Do you have a 1990s MTB?

[SlackMan]

There's not a lot of substance in this (http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-passion-for-classic-mountain-bikes-1427820766?mod=WSJ_article_EditorsPicks_4) WSJ article, but the overall point is pretty interesting. The top quote reads "Mountain bikes from the early 1990s, considered a golden age for the sport, are in demand." What do you think?

If the link above requires a subscription, try this one (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQqQIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Farticles%2Fa-passion-for-classic-mountain-bikes-1427820766&ei=ZRUbVc3wC9HroAS_xIKACQ&usg=AFQjCNG9TyVr-MHXXA7x4Dhh30MlWac4AQ&sig2=Fl-u2dz_794ewjV85yThEQ&bvm=bv.89744112,d.cGU).

[texbike]

I totally agree! Non-suspended, 90s era MTBs are fantastic. They're the FJ80 Land Cruisers of the bike world. You can ride them all over and there's just a wonderful, rugged, simplicity to them.

In the past week, there was an absolutely mint condition 1990 Trek 970 for sale here on the local CL with full Deore for $150. I didn't need another bike, so didn't bother to call. However, now that it's gone, I'm kicking myself for not getting it.

Texbike

[Ken Robb]

I'm not going to subscribe to the WSJ so I can read the article but I do own the 1989 Bridgestome MB-3 that I bought new. I think it's like the appeal of of a 1965 Corvette. They were both "high-performance" machines in their day and they can still be as fast or faster today as when they were new but newer machines with full suspension or better suspension will be faster and more comfortable over challenging terrain. OTOH if the roads/terrain are not too challenging they may surprise you with their abilities.

Someone wanting a "gravel grinder" would find any of the MB-1 through MB-4 Bridgestones very good bikes.

[carlineng]

Rivendell's newest "budget" model, the Clem Smith Jr., is marketed as essentially a throwback to this era of bicycles. Not my cup of tea, but it looks like there's a lot of demand for it, judging by the state of the RBW Owners Bunch forum...

[texbike]

I'm not going to subscribe to the WSJ so I can read the article

You can do a Google search for the article and it won't require a subscription.

I have an '83 Specialized Stump Jumper. It isn't nearly as cool as the bikes mentioned in the article, but it is a bit of an icon.

Texbike

[christian]

F*ck no.

I have a 1994 Scott something or other with Pedersen SE brakes and Deore XT. I also have a 2004 Cannondale Jekyll.

They are both ancient history. The MTB equivalent of a Model T.

Give me a modern 140mm 27.5 anyday.

The only thing those things are good for is locking up at the train station or dirt road touring in Malawi.

[Idris Icabod]

Buddy just had his circa 1995 Klein repainted in the gator fade scheme for $$$$$ and then dressed it in brand new XTR. It's now an art piece that he refuses to ride for fear of wrecking it.

[SlackMan]

You can do a Google search for the article and it won't require a subscription.

I have an '83 Specialized Stump Jumper. It isn't nearly as cool as the bikes mentioned in the article, but it is a bit of an icon.

Texbike

Yes, try this link (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQqQIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Farticles%2Fa-passion-for-classic-mountain-bikes-1427820766&ei=ZRUbVc3wC9HroAS_xIKACQ&usg=AFQjCNG9TyVr-MHXXA7x4Dhh30MlWac4AQ&sig2=Fl-u2dz_794ewjV85yThEQ&bvm=bv.89744112,d.cGU).

[Ken Robb]

Yes, try this link (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQqQIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Farticles%2Fa-passion-for-classic-mountain-bikes-1427820766&ei=ZRUbVc3wC9HroAS_xIKACQ&usg=AFQjCNG9TyVr-MHXXA7x4Dhh30MlWac4AQ&sig2=Fl-u2dz_794ewjV85yThEQ&bvm=bv.89744112,d.cGU).

This link and the other above get me to a page that requires a subscription to read the article.

[p nut]

I've had several 90's bikes. Trek 8-900's, Specialized Rockhoppers, '93Scott Comp, Gary Fishers, Bridgestones, Raleighs, etc. They are great for mild trails and dirt roads, in my opinion. For proper mountain biking, I've settled on bigger wheels, slacker angles, short chainstays/wheelbase, and stems <120mm.

The Golden age of mountain biking is NOW with all these + size bikes coming out, along with optimal geometry, frame material, etc.

