Along with fades and smoky patterns, splatter paintwork is IMO one of the key visual elements of the UK’s first mountain biking boom era of the late ’80s to early ’90s. It’s how I remember my first proper MTB (an ’89 Ridgeback) and defines the early Kona range too. So it’s a treat to have Paul’s DB Axis in for some TLC and, by refitting the original Spinner rigid fork*, bring a bit more vintage splatter back to the local trails! Aside from sticky shifters, some worn cables & pads and untrue rims the bike is in pretty good condition and proudly sports an almost full Deore XT groupset of the iconic M730/5 variety (Sharkfin, headset & pedals included) and OE Avenir finishing kit mounted on the bombproof True Temper Ox tubed frame.
(*The period Italian Paioli suspension fork will be set aside for a future rebuild)
