Any help creating a list of "higher end" vintage MTBs?
09-06-12, 07:57 AM
#1
Chainstay Brake Mafia
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: California
Posts: 6,007
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
Any help creating a list of "higher end" vintage MTBs?
I'm interested to know the model names of various 'higher end' MTBs.. I know a few brands
Diamondback
Axis > Apex > Ascent EX > Ascent
Specialized
Stumpjumper > Rockhopper > Hardrock
Bridgestone
MB-0 > MB-1 > MB-2 > MB -3 (etc)
Would love to know more about Trek, Nishiki, GT, and the smaller guys like Gary Fisher, Klein, etc
Diamondback
Axis > Apex > Ascent EX > Ascent
Specialized
Stumpjumper > Rockhopper > Hardrock
Bridgestone
MB-0 > MB-1 > MB-2 > MB -3 (etc)
Would love to know more about Trek, Nishiki, GT, and the smaller guys like Gary Fisher, Klein, etc
09-06-12, 08:28 AM
#3
missing in action
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,483
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 49 Times
in
29 Posts
These aren't really high end when you take into account builders like Ritchey, Fat Chance, Ted Wojcik, Ibis, and many others that turned out very lovely bikes in smaller numbers than the big names. Take a look at the MOMBAT site for a broader sampling (or better yet, go have a look at what's in his attic in the Statesville NC shop.) Another good resource is the "Vintage/Retro/Classic" forum at MTBR, and the excellent Retrobike.co.uk site.
09-06-12, 09:24 AM
#4
Chainstay Brake Mafia
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: California
Posts: 6,007
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
yeah i know, the ones listed are just the top of the line of the big name producers. I don't know anything about the names you mentioned, which is one reason I started this thread.
The bigger brand names are easier to find on CL too though
The bigger brand names are easier to find on CL too though
09-06-12, 10:09 AM
#5
Senior Member
schwinn goes something like: paramountain, kom?, cimarron, high sierra, sierra depending on the years
fuji had the mount fuji
gitane had one called alpin
fuji had the mount fuji
gitane had one called alpin
09-06-12, 10:24 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 624
Bikes: 1949 'Italian' , 1950 San Giusto, 1897 Union, and a number of "projects"... 198? Grandis, a couple of Mixte's...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
MTB ? I thought MTB stood for Motor Torpedo Boat ...
09-06-12, 01:28 PM
#9
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,638
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3873 Post(s)
Liked 2,574 Times
in
1,581 Posts
09-06-12, 01:51 PM
#10
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,927
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2955 Post(s)
Liked 3,006 Times
in
1,531 Posts
Bianchi Grizzly (some years there was also a Super Grizzly. I am not certain the exact order but there was also the Perigrine, Ibex, and a few others.
Also since Bianchi more or less invented the the whole 29er idea The Project 7, 5, 3.
I also think almost everyone had a hand in MTBs ast one time like Colnago, Pinarello, Cenilli, Basso I have seen catalog pics at one time or another from almost everyone.
Also since Bianchi more or less invented the the whole 29er idea The Project 7, 5, 3.
I also think almost everyone had a hand in MTBs ast one time like Colnago, Pinarello, Cenilli, Basso I have seen catalog pics at one time or another from almost everyone.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
09-06-12, 02:11 PM
#11
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,638
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3873 Post(s)
Liked 2,574 Times
in
1,581 Posts
Actually, the French invented the 29er -- the 700C wheel size originally called for fat tires. Not quite 29" tall, but you get the idea. 
09-06-12, 03:24 PM
#12
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,542
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1244 Post(s)
Liked 990 Times
in
637 Posts
Trek also had a 970 and 990 (some years), and several others in the 800s.
Early 830/850/870/890 were all very nice, perhaps the best they made (some better than the high 900 series made later). Totally different than later years 800 series.
https://www.vintage-trek.com/images/t...AllTerrain.pdf
Trek also had some nice vintage aluminum MTBs.
Early 830/850/870/890 were all very nice, perhaps the best they made (some better than the high 900 series made later). Totally different than later years 800 series.
https://www.vintage-trek.com/images/t...AllTerrain.pdf
Trek also had some nice vintage aluminum MTBs.
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Last edited by wrk101; 09-06-12 at 03:32 PM.
09-06-12, 03:32 PM
#13
Senior Member
Marin Pine Mountain, Yeti, Turner, Tomac, IF, ProFlex.
IMO most of what might be considered "higher end vintage" was created in the early to mid 90's
IMO most of what might be considered "higher end vintage" was created in the early to mid 90's
__________________
Be where your feet are.......Lisa Bluder
Be where your feet are.......Lisa Bluder
09-06-12, 03:34 PM
#14
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,927
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2955 Post(s)
Liked 3,006 Times
in
1,531 Posts
Very true and it could also be argued that the Projects and now 29ers are just beefed up 'cross bikes with flat bars.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
09-06-12, 06:06 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Maine
Posts: 529
Bikes: 90 Raleigh Chill MTB, 92 Trek 1200, 2004 Trek 2300, 67 Sports, 70 Sports, 71 Philips, Lotus Challenger, 74 Super Course, Univega Gran Tourismo, Nishiki Seral
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rock Lobster, Manitou, Cannondale, GT, Off Road Toad, Mountain Goat, Slingshot.
09-06-12, 07:30 PM
#17
Senior Member
Early Ritchey, Fishers and Breezer's would have to be near the top of the list. Along with early Kleins. As far as boutiquesque brands go.