[Mayhem]

They're in big demand, especially aftermarket parts. Check out http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/

I like the 90's MTB's because that's kind of my era, I started racing in '92. This is my '94 Diamond Back Axis TR, almost all original. True Temper TT Lite tubing, made in the USA. 21lbs w/o pedals. Been ridden all over the US and Hawaii.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i233/snuffster_2006/051_zpscf2b3669.jpg

[SlackMan]

F*ck no.

I have a 1994 Scott something or other with Pedersen SE brakes and Deore XT. I also have a 2004 Cannondale Jekyll.

They are both ancient history. The MTB equivalent of a Model T.

Give me a modern 140mm 27.5 anyday.

The only thing those things are good for is locking up at the train station or dirt road touring in Malawi.

Well, I am using 7-speed downtube shifters on my road bike with a Dura Ace 9000 wheelset, so I still think some Model T era things are good. I love my 1996 KHS Pro mountain bike with True Temper OX Ultra II tubing--rides like a dream.

[ColnagoFan]

I love that era because it's when I came up in the cycling world. My formative years were spent reading those early/mid-90s magazines and coveting the sweet full USA parts build Yetis/etc...

[weisan]

In the past week, there was an absolutely mint condition 1990 Trek 970 for sale here on the local CL with full Deore for $150. I didn't need another bike, so didn't bother to call. However, now that it's gone, I'm kicking myself for not getting it.

Texbike

And you didn't even bother to give me a call? :rolleyes: :D
Still holding on to my 1997 GT Karakoram.... Indestructible paint, super smooth.

[Hindmost]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i233/snuffster_2006/051_zpscf2b3669.jpg

Woah! Bontrager saddle...the first time I rode mine I sat up to stretch and straighten my back and almost fell off the back of the bike.

[thirdgenbird]

I acquired a nearly new 1997 stumpjumper m2 last year.

I wanted to keep the look and feel on the era, but did do a few updates/backdates.

P2 rigid fork
Small block 8 rear tire and slant 6 front
Zee shifter
Zee rd
SLX 10spd cassette
Single ring/bolts
Lock on grips.

Keeping a silver seatpost, stem, bar, crank and wheelset was mandatory.

the end result: cheap, light, and a riot.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/stumpjumper/E47B9CC6-3F34-4BFD-97B3-B13106425F5B_zpscresiral.jpg

[crownjewelwl]

Maybe for nostalgia

Modern suspension with anti squat and wet brakes are so much better

I did like the fluo yellow paint job on my nishiki with the elevated chainstay

[Grant McLean]

Give me a modern 140mm 27.5 anyday.

The only thing those things are good for is locking up at the train station or dirt road touring in Malawi.

Depends on where you ride.

I've still got my 1993 Ritchey P-23 and it's great for bombing the trails.
There are lots of smooth packed trails around my 'hood, where many of us locals
learned to ride "off road". This requires nothing more than a 2" semi-knobby tire.

The thing i liked about that era was we just went and pedaled our bikes around.
It wasn't a full day of packing the car, driving 2 hours to the trail-head,
and racing around pretending we're doing something serious that
requires a $6,000 bike - then driving two hours home. Riding off road was
a lot more fun before mountainbiking became a sport.

-g

[thwart]

Still do.

But converted to a city bike/grocery getter.

Still have the parts to flip it back...

[Ken Robb]

Still do.

But converted to a city bike/grocery getter.

Still have the parts to flip it back...

I have done the same with my MB-3. Yours looks almost new; mine has a few scars.

[thwart]

I have done the same with my MB-3. Yours looks almost new; mine has a few scars.
Unfortunately, the rider has the scars.

[grawk]

I've got a '90ish Nishiki Colorado that I still love. It's basically a road frame with 26" fat tires. I ride it when I'm out with my kids.

[Louis]

Rivendell's newest "budget" model, the Clem Smith Jr., is marketed as essentially a throwback to this era of bicycles. Not my cup of tea, but it looks like there's a lot of demand for it, judging by the state of the RBW Owners Bunch forum...

Just for grins I went over there to take a look. I know enough about Grant to know that he's somewhat of an iconoclast, but what's the story on all the double TT frames? I don't think I've ever seen so many in one place before.

[steamer]

My 1987 Bianchi Grizzly gets the job* done.

* riding in slop all winter and spring

No, not an 90's bike bike, but in a similar vein.

https://i1.wp.com/i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx356/steamer_03/DSC01469_zpsc1c0f541.jpg

[HenryA]

I think there is something to this. Those bikes are pretty pure in their manifestation of simplicity or rather just enough complexity to get the job done. Not a lot of extra "features", mostly just the distilled essence of "bike".

