I am always surprised how surprised people are that old bikes were fun. Like why do you think the sport survived to get here? I am not saying there isn't any advances but people get too tied up in what the bike companies are selling.
especially when comparing $1000+ bikes of the time period... and especially cr-mo frames - Rocky Mountain hammer, Kona etc.. very tough but forgiving/fun bikes.
The trails have changed a lot though. Tbh some stuff I ride I think just wouldn’t be fun on my old school hardtails from my youth and then some trails I think “hmm wish I still had one of those 90’s bikes.”
35 years of riding left me amused you were so surprised at how well that Specialized rode. I love old, quality 26ers still! Still mostly ride my modern Yeti though 😬
The secret to stopping that squealing brake is toeing in the pad. I find an Aussie 5 cent piece with a tiny bit of bluetack (to stick it to the rim) gives just the perfect angle! Man this is a flashback and a half!
I can see what theyre getting at though since features and trails have got way bigger and scarier which older bikes would feel more out of thier comfort zone (used to ride a '99 GT I-Drive Comp, now ride a '21 Saracen Ariel 80 Pro, not complaining just telling you what ive found)
You guys shredded quite well on those vintage XC bikes, in my opinion. Chris, especially, looks as though he's been riding his regularly. The limitations of vintage bikes are apparent, but one thing is for certain -- you can get used to pretty much any bike you ride, within reason.
It's just that now you ride harder and faster because you know the brakes work but back in day you always had the fare that your rim brakes had got wet 😂
I still ride my 25 year old Specialized M2 Stumpjumper hardtail. It's been thousands of km's on both xc and downhill. I lived in Banff, so these were knarly steep, technical single track. Best money I have ever spent.
Would love to see POV footage of those rides. These M2 frames are legendary and seemingly indestructible. It may not be comfortable for the rider, but those bikes definitely can handle bigger things than they were intended to ride.
Ha! The first time I rode singletrack I was on a rigid frame Trek 930 Singletrack with rim brakes. Then I did what any rational person would do, instead of buying a proper bike I dumped money into the trek, manitou 100mm travel fork and hydraulic disc brake up front, a dropper, and upgrades cockpit... it worked for awhile... Now I’m on proper dual suspension bikes, but that Trek still holds a special place in my heart. Love the videos bro! 🤙
I still have a blast on my 1991 fully rigid Bridgestone I've made a few upgrades to it, most notably some nice wide handlebars and fatter tires (Schwalbe Table Top) and the bike's a blast. It's more of an urban thrasher than a mountain bike now, especially with the tires, but it could still handle some green level singletrack just fine.
Geometry aside, it's amazing how well these older bikes hold up. Was riding my 98 Gary Fisher Hoo koo e Koo up to a few years ago and literally everything worked fine until FINALLY my 99 Manitou fork started leaking at the seals. Granted years of non riding preserved this bike, but still. Sold it to a enthused beginner for a couple hundred
I know right? I ride an '01 Klein Adept Comp, and honestly, it's a great ride! Uphills are amazing on it, and it's super fun and responsive on the downhills. Even though I am on the younger side (under 20) I don't see the need or want for a flashy new frame when the one I have right now goes up and beyond some of the super complicated ones of today!
@@ianllacer1059 For cruising around on trails and any XC stuff, yesteryear tech is great, especially when on a budget. But I'm also very much a fan of all the modern advancements. It really does allow for more confident, aggressive and able riding. If on a budget, even just getting a hardtail with a slacker head angle will do wonders at speed. Not to mention a modern fork, average disc brakes and a derailleur clutch. Just allows us to push ourselves a little further
The 90s bikes had frames made domestically. Not saying the origin makes it better - it was just that the bikes were designed and made here vs outsourced for value.
That Gary Fisher Aquila was a really nice bike with the genesis geometry. I still ride my Gary fisher Hoo Koo E Koo with modern components added. The steel Vanadium tubing is nice and compliant I'll never get rid of it.
@@DailyMTBRider It totally did! Diamondback Mason came next, followed half a year later by a Mission, which I've ridden everywhere from western NC to Angel Fire, NM. Gotta get out there and ride my bike.... every day.
Nice! My first mountain bike was a Rockhopper from the 90s. I just upgraded to a 2016 Specialized Pitch Comp 650B. I absolutely love it, but I still had loads of fun on my Rockhopper.
I had that same blue stumpjumper frame as a teenager in the late 90s. I used it for XC racing, slalom, and hitting back yard dirt jumps. Wrecked a good number of wheelsets (my parents made me buy a BMX bike and swear off jumping my XC racing bike), but the frame held up solid. From our perspective now the geometry seems awkward, but it can totally shred.
I’m into vintage bikes as I am of a certain vintage! I kept my 1994 Cannondale M400 and later improved the components to Shimano Deore XT and V Brakes. I kept it because it’s been my only purchased new mountain bike! Later I bought used a 1995 AMP Research B4, it’s been a blast to use. I even made an acquaintance of the factory owners and parts managers. The maintenance of the B4 is more involved! Last week I purchased a 1993 Cannondale M800 Beast of the East! She’s probably going to get re sprayed, and a 10 speed Deore XT M780 transmission is on its way. I found Panaracer Smoke Dart (rear) and Dart (front) tires to aid in the M800’s vintage look!
IMHO those old M series Cannondales look great when converted to 1x8. Loose the front derailleur/cables/shifter. Put a bash guard in the outer ring and loose the inner. I’ve done several like that and they all came out great. Looking for a vintage Tassajara to do the same thing with. Cheers
Until i got a new bike last year, I was riding retro too on a 1997 Litespeed obed fs. It's honestly amazing how hard you can ride old bikes! My proudest rides on it are probably the two laps of the Downieville Downhill. Kept up with my friend who was on a much newer DH bike for the most part! It's crazy how far over the front wheel you are on these old bikes though. I converted it to be my gravel bike, and every time I get on it now I feel like I'm going to be OTB instantly. Modern geo is definitely better.
