I think for guys like us who started riding in the 90s, there is nothing else. We would always return to them - if not stuck with them forever. 90s mountain bikes all the way, no matter what others might say.
Still finding them and adding them to my stable. I've an Explossiff that is still fantastic. My latest barn score: 2000' homegrown in great shape, dirt cheap in BFE, Oklahoma out on a job. I told them I needed to give them 2x what they were asking, at least. They declined and were just stoked I knew exactly what it was and love them. They were frantically moving from Oklahoma to (as the wife loudly declared..) ANYWHERE. haha. They didn't have time to properly sell it, they wanted desperately to get out of this state pronto and were just happy it would not end up as some crack heads transportation. Saved a Homegrown beauty. Keep up the good work.
I definitely didn’t grow up in the 90s, but for some reason they just speak to me. I could’ve easily built a more modern frame up, but the giant steal iguana I got, just feels irreplaceable to me.
@@lchav420 I think that’s one of the main things about 90’s MTBs: they have a quality like no other. Although mass production began in the 90s, those bikes were still closer to the original ideas their makers had in mind (Ritchey, Breeze, Murray, Chance, Bradbury etc.) Each and every model has a value in there, whether just aesthetic or sentimental, they are one of a kind. Owning one is owning a piece of MTB history.
The development in the 90's was great for one reason, the US aerospace industry fell flat and companies went out of business wholesale. That left a massive glut of very powerful 4-5 axis CNC machines up for grabs at 1/10th the actual cost new. all of a sudden you had some guy in a 500 sq/ft building able to make some truly epic parts. the magazines, every month had pages of brand new parts. Also part of that aerospace collapse, the bottom fell out of pricing on titanium, 6061/7075 and cro moly, bikes in bunches were moving from basic steel to more exotics and it was mostly affordable the 90's was an awesome time to be riding. ON a side note, i would love to build up a mid 90's Salsa frame..
Thx for the history update , I have 2 ti bikes. An Airboure Lucky Strike & Diamondback Axis DBR / Proflex (all carbon full suspension w/Girvin fork & an old ROSS Chrome steel all original (found 2 at pawn shop, they did not know what they had)😉🤙🏼
@@davidj.jorgensen4828 yeah, I rode a nukeproof, both XC and DH, ( hard tail) the Ti ( 3/2.5) alloy was perfect, as I was also an inside linebacker at univ coming in at 240lbs, That alloy has the right level of spring and fatigue resistance as it's been carrying me these last 25 years. But now I just baby it, last thing I want to do is demo a Ritchie brake level or screw up 94' XTR components.. they are so damn pretty.. and I think that might be one reason why the 90's was so amazing; the parts weren't just pumped out of a CNC from CAD, there was so much artistic nuance in every item made, every company had ' their ' design language. I have yet to see a seat that looks' better then my original Bontrager cut wing seat, even in more modern versions of the seat.. just no soul..
It's a blessing that we have the power to decide what we like and don't like. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the '90 bikes not just for nostalgia but for affordability. For the cost of one new bike, I can have three or four '90 bikes, plus the parts to maintain them well.
8:40 at my last job, some of us had a morning ride we'd do on Sundays, since we opened later. We all had "gravel bikes" in one form or another (bunch of Salsa's, and a bunch of drop bar 90's mountain bike conversions). One ride in particular stands out to me. At one point in the ride, sludging through the mud due to a recent storm, another passing cyclist called out from the paved portion "what are you doing there on road bikes?" Later in the ride, while crossing a "flooded" portion of the trail, a cyclist asked "what are you doing?", and one of their ride buddies said "they're on mountain bikes". In less than an hour, our bikes were called both "road bikes", and "mountain bikes"; when they were just "bikes" we made to our riding style.
I still own and ride my 1992 Bridgestone MB-4 that I bought new. I've updated it to 8 speed XTR Shifting and V-Brakes, and also installed a wider handlebar. I miss having my Rock Shox Mag-21 on it, but when that finally became non-rebuildable I was glad that I had never thrown out the original steel fork. The double and triple butted cro moly steel frames that many of these great 90's mountain bikes had is just so durable, comfortable, and responsive to ride.
I still have my 1990 MASI roadbike,and will ride it some. Its been updated with new Shimano but is still 9 speed. .the paint looks like new from 1990,they knew how to paint at MASI.
Overbiked is the perfect phrase for so many cyclists. I think the reality for most average cyclists riding ultra expensive bikes is bragging rights. ✌ Don't be offended if you have one, they are nice🤓
It’s not Bragging rights for me. Don’t care about that. I just like a really well made bike and appreciate high end components. Makes it more enjoyable to ride for me. When you moving fast and the shifts are not even noticeable is fantastic. XTR all the way!
I probably fall in that category by your reckoning except it's not bragging rights, it's more nostalgia and an appreciation of craftsmanship. I like higher end vintage steel bikes, road and mountain. I'm a regular "sloth" when I ride, slow and steady by most standards. I get there when I get there but I can appreciate the better performance of a higher end vintage bike even if I'm not physically capable at 67 years of age to make full use of it and thanks to "Freds" like me a lot of these bikes are getting saved that would have otherwise gone to the shredder.
I have a 1992 handcrafted (and signed) grove Xinnovations, and she’s great! She belonged to my uncle who passed away in the early 2000s so it really means a lot to me and I’m glad to hear that there’s no need to get a new one!
I have a 90's custom built mountain bike, and it really pulls some of my heart strings seeing the bike sitting for years then seeing it running again. Love your restoration and your videos thank you for making me love vintage mountain bikes :)
You and PathLessPedaled are some of my favorite bike channels! I love that you guys are so chill and fun, it's a great escape from the expensive, pretentious nature of the sport.
Hearing your thoughts on what you work on is always appreciated. You always have such a polite way of delivering your perspective which isn't common on youtube, and I hope you make more videos like this.
I don't ride 90's mountain bikes anymore but I did start on them. Love seeing them on the trails and if the opportunity is right, make sure to tell the rider what an awesome bike they have.
I have a Haro 26" wheel/17.5 " frame mountain bike. I bought it brand new back in 2000. I actually find myself riding more often than my new mountain bike I picked up last year. I just find the old one more versatile to all the different trails and even roads I ride on. I love it and she's 24 years old this year!!
Love my 90s Klein...way ahead of it's time. Always wanted one back when I was 16 and used to see them on the cover of MTB UK, but obviously couldn't afford one back then. Now I have one, it holds a lot of nostalgia and memories. They have amazing innovation, and in my opinion, the best paint of any bike past and present.
About price: you may have heard this already, but you’re in a very sweet spot for finding good bikes at a good price. There aren’t many places on this planet with the same concentration of 90s mountain bikes looking for a new owner. I’m jealous.
Have to agree. I can found decent bikes most times from 50-600 for 90s mountain bikes. Some just have more rust or are missing tubes or tires but like he said spending another 100 on parts. But like you said living in a spot with plenty of bikes and parts. I’m in Sonoma which is next to Marin where mountain biking started.
I started riding a few years ago at the age of 22 so I missed riding back I the day. But I 100% agree there's something about riding 90s bikes that just brings me joy I love my 90s voodoo hoodoo It has been upgraded a tad with disk brakes and a rockshock fork 1x 10 drivetrain It rocks
I started mountain biking on a Trek 970 from 1998 and even if i'm racing enduro on an Intense Tracer today, i still have the fondest of memories of that Trek. I think i'm ready to build one up again.
I've been watching your videos for a year and it motivates me a lot. I recently restored an old Diamondback mountain bike. It is equipped with Shimano Alivio. I use this bike for everyday rides in my area. The cost of the bike including spare parts was 20 euros. I got a new chain and renewed the ball bearings in the bottom bracket. But it's still fun to ride a bike from the 90's. Thank you for your videos and greetings from Bavaria.
I enjoy seeing these bikes and old road bikes restored. They are awesome and quirky in a great way. Right now I’m rebuilding a giant Yukon for my daughter then my other is getting a gt outpost rebuilt for her. Don’t forget to mention the wild paint schemes.
Couldn't agree with you more. Every comment resonates. My 1997 Kilauea is the bike I regret letting go the most..... Have a 1998 Explosif now running as a gravel bike using Surly forks with disc mounts.
I found your channel about 2 months ago. I have been restoring motorcycles from the 70's. After watching a few videos I pulled one of my son's bike down from the garage hooks where it has been for 7 years and stripped it down to the frame. cleaned everything, replaced the shifters, cables, grips, chain, tires and tubes. now that it is finished he wants ride it and leave his car parked. My other wanted me to restore his bike, but he outgrew it. He is 6'4", so I looked on Marketplace and CL for several weeks and today found a great condion Gary Fisher Rangitoto 21" for $40. I believe it is a 95 model. Looking forward to giving this bike"New Life". Enjoy your channel.
Cleaning up a giant uplander se i got out of a dumpster. Aluminium frame chain and cogs are trashed along with rusty cables. Wheels and tyres ok. Looks like an easy fix. Famous last words of course.
Yours is one of a couple of channels that got me to dig out my old 90's MTBs and give them new life. I just got my Univega Dual Action Pro running and out on the trail today, and I've got a 1996 Rockhopper in pieces that I'll be putting back together over the next couple weeks. Thanks for inspiring so many to give new life to good old bikes.