I'd still be riding my old Fat Chance but for my back. My new (sorta) hardtail 650B with disk brakes and a nice short travel fork is an improvement over the older bikes, but still maintains most of the "basicness" that makes the older bikes so endearing. A small incremental improvement.

These older bikes are good for almost any kind of riding, but not the best for most. And there is nothing like (for me) the rail like carving on a twisty trail that I can do on an old school bike. Its a different feel. Very rewarding of technique and style.

I have no doubt that the latest 2015 fully sprung carbon wonder is better, faster more comfy by a mile. But there's a lot to be said for simplicity or simpleness.

[joosttx]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7655/16768721181_7b3a956119.jpg

One of the first Buck Shavers made. Before they were sold to Serrota.
white industry hub and ringle moby seatpost xt thumbshifters and kooka cranks.

[witcombusa]

'82 Specialized Stumpjumper and '94 Gary Fischer Mt Tam

[wallymann]

me: fisher hoo-koo-e-koo 1996
her: trek 830 mountain track 1994

https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/969857_10200755170393504_2013570142_n.jpg?oh=bdf6f 036bb976335a467fed9c9c905cd&oe=55B66187
http://majortaylorcycling.org/bikes/walter_fisher_hkek.jpg

[sand fungus]

Reminds me of a story. I purchased a 1989 Trek 950 brand new (with the blue paint white letters, pink highlights and pink toe straps) and I have always loved that bike, so kept it and still ride it occasionally. Last year I was taking it down the elevator in my condo building and one of the hipster kids in the building commented about how it was a really sweet vintage mountain bike and asked me where I got it. I told him I bought it new.:eek: The wife and I had a good laugh over that.

We still joke about being vintage:banana:

[texbike]

F*ck no.

I have a 1994 Scott something or other with Pedersen SE brakes and Deore XT. I also have a 2004 Cannondale Jekyll.

They are both ancient history. The MTB equivalent of a Model T.

Give me a modern 140mm 27.5 anyday.

The only thing those things are good for is locking up at the train station or dirt road touring in Malawi.

Yeah, I don't believe that anyone is saying that these old clunkers are better than the latest, greatest or that one should be purchased instead of a modern mountain bike. However, they're fun clunker bikes to ride around on.

And you didn't even bother to give me a call? :rolleyes: :D
Still holding on to my 1997 GT Karakoram.... Indestructible paint, super smooth.

I definitely should have given you a call. Sorry about that!

I acquired a nearly new 1997 stumpjumper m2 last year.

I wanted to keep the look and feel on the era, but did do a few updates/backdates.

the end result: cheap, light, and a riot.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/stumpjumper/E47B9CC6-3F34-4BFD-97B3-B13106425F5B_zpscresiral.jpg

Nice!

Texbike

[kokies]

This is how I invested into my retirement. 16978978301697897831


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pdmtong]

my bikes from back in those days were
- 1988 Fisher HKEK
- 1989 Ritchey Skyliner tandem set up with 26" wheels and a mtn cycles suspenders disc fork
- 1991 Fisher Gemini tandem (pedersen SE, thudbuster, etc)
- 1999 Specialized S-works FSR-XC (first "light" FS bike 24.5 pounds)

For cruising around in 2015 I don't miss any of them. I prefer my Trek District belt drive SS.

Every now and then I find myself wishing I had a
- Ritchey P-23
- Merlin newsboy
- Bontrager OR race lite
- Ibis Bow-ti
- Bridgestone MB-0
But I don't lose too much sleep over it.

Like grant says, the experience was much purer in some ways. pioneering. you certainly had to be a better rider to make up for the bike nuances and limitations on top of the gearing and toe clips.

[rgr111]

I love my hardtail Yeti ARC, but no way am I going back to the '95 Giant Boulder I used to have. All the specs on it were "off" so I couldn't fit any modern components on it. Stupid progress. And don't get me started on 29er rims.

[Matt-H]

I had a ~ '90 Fuji Discovery that served me well- still wish I had sprung for the Kona Caldera for some reason. Later I bought a '96 or '97 DBR WCF (welded carbon fiber) from Poison Spider Bikes in Moab and spec'd it with a White Ind crankset, purple ano wheelset and some CNC'd Proshift brakes. Great bike for that time!