Damn... A 97 Litespeed Obed was my DREAM BIKE when I was still racing. Talk about dating yourself. Geez I just realized I'm a "geezer", but still riding at 50. Just picked up an NS Eccentric Lite 1 Hardtail. Love it!! Thanks for the memory!!
@@DinnerForkTongue couldn't agree more, my friend. Outclimbing my 30 yr old buddies, but don't quite have the kahunas I once did. The pain lasts A LOT longer these days!
That's exactly what I intend to do to my 1995 Stumpjumper... convert it to a gravel bike! Since the old frames are so short and need a looong stem and I feel like sitting close to the front axle it might be perfect for a drop bar with short stem and easy gravel roads.
Sweet. I still have my 1998 Gary Fisher Big Sur hardtail with 26 inch wheels and v-brakes (rim). Plus side bars (bull horns), quick release seat collar, and 80mm coil fork. Yeah baby! Still rides like a champ. Thanks for the memories.
Im happy with my old bike its a specialized hardrock crmo4130 its a rigid its still growing strong with the original drivetrain its a beast for its time nothing beats a good old specialized
Yes Sir! I started MTBiking 2.5 years ago all on a 22 year old Specialized RockHopper FSR. Upgraded as much as I could. It was fun and a few months ago I got a modern bike. I remember all the trails I’ve ridden being Gnarlier on the 26”😃
I loved this video. I have a 1994 Stumpy that I bought brand new and rode the snot out of in the 90's into the early 2000's. Only recently have I entered the modern era of mountain biking with an Orbea OCCAM. From my experience you have some big nuts taking on modern trails on your "Special NS". Thank you for the entertainment as always.
I just took my 95 trek 7000 out. New 26 tires, tubes and a new fork. Still have my old fork. Judy xc. Taken it to the woods, jumped it and had fun. That's what is important is having fun.
I have a 80’s giant Yukon, and it has a rigid fork, rim brakes, 26 inch tires, a rack, and a 22 inch chromoly frame. I use it as a commuter bike, workout bike, and as a mountain bike. The mountain biking part is sketchy as all get out as the brakes decide to stop working halfway down the trail each time, and each time I go over a jump or harsh bump my feet fly off the cheap plastic pedals, but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a bike.
Great video thanks for sharing. Ned Overend won his world champion title on a S Works made in Tange Prestige and later had a Sworks Metal Matrix M2 Pro frame made in the USA. Stumpjumper, Stumpjumper pro and Sworks frame made of M2 and M4 Metal Matrix tubing were among the best hardtails frames ever made often competing with Trek 6700SLR, Trek 8000SLR, Trek ZR9000 and Cannondale CAAD3 and CAAD4. Also the fact that these bikes had 26 inch wheel base made them accelerate faster than 29 or 27,5 inch wheeled MTBs in tigh turns and on bad terrains. You can make a perfect bike with M2 or M4 Stumpjumper, Stumpjumper pro and Sworks frame at the condition that you used avid arch rival brakes, rock show recon or sid fork, mavic X717 or XM819 or EX721 tims laced to specialized or DT or hope hubs , transmission of choice wopuld be shimano XT780T or XTR 980 and for the cockpit and eastpot either easton or ritchey components . You will get at the end a light, responsive and very well handling bike
I just picked up a specialized 2002 hardrock comp off FB market place in really good condition for 40bucks. I was looking for videos of people using a similar bike on a trail. Glad I found this. 🤙🏻
I have a very hard time believing this is more stable than the Axum. But maybe that’s because I have a nice fork and hydraulic brakes on mine. But still that old school geometry, tiny tires and bars plus old rim brakes? I don’t believe it.
I would never go back to my old school GT Avalanche after getting my Axum. Even stock with bad brakes and fork is substantially better. I suspect the walmart hate prevents most from giving a fair shake.
I think with the upgraded fork and brakes you can't beat the Axum - as far as longevity of use and overall stability, I hate to say it but I give a leg up to the specialized
Influencers have to influence right? I have this same Rockhopper and I just bought a 2020 Schwinn Boundary with a clutch on the derailleur and yea the front fork sucks but honestly at $250 with a entry level air shock upgrade, and total under $500 it’s completely usable, and way more comfortable/confident on a trail than the retro Specialized.
I love riding my vintage bikes. Ive got an 84 Mongooae ATB that rips single-track every bit as well as my modern Vitus. Also gets a lot of love and attention. Im working on a pink 90 GT Tequesta now, and looking forward to getting it on the trail.
25 years later and my M2 is still rock solid and I ride daily. How many of these gazillion dollar bikes made now will still be rocking it 25 years from now I wonder?
My main hardtail is a Trek 7000 ZX. I have never thought about replacing it. It is a 1994-6 not 100 percent sure but with that same geometry+fork. With tire upgrades and more modern stem and bars it rides amazingly and definitely beats modern-day walmart bikes.
This is awesome!!!!!! Underbiking for the win! Had a friend show up with his mid 90s Ventana to a ride a few weeks ago. Hanging with 6k Yetis... Pretty rad!
First things first, top video guys, an old school bike will do anything you are comfortable with doing as long you understand how to use it. Just a tip if you change the bars and stem to modern style you will enjoy it even more, the courses of today have changed from the days of before.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I had a '95 Rock Hopper. Rode it for a decade. They were great bikes. Solid, you could count on them to hold up. It was a great ride but I love my modern full carbon bike now!