Such a great response to Russ’ video 🙌 +1 for 90’s MTB’s. My ‘99 Hardrock is so very special to me now. It’s been built up as a comfy commuter and now it’s a disc brake rigid mtb/commute thing. Disc converted, dropper post, $20 but nice riding Chromoly frame 🙌
I've got a Diamondback Apex from the '90s & it's a tank. It has a Frankenshock instead of shocks & a springy seatpost. I've got town & country tires on it. I'm 72 now & after seeing your video, plan on bringing it to a shop for a tuneup. Thanks for the inspiration.
There is value in both approaches. I work at Trek dealer that has been in business since 1974. We of course sell the “latest and greatest”. All of us have at least one “nostalgia” build in addition to our “modern” rides. We service EVERYTHING. There is enjoyment in all bikes. As you said, it’s all about what the rider wants to do. Keep on keepin on Old Shovel.
I just fixed up a 90's USA-made Trek MountainTrack that my neighbor was throwing away, the bike was in excellent shape but still needed $165 in basic parts that I purchased from Performance Bike and eBay, a LBS would charge you $300+ for these repairs on top of the purchase price. List of items: stem adapter, new brake pads, grips, cables, pedals, chain, brake noodle, brake rubber boots, Kenda tires, and continental tubes. Don't buy cheap no-name tires! This doesn't include a Giant stem, handlebars, and cable housing I had lying around. If you have an REI around they will sell you cables and housing for the best price I have found. The rims were in decent shape but could use truing, $30 at my LBS, just something I'm not comfortable with. I would make sure the bike has decent rims because this would be a deal-breaker if you need to purchase new ones, rim brakes do degrade them over time, and stay away if they have a freewheel. I didn't touch the BB or the front derailleur because they were in working order and front derailleurs are such a PIA, for another $100 I could have upgraded the cranks and cassette to a 1X but the purpose of this bike is a neighborhood cruiser for a 14-year-old. It's a solid bike now and should last as long as he maintains it, I have seen his other bikes! I'm selling/giving the bike to a friend for the cost of parts and beer. The alternative is buying a new entry-level fitness bike/hardtail for $650 that comes with modern geo, 29er's, and mechanical disc brakes which are far superior and easier to maintain than rim brakes. I personally would stay away from the entry-level bikes with cheap suspension forks and avoid Walmart bikes altogether. I purchased a 2017 Giant ATX Lite for my daughter, the rigid fork is the why they call it "lite", and I paid $500 for it new.
Some time ago I came back from an injury, which prevented me from cycling. What was my first choice to get back on a bike? My first MTB, without any kind of suspension. Nostalgia, you call it very well. 90's bikes are all-purpose bikes. They are not as specific as today's bikes. And you can upgrade them to make them better than they already are.
I got myself in 1993 norco bigfoot at a garage sale $10 and it rides so nice and the brakes work so nice and it's so simple I really like it and I'm just gonna ride it.
Enjoyed your video. 1993 WTB Phoenix rider here. It took me five years to find the frame and another year or so to source the components. I learned a lot from the local bike shop owner/mechanic who built it up for me. It’s a thirty year old frame that still shreds the Marin County trails.
I genuinely have been having more fun on my 99' Orange Clockwork than my 2016 Canyon Spectral so far this year. 1x9, v-brakes and modern Nobby nic's, it absolutely rips 👌
I haven't even sat on bike in over 25 years. My last bike back in the 90's was a Trek 830 Mountain Track. A few hours from now I'm going to pick up a Trek 830 Mountain Track for myself and an 820 Mountain Track for my wife. I found them local to me on Craigslist and they seem complete and in decent shape. I'm even really happy with the price we agreed on. I'm so excited I can't sleep so I'm just watching videos about 90's mountain bikes! Being happy is all the reason I need.
@@danieloshea3326 It's been a couple years since we got them and I can describe them with one word. Bulletproof. We moved out of town and live on a gravel road out in the country now, but they're holding up great. We ride them regularly and haven't really had any issues. We ride with some friends with new bikes and they always seem to have problems. The newer bikes seem fancier and are lighter but the durability just isn't as good as our old steel frames. It's really obvious they just don't build bikes to last anymore. Zero regrets from going old school.
I've been starting with MTB from the beginning of 90s. I had 4 MTBs. The last from nineties is my GT Teguesta '98 bought in March 2000. Last week I bought new bike - Cube Attention SL (Germany design). It is much different philosophy of designing shapes, angles. 29 inch, better Rock Shox fork. But to tell the truth I'm not sure that this new bike is better. The same masses! 13,2kg. Differenced are huge, but my GT Cro-Mo gives my 2000 tons of nostalgia, childhood, memories... Cheers from Poland.
26x2,2 vs. 29x2,25, Cro-Mo frame vs. Alloy frame, Rock Shox Indy C (60mm spring+elastomer) vs. Rock Shox Judy (100mm air spring), 3x8 STX RC vs. 1x12 Deore XT, V-Brakes LX vs. Hydraulic Brakes MT200. A lot of people say - the new - the better, but in my opinion it is not the truth. Old bikes in good condition give a lot of fun, pleasure. New bike - also, but it is made in some "different" way. If better? I'm not sure...
Really appreciate your videos. Agree with all of your points on why to buy 90's bikes. One to add is it is therapeutic for the soul. Rebuilding my bikes again and again is my happy place. Recently painted my old Cannondale with Spray-Bike paint on your recommendation. Amazing result and so satisfying. Thanks for all you do.
Great video, I see from Argentina. I agree for should buy a '90 mtb bike. Recently I buy again my first bike after 30 years!! A steel Giant Boulder, use it to go to work now. Yes... I'm old biker. Congrats! 🇦🇷🇦🇷
I just overhauled the 1997 GT Pantera I bought new. Re-polished, new decals, and 99% original equipment. Just started riding the trails again and loving it!
I just converted a 1992 giant Yukon to a gravel bike. I found it in completely original condition and barely ridden. There’s something about the feeling of the old steel frames that can’t be replaced.
Thanks for a fun video. I Like your thoughts! I'm 58 and still have the '87 Jamis Dakota that I purchased new, while in college. It's still like new. Love that bike.
Great video! Steel is real!!, I love my 90's Trek 970, super light, super comfy, what wheelset are you getting? I'm looking also for a wheelset, thanks
My wife and I have a couple of 90's mtn bikes we bought new. We recently moved to an area with good biking trails, and I've been getting them back into shape. We still really like them. They're not overly complex or expensive, and they're durable. I'm looking for another one as a backup.
I love this channel more of because of You and your ability to transform a bike from junk to a prized possession that is awesome and performs under pressure! I’m way older than most of Your subscribers probably I got my first bike in the 60s! Had a beautiful Schwinn rode bike In the late 80s are early nineties! It was the best bike I ever owned! But would love a newer mt bike! Just to ride! Like I said I love to watch You rebuild and modify a bike because it’s an art that is being lost in this day and age! God Bless You keep up the awesome restorations!🙏😊👍
I am so happy that 80's and 90's MTBs are largely worthless here in Tasmania :D, I recently picked up a 1991 Repco MT3 for $20 and that's about all it's worth.
12 years ago I bought a 97' GF Tassajara in perfect condition for $75 for your #1 reason... nostalgia, a Gary Fisher was all I wanted in the 90's. I restored that bike, added racks, and still today use it for getting around the neighborhood, quick kid rides, small errands, you name it. Been thinking lately of making it a trail bike, it might be time. lol
Compliments from Italy !!! Cinelli Rampichino was the first European Mountain Bike, and I bought a Cinelli Argentovivo (1987) to build a fantastic GRAVEL.
This channel and your IG have inspired me to own vintage bikes. I ride them for personal and sentimental reasons. All my friends I raced with and rode with, have past on. When I ride, I feel that they're with me on the ride. Recently purchased a 93 stumpjumper FS M2. What a ride! -lifebytheseatofmypants
Started riding Mountain Bikes early 80’s. Brilliant. Amazing fun times. Just recently swapped my Felt Carbon 29er frame for a hand built steel Stanton Sherpa 853...much heavier,much better ride! For me the tech has reached the point of saturation! Love the simplicity of external cables and threaded BB’s.
I still ride a 1995 GT Zaskar. I upgraded the front end, and I get TONS of love from other riders out here on the trail. Also a HUGE FAN of Kona & Richey 90’s bikes. Such beautiful lines!
I just bought a '97(?). It's definitely been well used, but other than cosmetics it's in good shape. Not sure if the seat is horrible or if it's me. Regardless I'm looking forward to riding a fair bit this summer.
My 1999 Haro is my favorite bike in The fleet. I was inspired to do disc brakes on it from your video. Mine is a bolt on kit, because it has an aluminum frame, but it's got good disk brakes non the less. I agree 100 percent! Fix 'em!
I have a modern full suspension bike and two 90’s bikes one is a yellow rockhopper rigid with matching cane creek rims it’s my commuter bike with a rack love it it’s smooth the other is a norco hard tail it’s now a 1X10 killer 90’s bikes are awesome
Just purchased a ‘97 Klein Adroit….all original and it is amazing. Brought back so many good memories of my racing days. It’s the one I always wanted……
I love 90s mbts and I'm happy to see them getting reimagined. I started buying them because they're cheap, and kept buy them because they are so versatile. One of my favorites is my 1990-ish Klein Pinnacle, it's done everything I've asked it.