[Tony]

Rocky Mountain Altitude t. o. 8 sp xtr ders, Sram rocket shifters, XTR brakes, levers, Race Face cranks, CK hubs, Mavic CD ceramic rims, ti spokes (steel on drive side), CK cages, Judy SL fork w/after market spring and cartage, Syncros carbon seat post, Easton monkey lite carbon bars, Photo taken with slicks for hard surface single track. I use WTB Wolverine 2.2 tires on most trails in my area, sweet ride!

Ibis Mojo, 8 sp xtr rear xt front der, shifters and brakes, Specialized S works crank, White Industry hubs, Mavic CD ceramic rims, DT revolution spokes, Syncros TI seat post.

https://plus.google.com/photos/107709068384636814318/albums/5851528538861870177

[avalonracing]

This is how I invested into my retirement. 16978978301697897831


Well done!

[bcroslin]

I have a 1996/97 Kona Kilauea that's Prestige steel with an XT group including the first version of XT V-brakes. It was in pieces in the shed but I dusted it off and put new tires on it and rode it hard for a season a few years ago. It's now back in the shed since I bought a carbon hard tail Santa Cruz 29'er but at some point I'm going to take it apart and make it pretty and then hang it up in the garage for good. I'll never sell it since it was my first real mtb.

[Anarchist]

Dekerf steel hard tail with rigid steel forks.

Gorgeous bike, fun to ride.

[Kentf14]

I had the pleasure of shooting the $hit with Gary Fisher the other day and let me tell you that he still exudes the early MTB coolness. It was hard for me not to slobber all over the place. Fortunately, since we were drinking espresso I kept my cool :rolleyes:

Anyhow, I had an early Bontrager, and still have a late 80s Schwinn Cimmaron. I'll have to dig out some pics soon.

[edukaycheon]

Everywhere I look in Santa Barbara there's a pretty cool 80s/90s MTB being ridden - Marins, Stumpjumpers, Bridgestones, etc. I'm on a GT Tequesta that I ride to class, singlespeed and geometry is a little more aggressive on the road, but thinking about going 1x8 and making it more functional. Considering I bought my bike for $30 plus $40 for a set of tires, steel rigid MTBs are cheap and cheerful in my opinion.

[JAllen]

My 1987 Bianchi Grizzly gets the job* done.

* riding in slop all winter and spring

No, not an 90's bike bike, but in a similar vein.

https://i1.wp.com/i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx356/steamer_03/DSC01469_zpsc1c0f541.jpg

I'm lusting after your bike. Man that is gorgeous. I have a 90's (not sure of the exact year) Giant Rincon that I want to do this same conversion with. I would love to get all specs on that.

[93legendti]

I'd like a '90's Sling Shot. They were cool bikes to ride.

[thirdgenbird]

Yeah, I don't believe that anyone is saying that these old clunkers are better than the latest, greatest or that one should be purchased instead of a modern mountain bike. However, they're fun clunker bikes to ride around on.



Nice!

Texbike

Thanks!

The thing is, better is subjective. A modern bike maybe faster, but I don't race. My stumpjumer makes me work hard and laugh all at the same time. The total cost, less than a modern suspension fork. For me, that means better. The money spent on a modern bike would be a waste. I'm getting exactly what I want without worry.

This is how I invested into my retirement. 16978978301697897831


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Love the purple. Answer black ops stem???

I'd like a '90's Sling Shot. They were cool bikes to ride.

They still make them. They even have a 29er.

[bobswire]

I still have a Fisher Aquilla I purchased in 1996 from Open Road cycles in San Francisco plus a Rock Shox Judy and original rigid fork. In fact I rode it today on a errand. Still rides good with original components/wheels. Only tires/tubes and chain have been changed. The only reason it is still in good condition is I gave it to my brother to use and it pretty much sat in his garage for 10 years unused.:banana:



http://i62.tinypic.com/11r7nug.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/21mc5kg.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/4qa1g.jpg

[d_douglas]

I love that era because it's when I came up in the cycling world. My formative years were spent reading those early/mid-90s magazines and coveting the sweet full USA parts build Yetis/etc...

I couldn't agree more. I just sold my 1992 Steel Rocky Mountain and I miss it due to the memories it held for me of advancing my riding skills on my first GOOD off-road bike. I had two Bridgestones before that, but they were downright dangerous when riding on the North Shore.

I now have a Vicious 29er that I am converting to 7spd XT/Ritchey/Avid BB7/rigid that will be my big wheeled retro bike - I can't wait!

[thirdgenbird]

We need vicious pictures!