I have a bike from that exact time--1995 GT Rebound. Both of you bikes have better shocks than what I did. Your POV shots with the bull horn bars are totally reminiscent.
Nice riding , smiles for miles on the old school bikes , been riding my Mongoose Rockadile for 30 years upgraded to a rockshox fork and set it up 1x super fun , actually just bought a brand new 29er FS a couple weeks ago biggest difference is the dropper post and slacker geometry in the Head Angle. Thanks for the video😀 Ride On.🚴🚴
Underbiking every once in a while is a blast. It really reminds you to "ride light". Now I'm thinking of putting wider bars and swapping my '97 Marzocchi Z1 fork onto my Alpinestars hardtail and see how it goes.
Got myself a Sintesi X-Wing from -00 as my daily commute. Took it to the trails when my trailbike suspension was being serviced and had a blast! Sketchy positioning led to new challenges on well known terrain. Until two punctures in a row, lots of mosquitos and the realisation that I needed a special tool to get the wheel of (had put security bolts on myself to avoid theft..). Managed to MacGyver the tube together with a zip tie without getting the wheel of the bike. This is now a precious memory and go to joke with my buddies when someone gets a flat; -Need a zip tie? Oh that's right your running tubeless, too bad... 😂 Think I'll convert to 1x9 though to get rid of some junk and chain slap and put some proper tires on 👌
My 2000 GT was like that, with me feeling so much over the front wheel (after getting used to modern geometry). Shorter stem and wider bars really helped. 2000 RockShox Judy? Getting upgraded for sure. Even have a dropper for it to install. Breathing new life into her.
those old avid rim brake levers are actually amazing, i put the lever on my bmx and it made it brake 10 times better than the stock brake (it was a salt or somethin) they just work!
Lived in Marin and rode those when they were new. Dropping the seat was not a thing. Need to leave it up for the full experience. Still have one in the garage next to my modern bike and always so thankful of how much bikes have evolved.
I used to race xc in the late ninetys early 2000s. You just bought back the feeling of what it was like, back then it was hard to imagine the bikes getting better, I don't need words to explain hehe. What will bikes be like in another 20 year's, I'm 50 now how old will you be in 20 years? Josh
This is the thing I like about old cheap bikes compared to new cheap bikes, it's that even though the manufacturer's budget for the bikes was small, they were at least built well.
I had a completely rigid 10 speed Repco mountain bike in about 1991. All white with fluro yellow forks for about $199AUD. Over the time I owned it, it got bigger tyres, brake upgrades and I think it died as a 18 or 21 speed. I had years of fun with no issues at all besides flats, and I learned about gears, brakes, and how to fix stuff. Back then that’s what mountain biking was. Buy one like mine or a more expensive branded one, but there was no sprung fronts (certainly none of my friends owned them) and as kids we didn’t care. It climbed hills, it did jumps, whatever you wanted it did, and it was cool, because even all the rich kids who’s dads worked in mines didn’t really have drastically different bikes, and it was all down to the rider.
Dude since the pandemic, bike have become very popular in my country since the roads have been block to prevent people from leaving their homes. I bought that same model, also blue, at 200$ (believe me, it has cheap compare to how expensive bikes have gotten) and it came with its original parts and...its amazing, now I love the sport and I cannot believe I bought a almost 25 year old bike that still works
I have a 1992 mongoose sycamore gx before they became a walmart bike, was $680 back in the day. I'm so tempted to buy a full suspension 29 inch bike. Just to see the difference.
man, I just tuned up my bike from a few years later than your dads and I am about to start riding again ---- making me feel old when you say its your dads bike and I bought mine only a little bit later
I still ride my 99 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo with its True Temper Vanadium it rides nicely. Some modern mods made it even more great. Carbon fork, 10 speed Microshift Advent X drivetrain, 2.4" tires, tubeless, carbon handlebar and carbon seatpost makes it awesome
I bought a fuji thill from the 90s from a friend in early 2000 for riding around and a couple of years ago decided to try trails out then things escalated from there. I am on on my second bike in 4 years :)
Great video! I went out for the first time in maybe 3/4 years on a 1992 alpinestars. A little scary (been awhile and we have some slidy sandy downhills) But felt so good! San Diego CA trails in near 100° heat! Hardtails ftw! Super raw!
Cool vid. I'm still riding my Rockhopper FS I bought in 97. The thing is a tank with the Mavic 217 wheels on it. I'm an old codger now so mostly gentle trails for me. We rode hard back in the day with what was available.
I had a 94 stump jumper and a 98 stump jumper and had great times in the 90’s mtb all over from FL to NC. Raw trails and flying with 3xBY Drive train. We hit 38-40 mph in Georgia/Tennessee area one time on a long downhill double track at windy gap I think it was called.
Bought my Rocky Mt. hard tail Hammer in 91. Upgraded quickly to xt and xtr components, monkey light and a Frankenstem, before eventually switching to Marzocchi bombers. Race face cranks and Sun rims, V brakes and DX thumbies. Weight was about 24.5 lbs or so. Mte St. Anne in Quebec, Gatineaus, North Van trails, Moab Utah and WinterPark in Colorado. Even Subic in the Philippines. I've had other bikes, the only other one I really liked was the Santa Cruz Heckler from that era. My favourite type of riding? Technical climbing, single track and no track. Edge of death riding was also great, like Porcupine Rim at high speed. I still have my Hammer but just light riding now.
