Wayhayhayyyy!!!! It's arrived at last!

Yes, Tuesday 14th November 2006 and finally, after months of trying, he's got it. The Kona Kikapu Deluxe that John decided was the best weapon to replace his knackered Saracen Awol "learner bike" actually reached his garage today.

It should look like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a Spec like this:

Frame tubing Kona 7005 Aluminum Butted  4" Travel Rear shock Fox Float Fork Marzocchi MZ-3 100mm Braze-on fittings 2 bottles, fender, Disc brake tabs Headset Aheadset STS Crankarms TruVativ Blaze ISIS Chainrings 44/32/22 B/B TruVativ ISIS Pedals Shimano PD-M505 Clipless Chain Shimano CN-HG53 Cassette Shimano Deore (11-32, 9 spd) F/D Shimano Deore R/D Shimano Deore LX Shifters Shimano Deore Handlebar Kona Aluminum Riser Stem Kona Control Grips Kona Mooseknuckle Brakes Hayes Sole Brake Levers Hayes Sole Front hub KK Disc Rear hub Shimano FH-M475 disc Spokes Stainless 15g fr/14g rr Tires Nokian NBT 26 x 2.1 Rims Sun Black Eye Saddle WTB Laser V Sport Seatpost Kona Thumb Seat clamp Kona QR

Versatility and the shedding of 20 pounds were John's main criteria when he eventually made his choice of new bike. That and the fact that he knows Konas are pretty sturdy animals, whatever model you end up with. The Kikapu is aimed squarely at the Cross Country market rather than the Airborne Brigade, but we spend a lot less time jumping off things these days and he is getting on a bit. I promised his wife Angie that I'd look after him, so we're easing up on the Daredevil stuff (bollocks).

By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELA - it's a Big One!!!

Anyway, he's just been on the phone and invited me up tomorrow night to break it for him. Can't wait! I'll be taking my trusty bathroom scales to see just how much lighter it is than

a) his Awol     and     b) my ReCoil

I'll surely be letting you know on this page very soon.  Of course, we all know weight isn't everything, as I've mentioned elsewhere if you poke around Advice or Fixes maybe, but it can make life a lot easier when you're pedalling towards the sun or the moon rather than good old Mother earth. And after hauling around the 46 - odd pound Saracen for a year he certainly deserves something a bit leaner. As I've said before, my only concern is that I'm gonna spend a lot more time on my own now walking up the Seven Stanes.