[Mayhem]

I acquired a nearly new 1997 stumpjumper m2 last year.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/stumpjumper/E47B9CC6-3F34-4BFD-97B3-B13106425F5B_zpscresiral.jpg

I got this '97 A1 FS Stump three years ago from a guy closing his bike shop. He had a bunch of NOS bikes in his basement. Sold it last year.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i233/snuffster_2006/2013-01-231146141_zps48815024.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i233/snuffster_2006/stump1011_zpsa49d1971.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i233/snuffster_2006/2013-02-03085337_zpsc74cbc4a.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

Nice. i might put a dropper post in mine if I run across one cheap.

[rburnham13]

I just recently rebuilt an old Cannondale F2000 frame. I built it up with mostly XT and XTR. 1 X 9 set up. I built it for my fiancee to get into MTB.

[choke]

1991 Scapin Team Over Size w/Campy Euclid

http://cycle.ciocctoo.com/sc1.JPG

1989 Cannondale 3.0 This pic is circa 1990 and a lot of the parts were replaced shortly after it was taken - it now sports Grafton brakes, RS-1 fork, ATAC stem, and an Ibis Ti handlebar. It's pretty impossible to tell in the pic but the hubs and crank are Bullseye.

http://cycle.ciocctoo.com/cdale.JPG

[blilrat]

Still raced my 90s MTB up until last year -

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5554/14532865317_ddc4c39521_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14532701509_1ac70d0f00_c.jpg

[AJosiahK]

1993 spec rockhopper...... learned to rock hop on that thing!

alas its no more

not really sure what happened to it.

wasn't a special bike by any means but I think most of us can agree there are some rigs out there that hit the spot in terms of sentimental value in memory

[d_douglas]

We need vicious pictures!

The project is underway. Busy life, so I peck away at it after I get kids to bed.

Photos coming soon :)

[bobswire]

Still do.

But converted to a city bike/grocery getter.

Still have the parts to flip it back...

Birds of a feather or great minds think alike... http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?p=1733967#post1733967 :)

[Bim]

I raced this last season. V-brakes but with a more forgiving 80mm fork.

[redir]

F*ck no.

I have a 1994 Scott something or other with Pedersen SE brakes and Deore XT. I also have a 2004 Cannondale Jekyll.

They are both ancient history. The MTB equivalent of a Model T.

Give me a modern 140mm 27.5 anyday.

The only thing those things are good for is locking up at the train station or dirt road touring in Malawi.

I agree. I still have my '92 Paramount, lugged steel, great bike but I'll ride my Cannondale Flash 29r over that old bike any day.

[gdw]

I like riding Model T's on rough trails in remote areas.

[blessthismess]

I love my 92 Stumpjumper, I have it set up as an around town bike and it's great for all the potholes, cracks and garbage in Oakland. I've ridden it on trails as well with no problems. Old mountain bikes rule, built like tanks and priced extremely reasonably since most people don't want them anymore, kinda like track bikes pre 2000's.

On a second note: the Yeti and Scapin posted above are killer. Very jealous

[Tony]

I like riding Model T's on rough trails in remote areas.

and leaving many, mostly on climbs :)

Just recently I did try a modern fs mtb, what an eye opener! Now I'm saving up for an Ibis Mojo HDR 650b, or Santa Cruz 5010 S

[m_sasso]

My go anywhere bike, 92 Team Marin, Suntour XC Pro and Shimano M900 XTR cranks and pedals. With skinny tires fully loaded cross country tour.

[merlinmurph]

I'm not going to subscribe to the WSJ so I can read the article but I do own the 1989 Bridgestome MB-3 that I bought new.

Same here, my first mtb. It now has slicks and fenders on it, and it's my tourista bike when we go somewhere I need a bike to get around, like Block I.

There's a pretty active market for old B-stones, especially the 0 and 1. Guys are getting good $$$ for them.

Also have a Fat Chance Buck Shaver ('94) which I am slowly in the process of re-building.

Both these bikes were awesome in tight New England singletrack.

[aaronka]

I'll post up some pics soon, in the meantime quick mentions of my rigs.

I rode my Bridgestone MB-2 actively until a few years ago. I felt it was a perfect blend of agile, tough, and lightweight - I literally rode that bike like it was a BMX. Fully rigid with Suntour components. I'm working on a full-scale rebuild now, for posterity sake.

Then last year I was lucky enough to buy a late 90's Indy Fab MTB from an old rowing buddy, its kitted out with all XTR and XT bits. Similar to the Bridgestone in that it has those same properties but it an even better race bike.

I love the era of bikes we are talking about, they were quite good.