I return cycling with a metal frame borrowed to me. Some months later I found an GT frame 1994 an build my own one, it cost me more than buy one already build. Some months later my seat post break and was impossible to find parts locally (I am from Costa Rica). Few days later I decided to buy a new one 2021 and of course fix the GT. The shouldn't on my case is the lack of parts and the necessity to import them. But I love to help my friends to fix and revive his old ones because they still work.
Another point to your video is some manufacturers still built their frames in the USA up to the early 2000's. That's a big plus for me. I have a fully upgraded 2019 GT Pantera and a recently acquired 2001 Specialzed Stumpjumper that is mostly stock. For quick bike rides around the neighborhood or gravel trails near by I find myself reaching for the Stumpy. It definitely brings back memories.
Not quite 1990's but I'm working on freshening up my 2005 Specialized P2. Just got new tires, Maxxis skinwall DTH, new pedals and a new light kit. Next spring I'll probably get new wheels. I converted it to bomb around town and it's such an awesome bike.
The top reason I love bombing around town and light trails on 'old' mountain bikes? It saves my very capable and expensive modern mountain bike from wear and tear. I've stretched your timeframe a little but my 2005 DMR Switchback still fits most of your suggestions. It was cheap, really nice lightweight steel, modern 1 1/8 headset/bb/disc brake mounts and so on. I've built it up with an old Marzocchi Bomber, SLX 1x10, Deore brakes and other 'dated' but still really nice components that aren't worth much now. And I freaking love it, it huge fun on gravel, XC and around town
Congratulations on your channel! and for the love of these bicycles that I also share. Almost two years ago maybe less I could get the bike of my dreams, a Cannondale f 700 every day that passes I fall in love more, nowadays with super modern bikes, when I go out to train and another cyclist crosses my path, they are surprised and they are happy to see that these bikes can still fight, I turn around and with a big smile I say thank you. You should restore a Cannondale f500 or 700.
@@oldshovel like I said in my own comment... i weirdly agree with both of you guys. It just depends on what's available in your area or if you're willing to pony up the dough to pay for shipping or even travel yourself. The Nishiki I did a dirt drop bar conversion on I sourced locally for $40, and only drove about 30 minutes round trip. The DBK Axis I got from my local bike shop who sells used bikes (and parts) as well as new stuff. Don't recall how much I paid for it though, wasn't more than $100 for a complete bike. Rode it awhile before I updated to threadless suspension fork and v-brakes.
Inspired by oldshovel, I just sprayed and built a 90s Merlin out of lots of spare parts I had. Total cost was less than £100 (although, granted, I already owned most of the parts :) )
I had a 1995 Diamond Back Accent Ex. Upgraded to a Rock Shock Judy and Avid (SRAM) side pull brakes. Lots of fun riding on that bike. My wife had me sell it to make garage space after our kids were born. Still wish I had it as a townie/commuter bike. I am sure my 16 year old would appreciate it as well.
Love the video, as I do the rest of them. I didn't need to watch it though because I have three of my own reasons to buy a 90's MTB. #1: 1992 Cannondale M700 that I've owned since it was new and still ride it. #2 1994 Cannondale Delta V 600 currently being stripped down to restore it #3 1994 Cannondale Super V 2000 that I just recently completed the rebuild of it from a well used frame into a crazy over the top 1x12 , full hydraulic disc brake conversion.. Your channel was one of the inspirations for me to take on the repainting of the bike myself. Thank you! #4 and #5 will be soon to come as well
Any old bike is a dream in the making, the T700 looked sensational and Toasty Rides bought a GT Slipstream for $10NZD. 90"s MTB for the nostalgia and exciting green trail rides but to quote Spindatt, Every bike is a good time. Great video👍
Nostalgia for sure! My first visceral experiences with bikes were in the local shop when I was 7, 8, 9 years old and feeling the grips and brakes and taking in the amazing colors of early 90s Trek mountain bikes.
I'm surprised you didn't bring up metallurgy. You can get a 90s MTB with a fully butted main triangle in True Temper OX or high end Reynolds. Modern steel gravel bikes might also have nice tubing, but you'll pay a lot for it, so most will be 4130 Cr-Mo and maybe the top tube is butted.
I'm totally on board with 90s mountain bikes. Inspired by you, last year I restored and upgraded my 1994 LL Bean Approach, a re-branded Specialized Hardrock. I bought it new, and even when I stopped riding for a couple decades, I could never let go of it. It's now 1x9 with a new black and gold paint job. I also restored and upgraded a ruby red 1999 Specialized Hardrock, although I clear coated the "patina-ed" paint. This bike is a hoot and a half to ride on trails.
Still take my Homegrown out from time to time as a reminder of how easy today’s bikes are to ride. The Homegrown still does great on flow trails and always puts a smile on my face.
I just finished restoring an 86 Hill Topper SX with minor rebuild, it’s a tough little number,Tange tubing, it’s a keeper, great for getting out on the trails.
This is an interesting topic as someone who was big into mountain biking in the 90’s and early 2000’s. I just recently bought a new(er) mountain bike and started riding again. I previously had a custom built 98 Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail frame I loaded with all top of the line parts and kept upgrading as time went on. It weighed 19 pounds. It was what I considered perfect. I also had a Cannondale Jekyll and a Santa Cruz Superlight also spec’d out very well, but I preferred my hard tail. I recently got a 2019 Intense Sniper Trail Elite and started riding again. I have to say bikes have come a LONG way since “back in the day”. The geometry of today’s bikes are sheer black magic. How does one even climb on a bike with only a 50mm stem on it? Just stop it! Rough terrain? Early 90’s forks had foam marshmallows in them for crying out load (elastomers I believe they were called). This new bike I have is an absolute dream comparatively. Dropper posts?! I had no idea wtf that was. I had to Google it. They’re amazing! Back when, if you thought you were clever, you’d just have a quick release on your seat post clamp and have to unf-k it all down on flat ground. Bar ends? Thought I’d miss them but you don’t need them on todays bikes. Itty bitty sprocket up front with hubcap sized cassette in back? Who woulda thought? It’s marvelous -and works! I don’t know that shifting is any different but I dig it. The Time ATAC pedal? It is good to see that you can’t mess with perfection though You can have all those old bikes. I sold mine for pennies on the dollar years ago. As someone who was there and experienced the 90’s/00’s as an adult, I’d take the bikes of today hands down, or at least the one I got. It’s more bike than anything I’d ever ridden going up or down. It’s a great time to be in to bikes now, Just saying. The more I’m seeing the more my antiquated mind bends. This isn’t a bash on the old. I’m old. The bikes of the early to mid 90’s were atrocious compared to the bike I had in 05. It’s the lessons learned in the industry and those torches being passed that I can really see a huge difference with today. I wish I had more mileage on my body because this sport didn’t slow down. It doesn’t appear to be any time soon. Vintage is cool in a lot of ways, but performance is the key. Faster, harder, scarier…yes, please. **In all fairness, I don’t know if it’s just this bike I got or the way things are these days, but I do miss remote lockouts up on the bars. I find it a huge step backwards to be fumble-f-king under the frame for the lockout lever while trying to get geared for a climb. Cable lockout, not electronic! Electronic components do not belong on a bicycle. It’s an abomination!!
Now well into my 50's, there no going back for me either. My Epic Evo (similar to your Sniper) is efficient, comfortable and capable. It has a threaded BB that I can easily service. No front derailleur hassle (the triple on my old mountain bike was a constant challenge). I have learned a lot by riding this bike. Wide tires & rims are fast and comfortable. I use the dropper much more often than I ever expected I would, and I am so smitten I put one on my 29'er hardtail (which I primarily use for gravel now). Bike weight doesn't matter very much (but losing weight off my fat butt does, not that this is a revelation). The beefier fork, rear suspension, wide bars, shorter stem, dropper and slacker geometry works really well for general XC riding and allows you to have a lot more fun (and get less beat-up) descending, particularly when it gets fast, rough or technical. I raced the Sea Otter "Fuego" 80K a few weeks ago and pre-rode a lap of the course on my 29'er hardtail and then again on the Evo. Even though the course had a LOT of gravel and climbing, I wound up racing the Evo. Why? Because it just soaks up the rough stuff and helps you to preserve your energy for pedaling. I am also convinced that my last major crash (over the bars) would have not happened if I was on the Evo instead of a hardtail. I can appreciate people wanting to experience the "purity" of riding an old bike that is in good operating condition, but I am DONE. My old M4 Stumpy HT was slow in comparison and brutal to ride more than 3 hours. I gave it to a friend before I moved last year and said good riddance.
@@davecech4741 100%! It’s not that the old bikes didn’t do the job, but that was then. These modern bikes are just capable of more. I’m riding the same trails but with a much different experience (than I remember). I turn 50 in June. I’m probably writing some checks my body won’t be able to cash if I wad it up, but I’m having a blast getting back in to it all over again. I blame Peloton for reopening this can of worms! Cheers! Keep after it! @axiomic lol, it’s about the purity of the fight! Once you start adding all the E to make your job easier you might as well get a dirt bike 😒
That's funny, I was in almost the same boat. Rode a metric ton in the 94-99' Era and started back up during the pandemic. All this new shit blew my mind... Droppers, big wheels... But the two biggest things about new stuff is the BREAKS and sitting upright. Good God, you can just STOP. No more praying that your centerpull v breaks will hook up! And being able to ride for hours because your back doesn't get sore hunched over the 130mm stem w/ totally straight bar?
