Airborne Blackbird riders?
12-30-18, 02:33 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Airborne Blackbird riders?
So I picked up this bike last week. Its nearly mint condition. Had tubular wheels I swapped out. There is precious little about this bike on here. Anybody ride one? Seems to sprint nice with the oval aluminum tubes. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a race bike? Cross country ride?
Last edited by Jicafold; 12-30-18 at 02:37 PM.
12-30-18, 03:00 PM
#3
Mother Nature's Son
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That is a fine looking bike. It looks like a full on fast road bike to me. I do not know a whole lot about Airborne but I do own one of their bikes. I have Zepplin road bike, titanium with 9 speed ultegra. Very light, comfortable and fast! I bought it used about 1 1/2 years ago. From what I have seen about the company they were known for making very nice bikes for very good prices. I do not know why the company folded. I sure like the ones I have seen , and I love riding mine. I believe your Airborne is the first aluminum frame one that I have seen.
12-31-18, 03:35 PM
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I was not aware they made road bikes. I have seen their mtb’s for years. They are mail order only direct to your door. Pretty nice bikes. I think they were bought by Huffy or a similar company years ago. I am assuming it’s the same Airborne but I could be wrong,
12-31-18, 04:39 PM
#5
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I googled Airborne today. Evidently they are once again a privately owned company. Someone bought it from Huffy in 2017. It look like they are building mountain bikes but no titanium. According to one of the blurbs I read, one of their ti models had issues with the frames cracking, which contributed to the problems, which led to being bought out by Huffy.
12-31-18, 04:56 PM
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Airborne was pretty well known about 15 years ago for their Ti road bikes. They competed with Colorado Cycles Douglas Ti bikes. A lot of good reviews on their bikes back then.
12-31-18, 09:24 PM
#7
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[QUOTE=delbiker1;20726491]I googled Airborne today. Evidently they are once again a privately owned company. Someone bought it from Huffy in 2017. It look like they are building mountain bikes but no titanium. According to one of the blurbs I read, one of their ti models had issues with the frames cracking, which contributed to the problems, which led to being bought out by Huffy.[/QUOT
This is good to know. GT was once a rad company until they sold out and they have suffered ever since. Airborne may get some mojo back. Their bikes are quite nice and I like their model. It’s different and may make it.
This is good to know. GT was once a rad company until they sold out and they have suffered ever since. Airborne may get some mojo back. Their bikes are quite nice and I like their model. It’s different and may make it.
01-07-19, 02:38 PM
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How much do you think you’ll need ($) for the frame?
01-08-19, 12:22 AM
#10
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yah airborne was an internet sales only frames concern back in the early 2000's. they had a few models and you could do complete virtual buildups on their website
w/all the diff campy, shimano and a few other component groups. then hit all the diff wheelsets. then the stems, handlebars, etc, et al. wasted many an hour doing just that.
w/all the diff campy, shimano and a few other component groups. then hit all the diff wheelsets. then the stems, handlebars, etc, et al. wasted many an hour doing just that.
01-10-19, 11:05 AM
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yah airborne was an internet sales only frames concern back in the early 2000's. they had a few models and you could do complete virtual buildups on their website
w/all the diff campy, shimano and a few other component groups. then hit all the diff wheelsets. then the stems, handlebars, etc, et al. wasted many an hour doing just that.
w/all the diff campy, shimano and a few other component groups. then hit all the diff wheelsets. then the stems, handlebars, etc, et al. wasted many an hour doing just that.
12-05-23, 02:21 PM
#13
Taking it easy!
Dusting off this post!
My recently recommissioned 2005 Airborne Blackbird which I've owned from new.
I'm really enjoying riding it again!
Back in 2005...
And as it is now...
Only the frame/forks surviving.
ST-6700, BR-R8000, FC-5700, FD-7900, RD-7900, CN-6701, Vision Team Comp35 wheelset, Conti GP5000, PRO Vibe7s handlebar, PX forged stem, 3K carbon seatpost, PRO Stealth Sport saddle, Look Keo Carbon Blade pedals.
My recently recommissioned 2005 Airborne Blackbird which I've owned from new.
I'm really enjoying riding it again!
Back in 2005...
And as it is now...
Only the frame/forks surviving.
ST-6700, BR-R8000, FC-5700, FD-7900, RD-7900, CN-6701, Vision Team Comp35 wheelset, Conti GP5000, PRO Vibe7s handlebar, PX forged stem, 3K carbon seatpost, PRO Stealth Sport saddle, Look Keo Carbon Blade pedals.
Last edited by DCwheeler; 01-16-24 at 03:43 PM.
01-24-24, 11:30 PM
#15
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IIRC the new owner of Airborne ventures these forums. This bike pre-dates their ownership, however.
01-25-24, 09:00 AM
#16
Taking it easy!
Yes - this bike was produced by the company that would go on to become Van Nicholas after the license to use the 'Airborne' was withdrawn.
Last edited by DCwheeler; 01-30-24 at 10:03 AM.
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01-25-24, 10:47 AM
#18
Taking it easy!
This was my second road bike and first one ridden in races (complete with MTB shoes and pedals) - it then fell unfairly out of favour, however I've now discovered there was a cracking machine waiting to be rediscovered. I get much more joy from older machines - wether thats mine or other riders - and cherry picking choice old and new components to suit.
Love the difference from 2005 to now!
Last edited by DCwheeler; 01-25-24 at 10:54 AM.
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