[gdw]

"Just recently I did try a modern fs mtb, what an eye opener! Now I'm saving up for an Ibis Mojo HDR 650b, or Santa Cruz 5010 S"

There are some great bikes being produced these days and those two are excellent choices.


The Stumpjumpers from the 90's are classics especially the ones built with Prestige tubing. I made the mistake of selling my 1990 Comp years ago and recently picked up this 1994 to restore and replace it. It will make a great town bike and will easily handle the trails around Boulder.

[Mayhem]

Me in the '95 Hawaii State MTB Championships, 2nd place. The bike was a purple Iron Horse ARS 700 I bought the day before. I remember some 6'6" or something guy on a fully rigid steel bike won, and he was like 10 minutes ahead of me.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i233/snuffster_2006/2013-01-14074549_zps8820f09e.jpg

[JAllen]

This is the project bike. Going to do something along the lines of what steamer did with his grizzly. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/01/50008b1c9a2718b7fabc1678244e00b8.jpg

[GScot]

Some nice bikes in this thread. I have 2000 (so technically 90s:banana:) Stumpjumper. I've been wanting to get it out on a trail since moving to STL this winter. Fork seems to have held up fine I just need to find a 26" rear wheel or wheelset compatible with rim brakes and it'll be ready to ride.

[54ny77]

i have a 90's mtb. it's heavy, it works, nothing really much else to day.

and then i recently tried a pal's newfangled top of line carbon mtb dual suspension rig with all the hottest do-dad's. my oh my.

it's like comparing a rotary phone vs. a new smartphone.

mtb tech is astonishing.

[pdonk]

I have a 1989 custom brodie climbmax with a gatorblade fork. Like all good bikes of that era sized down and put a long stem on it. Still pull it out a few times a year.

Also have a 1996 dekerf team sl. Gorgeous bike. Fork needs to be rebuilt. Wish I could find a 80 mm fork with cantis for it.

My main ride is a suped up lapierre. While mostly modern and a dually it lacks something the other two have. I think it is mostly memories of youth. I wont miss it when its time to sell it. The others I'll always keep.

[Matthew]

Since many of you are remembering the good old days and the bikes you let go why don't you buy my 1998 Trek 8500 hardtail? Look for it in the classifieds! Size 18, very good condition. And cheap. Matthew

[sw3759]

i love my 90's mtb's.all rim brake,all 8 spd,all with 26 inch tubed tires.i guess all i have is 90 mtb's.99 specialized steel RH w/manitou fork,98 litespeed unicoi w/xtr 8,and 96 trek y33,but only the rigid 93 (?) bianchi grizzly gets ridden much..its a nice tange prestige gravel road-trail bike-winter bike xt 8 spd with one of my first sets of self built wheels.i'll try to add a photo later this week.
never actually ridden a mondern up to date mtb so i guess dont know what i'm missing

[DarkStar]

I have a 1990 Yeti FRO that I love, rode it non-stop between '91 and '00. Although not ridden it much since getting my Litespeed Blueridge in '01.

[exapkib]

Best thing about '90s mountain bikes?

Neon splatter paint.

[rodcad]

My Ritchey:

[DHallerman]

Interesting timing for this thread, from my perspective. Over the past month or so, I've been resurrecting my Bridgestone MB-2, which has laid fallow as a bare frame for about 15 years.

A photo of where this project is this morning:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24440195/bstone_mb2_01.jpg

But I bought the MB-2 new in 1990, and even as dozens of other bicycles and frames passed through my hands (and feet), I could never give this one up. Undoubtedly worth more to me than to anyone else.

I will rebuild it with Dirt Drop handlebars (see that upjutting Salsa stem!), bar-end shifters, a compact double crank, a 9-speed mountain cassette and use it for what?

At this point, just some kind of fun comes to mind.

Dave, who wonders how much memory contributes to our current experiences that we find fun

[RFC]

This is a great thread!

Classic MTB's make great platforms for allarounders. Here are a couple of threads you must see!

http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/828426-show-your-vintage-mtb-drop-bar-conversions.html

http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/148170-show-us-your-vintage-mountain-bikes.html

Here are a couple of mine -- a 1989 Fisher and a 1993 Dutch frame made from surplus Russian MIGs and subs.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/FisherGG3r.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/FisherGG3r.jpg.html)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/FisherGG26r.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/FisherGG26r.jpg.html)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/SRPCanel34r.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/SRPCanel34r.jpg.html)

[spacemen3]

90's MTB's were awesome simply for the fact they didn't cost more than a factory team motorcross bike like they do now. :) Member gis_guru has a sick collection, and they're all a blast to ride. Here are a couple:

[Corso]

90s: I have a bunch, but my Indy is my favorite.