Yes. My take on the 90s mountain bike is somewhere between your #2 and #3. They are kinda’ blank slates - a tabula rasa, if you want to sound fancy. You can make a 90s MTB into nearly anything. A gravel bike? Sure. A cruiser? Why not. A town bike? Absolutely. I just did a build for my law partner’s son to take to college with a 1996 Cannondale M200 frame (yeah, I know. Aluminum.). It is PERFECT for the job. 1x9 with Advent. Beefy, fun, and able to carry plenty of stuff. I put nice, cushy slick tires on it. It’ll be great. Everything but the frame is new. I must say, it wasn’t cheap.
Wish I still had my Marin Bear Valley, However. Found my old Orange Gringo from around 2000, thought my parents had thrown it out. This has been a real inspiration, I was going to chuck it and spend just under £1000 getting a 21st century bike but now going to get her sorted and be out there this summer.
I live off a Cannondale M900 from the early 90's. Changed everything save the frame, & rear brakes. It is awesome. Built exactly how I wanted & need, bomb proof, low maintenance costs....it is awesome.
I have been watching your content since the early days of your channel. These are the exact reasons why I started my hobby to work on and ride 90s bikes. Sure, I do own a modern full suspension bike which I ride. But, the experience and nostalgia I have working on older bikes is different. I am in my mid-40s, and fixing/riding my bike is my top memorable childhood experiences. My brother and I fixed our bikes with no bike tools and crappy components but think about the creativity we had with our fixes and mods. Being at home more than before due to the pandemic really got me into chasing 90s bikes and restoring them the way I want. I have over a dozen bikes now including Konas, Voodoos, Kleins, Gary Fishers, etc. I appreciate your content and the inspiration. There is a whole community of us out there appreciating your videos.
My first mountain bike was an 85 Jamis Dakota. Ten years later I bought a Specialized Stump Jumper Pro, M2 aluminum/ceramic frame, all XT and XTR, which for various reasons has never seen much use. Last year I converted this to a Bafang BBS02 ebike with all the trimmings. It's 10-20 pounds lighter than most ebikes that cost twice as much, and a blast to ride. I still have the original Judy fork, with new longer springs to replace the elastomers. Now my septuagenarian legs can get me up the steep stuff again. It's all set up with fenders, racks and a Thudbuster to make an ideal touring rig.
Got my 1st mountain bike in 1998..1994 huffy stalker x15..sat for many years afterward and got lots of rust but I recently stripped her bare and redone it..switched to aluminum wheels but having to do some tweaks to make them fit..thinking of making it a hybrid with 26" V brake fork..the nostalgia is definitely what makes it special for me..I lost a lot of people in my life who rode with me with this bike..so biking is not just important to me but the memories the bike carries
stumbled upon your page and love the retro mtb content! I have a few 90's MTB in the stable as well and prefer them over my newer bikes. I am 43 yrs old and got hooked into MTB'ing when I was 12 so 90's MTB will always hold a place in my heart. Subscribed for sure.
My dad got me a 2001 Litespeed Toccoa frame for my 18th birthday for me to build up. I got a 2018 Rock Shox Revelation fork for it, nx eagle drive train, and I ended up ordering a set of custom hubs because I didn’t realize that having a through axel fork and and quick release in the rear was an issue 😐. Learned so much from the experience, and the bike is an absolute blast. At rides and xc races so many people stop to chat me up about it. I have a lot appreciation for those 90’s mountain bikes and tech from that era.
I bought a 1999 Specialized FSR Sport last year that the previous owner had the local bike shop service and install new tires with new tubes. I have changed the handle bars with PNW Gen 3, new grips, 50mm x 30 degree rise stem, new seat and special mount for adjusting the water bottle cage under the seat. I replaced the middle front chain ring with a new aluminum one and the bike shifts and rides like new! I have a full suspension bike for considerably less than I would have paid new! The original Manitou Spyder front forks and Rock Shoxs Vanilla rear coil shock have been holding up well. I plan to replace the front fork with a Rock Shoxs Recon and Exaform 588RL on the rear when they start sagging.
Love my late 90s and early 2000s Kona hardtails (Kula and Kula Deluxe). Still going strong today with some choice, affordable upgrades. Also, 26 inch means my wife and daughters (short legged) can ride them comfortably. Hard to source forks and wheels nowadays but not impossible. Keep on being amazing Mr Oldshovel. Cheers 👍👍👍
I hear ya. I currently ride a 96 rocky mountain cardiac fitted as a hard tail now. Threw some maxxis minon tires on er. Rock shox indy xc fork. I was the cross over year so no quill stem. I also own a 91 rocky equipe (green and yellow). Gorgeous bike i use as a gravel bike. I enjoy riding the oldies. Just today i saw another guy riding a 94ish rocky fusion on the trails
I have the exact same Giant you started with! I still have it, and I think it's a cool bike, for what it is. It rides pretty nicely. I use it as a path cruiser.
I currently own two bikes, a 97 GT Tequesta that i rescued and restored during the pandemic quarantine and a new hybrid bike. The GT is definitely more versatile and fun to ride than the new bike. Unfortunately i didn't experience the golden age of the MTBs since i'm 27 years old, but i love to see a nice steel bike from that era still being used today.
Still riding my original 1995 GT timberline and I absolutely love the beautiful, vintage British racing green badass machine. Had to give it a good upgrade about 10 years ago and the shop thought I was crazy. "Why don't you just buy a new bike??" - because I already had a new-ish trek 9000 and it was just, meh. I feel like a rockstar on the GT.
Love the video! Out of all my bikes my favorite is still my mid-late 80s Fuji MTB.. A few years ago I did a restoration on it, upgrading the drive train and fitting V brakes to it. Makes a great gravel bike. I also agree on the over biked phenomenon.
Thank you for sharing, I've been refurbishing old '90s mountain bikes primarily Gary Fisher's chromoly frames or Cannondale aluminum frames turning them into incredible city bikes or commuters easy to work on and they're just so darn good thanks
I have a mid 90s Marin Bear Valley SE. I've been using it for over 20 years. The rims were worn but I found some NOS Mavic rims exactly like the originals so decided to completely restore it. I put a rack and mudguards on and use it for around town and shopping. It runs great. Another era which I think is good is road bikes from about 10-12 years ago when good ones still had rim brakes. You can get a great bike from this era which is still fast on the road. The key is to buy from eras where standards had reached a good level before there were major shifts in design. That's why mid 90s mountain bikes are good.
From 1990 to 2013 I rode a Merlin titanium with a 1996 frame being the last one of three frames ( two warranty frames) anyway, very versatile bikes. I am an overseas teacher and wanted a travel bike. I ended up finding a 2000 Litespeed Toccoa which I bought from the original owner in 2006. I had the seller send the bike to Bilenky in Philadelphia to do a S&S retrofit before even seeing the bike ( I was still overseas at the time). It has since undergone two restomods since I got it with the latest last spring. Just trying to build the ultimate travel bike. So I agree, that era of bike is very versatile.
the search for bikes and gear IS a hobby in itself. the thrill of the hunt baby!
I prefer riding, thanks.
I think for guys like us who started riding in the 90s, there is nothing else. We would always return to them - if not stuck with them forever. 90s mountain bikes all the way, no matter what others might say.
Still finding them and adding them to my stable. I've an Explossiff that is still fantastic. My latest barn score: 2000' homegrown in great shape, dirt cheap in BFE, Oklahoma out on a job. I told them I needed to give them 2x what they were asking, at least. They declined and were just stoked I knew exactly what it was and love them. They were frantically moving from Oklahoma to (as the wife loudly declared..) ANYWHERE. haha. They didn't have time to properly sell it, they wanted desperately to get out of this state pronto and were just happy it would not end up as some crack heads transportation. Saved a Homegrown beauty. Keep up the good work.
I definitely didn’t grow up in the 90s, but for some reason they just speak to me. I could’ve easily built a more modern frame up, but the giant steal iguana I got, just feels irreplaceable to me.
@@lchav420 There's the love! Enjoy it, man.
@Jiggity Jake oh yes! Would be stoked to see some 80s BMXes rebuilt on the channel!!!
@@lchav420 I think that’s one of the main things about 90’s MTBs: they have a quality like no other. Although mass production began in the 90s, those bikes were still closer to the original ideas their makers had in mind (Ritchey, Breeze, Murray, Chance, Bradbury etc.) Each and every model has a value in there, whether just aesthetic or sentimental, they are one of a kind. Owning one is owning a piece of MTB history.
The development in the 90's was great for one reason, the US aerospace industry fell flat and companies went out of business wholesale. That left a massive glut of very powerful 4-5 axis CNC machines up for grabs at 1/10th the actual cost new. all of a sudden you had some guy in a 500 sq/ft building able to make some truly epic parts. the magazines, every month had pages of brand new parts. Also part of that aerospace collapse, the bottom fell out of pricing on titanium, 6061/7075 and cro moly, bikes in bunches were moving from basic steel to more exotics and it was mostly affordable the 90's was an awesome time to be riding.