Never forget your roots.... This is how we all rode back in the late 80s early 90s. Because of our riding then, we all have lovely plush suspension, dropper posts, discs brakes, carbon or ali frames and a lot less injuries!!! Jees, the 90s were crap 😆
The bikes I had in the 90s would destroy any Walmart bike, but then they were also very expensive. Bike 1) Specialized Rockhopper Sport - that was the gateway drug into the sport. Bike 2) Kona Hei Hei Ti hardtail with super choice components: Pace forks, XTR, Cooks RSR cranks, anodized widget wonderment 😁 Bike 3) Proflex Animal - the one with the Girvin fork and Magura hydraulic rim brakes. Bike 4) Boulder Starship (still got it), early Hope Hydraulics, rear shock in the top tube, super weight wheelie. I used that bike from 1997 to 2012 when I got my current bike...
I bought a 1990 stumpjumper team last year because I missed my old 1989 rockhopper (god knows why). It has zero brakes and is sketchy as hell. Makes my 2019 canyon feel super awesome!
Vintage mountain bikes with 2.31 - 2.35 tires and proper maintenance feel 99% modern hard tails, are more nimble, and climb better. I keep up with anyone on my used $200 F700. Wouldn’t compete in it, but it does the job with ease.
I daily a '92 hardtail Cannondale M900. 300+ miles a week, occasionally knocking 500. While most of it is road, I mix in as much single track & parks as I can.
90s MTBs are the best, especially the higher end ones. Make sure your shocks and tires are in good shape. Key upgrades are a dropper post and a front brake upgrade to disc, possible with many late 90s/early 2000s high-end forks. If you want the best of both worlds, upgrade your fork to a Fox Talas, which gives you options for travel and therefore steering angles -- steeper for climbs and slacker for descents.
I wish those old forks were cheaper. 26" Fox forks are coveted and people ask ridiculous prices for them. They're also full of proprietary parts, which makes servicing them a nightmare if they need anything more than a basic cleaning of the internals. Old Marzocchi coil spring forks are a fairly good alternative because of what I described, even though they obviously don't have the small-bump sensitivity that a Fox air fork does.
Nice work bro! Funny timing because I'm poking around for an old 90s bike as well. For your next trick, you should ride a gravel bike on Galbraith trails :D
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I recently rode a 1995 specialized rockhopper (full rigid), and I can say it's far superior to any walmart bike today
Dude. Any properly-made bike since the dawn of the safety bicycle is better than a department store special.
To easy to ride. These blokes are wienies on these. Rigid is the real retro
@@tayler_3921 those older raleigh bikes are well made.
I am always surprised how surprised people are that old bikes were fun.
Like why do you think the sport survived to get here?
I am not saying there isn't any advances but people get too tied up in what the bike companies are selling.
Agreed, it’s like buying a $500 shit box civic to have fun for a weekend, you wouldn’t drive it everyday but is still fun non the less
Same
@@thenorthwestpassage2880 more like geo metro, cavalier, old bmw etc... hondas are well made in comparison, auto transmissions aside.
especially when comparing $1000+ bikes of the time period... and especially cr-mo frames - Rocky Mountain hammer, Kona etc.. very tough but forgiving/fun bikes.
The trails have changed a lot though. Tbh some stuff I ride I think just wouldn’t be fun on my old school hardtails from my youth and then some trails I think “hmm wish I still had one of those 90’s bikes.”
35 years of riding left me amused you were so surprised at how well that Specialized rode. I love old, quality 26ers still! Still mostly ride my modern Yeti though 😬
I got a 2003 devinci chameleon
The secret to stopping that squealing brake is toeing in the pad. I find an Aussie 5 cent piece with a tiny bit of bluetack (to stick it to the rim) gives just the perfect angle! Man this is a flashback and a half!
@Steve Sheldon lol, I assumed they had been replaced, not looking forward to finding spares for the ol' KHS haha.
Was looking for this comment haha. Classic. Toe this mofos in!!
On old brakes, sanding the rim and the pads is usually the fix. I don’t have any toe on my rim brakes and they don’t squeak.👍🏼
@kensiegford7495 I didn’t toe the brakes. Sanding the rims and the 30 year old pads did the trick.👍🏼
bikers nowadays complain a lot. blah blah blah. if it was rideble way back then it is rideble now
I can see what theyre getting at though since features and trails have got way bigger and scarier which older bikes would feel more out of thier comfort zone (used to ride a '99 GT I-Drive Comp, now ride a '21 Saracen Ariel 80 Pro, not complaining just telling you what ive found)
You can never cheat quality. I am building a mid 90s stumpjumper right now.
You guys shredded quite well on those vintage XC bikes, in my opinion. Chris, especially, looks as though he's been riding his regularly. The limitations of vintage bikes are apparent, but one thing is for certain -- you can get used to pretty much any bike you ride, within reason.
Preguntale a j tomac o tinker ..si eran limitados ellos .. ??!
I am pretty sure Tomac rides a modern trail bike today. @@cato5553
Sounds terrifying. Just goes to show, you can have fun on any bike!
So true! It's about the rider more than the bike!
You should of seen what we rode in sixties & seventies cotter pins uurgh!!!
@@Marcus538 🤘😂😂😂
@@DailyMTBRider yes for sure!
It's just that now you ride harder and faster because you know the brakes work but back in day you always had the fare that your rim brakes had got wet 😂
I still ride my 25 year old Specialized M2 Stumpjumper hardtail. It's been thousands of km's on both xc and downhill. I lived in Banff, so these were knarly steep, technical single track. Best money I have ever spent.
Would love to see POV footage of those rides. These M2 frames are legendary and seemingly indestructible. It may not be comfortable for the rider, but those bikes definitely can handle bigger things than they were intended to ride.
I checked NS's website and couldn't find that beauty. Is there something I'm missing?
Oh man Andrew I forgot to mention... this is the 2021 frame! It'll be out soon..... 😂
@@DailyMTBRider it says 1995 in the title, i'm confused. please clarify?
@@bananasstuff3344 Dude, it's a joke
@@ananthkutuva3748 Dude, it's a joke.