[Fatty]

Mid 90's Homegrown. Bought it new and still ride it on a regular basis.

[weisan]

Best thing about '90s mountain bikes?

Neon splatter paint.

I agree...and darn near indestructible if I may add. Here's my 1997 GT Karakoram, the condition of the paint looked almost the same as it was 18 years ago after I gave it a good O' scrubbing.

[dimsy]

1991 Scapin Team Over Size w/Campy Euclid

http://cycle.ciocctoo.com/sc1.JPG



those michelin wildgrippers were awesome. i had them on a trek 8000sl with the first SID fork.

[kenw]

triple butted main triangle (or so say the decals) with a wonderful
ring to the top tube when given a flick with a finger. Unfortunately,
it has a now quite useless U-brake

[esldude]

Well depends on the bike of course in some sense.

Had a 90's Peugeot MTB (Canadian made). Heavy and not much fun, but okay for a beater bike. Definitely not a desirable classic.

Picked up a mid 90's Trek. Dirty from sitting in shed for years, but functional. Dirt cheap at a yard sale. Covered in stickers of all kinds. Cleaned and lubed everything. It was surprisingly light and rode super nice. Sold the Peugeot to a friend for a song. Took stickers off and found I had a Trek 930 with Ox Comp double butted TT tubing. No wonder it rode nicely. Still have it as a beater for bopping around the neighborhood. Somehow the geometry of it seems perfect for me too.

[mg2ride]

I don't do any MTBing so I have been skipping this thread thinking it does not apply to me. Wandering in my garage yesterday it dawned on me I'm loaded with older MTB's.

They have just been all outfitted as Urban assault bikes

80's Cdale Beast of East with pepperoni fork
Late 80's/early 90's Trek 930 with Indy suspension fork
Early 90's GT (some number for the model I think)

Not the same era but the coolest bike I think I own is:
Early 2000 K2 Evo 4.0 with Carbon Fiber swing arm.

[Stan Lee]

I've always loved the old ones, here are a few of mine.

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Koski/Trailmaster_zps381b3cb2.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Koski/Trailmaster_zps381b3cb2.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Steves%20Bike/IMG_4833-1787x1191_zpswdgmhy1j.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Steves%20Bike/IMG_4833-1787x1191_zpswdgmhy1j.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/CC%20Bikes/IMG_1290.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/CC%20Bikes/IMG_1290.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Moots/IMG_6603.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Moots/IMG_6603.jpg.html)

[marsh]

They are like donuts: there is nothing they can't do.
The only forever horse in the stable, my Supergo Zaskar.
https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6183/6140760741_0759fc9c00_z.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7640/16994799316_c0e03fcf8e_z.jpg
Debating whether to rebuild the Duke fork or throw a steel fork on it.

My buddies Kestrel:
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8700/16398593164_2c9664135c_z.jpg

Current 930 project with 700d wheels from a GT Tachyon:
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8696/16833194858_df5c27d86a_z.jpg

My former RockCombo:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/14624626473_606d615677_z.jpg

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/HPM/SM982.jpg

[Fatty]

They are like donuts: there is nothing they can't do.
The only forever horse in the stable, my Supergo Zaskar.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7640/16994799316_c0e03fcf8e_z.jpg
Debating whether to rebuild the Duke fork or throw a steel fork on

Sure that is a 90's Zascar ? didn't think the disc mount came till later.

I would refresh the Duke , no question.

[cegerer]

Still have my 1998 K2-ProFlex with active suspension operating on 9-volt batteries - it actually works :)

[smead]

KHS Descent early/mid 90s would be my guess, deore lx 7 speed works just fine. Crushes gravel, big fun, mint cond when found, solid $100 investment! :banana:

[Corso]

I've always loved the old ones, here are a few of mine.


Stan, just WOW...

[blessthismess]

That old brown Moots , so chill. ^^^

[montag]

There was a super clean Bontrager Privateer Comp on CL here well over a year ago that I still kick myself for not snagging. This thread is not helping!

[Stan Lee]

Here are some cool ones that I've sold over the years..

