Chach0

I think it’s safe to say that you’d be well off with the two Stumpjumpers and the Gary Fisher. Specialized was the first, that I know of, to mass produce the first mountain bikes, Stumpjumper being the first. Gary Fisher is one of the first people to introduce mountain bikes. Both of them hold THE history behind the first mountain bikes.
If I’m wrong, someone please correct me.
Just look both of them up on Ebay, those prices will show the proof.

mrv 

‘91? ‘92?
I posted this a while ago. After I rescued it from the curb.
I sold it for $50. My friend gave it back. Because he needs to clear out his garage after getting divorced.
so it’s going to live at my in laws as a holiday bike.
thankfully I had a 7spd rear wheel laying around. I exploded the 6spd freewheel trying to remove it to repack the rear hub.
to quote General Patton: “it rides like a tank”

Clyde1820

Nice little collection, there.

I tend to be a no-Safe-Queens type, myself. If it were me wanting to thin that herd, I'd probably keep the following:

• 1982 or 1984 Stumpjumper (good) -- utterly representative of the line, IMO the "best" vintage, perfect project to get back to original
• 1985 Trek 870 (mint) -- mind condition; a unique early example, one that I think is highly underrated
• 1985 or 1986 Schwinn Cimarron (mint) -- mint condition; excellent examples of the era; stellar rides; only going to go up in value

The rest are ones I'd let go either due to condition or being a duplicate of the above. The selling of which should easily fund the minor restorations or upgrades for the remaining three bikes.

Sedgemop 

[QUOTE=brightsideofit;22319335]Here's a question for you vintage MTB experts. I've managed to collect quite a few mass produced 80s MTBs. I want to thin the stable and would like your opinion. Which of these bikes would you keep and why? I am trying to keep it to three bikes. I also included the condition of the bike. Thanks!

1. 1982 Specialized Stumpjumper - flagship model, not a Sport (good)
2. 1983 Univega Alpina Ultima (fair)
3. 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper - flagship model, not a Sport (good)
4. 1985 Trek 870 (mint)
5. 1985 Schwinn Cimarron (mint)
6. 1985 Gary Fisher Montare (good)
7. 1985 Bridgestone MB-1 (fair)
8. 1986 Schwinn Cimarron (mint)

I'd keep the '82 Specialized and the Gary Fisher for history's sake, and the Trek or the Bridgestone for regular riding. Nice collection, by the way. Look forward to you posting some of these for sale.

Cycle Tourist

I just brought this home. The crank doesn't look original. The rear rim brake surface is pretty worn and the paint is pretty bad but it seems sound and newly lubed so with a few adjustments I'll give it a ride or two before deciding what to do with it.

Hproduguidon

Peugeot alpine express 1986/87 équipé shimano deore xt m700

DQRider 

Photo, s'il vous plaît?
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brandenjs

Going to pick up a 1994 Schwinn High Timber SS tomorrow from an auction I won. From research they are on the top end of the 1994 line just under the Paramount. only have a couple bad pictures of it. Looks to be all original with the Scott AT3 bars. Any thoughts?

brandenjs

Turned out to be pretty nice. a quick wipe down and a quick tune will get it ready to roll.

mattswabb

Wish I had pics of our 1st mountain bikes. Back in the early 89’s my dad made up a couple 26” schwinns with the bent tube sting ray frames and flat “blade” forks. 3 speed internal rear with a 26 tooth front from a Schwinn unicycle. Low rise BMX bars. They probably weighed 40+ lbs.

marius.suiram 

1988 Schwinn Project KOM10 Team Issue

mattswabb

Mm mid 90’s Trek Y bike. Currently with some 1 3/8 street tires on it.

Sedgemop 

By the way, you neglected to show any of these bikes. in keeping with the title of the thread, I believe you're nearly obligated.

DQRider 

I agree. Pics please?
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Smokinapankake

When I worked at Fishers Cyclery in Salt Lake City (mid 90’s) we used to joke about Y bikes by saying stuff like “Y bike? Why’d ya buy that?” and “you know what they say - ride a Trek, ride a wreck”… all in good fun of course. Back then we sold Gary Fisher, GT, and Schwinn, along with a few Davidsons and an even fewer Fishlips Cycles… That being said, I thought the GT LTS line was the greatest full suspension bikes ever. Fun times for sure, and a naked carbon Y bike these days is certainly worthy of a second look. Very nice!

katsup

1990 Bianchi Grizzly - as purchased

TomM

Ah my first bike..

grant40

MrK.

Picked up this 86 Mongoose frameset on here from Gartenmeister last spring. Built it up over the summer. Harvested Some parts off a too small Rockhopper, bought some new parts and deux jambes provided the Brooks B17 imperial as the crowning touch.

OutnBack

Now that's what I call a chainstay protector!

MrK.

Ya, that idea lasted about a week.

Rideeasy

I salvaged this from the trash: Trek 830 Antelope—90’s vintage.

madpogue 

'93, according to the model/year/color guide here. And an awesome rescue; would've been a shame to send it to the landfill.

Do be careful with that kickstand; with that style it's not hard to crimp the stays.

Rideeasy

Thanks for the verification of the year! The kickstand also tends to move to the point where I hit it while pedaling. I guess over tightening would crimp the stays—I hadn’t thought of that so I’ll be watchful.

I found it in the trash and replaced the shifters, cables, brake pads, chain rings and cranks. All other parts are in good shape. I love riding it on the trails—responsive and highly maneuverable.

merziac

It needs to not fight with the chain, the chain will always win.