@@bananasstuff3344 Dude, it's a joke
Ha! The first time I rode singletrack I was on a rigid frame Trek 930 Singletrack with rim brakes. Then I did what any rational person would do, instead of buying a proper bike I dumped money into the trek, manitou 100mm travel fork and hydraulic disc brake up front, a dropper, and upgrades cockpit... it worked for awhile... Now I’m on proper dual suspension bikes, but that Trek still holds a special place in my heart. Love the videos bro! 🤙
I had my one and only race on that bike . Maybe 1991?
I still have a blast on my 1991 fully rigid Bridgestone I've made a few upgrades to it, most notably some nice wide handlebars and fatter tires (Schwalbe Table Top) and the bike's a blast. It's more of an urban thrasher than a mountain bike now, especially with the tires, but it could still handle some green level singletrack just fine.
Geometry aside, it's amazing how well these older bikes hold up. Was riding my 98 Gary Fisher Hoo koo e Koo up to a few years ago and literally everything worked fine until FINALLY my 99 Manitou fork started leaking at the seals. Granted years of non riding preserved this bike, but still. Sold it to a enthused beginner for a couple hundred
I know right? I ride an '01 Klein Adept Comp, and honestly, it's a great ride! Uphills are amazing on it, and it's super fun and responsive on the downhills. Even though I am on the younger side (under 20) I don't see the need or want for a flashy new frame when the one I have right now goes up and beyond some of the super complicated ones of today!
@@ianllacer1059 For cruising around on trails and any XC stuff, yesteryear tech is great, especially when on a budget. But I'm also very much a fan of all the modern advancements. It really does allow for more confident, aggressive and able riding. If on a budget, even just getting a hardtail with a slacker head angle will do wonders at speed. Not to mention a modern fork, average disc brakes and a derailleur clutch. Just allows us to push ourselves a little further
The 90s bikes had frames made domestically. Not saying the origin makes it better - it was just that the bikes were designed and made here vs outsourced for value.
I STILL ride my Gary Fishers...
99 Joshua f4
09 opie disk
99 aquila
06 x-cal 29er...
Just picked up a mid 90's klunker...
Can't wait to ride that!
had a 2003 tassjara disc for a while, the fish's were always ahead of their time
That Gary Fisher Aquila was a really nice bike with the genesis geometry. I still ride my Gary fisher Hoo Koo E Koo with modern components added. The steel Vanadium tubing is nice and compliant I'll never get rid of it.
I’ll always live “vintage” MTBs! Lol Nothing better to test your skills than a good ol 26er!
I totally agree
So true...you have to keep your sh_t wire tight on a hardtail. Lose control even a little bit and your in the dirt.
My "gateway" to MTB about 2 years ago was a late 90s rigid Trek 800. It was *rough*. A week's worth of rides, and I was ready for a modern hard tail.
But hey it got you into it, and that was all worth it!
@@DailyMTBRider It totally did! Diamondback Mason came next, followed half a year later by a Mission, which I've ridden everywhere from western NC to Angel Fire, NM. Gotta get out there and ride my bike.... every day.
KestrelYI somewhere around Ashville NC?
Nice! My first mountain bike was a Rockhopper from the 90s. I just upgraded to a 2016 Specialized Pitch Comp 650B. I absolutely love it, but I still had loads of fun on my Rockhopper.
That's a huge upgrade man! I'm sure your mind was blown on that first ride!
It was an incredible!
I had that same blue stumpjumper frame as a teenager in the late 90s. I used it for XC racing, slalom, and hitting back yard dirt jumps. Wrecked a good number of wheelsets (my parents made me buy a BMX bike and swear off jumping my XC racing bike), but the frame held up solid. From our perspective now the geometry seems awkward, but it can totally shred.
it still does
I give you major kudos for riding an old school bike and new time era on trails you are truly a skilled bikers men
Of course they were great - the Stumpjumper was the premier trail bike for years, heck, for decades!
I wanted one because it was what Ned Overend rode to more XC wins than I can count. I ended up with one...and I'm still riding it today!
I’m into vintage bikes as I am of a certain vintage! I kept my 1994 Cannondale M400 and later improved the components to Shimano Deore XT and V Brakes. I kept it because it’s been my only purchased new mountain bike! Later I bought used a 1995 AMP Research B4, it’s been a blast to use. I even made an acquaintance of the factory owners and parts managers. The maintenance of the B4 is more involved! Last week I purchased a 1993 Cannondale M800 Beast of the East! She’s probably going to get re sprayed, and a 10 speed Deore XT M780 transmission is on its way. I found Panaracer Smoke Dart (rear) and Dart (front) tires to aid in the M800’s vintage look!
IMHO those old M series Cannondales look great when converted to 1x8. Loose the front derailleur/cables/shifter. Put a bash guard in the outer ring and loose the inner. I’ve done several like that and they all came out great. Looking for a vintage Tassajara to do the same thing with.
Cheers
Until i got a new bike last year, I was riding retro too on a 1997 Litespeed obed fs. It's honestly amazing how hard you can ride old bikes! My proudest rides on it are probably the two laps of the Downieville Downhill. Kept up with my friend who was on a much newer DH bike for the most part! It's crazy how far over the front wheel you are on these old bikes though. I converted it to be my gravel bike, and every time I get on it now I feel like I'm going to be OTB instantly. Modern geo is definitely better.
Damn... A 97 Litespeed Obed was my DREAM BIKE when I was still racing. Talk about dating yourself. Geez I just realized I'm a "geezer", but still riding at 50. Just picked up an NS Eccentric Lite 1 Hardtail. Love it!! Thanks for the memory!!