Mass production: Specialized stumpies, Univega Alpina's, Bianchi Grizzly's, and Trek (I don't remember the model numbers). Those are all I remember for the moment from the early 80's.
Mass production: Specialized stumpies, Univega Alpina's, Bianchi Grizzly's, and Trek (I don't remember the model numbers). Those are all I remember for the moment from the early 80's.
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
09-06-12, 07:47 PM
#18
Vello Kombi, baby
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Je suis ici
Posts: 5,188
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
We are forgetting Ross, a big player in the early mass produced MTBs. Mount Hood, Mount Whitney.
__________________
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
09-06-12, 07:52 PM
#19
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 45,066
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12900 Post(s)
Liked 7,825 Times
in
4,157 Posts
I'm interested to know the model names of various 'higher end' MTBs.. I know a few brands
Diamondback
Axis > Apex > Ascent EX > Ascent
Specialized
Stumpjumper > Rockhopper > Hardrock
Bridgestone
MB-0 > MB-1 > MB-2 > MB -3 (etc)
Would love to know more about Trek, Nishiki, GT, and the smaller guys like Gary Fisher, Klein, etc
Diamondback
Axis > Apex > Ascent EX > Ascent
Specialized
Stumpjumper > Rockhopper > Hardrock
Bridgestone
MB-0 > MB-1 > MB-2 > MB -3 (etc)
Would love to know more about Trek, Nishiki, GT, and the smaller guys like Gary Fisher, Klein, etc
To do a tiered list of models you'd have to specify a year for many makes.
Trek 9xx's are pretty rad. The 8xx series were just OK in the 90s. IIRC the first Trek MTB was an 850. They started stacking higher level ones above and lower ones below it, also simultaneously lowering the level of the 850 a bit.
I think steel GTs went Bravado > Avalanche > Karakoram. Zaskar aluminum rigs are really nice.
I love the PDG Schwinns and the Nishikis back then with the similar sagging chainstays
Cannondales, basically bigger numbers are better. (SM2000 > SM1000), (M800>M400)
Mongoose IBOCs are nice, kinda heavy 'til 94 or so, though.
Other pimp stuff: Fat Chance, Muddy Fox, Mantis...
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 09-06-12 at 07:56 PM.
09-06-12, 08:18 PM
#20
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,858
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2299 Post(s)
Liked 2,061 Times
in
1,258 Posts
Canadian contingent...
Rocky Mountain (Blizzard/Cirrus)
Dekerf
Brodie
Douglas (before he took over Mongoose)
Maxam
Norco...this thread needs pics
Rocky Mountain (Blizzard/Cirrus)
Dekerf
Brodie
Douglas (before he took over Mongoose)
Maxam
Norco...this thread needs pics
Last edited by clubman; 09-07-12 at 05:24 AM.
09-06-12, 08:20 PM
#21
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,858
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2299 Post(s)
Liked 2,061 Times
in
1,258 Posts
Waiting for Frank to chime in...
edit...I see Yeti was mentioned.
Proflex....damn late again
edit...I see Yeti was mentioned.
Proflex....damn late again
Last edited by clubman; 09-06-12 at 08:25 PM.
09-06-12, 08:28 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 443
Bikes: Tommasini Super Prestige, Kamra Triathlee, Nishiki Tri-A equipe', Sakai 2000
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I have a Balance AL550 that seems to be a very nice ride. Right up there with my wife's Klein Pinnacle, IMHO. It's a '95, not sure where the cut-off for "C&V" is for MTBs.
09-06-12, 08:29 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hurricane Alley , Florida
Posts: 3,904
Bikes: Treks (USA), Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn letour,Raleigh Team Professional, Gazelle GoldLine Racing, 2 Super Mondias, Carlton Professional.
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 79 Post(s)
Liked 32 Times
in
23 Posts
I have an early TREK something or other MTB. I bought it new, still have it. It now sports a B17 Flyer Special.
Last edited by Michael Angelo; 09-06-12 at 08:34 PM.
09-06-12, 08:32 PM
#24
Senior Member
The problem with this exercise is that it is highly likely that a far greater percentage of these bikes will have been used for the purpose they were designed for than there road going counterparts. Subsequently, it is far more likely that they will have been abused, worn out, had parts upgraded along the way and chances are, ultimately disposed of. With the exception of the Bianchi Grizzly frame that I gave away in February, none of my early 80's-late 90's bikes survived. Components were constantly upgraded as they wore out, until the frame failed. At which point the components still in reasonable condition would be transfered to a new frame. And the cycle continued.
I'm sure there are a few in the attics of dentists. But, probably not nearly as many as there were road bikes. I guess one's definition of "C&V" will impact on this a lot. Once you get to the early 90's there's lots more out there. But pre-'86? Not so much.
I'm sure there are a few in the attics of dentists. But, probably not nearly as many as there were road bikes. I guess one's definition of "C&V" will impact on this a lot. Once you get to the early 90's there's lots more out there. But pre-'86? Not so much.
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
09-06-12, 08:43 PM
#25
Senior Member
Of course. What is C&V without pics?
I wonder what became of the Grizzly I gave away. I don't regret you getting the Modia. But, the grizzly, for some strange reason, I miss it. I guess it has a lot to do with already having my "Rosebud" in the Eddy Merckx. But, not having an mtb equivilent. Although, I have to say, the Grizzly was preceeded by a Univega Alpina. I don't really yearn for that. Oh well, I still have the long lost descendent of my original '88 Cannondale frame. That thing was warrantee replaced so many times, that it eventually became a bit of a joke at Cannondale and resulted in me having my own customer service dealer id number.
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.