Some Dream Builds start with a brand-new frame. Others begin with something a little rarer and a lot more personal. For Dusko Simic, a 44-year-old Kona fan from Zagreb, Croatia, the project was all about bringing an old favorite back to life. His 2000 Kona Caldera, complete with glow-in-the-dark paint, has been with him for years, and it was time to give the “old new lady” a fresh spark.
Dusko has a deep love for Kona bikes, especially the classic 26-inch era. In his words, those frames are still incredibly hot, and we tend to agree. He rides only Kona and has a lineup that reflects just how much these bikes mean to him. Alongside the Caldera, he is also working on a Unit X and planning a full remake of his 2003 Explosif, a frame he considers one of the best Kona ever made.
The Caldera rebuild was all about honoring that early 2000s energy while giving the bike a new life. A glow-in-the-dark frame, classic lines, and that unmistakable Kona character come together in a build that celebrates both nostalgia and dedication. Dusko’s passion for these bikes is obvious, and this Caldera shows exactly why the old-school Kona vibe still hits so hard.
Dusko is currently on the hunt for decals for his 2003 Explosif, including the True Temper badge. If anyone knows a source that can help him complete that next project, he is more than happy to pay for the right set.
This build starts with a classic 18-inch Kona frame from the year 2000, paired with a 120 mm RockShox Reba fork for a bit of modern compliance up front. It rolls on a set of Mavic Crossride wheels with matching Mavic hubs, which a shod with a Nobby Nic up front and a Smart Sam in the rear, both in 26x2.25.
Stopping power is handled by Magura MT Trail brakes with 180 mm rotors front and rear. The drivetrain is a dependable Shimano XT 1x11 setup with a 32T XT chainring, and the cockpit is stacked with Thomson components including the handlebar, stem, seatpost, and seat clamp. A Chris King headset keeps everything turning smoothly, while Kona grips, a Kona saddle, and Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals round out the build.