@@marcdemichele2689
Age doesn't matter while you still shred, so keep sending it! \m/
@@DinnerForkTongue couldn't agree more, my friend. Outclimbing my 30 yr old buddies, but don't quite have the kahunas I once did. The pain lasts A LOT longer these days!
That's exactly what I intend to do to my 1995 Stumpjumper... convert it to a gravel bike! Since the old frames are so short and need a looong stem and I feel like sitting close to the front axle it might be perfect for a drop bar with short stem and easy gravel roads.
Sweet. I still have my 1998 Gary Fisher Big Sur hardtail with 26 inch wheels and v-brakes (rim). Plus side bars (bull horns), quick release seat collar, and 80mm coil fork. Yeah baby! Still rides like a champ. Thanks for the memories.
Im happy with my old bike its a specialized hardrock crmo4130 its a rigid its still growing strong with the original drivetrain its a beast for its time nothing beats a good old specialized
Yes Sir! I started MTBiking 2.5 years ago all on a 22 year old Specialized RockHopper FSR. Upgraded as much as I could. It was fun and a few months ago I got a modern bike. I remember all the trails I’ve ridden being Gnarlier on the 26”😃
It’s fun because it’s terrifying. 😂
Story of my life right there!
The sloppier you ride the more pain and possible carnage you’ll endure, sometimes paying more attention is fun
Lone Shark just like driving manual transmission
I loved this video. I have a 1994 Stumpy that I bought brand new and rode the snot out of in the 90's into the early 2000's. Only recently have I entered the modern era of mountain biking with an Orbea OCCAM. From my experience you have some big nuts taking on modern trails on your "Special NS". Thank you for the entertainment as always.
There's something special and fun about retro bikes! And I'll admit, it was way easier and more fun than I thought it was going to be!
I just took my 95 trek 7000 out. New 26 tires, tubes and a new fork. Still have my old fork. Judy xc. Taken it to the woods, jumped it and had fun. That's what is important is having fun.
Stumpy Comp for real!!!??? Amazing frame. that will hold its own today no problem.
I have a 80’s giant Yukon, and it has a rigid fork, rim brakes, 26 inch tires, a rack, and a 22 inch chromoly frame. I use it as a commuter bike, workout bike, and as a mountain bike. The mountain biking part is sketchy as all get out as the brakes decide to stop working halfway down the trail each time, and each time I go over a jump or harsh bump my feet fly off the cheap plastic pedals, but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a bike.
Nice stache, Ned Flanders
Swap out with a short stem, wide bars, upgrade to 1x, and fresh tires. Solid ride. Even better with a 100mm Rockshox TX Silver airfork.
Solid ride.
Great video thanks for sharing. Ned Overend won his world champion title on a S Works made in Tange Prestige and later had a Sworks Metal Matrix M2 Pro frame made in the USA. Stumpjumper, Stumpjumper pro and Sworks frame made of M2 and M4 Metal Matrix tubing were among the best hardtails frames ever made often competing with Trek 6700SLR, Trek 8000SLR, Trek ZR9000 and Cannondale CAAD3 and CAAD4. Also the fact that these bikes had 26 inch wheel base made them accelerate faster than 29 or 27,5 inch wheeled MTBs in tigh turns and on bad terrains. You can make a perfect bike with M2 or M4 Stumpjumper, Stumpjumper pro and Sworks frame at the condition that you used avid arch rival brakes, rock show recon or sid fork, mavic X717 or XM819 or EX721 tims laced to specialized or DT or hope hubs , transmission of choice wopuld be shimano XT780T or XTR 980 and for the cockpit and eastpot either easton or ritchey components . You will get at the end a light, responsive and very well handling bike
I just picked up a specialized 2002 hardrock comp off FB market place in really good condition for 40bucks. I was looking for videos of people using a similar bike on a trail. Glad I found this. 🤙🏻
I have a very hard time believing this is more stable than the Axum. But maybe that’s because I have a nice fork and hydraulic brakes on mine. But still that old school geometry, tiny tires and bars plus old rim brakes? I don’t believe it.
I would never go back to my old school GT Avalanche after getting my Axum. Even stock with bad brakes and fork is substantially better. I suspect the walmart hate prevents most from giving a fair shake.
I think with the upgraded fork and brakes you can't beat the Axum - as far as longevity of use and overall stability, I hate to say it but I give a leg up to the specialized
Influencers have to influence right? I have this same Rockhopper and I just bought a 2020 Schwinn Boundary with a clutch on the derailleur and yea the front fork sucks but honestly at $250 with a entry level air shock upgrade, and total under $500 it’s completely usable, and way more comfortable/confident on a trail than the retro Specialized.
Oh man. Those bars. That brake squeal. Elastomer forks that are 100% pogo sticks.
This is me, circa 2007. I love it.
I love the trails too, so nice.
Yes! Been waiting for a video like this from someone.
I love riding my vintage bikes.
Ive got an 84 Mongooae ATB that rips single-track every bit as well as my modern Vitus.
Also gets a lot of love and attention.
Im working on a pink 90 GT Tequesta now, and looking forward to getting it on the trail.
that stump jumper comp was a super nice bike back then
25 years later and my M2 is still rock solid and I ride daily. How many of these gazillion dollar bikes made now will still be rocking it 25 years from now I wonder?
My main hardtail is a Trek 7000 ZX. I have never thought about replacing it. It is a 1994-6 not 100 percent sure but with that same geometry+fork. With tire upgrades and more modern stem and bars it rides amazingly and definitely beats modern-day walmart bikes.
This is awesome!!!!!! Underbiking for the win! Had a friend show up with his mid 90s Ventana to a ride a few weeks ago. Hanging with 6k Yetis... Pretty rad!