ON a side note, i would love to build up a mid 90's Salsa frame..
Thx for the history update , I have 2 ti bikes. An Airboure Lucky Strike & Diamondback Axis DBR / Proflex (all carbon full suspension w/Girvin fork & an old ROSS Chrome steel all original (found 2 at pawn shop, they did not know what they had)😉🤙🏼
@@davidj.jorgensen4828 yeah, I rode a nukeproof, both XC and DH, ( hard tail) the Ti ( 3/2.5) alloy was perfect, as I was also an inside linebacker at univ coming in at 240lbs, That alloy has the right level of spring and fatigue resistance as it's been carrying me these last 25 years. But now I just baby it, last thing I want to do is demo a Ritchie brake level or screw up 94' XTR components.. they are so damn pretty.. and I think that might be one reason why the 90's was so amazing; the parts weren't just pumped out of a CNC from CAD, there was so much artistic nuance in every item made, every company had ' their ' design language. I have yet to see a seat that looks' better then my original Bontrager cut wing seat, even in more modern versions of the seat.. just no soul..
good point!
CNC didn't really get useful until about 1986 .
It's a blessing that we have the power to decide what we like and don't like. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the '90 bikes not just for nostalgia but for affordability. For the cost of one new bike, I can have three or four '90 bikes, plus the parts to maintain them well.
8:40 at my last job, some of us had a morning ride we'd do on Sundays, since we opened later. We all had "gravel bikes" in one form or another (bunch of Salsa's, and a bunch of drop bar 90's mountain bike conversions). One ride in particular stands out to me.
At one point in the ride, sludging through the mud due to a recent storm, another passing cyclist called out from the paved portion "what are you doing there on road bikes?" Later in the ride, while crossing a "flooded" portion of the trail, a cyclist asked "what are you doing?", and one of their ride buddies said "they're on mountain bikes".
In less than an hour, our bikes were called both "road bikes", and "mountain bikes"; when they were just "bikes" we made to our riding style.
Perfect and true. Bikes through and through.
Most people need to name things, prefrontal cortex overriding simple heart thinking
I still own and ride my 1992 Bridgestone MB-4 that I bought new. I've updated it to 8 speed XTR Shifting and V-Brakes, and also installed a wider handlebar. I miss having my Rock Shox Mag-21 on it, but when that finally became non-rebuildable I was glad that I had never thrown out the original steel fork. The double and triple butted cro moly steel frames that many of these great 90's mountain bikes had is just so durable, comfortable, and responsive to ride.
I still have my 1990 MASI roadbike,and will ride it some. Its been updated with new Shimano but is still 9 speed. .the paint looks like new from 1990,they knew how to paint at MASI.
Nothing like a solid frame and fork to really give that plush feel. Zero travel is the best travel.
Overbiked is the perfect phrase for so many cyclists. I think the reality for most average cyclists riding ultra expensive bikes is bragging rights. ✌ Don't be offended if you have one, they are nice🤓
All the gear and no idea as we used to say
It’s not Bragging rights for me. Don’t care about that. I just like a really well made bike and appreciate high end components. Makes it more enjoyable to ride for me. When you moving fast and the shifts are not even noticeable is fantastic. XTR all the way!
I probably fall in that category by your reckoning except it's not bragging rights, it's more nostalgia and an appreciation of craftsmanship. I like higher end vintage steel bikes, road and mountain. I'm a regular "sloth" when I ride, slow and steady by most standards. I get there when I get there but I can appreciate the better performance of a higher end vintage bike even if I'm not physically capable at 67 years of age to make full use of it and thanks to "Freds" like me a lot of these bikes are getting saved that would have otherwise gone to the shredder.
@RollinRat In the words of my generation "fuckin' A"! 😎
@RollinRat Wow, yes I've heard of him, you scored BIG time indeed!
I have a 1992 handcrafted (and signed) grove Xinnovations, and she’s great! She belonged to my uncle who passed away in the early 2000s so it really means a lot to me and I’m glad to hear that there’s no need to get a new one!
I have a 90's custom built mountain bike, and it really pulls some of my heart strings seeing the bike sitting for years then seeing it running again. Love your restoration and your videos thank you for making me love vintage mountain bikes :)
You and PathLessPedaled are some of my favorite bike channels! I love that you guys are so chill and fun, it's a great escape from the expensive, pretentious nature of the sport.
Met him out in Tucson a few years ago. Didn't know who he was then. Did a few brewery rides together and bought some art from him.
"I typically fix my own bike"
For some reason I completely believe you.
One of the best Old Shovel videos, by the way.
Hearing your thoughts on what you work on is always appreciated. You always have such a polite way of delivering your perspective which isn't common on youtube, and I hope you make more videos like this.
I don't ride 90's mountain bikes anymore but I did start on them. Love seeing them on the trails and if the opportunity is right, make sure to tell the rider what an awesome bike they have.
I have a Haro 26" wheel/17.5 " frame mountain bike. I bought it brand new back in 2000. I actually find myself riding more often than my new mountain bike I picked up last year. I just find the old one more versatile to all the different trails and even roads I ride on. I love it and she's 24 years old this year!!
Love my 90s Klein...way ahead of it's time. Always wanted one back when I was 16 and used to see them on the cover of MTB UK, but obviously couldn't afford one back then. Now I have one, it holds a lot of nostalgia and memories. They have amazing innovation, and in my opinion, the best paint of any bike past and present.
About price: you may have heard this already, but you’re in a very sweet spot for finding good bikes at a good price. There aren’t many places on this planet with the same concentration of 90s mountain bikes looking for a new owner. I’m jealous.
Have to agree. I can found decent bikes most times from 50-600 for 90s mountain bikes. Some just have more rust or are missing tubes or tires but like he said spending another 100 on parts. But like you said living in a spot with plenty of bikes and parts. I’m in Sonoma which is next to Marin where mountain biking started.
I started riding a few years ago at the age of 22 so I missed riding back I the day.
But I 100% agree there's something about riding 90s bikes that just brings me joy I love my 90s voodoo hoodoo
It has been upgraded a tad with disk brakes and a rockshock fork 1x 10 drivetrain
It rocks
I started mountain biking on a Trek 970 from 1998 and even if i'm racing enduro on an Intense Tracer today, i still have the fondest of memories of that Trek. I think i'm ready to build one up again.
I've been watching your videos for a year and it motivates me a lot. I recently restored an old Diamondback mountain bike. It is equipped with Shimano Alivio. I use this bike for everyday rides in my area. The cost of the bike including spare parts was 20 euros. I got a new chain and renewed the ball bearings in the bottom bracket. But it's still fun to ride a bike from the 90's. Thank you for your videos and greetings from Bavaria.
I enjoy seeing these bikes and old road bikes restored. They are awesome and quirky in a great way. Right now I’m rebuilding a giant Yukon for my daughter then my other is getting a gt outpost rebuilt for her. Don’t forget to mention the wild paint schemes.
Couldn't agree with you more. Every comment resonates.
My 1997 Kilauea is the bike I regret letting go the most.....
Have a 1998 Explosif now running as a gravel bike using Surly forks with disc mounts.
А задний тормоз тоже дисковый?
I found your channel about 2 months ago. I have been restoring motorcycles from the 70's. After watching a few videos I pulled one of my son's bike down from the garage hooks where it has been for 7 years and stripped it down to the frame. cleaned everything, replaced the shifters, cables, grips, chain, tires and tubes. now that it is finished he wants ride it and leave his car parked. My other wanted me to restore his bike, but he outgrew it. He is 6'4", so I looked on Marketplace and CL for several weeks and today found a great condion Gary Fisher Rangitoto 21" for $40. I believe it is a 95 model. Looking forward to giving this bike"New Life". Enjoy your channel.
Cleaning up a giant uplander se i got out of a dumpster. Aluminium frame chain and cogs are trashed along with rusty cables. Wheels and tyres ok. Looks like an easy fix. Famous last words of course.
Yours is one of a couple of channels that got me to dig out my old 90's MTBs and give them new life. I just got my Univega Dual Action Pro running and out on the trail today, and I've got a 1996 Rockhopper in pieces that I'll be putting back together over the next couple weeks. Thanks for inspiring so many to give new life to good old bikes.
Such a great response to Russ’ video 🙌
+1 for 90’s MTB’s.
My ‘99 Hardrock is so very special to me now. It’s been built up as a comfy commuter and now it’s a disc brake rigid mtb/commute thing.
Disc converted, dropper post, $20 but nice riding Chromoly frame 🙌
This is why I own like a dozen vintage mountain bikes. I’ve had everything from every era, and nothing has the feel and emotion like the 90s stuff
It's got soul
Its mostly mental. Rose colored glasses,these old bikes are cool but heavy, newer tech blows them in the weeds......rigid frames beat a body to death.
@@bradsanders6954 ONLY IF YOUR A CANDY@SS
I restored a 1993 Kona Hot. I'm wondering if you have restored any kona bikes?
@@alexrivera3113 I have a 1990 KONA humhumuapuaaa single speed since 2007...........great town bike.
My first mtb was a Kona Explosif. I bought it when I was 19, in 1994. I really miss that bike.
