Vintage hybrids? Maybe not so bad after all...
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Vintage hybrids? Maybe not so bad after all...
I hate to admit it, but I think this may be the most fun bike I've ever ridden. It's almost as fast as a road bike, but you can ride over / through seemingly anything with it I took it on some mountain bike trails and was extremely impressed. Very comfortable and versatile bike.
It probably weighs ~24lbs. XTR 8 speed shifter, XT derailleur, 35c ritchey speedmax tires.
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It's a nicer bike now than it was then, in my eyes. In it's day, this wasn't a bike I'd get excited about but it is similar to some I rode. Not just the upgrades, but the lugged steel frame, rare nowadays. Even the stem cable hanger gets me nostalgic with only Vbrakes or discs on hybrids now, you don't see that anymore.
Could you post the pictures in the "post picture of your hybrid" thread in the hybrid forum? It will get lots of views there and a lot of love too!
Could you post the pictures in the "post picture of your hybrid" thread in the hybrid forum? It will get lots of views there and a lot of love too!
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I hate to admit it, but I think this may be the most fun bike I've ever ridden. It's almost as fast as a road bike, but you can ride over / through seemingly anything with it I took it on some mountain bike trails and was extremely impressed. Very comfortable and versatile bike.
It probably weighs ~24lbs. XTR 8 speed shifter, XT derailleur, 35c ritchey speedmax tires.[/QUOTE]
I recently picked up a Trek 730 (I think) with 700c 36 spoke wheels and cantilever brakes for $50. The plan was to use the bike as a donor (the wheels on a touring bike project, and other bits would go in the bins for future projects) but just looking at the bike, which is in really good shape, it looks like it could be worthwhile in its own right. My only problem is that I've already got more bikes than I've got space....
It probably weighs ~24lbs. XTR 8 speed shifter, XT derailleur, 35c ritchey speedmax tires.[/QUOTE]
I recently picked up a Trek 730 (I think) with 700c 36 spoke wheels and cantilever brakes for $50. The plan was to use the bike as a donor (the wheels on a touring bike project, and other bits would go in the bins for future projects) but just looking at the bike, which is in really good shape, it looks like it could be worthwhile in its own right. My only problem is that I've already got more bikes than I've got space....
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Agreed that it's better now than it was then. All things considered I think older hybrids can be a good deal if you want a bike to ride in bad conditions. I mostly built this to try cyclocross and to have something I don't have to worry about getting dirty in the winter.
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My Wife rides a Schwinn "CrissCross" outfitted with Northroad handlebars and 38s, she loves it!
Cheers,
Chris
Cheers,
Chris
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I bought this 93 Raleigh hybrid back in 94 and still use it for commuting and running errands.
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I would strongly agree that they are under-appreciated and therefore a great value. I had my 94(as I recall) Trek 730 Multitrack for years among the other bikes that came and went. I never figured it was worth much so I hung on to it. The thing is, it was such a practical bike; Sunday rides with the kids, commuting, exercise, winter bike. I sold it to a young man who was starting college and I felt confident that he was getting a great college bike. All-N-all, I really miss the bike.
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I recently picked up a Trek 730 (I think) with 700c 36 spoke wheels and cantilever brakes for $50. The plan was to use the bike as a donor (the wheels on a touring bike project, and other bits would go in the bins for future projects) but just looking at the bike, which is in really good shape, it looks like it could be worthwhile in its own right. My only problem is that I've already got more bikes than I've got space....
If it is the early 90's with luggs, it has the same geometry as the beloved 520 tourin bike, but built with MTB tubing. I had a 750 that I converted to Rando bars and bar end shifters it was a nice ride.
On another note, I too have become appriciative of hybrids. My current commuter is a Giant Option, that I am setting up with three different wheel sets, for three diffent tires : Slicks, Medium, knobbies.
Good looking Shwinn Btw
If it is the early 90's with luggs, it has the same geometry as the beloved 520 tourin bike, but built with MTB tubing. I had a 750 that I converted to Rando bars and bar end shifters it was a nice ride.
On another note, I too have become appriciative of hybrids. My current commuter is a Giant Option, that I am setting up with three different wheel sets, for three diffent tires : Slicks, Medium, knobbies.
Good looking Shwinn Btw
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I have really liked any and all of the older 700c hybrids I have had pass through my hands over the past few years. Even low end ones, like the Jazz model I have sitting in the basement right now, makes for a super all around rider.