That is leaving the dream right there! I need to show up to a yeti meet with my speciliz..... I mean special NS 😉
@@DailyMTBRiderRumor has it you gain instant legend status if you smoke the Yetis... :)
First things first, top video guys, an old school bike will do anything you are comfortable with doing as long you understand how to use it. Just a tip if you change the bars and stem to modern style you will enjoy it even more, the courses of today have changed from the days of before.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I had a '95 Rock Hopper. Rode it for a decade. They were great bikes. Solid, you could count on them to hold up. It was a great ride but I love my modern full carbon bike now!
I have a bike from that exact time--1995 GT Rebound. Both of you bikes have better shocks than what I did. Your POV shots with the bull horn bars are totally reminiscent.
Nice riding , smiles for miles on the old school bikes , been riding my Mongoose Rockadile for 30 years upgraded to a rockshox fork and set it up 1x super fun , actually just bought a brand new 29er FS a couple weeks ago biggest difference is the dropper post and slacker geometry in the Head Angle. Thanks for the video😀 Ride On.🚴🚴
Underbiking every once in a while is a blast. It really reminds you to "ride light". Now I'm thinking of putting wider bars and swapping my '97 Marzocchi Z1 fork onto my Alpinestars hardtail and see how it goes.
Got myself a Sintesi X-Wing from -00 as my daily commute. Took it to the trails when my trailbike suspension was being serviced and had a blast! Sketchy positioning led to new challenges on well known terrain. Until two punctures in a row, lots of mosquitos and the realisation that I needed a special tool to get the wheel of (had put security bolts on myself to avoid theft..). Managed to MacGyver the tube together with a zip tie without getting the wheel of the bike.
This is now a precious memory and go to joke with my buddies when someone gets a flat; -Need a zip tie? Oh that's right your running tubeless, too bad... 😂
Think I'll convert to 1x9 though to get rid of some junk and chain slap and put some proper tires on 👌
Those handlebars are ridiculous!!
My 2000 GT was like that, with me feeling so much over the front wheel (after getting used to modern geometry). Shorter stem and wider bars really helped. 2000 RockShox Judy? Getting upgraded for sure. Even have a dropper for it to install. Breathing new life into her.
those old avid rim brake levers are actually amazing, i put the lever on my bmx and it made it brake 10 times better than the stock brake (it was a salt or somethin) they just work!
Makes me want to buy my first mtb again and give it a go.
Just brought a 98 stumpy because my dad wouldn't give me his, lol. He turned his retro stumpy into a e-bike now, it's awesome.
The only thing I notice on my 90's bikes is how loud they are.. But I love 90's MTB's..
Glad you're back to posting regularly. Great vids! Very entertaining!
Lived in Marin and rode those when they were new. Dropping the seat was not a thing. Need to leave it up for the full experience.
Still have one in the garage next to my modern bike and always so thankful of how much bikes have evolved.
I used to race xc in the late ninetys early 2000s.
You just bought back the feeling of what it was like, back then it was hard to imagine the bikes getting better, I don't need words to explain hehe.
What will bikes be like in another 20 year's, I'm 50 now how old will you be in 20 years? Josh
I remember when my dad got the 97 S Works mango and I just thought that was the pinnacle of creation.
ChuChu Cat thats what i ride today and i got it in like 96 maybe and its in lime green
@@chuchucat7387 yeah! It's amazing how much it's changed, would love to have an old classic in pristine condition
This is the thing I like about old cheap bikes compared to new cheap bikes, it's that even though the manufacturer's budget for the bikes was small, they were at least built well.
I had a completely rigid 10 speed Repco mountain bike in about 1991. All white with fluro yellow forks for about $199AUD. Over the time I owned it, it got bigger tyres, brake upgrades and I think it died as a 18 or 21 speed. I had years of fun with no issues at all besides flats, and I learned about gears, brakes, and how to fix stuff. Back then that’s what mountain biking was. Buy one like mine or a more expensive branded one, but there was no sprung fronts (certainly none of my friends owned them) and as kids we didn’t care. It climbed hills, it did jumps, whatever you wanted it did, and it was cool, because even all the rich kids who’s dads worked in mines didn’t really have drastically different bikes, and it was all down to the rider.
I still ride one of those rockhoppers to work. Wouldn't ride it on the trials though, Kudos gentlemen!
Dude since the pandemic, bike have become very popular in my country since the roads have been block to prevent people from leaving their homes. I bought that same model, also blue, at 200$ (believe me, it has cheap compare to how expensive bikes have gotten) and it came with its original parts and...its amazing, now I love the sport and I cannot believe I bought a almost 25 year old bike that still works
Josh, I just rode Galbraith for the first time today and thought of this video as I came up to the SST drop. You are an absolute madman.
I have a 1992 mongoose sycamore gx before they became a walmart bike, was $680 back in the day. I'm so tempted to buy a full suspension 29 inch bike. Just to see the difference.
Try some wider bars with a rise. Prob the cheapest and best performance upgrade. Cool vid!
man, I just tuned up my bike from a few years later than your dads and I am about to start riding again ---- making me feel old when you say its your dads bike and I bought mine only a little bit later
Took my 96 Jamis hardtail to mammoth. Rock Shox Judy. Was a hoot !
I still ride my 99 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo with its True Temper Vanadium it rides nicely. Some modern mods made it even more great. Carbon fork, 10 speed Microshift Advent X drivetrain, 2.4" tires, tubeless, carbon handlebar and carbon seatpost makes it awesome
Loving the vintage stumpy action.
You have come back. Yay
It's for real Matt - I'm here to stay!
The FSA sticker is a nice touch.