I've got a Diamondback Apex from the '90s & it's a tank. It has a Frankenshock instead of shocks & a springy seatpost. I've got town & country tires on it. I'm 72 now & after seeing your video, plan on bringing it to a shop for a tuneup. Thanks for the inspiration.
I've got the same a Diamondback Apex SE and the True Temper tt-lite steel tubing is amazing
There is value in both approaches. I work at Trek dealer that has been in business since 1974. We of course sell the “latest and greatest”. All of us have at least one “nostalgia” build in addition to our “modern” rides. We service EVERYTHING. There is enjoyment in all bikes. As you said, it’s all about what the rider wants to do. Keep on keepin on Old Shovel.
I just fixed up a 90's USA-made Trek MountainTrack that my neighbor was throwing away, the bike was in excellent shape but still needed $165 in basic parts that I purchased from Performance Bike and eBay, a LBS would charge you $300+ for these repairs on top of the purchase price. List of items: stem adapter, new brake pads, grips, cables, pedals, chain, brake noodle, brake rubber boots, Kenda tires, and continental tubes. Don't buy cheap no-name tires! This doesn't include a Giant stem, handlebars, and cable housing I had lying around. If you have an REI around they will sell you cables and housing for the best price I have found. The rims were in decent shape but could use truing, $30 at my LBS, just something I'm not comfortable with. I would make sure the bike has decent rims because this would be a deal-breaker if you need to purchase new ones, rim brakes do degrade them over time, and stay away if they have a freewheel. I didn't touch the BB or the front derailleur because they were in working order and front derailleurs are such a PIA, for another $100 I could have upgraded the cranks and cassette to a 1X but the purpose of this bike is a neighborhood cruiser for a 14-year-old. It's a solid bike now and should last as long as he maintains it, I have seen his other bikes! I'm selling/giving the bike to a friend for the cost of parts and beer. The alternative is buying a new entry-level fitness bike/hardtail for $650 that comes with modern geo, 29er's, and mechanical disc brakes which are far superior and easier to maintain than rim brakes. I personally would stay away from the entry-level bikes with cheap suspension forks and avoid Walmart bikes altogether. I purchased a 2017 Giant ATX Lite for my daughter, the rigid fork is the why they call it "lite", and I paid $500 for it new.
Some time ago I came back from an injury, which prevented me from cycling. What was my first choice to get back on a bike? My first MTB, without any kind of suspension. Nostalgia, you call it very well.
90's bikes are all-purpose bikes. They are not as specific as today's bikes. And you can upgrade them to make them better than they already are.
I got myself in 1993 norco bigfoot at a garage sale $10 and it rides so nice and the brakes work so nice and it's so simple I really like it and I'm just gonna ride it.
Enjoyed your video. 1993 WTB Phoenix rider here. It took me five years to find the frame and another year or so to source the components. I learned a lot from the local bike shop owner/mechanic who built it up for me. It’s a thirty year old frame that still shreds the Marin County trails.
I genuinely have been having more fun on my 99' Orange Clockwork than my 2016 Canyon Spectral so far this year. 1x9, v-brakes and modern Nobby nic's, it absolutely rips 👌
I haven't even sat on bike in over 25 years. My last bike back in the 90's was a Trek 830 Mountain Track. A few hours from now I'm going to pick up a Trek 830 Mountain Track for myself and an 820 Mountain Track for my wife. I found them local to me on Craigslist and they seem complete and in decent shape. I'm even really happy with the price we agreed on. I'm so excited I can't sleep so I'm just watching videos about 90's mountain bikes! Being happy is all the reason I need.
So how are the bikes?
@@danieloshea3326 It's been a couple years since we got them and I can describe them with one word. Bulletproof. We moved out of town and live on a gravel road out in the country now, but they're holding up great. We ride them regularly and haven't really had any issues. We ride with some friends with new bikes and they always seem to have problems. The newer bikes seem fancier and are lighter but the durability just isn't as good as our old steel frames. It's really obvious they just don't build bikes to last anymore. Zero regrets from going old school.
I've been starting with MTB from the beginning of 90s. I had 4 MTBs. The last from nineties is my GT Teguesta '98 bought in March 2000. Last week I bought new bike - Cube Attention SL (Germany design). It is much different philosophy of designing shapes, angles. 29 inch, better Rock Shox fork. But to tell the truth I'm not sure that this new bike is better. The same masses! 13,2kg. Differenced are huge, but my GT Cro-Mo gives my 2000 tons of nostalgia, childhood, memories... Cheers from Poland.
26x2,2 vs. 29x2,25, Cro-Mo frame vs. Alloy frame, Rock Shox Indy C (60mm spring+elastomer) vs. Rock Shox Judy (100mm air spring), 3x8 STX RC vs. 1x12 Deore XT, V-Brakes LX vs. Hydraulic Brakes MT200. A lot of people say - the new - the better, but in my opinion it is not the truth. Old bikes in good condition give a lot of fun, pleasure. New bike - also, but it is made in some "different" way. If better? I'm not sure...
Iam riding since 1984 and bought a 1986 Berma Padova from Poland..restored now 100% ..send me everyday back to my teen era...cheers to Poland
I've learned so much watching this channel, like how hard it is to upgrade my 89 Cannondale. But great to watch and learn. So soothing, too.
Really appreciate your videos. Agree with all of your points on why to buy 90's bikes. One to add is it is therapeutic for the soul. Rebuilding my bikes again and again is my happy place. Recently painted my old Cannondale with Spray-Bike paint on your recommendation. Amazing result and so satisfying. Thanks for all you do.
Great video, I see from Argentina. I agree for should buy a '90 mtb bike. Recently I buy again my first bike after 30 years!! A steel Giant Boulder, use it to go to work now. Yes... I'm old biker. Congrats! 🇦🇷🇦🇷
I just overhauled the 1997 GT Pantera I bought new. Re-polished, new decals, and 99% original equipment. Just started riding the trails again and loving it!
Hell yes.
I just converted a 1992 giant Yukon to a gravel bike. I found it in completely original condition and barely ridden. There’s something about the feeling of the old steel frames that can’t be replaced.
Thanks for a fun video. I Like your thoughts! I'm 58 and still have the '87 Jamis Dakota that I purchased new, while in college. It's still like new. Love that bike.
Great video! Steel is real!!, I love my 90's Trek 970, super light, super comfy, what wheelset are you getting? I'm looking also for a wheelset, thanks
Thank you for making this video. I am in the process of acquiring and building a 90s mtb into "my" gravel bike. You do good work, keep it going!
Amen! 1996 Rockhopper rigid is all around one of the best bikes I have ever ridden and I have owned and ridden a lot of bikes
My wife and I have a couple of 90's mtn bikes we bought new. We recently moved to an area with good biking trails, and I've been getting them back into shape. We still really like them. They're not overly complex or expensive, and they're durable. I'm looking for another one as a backup.
I love this channel more of because of You and your ability to transform a bike from junk to a prized possession that is awesome and performs under pressure! I’m way older than most of Your subscribers probably I got my first bike in the 60s! Had a beautiful Schwinn rode bike
In the late 80s are early nineties! It was the best bike I ever owned! But would love a newer mt bike! Just to ride! Like I said I love to watch You rebuild and modify a bike because it’s an art that is being lost in this day and age! God Bless You keep up the awesome restorations!🙏😊👍
I am so happy that 80's and 90's MTBs are largely worthless here in Tasmania :D, I recently picked up a 1991 Repco MT3 for $20 and that's about all it's worth.
12 years ago I bought a 97' GF Tassajara in perfect condition for $75 for your #1 reason... nostalgia, a Gary Fisher was all I wanted in the 90's. I restored that bike, added racks, and still today use it for getting around the neighborhood, quick kid rides, small errands, you name it. Been thinking lately of making it a trail bike, it might be time. lol
Compliments from Italy !!! Cinelli Rampichino was the first European Mountain Bike, and I bought a Cinelli Argentovivo (1987) to build a fantastic GRAVEL.
This channel and your IG have inspired me to own vintage bikes. I ride them for personal and sentimental reasons. All my friends I raced with and rode with, have past on. When I ride, I feel that they're with me on the ride. Recently purchased a 93 stumpjumper FS M2. What a ride! -lifebytheseatofmypants
I love this TH-cam channel, the bike restoration videos are very satisfying and lovely
Started riding Mountain Bikes early 80’s. Brilliant. Amazing fun times. Just recently swapped my Felt Carbon 29er frame for a hand built steel Stanton Sherpa 853...much heavier,much better ride! For me the tech has reached the point of saturation! Love the simplicity of external cables and threaded BB’s.
Yess, someone else who praises external routing!
I still ride a 1995 GT Zaskar. I upgraded the front end, and I get TONS of love from other riders out here on the trail.
Also a HUGE FAN of Kona & Richey 90’s bikes. Such beautiful lines!
I just bought a '97(?). It's definitely been well used, but other than cosmetics it's in good shape. Not sure if the seat is horrible or if it's me. Regardless I'm looking forward to riding a fair bit this summer.
My 1999 Haro is my favorite bike in The fleet. I was inspired to do disc brakes on it from your video. Mine is a bolt on kit, because it has an aluminum frame, but it's got good disk brakes non the less. I agree 100 percent! Fix 'em!
