Show us your vintage mountain bikes!
06-28-21, 09:43 AM
#7851
Member
Here's another recent build that wasn't supposed to happen... this started out as a parts bike for my chrome '86 frame but then this color grew on me so I had to build it too.... this is also an '86 Ascent
06-28-21, 10:07 AM
#7852
Senior Member
1984 Schwinn Mesa Runner built for my granddaughter. The components needed cleaning, but were basically NOS. Pre-grip installation.
06-28-21, 11:08 AM
#7853
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,280
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
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Tx man, couldn't not get it, big and close to my size, chrome, cool as heck and great shape too. 
More gory details here.
Chrome Ritchey from ebay/CL finds
More gory details here.
Chrome Ritchey from ebay/CL finds
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07-04-21, 05:42 PM
#7855
Senior Member
07-04-21, 05:58 PM
#7856
I haven't posted it in the July/Multi-color thread, but I'll have a look, thanks.
07-05-21, 07:26 AM
#7857
Any thoughts on early vs. late rigid MTB geometry? The shift to more aggressive angles came about in 1987 or so, when you started seeing bikes built for racing with really long top tubes. At first glance it seems like the earlier more relaxed geometry would be better for the kind of general purpose riding most do on vintage mountain bikes these days. On the flip side, the later bikes are often significantly lighter with heat treated and thin-walled steel frames... arguably some of the nicest steel frames ever produced. I have seen people complain about the stretched out riding position of the early 90s bikes... couldn't this be rectified with the right stem/handlebar setup? I'm wondering how something like an '85 Cimarron compares to a '93 Trek Singletrack 970.
The 71/73 bikes with the 16.9 chainstays (which was pretty much everything from 1988 on) all seemed to push the front end in corners as initially set up. The usual fix, if someone cared about it, was a longer/lower stem to put a bit more weight on the front wheel. Bontrager's original rigid fork proposed to do the same thing by having a bit less offset (rake) which had the side benefit of increasing trail for stability. The stem fix obviously only worked when it was also something the rider needed to fit the bike. We sold a decent amount of 150mm Tioga T-Bones.
What I knew on the Cimarron was that I was always the first one down the hill. If my friends with their 'modern' bikes would wait for me at the top of the hill, I'd wait for them at the bottom.
In 1992 I had a sponsorship deal (skinny tire racing) that included a weekly massage. My masseuse was talking about riding with her friends. "I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm always waiting for them at the bottom of the hill." "What kind of bike are you riding?" "Oh, it's an old Schwinn." "Is it red?" She also had a 1987 Cimarron, same size as mine.
07-05-21, 08:52 AM
#7858
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 920
Bikes: Diamond Back Apex, Mongoose IBOC Aluminum Road Bike, SR road bike
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I worked in the biz in the era you're talking about and I'm still riding a 1987 Schwinn Cimarron as my primary mountain bike.
<-------->
My masseuse was talking about riding with her friends. "I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm always waiting for them at the bottom of the hill." "What kind of bike are you riding?" "Oh, it's an old Schwinn." "Is it red?" She also had a 1987 Cimarron, same size as mine.
<-------->
My masseuse was talking about riding with her friends. "I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm always waiting for them at the bottom of the hill." "What kind of bike are you riding?" "Oh, it's an old Schwinn." "Is it red?" She also had a 1987 Cimarron, same size as mine.
07-05-21, 02:12 PM
#7859
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,781
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
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The shift to steeper HT angles..not sure what to call it..more modern..more responsive..less excessively slack...in any event the 73 degree seat tube/71 degree head tube combo was adopted in 87ish(?) and is still used today. My '93 970 has the 73/71 combo, as does the 90's Trek Multitrack hybrids, as well as the Trek 520 touring bike(at the time). The Surly LHT used this combo for many years. LOTS of bikes used and still use this geometry. I've heard it referred to a "classic NORBA geometry". As for top tubes..just an fyi..the 90ish to 1993 or '94 Trek mtn bikes(900 series) had about a 10-15mm shorter top tube than '94 or '95+ years. I ran across this as I was researching potential bikes for a drop bar conversion. I ended up with a '93 970..wonderful bike with drop bars(and recently a VO Cigne 90mm stem) and is now my dedicated touring bike...and occasional bomber for a day ride. Given the short-low HT's on these bikes and a desire to get the handlebars up about equal with the saddle, taller stems tend to shorten the (bar)reach. The net (bar)reach on my 970 (with a VO Cigne 90mm stem, though a 70mm version is available) isn't a whole lot different than my road bikes. I tour on my 970 with 4 pannier & bag on top of the rear rack setup...and touring tires. About 35 pounds of gear total. Very comfortable bike, day after day..