Haha yeah that's their factory stickers... only the pros get them 😂
I bought a fuji thill from the 90s from a friend in early 2000 for riding around and a couple of years ago decided to try trails out then things escalated from there. I am on on my second bike in 4 years :)
Great video! I went out for the first time in maybe 3/4 years on a 1992 alpinestars. A little scary (been awhile and we have some slidy sandy downhills) But felt so good! San Diego CA trails in near 100° heat! Hardtails ftw! Super raw!
It amazes me the stuff tippee rode on bikes like that
Cool vid. I'm still riding my Rockhopper FS I bought in 97. The thing is a tank with the Mavic 217 wheels on it. I'm an old codger now so mostly gentle trails for me. We rode hard back in the day with what was available.
Thats actually a pretty good comparison. 20 year old geometry was pretty efficient unlike cheap supermarket bikes.
I think if the frame was bigger the stem shorter and the handlebars wider it would be a huge improvement on descents.
I have a 98 stumpy singlespeed with 740bars, short stem and 2.3s, it shreds🤘
I had a 1993 Stumpjumper that I gave to Goodwill because the local bike shop said I couldn’t upgrade the components.
I had a 94 stump jumper and a 98 stump jumper and had great times in the 90’s mtb all over from FL to NC. Raw trails and flying with 3xBY Drive train. We hit 38-40 mph in Georgia/Tennessee area one time on a long downhill double track at windy gap I think it was called.
Bought my Rocky Mt. hard tail Hammer in 91. Upgraded quickly to xt and xtr components, monkey light and a Frankenstem, before eventually switching to Marzocchi bombers. Race face cranks and Sun rims, V brakes and DX thumbies. Weight was about 24.5 lbs or so. Mte St. Anne in Quebec, Gatineaus, North Van trails, Moab Utah and WinterPark in Colorado. Even Subic in the Philippines. I've had other bikes, the only other one I really liked was the Santa Cruz Heckler from that era. My favourite type of riding? Technical climbing, single track and no track. Edge of death riding was also great, like Porcupine Rim at high speed.
I still have my Hammer but just light riding now.
Nice Throwback Thursday ride and bike. 😀
Never forget your roots....
This is how we all rode back in the late 80s early 90s.
Because of our riding then, we all have lovely plush suspension, dropper posts, discs brakes, carbon or ali frames and a lot less injuries!!!
Jees, the 90s were crap 😆
My dad has a 1994 full suspension trek that he uses to shred our local trails even though he hurts him self often :)
Said it before, and I'll say it again. Your videos are always entertaining! (As I slowly back my stumpjumper back into the garage)
Very nice. I have the same in black. But needs to be updated.
I felt brave sending my 2009 hardtail, but you win
I just picked up a 90' Specialized Rockhopper for $50 It's making me question some of the new fancy stuff in a big way.
I left my old 90's Klein out in the garden until someone finally stole it - which I was hoping they would do. I regret it now.
Glad to see you back!
I feel like inflation should accounted for when comparing the bike to a modern one in terms of price
He was comparing how much one of those old bikes costs to buy used right now, not how much they sold for when they were new
I never knew that about the meaning of the word Stumpjumper and I have been riding them for years and spent a lot of money on them LOL!
I still love my full rigid ´96 Breezer Lightning, I love the handling, I love how it looks, I hate the lack of 26" wheels / rims!
The bikes I had in the 90s would destroy any Walmart bike, but then they were also very expensive.
Bike 1) Specialized Rockhopper Sport - that was the gateway drug into the sport.
Bike 2) Kona Hei Hei Ti hardtail with super choice components: Pace forks, XTR, Cooks RSR cranks, anodized widget wonderment 😁
Bike 3) Proflex Animal - the one with the Girvin fork and Magura hydraulic rim brakes.
Bike 4) Boulder Starship (still got it), early Hope Hydraulics, rear shock in the top tube, super weight wheelie. I used that bike from 1997 to 2012 when I got my current bike...
You look like Dave Warner the famous Australian cricket player with that mo
I bought a 1990 stumpjumper team last year because I missed my old 1989 rockhopper (god knows why). It has zero brakes and is sketchy as hell. Makes my 2019 canyon feel super awesome!
Vintage mountain bikes with 2.31 - 2.35 tires and proper maintenance feel 99% modern hard tails, are more nimble, and climb better. I keep up with anyone on my used $200 F700. Wouldn’t compete in it, but it does the job with ease.
I have a Raleigh gold 90's bike, I replaced the handlebar, grips, and stem but kept the horns.
I had a 1993 rockhopper comp, and still have a 1997 stumpjumper- both almost the same as in this video.
I daily a '92 hardtail Cannondale M900. 300+ miles a week, occasionally knocking 500. While most of it is road, I mix in as much single track & parks as I can.
90s MTBs are the best, especially the higher end ones. Make sure your shocks and tires are in good shape. Key upgrades are a dropper post and a front brake upgrade to disc, possible with many late 90s/early 2000s high-end forks. If you want the best of both worlds, upgrade your fork to a Fox Talas, which gives you options for travel and therefore steering angles -- steeper for climbs and slacker for descents.
I wish those old forks were cheaper. 26" Fox forks are coveted and people ask ridiculous prices for them. They're also full of proprietary parts, which makes servicing them a nightmare if they need anything more than a basic cleaning of the internals. Old Marzocchi coil spring forks are a fairly good alternative because of what I described, even though they obviously don't have the small-bump sensitivity that a Fox air fork does.
Nice work bro! Funny timing because I'm poking around for an old 90s bike as well. For your next trick, you should ride a gravel bike on Galbraith trails :D
"The Rimbrakes actually works" - oh you think? Of course they do. We used them for 20 years before the arrival of disc-brakes.
I’ve got a 91 Trek 840 Antelope. Definitely going to be getting some better soon
Narrow bars + GoPro wide = crazy arms 2:44