I have a modern full suspension bike and two 90’s bikes one is a yellow rockhopper rigid with matching cane creek rims it’s my commuter bike with a rack love it it’s smooth the other is a norco hard tail it’s now a 1X10 killer 90’s bikes are awesome
I’ve just finished modernising a mid 90s steel full-Susser, with flex stays no less. It rides so nicely, best project I’ve done to date.
Just purchased a ‘97 Klein Adroit….all original and it is amazing. Brought back so many good memories of my racing days. It’s the one I always wanted……
you are doing amazing groundwork for a sustainable, healthy and green way of life
Congratulations!!. Your videos relax me and inspired me to renew my old Fiorenza mountain bike and make it like new. Greetings from Argentina.
I love 90s mbts and I'm happy to see them getting reimagined. I started buying them because they're cheap, and kept buy them because they are so versatile. One of my favorites is my 1990-ish Klein Pinnacle, it's done everything I've asked it.
I kept and still have my ‘95 Cannondale Super V with a RockShox Judy DH and XTR group with V brakes that I installed. Absolutely love it!
I return cycling with a metal frame borrowed to me. Some months later I found an GT frame 1994 an build my own one, it cost me more than buy one already build. Some months later my seat post break and was impossible to find parts locally (I am from Costa Rica). Few days later I decided to buy a new one 2021 and of course fix the GT.
The shouldn't on my case is the lack of parts and the necessity to import them. But I love to help my friends to fix and revive his old ones because they still work.
Looking forward to the "debate"! Love both of you folk's channels!
Another point to your video is some manufacturers still built their frames in the USA up to the early 2000's. That's a big plus for me. I have a fully upgraded 2019 GT Pantera and a recently acquired 2001 Specialzed Stumpjumper that is mostly stock. For quick bike rides around the neighborhood or gravel trails near by I find myself reaching for the Stumpy. It definitely brings back memories.
I got a 1993 Gt zaskar it may be 20 years older than me but it’s so easy to fix find parts and it a dream to ride. Love the videos keep it up
You really delivered that passion and nostalgia, thanks!
Not quite 1990's but I'm working on freshening up my 2005 Specialized P2. Just got new tires, Maxxis skinwall DTH, new pedals and a new light kit. Next spring I'll probably get new wheels. I converted it to bomb around town and it's such an awesome bike.
The top reason I love bombing around town and light trails on 'old' mountain bikes?
It saves my very capable and expensive modern mountain bike from wear and tear.
I've stretched your timeframe a little but my 2005 DMR Switchback still fits most of your suggestions.
It was cheap, really nice lightweight steel, modern 1 1/8 headset/bb/disc brake mounts and so on.
I've built it up with an old Marzocchi Bomber, SLX 1x10, Deore brakes and other 'dated' but still really nice components that aren't worth much now.
And I freaking love it, it huge fun on gravel, XC and around town
Congratulations on your channel! and for the love of these bicycles that I also share. Almost two years ago maybe less I could get the bike of my dreams, a Cannondale f 700 every day that passes I fall in love more, nowadays with super modern bikes, when I go out to train and another cyclist crosses my path, they are surprised and they are happy to see that these bikes can still fight, I turn around and with a big smile I say thank you. You should restore a Cannondale f500 or 700.
Great list!
Thanks Russ. The challenge is on for tonight 😁🙌
@@oldshovel like I said in my own comment... i weirdly agree with both of you guys. It just depends on what's available in your area or if you're willing to pony up the dough to pay for shipping or even travel yourself.
The Nishiki I did a dirt drop bar conversion on I sourced locally for $40, and only drove about 30 minutes round trip. The DBK Axis I got from my local bike shop who sells used bikes (and parts) as well as new stuff. Don't recall how much I paid for it though, wasn't more than $100 for a complete bike. Rode it awhile before I updated to threadless suspension fork and v-brakes.
Inspired by oldshovel, I just sprayed and built a 90s Merlin out of lots of spare parts I had. Total cost was less than £100 (although, granted, I already owned most of the parts :) )
I had a 1995 Diamond Back Accent Ex. Upgraded to a Rock Shock Judy and Avid (SRAM) side pull brakes. Lots of fun riding on that bike. My wife had me sell it to make garage space after our kids were born. Still wish I had it as a townie/commuter bike. I am sure my 16 year old would appreciate it as well.
Love the video, as I do the rest of them.
I didn't need to watch it though because I have three of my own reasons to buy a 90's MTB.
#1: 1992 Cannondale M700 that I've owned since it was new and still ride it.
#2 1994 Cannondale Delta V 600 currently being stripped down to restore it
#3 1994 Cannondale Super V 2000 that I just recently completed the rebuild of it from a well used frame into a crazy over the top 1x12 , full hydraulic disc brake conversion.. Your channel was one of the inspirations for me to take on the repainting of the bike myself. Thank you!
#4 and #5 will be soon to come as well
Any old bike is a dream in the making, the T700 looked sensational and Toasty Rides bought a GT Slipstream for $10NZD. 90"s MTB for the nostalgia and exciting green trail rides but to quote Spindatt, Every bike is a good time. Great video👍
Nostalgia for sure! My first visceral experiences with bikes were in the local shop when I was 7, 8, 9 years old and feeling the grips and brakes and taking in the amazing colors of early 90s Trek mountain bikes.
I'm surprised you didn't bring up metallurgy. You can get a 90s MTB with a fully butted main triangle in True Temper OX or high end Reynolds. Modern steel gravel bikes might also have nice tubing, but you'll pay a lot for it, so most will be 4130 Cr-Mo and maybe the top tube is butted.
I have a Reynolds 853 tube set from '96. Very supple and durable...
I'm totally on board with 90s mountain bikes. Inspired by you, last year I restored and upgraded my 1994 LL Bean Approach, a re-branded Specialized Hardrock. I bought it new, and even when I stopped riding for a couple decades, I could never let go of it. It's now 1x9 with a new black and gold paint job. I also restored and upgraded a ruby red 1999 Specialized Hardrock, although I clear coated the "patina-ed" paint. This bike is a hoot and a half to ride on trails.
Just restored and upgraded an aluminum Gary Fisher with a full Box Components 1x8 drivetrain and I love it!
Still take my Homegrown out from time to time as a reminder of how easy today’s bikes are to ride. The Homegrown still does great on flow trails and always puts a smile on my face.
I just finished restoring an 86 Hill Topper SX with minor rebuild, it’s a tough little number,Tange tubing, it’s a keeper, great for getting out on the trails.
This is an interesting topic as someone who was big into mountain biking in the 90’s and early 2000’s. I just recently bought a new(er) mountain bike and started riding again.
I previously had a custom built 98 Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail frame I loaded with all top of the line parts and kept upgrading as time went on. It weighed 19 pounds. It was what I considered perfect. I also had a Cannondale Jekyll and a Santa Cruz Superlight also spec’d out very well, but I preferred my hard tail.
I recently got a 2019 Intense Sniper Trail Elite and started riding again. I have to say bikes have come a LONG way since “back in the day”. The geometry of today’s bikes are sheer black magic. How does one even climb on a bike with only a 50mm stem on it? Just stop it! Rough terrain? Early 90’s forks had foam marshmallows in them for crying out load (elastomers I believe they were called). This new bike I have is an absolute dream comparatively. Dropper posts?! I had no idea wtf that was. I had to Google it. They’re amazing! Back when, if you thought you were clever, you’d just have a quick release on your seat post clamp and have to unf-k it all down on flat ground. Bar ends? Thought I’d miss them but you don’t need them on todays bikes. Itty bitty sprocket up front with hubcap sized cassette in back? Who woulda thought? It’s marvelous -and works! I don’t know that shifting is any different but I dig it. The Time ATAC pedal? It is good to see that you can’t mess with perfection though
You can have all those old bikes. I sold mine for pennies on the dollar years ago. As someone who was there and experienced the 90’s/00’s as an adult, I’d take the bikes of today hands down, or at least the one I got. It’s more bike than anything I’d ever ridden going up or down. It’s a great time to be in to bikes now, Just saying. The more I’m seeing the more my antiquated mind bends.
This isn’t a bash on the old. I’m old. The bikes of the early to mid 90’s were atrocious compared to the bike I had in 05. It’s the lessons learned in the industry and those torches being passed that I can really see a huge difference with today. I wish I
had more mileage on my body because this sport didn’t slow down. It doesn’t appear to be any time soon. Vintage is cool in a lot of ways, but performance is the key. Faster, harder, scarier…yes, please.
**In all fairness, I don’t know if it’s just this bike I got or the way things are these days, but I do miss remote lockouts up on the bars. I find it a huge step backwards to be fumble-f-king under the frame for the lockout lever while trying to get geared for a climb.
Cable lockout, not electronic! Electronic components do not belong on a bicycle. It’s an abomination!!
Agree with you. Old geo just isn't fun. Congratulations on that Spider!
And then... emtbs..