Just FYI, seat and head angles for that size are 73.5 and 70.5 respectively.
ETA: The '93 930 top tube is 539mm, less than an inch shorter.
Last edited by Korina; 07-05-21 at 02:49 PM.
07-11-21, 06:54 PM
#7860
Senior Member
Hope this qualifies.
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07-12-21, 11:04 AM
#7861
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 465
Bikes: 91 Ritchey Ultra, 1992 Specialized Stumpjumper, 1990 Klein Rascal, 97 Trek OCLV9700, 90 Minnelli Eclipse, 95 Marin Bear Valley SE, 1991 Breezer Lightning Flash 1991 Diamondback Axis 1992 Stumpjumper Comp 1983 Stumpjumper Sport
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242 Posts
2001 Kona FireMountain
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07-13-21, 10:55 AM
#7863
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,223
Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning
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498 Posts
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07-13-21, 01:15 PM
#7864
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NWNJ
Posts: 3,704
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
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old steel Gary Fisher.
my 1990's Gary Fisher wahoo...
Fresh paint some small changes...
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07-16-21, 12:35 PM
#7866
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Posts: 176
Bikes: 1969 Raleigh Twenty, 1975 Raleigh DL-1, 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport, 1989 Schwinn Voyageur
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43 Posts
Here are my two '84 Stumpjumper Sports:
The above Sj was modernized with an 8 speed cassette, and cerca '93 Shimano XT & XTR components except the calipers which, I think, are stock, and hubs which are LX. Unfortunately someone shortened the bull moose handlebars by about an inch on each side. Works great & handles any off-road trails I want with the 2.25" WTB Trail Boss tires.
This second SJ Sport was hidden in a Craigslist post for $75. I believe it was stock when I got it. I replaced the Mountech RD when the upper pulley seized on me. I'm really happy with the XC Triple pulley RD I swapped in and the Suntour friction thumbies are excellent. This one also goes anywhere I want off-road, but also does really well on paved surfaces with the 2.1" Maxxis DTHs.
Edit: the cables are long on purpose: I'm contemplating different bars.
The above Sj was modernized with an 8 speed cassette, and cerca '93 Shimano XT & XTR components except the calipers which, I think, are stock, and hubs which are LX. Unfortunately someone shortened the bull moose handlebars by about an inch on each side. Works great & handles any off-road trails I want with the 2.25" WTB Trail Boss tires.
This second SJ Sport was hidden in a Craigslist post for $75. I believe it was stock when I got it. I replaced the Mountech RD when the upper pulley seized on me. I'm really happy with the XC Triple pulley RD I swapped in and the Suntour friction thumbies are excellent. This one also goes anywhere I want off-road, but also does really well on paved surfaces with the 2.1" Maxxis DTHs.
Edit: the cables are long on purpose: I'm contemplating different bars.
Last edited by thorstein; 07-16-21 at 01:00 PM.
07-16-21, 01:10 PM
#7867
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
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611 Posts
Here are my two '84 Stumpjumper Sports:
The above Sj was modernized with an 8 speed cassette, and cerca '93 Shimano XT & XTR components except the calipers which, I think, are stock, and hubs which are LX. Unfortunately someone shortened the bull moose handlebars by about an inch on each side. Works great & handles any off-road trails I want with the 2.25" WTB Trail Boss tires.
This second SJ Sport was hidden in a Craigslist post for $75. I believe it was stock when I got it. I replaced the Mountech RD when the upper pulley seized on me. I'm really happy with the XC Triple pulley RD I swapped in and the Suntour friction thumbies are excellent. This one also goes anywhere I want off-road, but also does really well on paved surfaces with the 2.1" Maxxis DTHs.
Edit: the cables are long on purpose: I'm contemplating different bars.