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Ibis/IMG_5504.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Ibis/IMG_5504.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Phoenix/wtbs001-1.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Phoenix/wtbs001-1.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Ritchey/IMG_6638-2.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Ritchey/IMG_6638-2.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Ritchey/P1060211_zps57541244.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Ritchey/P1060211_zps57541244.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Moots/bikes001.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Moots/bikes001.jpg.html)

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

Cut my teeth on a full chrome 1980's Ross Mt Hood, bull moose bars, rollercam under the chainstays, what an effing blast that bike was, but looking back holy crap they looked (and compared to current MTBs, rode) like beasts. And were tanks.

[Corso]

My 86 FAT chance. She was a model in the 88 catalog.

[Repack Rider]

1994 Ritchey P-21 and 1983 Ritchey Annapurna.

[Flying Pigeon]

I am the original owner of this one, a 1988 Yeti FRO with at least 30,000 dirt miles.

Nice pics everyone!!

[Stan Lee]

That Yeti is Awesome!

[pinkshogun]

I've had this for a while. Loaned it out to a buddy as a commuter and now it's back

[CNY rider]

Here are some cool ones that I've sold over the years..

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Ibis/IMG_5504.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Ibis/IMG_5504.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Phoenix/wtbs001-1.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Phoenix/wtbs001-1.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Ritchey/IMG_6638-2.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Ritchey/IMG_6638-2.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Ritchey/P1060211_zps57541244.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Ritchey/P1060211_zps57541244.jpg.html)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt136/mjanike/Bikes/Moots/bikes001.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Moots/bikes001.jpg.html)

Do you know the brand on that camo painted one?
I still have my late 1980's Nashbar branded MTB in the basement and that looks very similar.

[steamer]

I'm lusting after your bike. Man that is gorgeous. I have a 90's (not sure of the exact year) Giant Rincon that I want to do this same conversion with. I would love to get all specs on that.
Thanks! It's a collection of random parts. It's already a bit of a frankenbike given that it's a drop bar conversion, so I haven't felt too bad about making this bike the recipient of all of my old parts/ dust bin parts that I have collected over the years. Stuff has been randomly installed over the years as necessary. The only original items are the rear Shimano U-brake and the Tange headset. The only nice/semi-nice parts installed currently are the Selle Anatomica saddle, the Nitto stem and bars (mod. 135), the XT front derailler, Ultegra brake levers, and Sugino touring crank.

[marsh]

Sure that is a 90's Zascar ? didn't think the disc mount came till later.
I would refresh the Duke , no question.
You're right, it's a 2000.

[markie]

Do you know the brand on that camo painted one?
I still have my late 1980's Nashbar branded MTB in the basement and that looks very similar.

Well I am not the poster, but its a Ritchey. Look at the fantastic fillet brazing.

[markie]

Here are some cool ones that I've sold over the years..

[URL=http://s605.photobucket.com/user/mjanike/media/Bikes/Ibis/IMG_5504.jpg.html]

Wow! I'd love one of these!

[mg2ride]

I'm getting up bright and early and taking my Cdale out with a friend that will ride the GT.

Fat Tire Urban Cross on a Sunday morning!

Pics to follow!

[Stan Lee]

Do you know the brand on that camo painted one?


It's an '83 Ritchey, Tom started making/painting them as the commando shortly after...

[csm]

I've got a '92 (iirc) MB-1 in the shed.... Built up some lightwieght wheels for it using a 600 ultregra rear hub and American Classic front. Pretty sure I have the original xc-pro drivetrain too. Though right now it has ultregra and deore xt thumb shifters on it. Had a mag 20 fork for awhile but that broke twice. Once at the fork ends (roof rack into a tree branch) and terminally at the fork crown. Has the original fork on it now.
It was just under 22lbs with the rock shock on it. I'll drag it out and post some pics later.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Red Tornado]

Found a few old pics...

Giant Rincon - my first attempt at a single speed.
1697898140

Giant ATX 780 - purple bike; notice the anodized purple bar ends, it was the 90's after all. Giant Zorbers fork soon replaced by a RS Quadra 21.
1697898141

Giant ATX AL1.75 - frameset built up for the '96 season. Also pics from a 2001 race (same bike w/updates). Can't believe the narrow handlebars we ran back then.
1697898142
1697898145
1697898143
1697898144

[fourflys]

I have a circa '96 Ibis Mojo in steel with matching stem (bought on here) waiting for me to start building it... once I get to VA this summer, I'll start collecting parts. Can't wait! :banana:

[fourflys]

me: fisher hoo-koo-e-koo 1996

http://majortaylorcycling.org/bikes/walter_fisher_hkek.jpg

oh man, that is sweet! Not sure what size, but I would love to have first bite if you ever sell it...