"The best thing since.. mtbs" - Rob Warner
Now well into my 50's, there no going back for me either. My Epic Evo (similar to your Sniper) is efficient, comfortable and capable. It has a threaded BB that I can easily service. No front derailleur hassle (the triple on my old mountain bike was a constant challenge). I have learned a lot by riding this bike. Wide tires & rims are fast and comfortable. I use the dropper much more often than I ever expected I would, and I am so smitten I put one on my 29'er hardtail (which I primarily use for gravel now). Bike weight doesn't matter very much (but losing weight off my fat butt does, not that this is a revelation). The beefier fork, rear suspension, wide bars, shorter stem, dropper and slacker geometry works really well for general XC riding and allows you to have a lot more fun (and get less beat-up) descending, particularly when it gets fast, rough or technical. I raced the Sea Otter "Fuego" 80K a few weeks ago and pre-rode a lap of the course on my 29'er hardtail and then again on the Evo. Even though the course had a LOT of gravel and climbing, I wound up racing the Evo. Why? Because it just soaks up the rough stuff and helps you to preserve your energy for pedaling. I am also convinced that my last major crash (over the bars) would have not happened if I was on the Evo instead of a hardtail. I can appreciate people wanting to experience the "purity" of riding an old bike that is in good operating condition, but I am DONE. My old M4 Stumpy HT was slow in comparison and brutal to ride more than 3 hours. I gave it to a friend before I moved last year and said good riddance.
@@davecech4741 100%! It’s not that the old bikes didn’t do the job, but that was then. These modern bikes are just capable of more. I’m riding the same trails but with a much different experience (than I remember). I turn 50 in June. I’m probably writing some checks my body won’t be able to cash if I wad it up, but I’m having a blast getting back in to it all over again. I blame Peloton for reopening this can of worms!
Cheers! Keep after it!
@axiomic lol, it’s about the purity of the fight! Once you start adding all the E to make your job easier you might as well get a dirt bike 😒
That's funny, I was in almost the same boat. Rode a metric ton in the 94-99' Era and started back up during the pandemic. All this new shit blew my mind... Droppers, big wheels... But the two biggest things about new stuff is the BREAKS and sitting upright. Good God, you can just STOP. No more praying that your centerpull v breaks will hook up! And being able to ride for hours because your back doesn't get sore hunched over the 130mm stem w/ totally straight bar?
Yes. My take on the 90s mountain bike is somewhere between your #2 and #3. They are kinda’ blank slates - a tabula rasa, if you want to sound fancy.
You can make a 90s MTB into nearly anything. A gravel bike? Sure. A cruiser? Why not. A town bike? Absolutely.
I just did a build for my law partner’s son to take to college with a 1996 Cannondale M200 frame (yeah, I know. Aluminum.). It is PERFECT for the job. 1x9 with Advent. Beefy, fun, and able to carry plenty of stuff. I put nice, cushy slick tires on it. It’ll be great.
Everything but the frame is new. I must say, it wasn’t cheap.
Wish I still had my Marin Bear Valley, However. Found my old Orange Gringo from around 2000, thought my parents had thrown it out. This has been a real inspiration, I was going to chuck it and spend just under £1000 getting a 21st century bike but now going to get her sorted and be out there this summer.
I live off a Cannondale M900 from the early 90's. Changed everything save the frame, & rear brakes. It is awesome. Built exactly how I wanted & need, bomb proof, low maintenance costs....it is awesome.
I have been watching your content since the early days of your channel. These are the exact reasons why I started my hobby to work on and ride 90s bikes. Sure, I do own a modern full suspension bike which I ride. But, the experience and nostalgia I have working on older bikes is different. I am in my mid-40s, and fixing/riding my bike is my top memorable childhood experiences. My brother and I fixed our bikes with no bike tools and crappy components but think about the creativity we had with our fixes and mods. Being at home more than before due to the pandemic really got me into chasing 90s bikes and restoring them the way I want. I have over a dozen bikes now including Konas, Voodoos, Kleins, Gary Fishers, etc. I appreciate your content and the inspiration. There is a whole community of us out there appreciating your videos.
My first mountain bike was an 85 Jamis Dakota. Ten years later I bought a Specialized Stump Jumper Pro, M2 aluminum/ceramic frame, all XT and XTR, which for various reasons has never seen much use. Last year I converted this to a Bafang BBS02 ebike with all the trimmings. It's 10-20 pounds lighter than most ebikes that cost twice as much, and a blast to ride. I still have the original Judy fork, with new longer springs to replace the elastomers. Now my septuagenarian legs can get me up the steep stuff again. It's all set up with fenders, racks and a Thudbuster to make an ideal touring rig.
Got my 1st mountain bike in 1998..1994 huffy stalker x15..sat for many years afterward and got lots of rust but I recently stripped her bare and redone it..switched to aluminum wheels but having to do some tweaks to make them fit..thinking of making it a hybrid with 26" V brake fork..the nostalgia is definitely what makes it special for me..I lost a lot of people in my life who rode with me with this bike..so biking is not just important to me but the memories the bike carries
stumbled upon your page and love the retro mtb content! I have a few 90's MTB in the stable as well and prefer them over my newer bikes. I am 43 yrs old and got hooked into MTB'ing when I was 12 so 90's MTB will always hold a place in my heart. Subscribed for sure.
My dad got me a 2001 Litespeed Toccoa frame for my 18th birthday for me to build up. I got a 2018 Rock Shox Revelation fork for it, nx eagle drive train, and I ended up ordering a set of custom hubs because I didn’t realize that having a through axel fork and and quick release in the rear was an issue 😐. Learned so much from the experience, and the bike is an absolute blast. At rides and xc races so many people stop to chat me up about it. I have a lot appreciation for those 90’s mountain bikes and tech from that era.
Great video! I have a trek 800 sport that I love so much. I'm getting ready to paint it and upgrade it to go camping with.
I bought a 1999 Specialized FSR Sport last year that the previous owner had the local bike shop service and install new tires with new tubes. I have changed the handle bars with PNW Gen 3, new grips, 50mm x 30 degree rise stem, new seat and special mount for adjusting the water bottle cage under the seat. I replaced the middle front chain ring with a new aluminum one and the bike shifts and rides like new! I have a full suspension bike for considerably less than I would have paid new! The original Manitou Spyder front forks and Rock Shoxs Vanilla rear coil shock have been holding up well. I plan to replace the front fork with a Rock Shoxs Recon and Exaform 588RL on the rear when they start sagging.
Love my late 90s and early 2000s Kona hardtails (Kula and Kula Deluxe).
Still going strong today with some choice, affordable upgrades.
Also, 26 inch means my wife and daughters (short legged) can ride them comfortably.
Hard to source forks and wheels nowadays but not impossible.
Keep on being amazing Mr Oldshovel. Cheers 👍👍👍
I hear ya. I currently ride a 96 rocky mountain cardiac fitted as a hard tail now. Threw some maxxis minon tires on er. Rock shox indy xc fork. I was the cross over year so no quill stem. I also own a 91 rocky equipe (green and yellow). Gorgeous bike i use as a gravel bike. I enjoy riding the oldies. Just today i saw another guy riding a 94ish rocky fusion on the trails
Rocky Mountain had some amazing steel mtb. I still have a Blizzard and the ALTITUDE T.O.
@@anthonyharris483 id like to find an old blizzard. I currently restored an 88 fusion rocky.
I have the exact same Giant you started with! I still have it, and I think it's a cool bike, for what it is. It rides pretty nicely. I use it as a path cruiser.
I currently own two bikes, a 97 GT Tequesta that i rescued and restored during the pandemic quarantine and a new hybrid bike. The GT is definitely more versatile and fun to ride than the new bike.
Unfortunately i didn't experience the golden age of the MTBs since i'm 27 years old, but i love to see a nice steel bike from that era still being used today.
Still riding my original 1995 GT timberline and I absolutely love the beautiful, vintage British racing green badass machine. Had to give it a good upgrade about 10 years ago and the shop thought I was crazy. "Why don't you just buy a new bike??" - because I already had a new-ish trek 9000 and it was just, meh. I feel like a rockstar on the GT.
Love the video! Out of all my bikes my favorite is still my mid-late 80s Fuji MTB.. A few years ago I did a restoration on it, upgrading the drive train and fitting V brakes to it. Makes a great gravel bike. I also agree on the over biked phenomenon.
Thank you for sharing, I've been refurbishing old '90s mountain bikes primarily Gary Fisher's chromoly frames or Cannondale aluminum frames turning them into incredible city bikes or commuters easy to work on and they're just so darn good thanks
I have a mid 90s Marin Bear Valley SE. I've been using it for over 20 years. The rims were worn but I found some NOS Mavic rims exactly like the originals so decided to completely restore it. I put a rack and mudguards on and use it for around town and shopping. It runs great. Another era which I think is good is road bikes from about 10-12 years ago when good ones still had rim brakes. You can get a great bike from this era which is still fast on the road. The key is to buy from eras where standards had reached a good level before there were major shifts in design. That's why mid 90s mountain bikes are good.
From 1990 to 2013 I rode a Merlin titanium with a 1996 frame being the last one of three frames ( two warranty frames) anyway, very versatile bikes. I am an overseas teacher and wanted a travel bike. I ended up finding a 2000 Litespeed Toccoa which I bought from the original owner in 2006. I had the seller send the bike to Bilenky in Philadelphia to do a S&S retrofit before even seeing the bike ( I was still overseas at the time). It has since undergone two restomods since I got it with the latest last spring. Just trying to build the ultimate travel bike. So I agree, that era of bike is very versatile.