ready for the streets and trails. 1x8 drive train with Tektro V Brakes, Jagwire cables and housing, Surly Sunrise bar, Oury grips, Suntour XC Pro rear derailleur, Specialized seat and bottle cage and Rock Shox Judy on the front.
Last edited by victorm; 06-29-21 at 10:26 AM.
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#21
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Your project continues to inspire me on my GT MTB Frame. I have one less step to do as it is a ball burnished Avalanche model from the 90’s. Still going to take lite sanding and a polish to get it to your level.
Nice build list! Did you use original chainring on the front?
Nice build list! Did you use original chainring on the front?
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No a 34 tooth Decasnarrow wide chainring popped up locally for ten bucks so I snagged it. The original had more teeth missing than my aunt Louise😂
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Hood ride








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Full commuter mode for my daughter