The above Sj was modernized with an 8 speed cassette, and cerca '93 Shimano XT & XTR components except the calipers which, I think, are stock, and hubs which are LX. Unfortunately someone shortened the bull moose handlebars by about an inch on each side. Works great & handles any off-road trails I want with the 2.25" WTB Trail Boss tires.
This second SJ Sport was hidden in a Craigslist post for $75. I believe it was stock when I got it. I replaced the Mountech RD when the upper pulley seized on me. I'm really happy with the XC Triple pulley RD I swapped in and the Suntour friction thumbies are excellent. This one also goes anywhere I want off-road, but also does really well on paved surfaces with the 2.1" Maxxis DTHs.
Edit: the cables are long on purpose: I'm contemplating different bars.
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
07-16-21, 05:54 PM
#7868
Senior Member
Just nabbed this one today - late 80’s Fat City Cycles Wicked Fat Chance. I’m very excited about it!
Bullet shaped tube ends at the dropout
Head tube / down tube gusset
Reinforcing web at seatstay junction
Im pretty excited. It’s by no means pretty but it is in good nick. I’ve got some good parts to build it with but I think it needs a good bath; maybe go full Monty on it with a Powdercoat paint and repro decals from Velocals… more to come I’m sure!
Bullet shaped tube ends at the dropout
Head tube / down tube gusset
Reinforcing web at seatstay junction
Im pretty excited. It’s by no means pretty but it is in good nick. I’ve got some good parts to build it with but I think it needs a good bath; maybe go full Monty on it with a Powdercoat paint and repro decals from Velocals… more to come I’m sure!
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07-16-21, 06:44 PM
#7869
Senior Member
Serial number is 359W11. From the fatcogs website is this:
So this means my Wicked is frame 359, Wicked, 1991 manufacture, 21”. I thought it was older than that. But okay, still Somerville made, not Serotta made. Even better!
So this means my Wicked is frame 359, Wicked, 1991 manufacture, 21”. I thought it was older than that. But okay, still Somerville made, not Serotta made. Even better!
07-16-21, 10:59 PM
#7870
Senior Member
^^^^^ Whatever you do with the finish on that Fat Chance, you gotta either keep or replace that snake flag decal.
07-31-21, 07:44 PM
#7872
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,804
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
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08-01-21, 10:56 AM
#7874
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: southeast michigan
Posts: 18
Bikes: 1983 Ross Signature, 1989 Giant Iguana, 2001 Gary Fisher Tassajara, 2007 The Northface Denali, 1972 Schwinn SuperSport, 1972 Sears Ted Williams Ten Speed (Puch), 1995 Raleigh R500, 1972 Raleigh Superbe, 1978 Fuji S10S & the long gone 100's of others
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Vintage 1983/84 Ross Mt. Rainer
I just picked up this vintage Ross Mt. Rainier in all original condition. The Shimano derailleur is a RD-AL11 which was released in June 1984, however the serial number on the bike is R3J1159, which makes me think it has a 1983 frame. Also the classic Ross advertisements from 1983 show the Mt. Rainier in the red color. Strange to me that the Mt. Rainier was a mid level bike, but had bolt on wheels.
Either way it's a great vintage bike and will be fun to take it old school out on the trail. I can't wait to give it a total refurbishment.
Either way it's a great vintage bike and will be fun to take it old school out on the trail. I can't wait to give it a total refurbishment.
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08-01-21, 12:50 PM
#7875
Senior Member
That's really nice.
A lot of early MTBs had bolt on wheels. It's strange to see that version of lawyer lips on the front..
It's interesting that they transitioned to Shimano derailleurs that early. I always assumed the low-end Shimano with hanger on my (probably) Force One was non-original, but maybe it was. I ended up replacing it and the garbage FD with NOS Suntour AG Tech.
I think mine also has Ishiwata 024 tubing, and I like it quite a bit.
A lot of early MTBs had bolt on wheels. It's strange to see that version of lawyer lips on the front..
It's interesting that they transitioned to Shimano derailleurs that early. I always assumed the low-end Shimano with hanger on my (probably) Force One was non-original, but maybe it was. I ended up replacing it and the garbage FD with NOS Suntour AG Tech.
I think mine also has Ishiwata 024 tubing, and I like it quite a bit.