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I had a Trek 730 Multitrack built from TrueTemper steel for a while and really think they fly under the radar. They have all of the features that many folks are looking for these days: steel tubing, canti brakes, 700c wheels with room for monstrously wide tires, braze-ons for racks and such, touring gearing. Is there a reason to get a Surly LHT when you can score one of these for 1/10th of the price?
Neal
Neal
#12
Gouge Away
My 1990 Trek 750, lugged True Temper steel frame made in the USA. Built up a frame set I got really cheap off ebay using 9 speed drivetrain and drops. Basically same geometry as the 520 with 5mm shorter chain stays. Made a really nice commuter.
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I have a '90 Miyata triple cross that I love!! I haven't quite been able to spit out the words "This is the most fun bike I've ever ridden", but it's doggone close. It is a blast to ride and I don't think the hybrids get enough love. Just got my wife a mid '90's Gary Fisher Marlin. Which also seems like a fun bike.
Mutt
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You gonna eat that?
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You gonna eat that?
Oh, and some of these bikes might be subject to a Shimano crank recall. The cranks are numbered FC-CT90, FC-M290 and FC-MC12. These numbers are located on the back or inner side of the right crank arm.
(My Nishiki above had those cranks originally; Shimano fixed them in '09. My LBS just replaced a broken crank under this recall last month; Shimano still honors it.)
(My Nishiki above had those cranks originally; Shimano fixed them in '09. My LBS just replaced a broken crank under this recall last month; Shimano still honors it.)
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Here's my 92 Trek 750 Multitrack. I replaced the straight bar with North Roads and the grip shifters with Suntour Accushift bar ends. I also added the Brooks Flyer saddle and Jandd Expedition rack. It's a really nice riding bike.
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I had a Giant AT710 I picked up about a decade ago at a local thrift store. It was priced at $25 while the dept. store Schwinn next to it was $75. I rode it for years, but it was eventually parted out. If I could get the parts I'd rebuild it.
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Death fork? Naaaah!!
I have a '90 Miyata triple cross that I love!! I haven't quite been able to spit out the words "This is the most fun bike I've ever ridden", but it's doggone close. It is a blast to ride and I don't think the hybrids get enough love. Just got my wife a mid '90's Gary Fisher Marlin. Which also seems like a fun bike.
Mutt
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(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
#19
Unique Vintage Steel
Only decent shot I have of my Schwinn Crosscut (92 I think??). I have since upgraded the brakes with new Tektro canti's, but otherwise it is still as seen here.
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I have the same bike including the color(no pics) stripped down and awaiting a full rebuild. I also have a Giant Cypress with a 23" frame that I keep for when my uncle comes to stay he has something to ride. I have a Cannondale H400 that is on loan to my uncle and is being set up as a lite touring bike. I am starting to like hybrids more and more as I am not as comfortable as I used to be with drop bars. I have a nice Jetter I am setting up as a hybrid using a Trek 720 with a bad frame for parts.
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I just picked up a 90 Schwinn CrissCross, the next bike down from the CrossCut. Nike ride. I'll probably flip it, but I have to admit, I'm thinking of keeping it as a beater. Problem is, I have too many grocery getter type bikes now.
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I picked up this Peugeot Panorama a few years ago because basically, it was my size. It is rare for me to see a 24" hybrid, so I jumped on it. It is the only French bike I have ever owned.
I kept it at the office and used it to pick up the mail and run to the bank. Unfortunately as someone else said, I have too many grocery getters and another bike took its place this year and I sold it.
I liked it so much, if I run across another huge hybrid I think I will pick up another.
I kept it at the office and used it to pick up the mail and run to the bank. Unfortunately as someone else said, I have too many grocery getters and another bike took its place this year and I sold it.
I liked it so much, if I run across another huge hybrid I think I will pick up another.
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I'll agree to the usefullness of a vintage hybrid. I don't know if this counts, but it's my current go anywhere bike, but an old photo. It now has fenders, a rack, and a better saddle, so it's more versatile. I bought it to flip it, but then rode it on my lunch hour and decided it was a keeper. I enjoy the nice lugged frame, most mtn style bikes I come across don't have the lugs.
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If I ever saw a really large hybrid, I'd probably be all over it. Looking at the specifications of the Schwinn "cross" bikes, they topped out at 22", except for one year/one model (1993 Crisscross) that came in a 24".
For now I have a 1992 Trek 400 that came in a less aggressive geometry and fits 32mm Paselas. I might even be able to sneak a fender in there.
For now I have a 1992 Trek 400 that came in a less aggressive geometry and fits 32mm Paselas. I might even be able to sneak a fender in there.