The increased hype around old bikes has made me quite happy to see people embracing and enjoying bikes that still have so much life left in them. Regardless of whether they pay $x or $xxxx . I reckon your channel has helped the old bike revival a lot! It's certainly why I'm here 😎
I saw the craze coming in 2010. I've been collecting them for a few years now. I have a Klein, Bontrager, Kona and GT bikes. They're all riders, no garage queens in my collection. I also don't flip them even though I could turn a good profit because that's not why I bought them in the first place. I really just enjoy old bikes.
Kleins and Cannondales now not worth the build cost. But Giant, Specialized and older GTs can be super fun to restore. Just don't expect to turn profits selling complete bikes
The bikes I enjoy the most are the skip bin rescues, stuff that's on the way to land fill but with imagination and ingenuity can become the coolest ride in town.
I pulled that same rockhopper out of the trash 10 years ago. New tubes and 1 wheel, also from the trash, and im dad bikin it all over the place. Oh yeah, a comfort seat from the grocery store too. Non indexed gear shifter! Eat it boys
Picked up a '91 Schwinn High Plains last year. Literally picked it up out of the middle of a busy 4 lane street. It had a taco-ed rear wheel and had probably just fallen off the back of a scrappers truck on the way to the smelter. Its been totally revamped as a fireroad bike with new wheels, mustache bars and a 2x10 microshift drivetrain. I think sometime in the near future I'm gonna strip it back down for powder coat. Something cheap and cheerful like candy purple. Dunno I change my mind every week.
I got a 91 rockhopper because of you. I got crazy lucky and got it for $55 and it was fully rideable besides a popped rear tube. I replaced the tires, tubes, bars and hit a wall. Watching this video gave me what I needed to finish it.
There’s still some real bargains in the £50-100 price bracket here in the UK, you’ve just got to be patient and keep looking. I bought a cracking, all original Saracen Kili Racer the other night for 55quid
Same here in the U.S....well, at least in Los Angeles. Just gotta be patient. Although Covid has brought out the dreamers. Asking $300+USD for a heavily used Wal-Mart Kent roadtech that sold for around $100 brand new.
@@woodysmuddy I’ve had really good luck with cheap Konas, I’ve bought 3 Cinder Cones in the last few years for £50 or less, all in good original condition, one was a super rare 1991 in fluorescent pink with blue splatter
I think it's mainly the higher end models that enthusiasts are interested in, but old mountain bikes just make a perfect do-it-all bike for everyday use, and gravel has made rigid bikes more appealing
Upgraded an 80`s 26" turquoise steel Winora MTB to suspension fork, disc brakes and 11-Speed. Biggest adventure ever! 😅 Love that bike so much now. You might wanna check it out 😉, took me 5 videos to get done. Cheers Armin
The reason is simple. The kids who saw those bikes and couldn't afford them are now getting all nostalgic for them. This is my era. Any steel Kona from the 90s is overpriced because nostalgia.
Seen quite a few RUclips channels who do that. Some channels even include such builds as a bulk of their content. They always say they wanted such n such bike when it was new but was out of their budget and so on.
I found a 1992 KONA Hei Hei at a thrift store for $ 50 . It had the wrong stickers on it and someone replaced everything with cheap early 2000's bike store components . I've completely retro-modded it since and ride it almost daily .
Everything, everything has become very expensive! Anything vintage bikes, furniture, electronics, clothes, you name it! Thank you, thank you to the hypsters, entrepreneurs, amateur youtubers and pro's, is it worth it? I don't know, that's just going to depend on who is willing to pay or go along with the thrend, witch is the majority.
Just finished my retromod MTB build its a 1987 muddy fox courier with a brand new deore 10 speed drivetrain, I paid way too much for the rusty hunk of junk bike but I love it so much and would say it was definitely worth it. Your channel and builds were a big inspiration
This , this is why I watch this channel . Cool bikes don`t have to cost a fortune and if you can you could build one cheaper than purchasing one . I like building my own bikes.
Just while I notice that your in these comments, love the channel man. The whole ethos is fantastic and your passion for bikes is infectious. I myself will be performing my first drivetrain swap, the biggest bit of work I have ever done on a bike, tommorow thanks in no small part to your easy going attitude desmystfying bike mechanics. Cheers.
It's easy to be dissuaded that the prices of everything are getting expensive, but keep in mind this is the hottest the bike market (in general) has ever been. Combine that with component shortages and whatnot, this means that instead of people buying bikes at a bike shop or whatever, they look for alternatives like doing retro builds. The demand will slowly die back down. Plus deals always exist, just need to look for them a bit harder. Scooped a gorgeous old Nishiki for $40 CAD.
Blue collar classics all day long for me! When the prices of 90's era MTB's climbed, I started to focus on the same era steel hybrids. Lots fun to be had with a Trek 730/750 (lugged = $$$), Bianchi Project series, Specialized Crossroads, etc. My new favorite of those is the Schwinn CrissCross. Lugged frame, massive tire clearance and road vs mtb rear spacing. Makes it super easy throw a road drivetrain on it and make it a Surly killer!
There are still plenty of great old bikes on the used market sites. Most people still have no idea how nice the dirty old thing in their garage really is.
I recently scored a 1996 Trek 970 AND a 1993 Specialized Stumpjumper on the side of the road for free. Both mostly complete. I say “game on” for cheapo retro rides!
Good one. I restored my 2012 Scott, and it wasn’t worth it...except to me. I could have almost bought a newer Aspect when done, but I wanted my old bike Biggie back. Some things aren’t measured in dollars and cents, or by performance matrixes.
Older MTB have been under rated for a while and are starting to get recognized for the awesome projects they can be you can still find great deals but as usual you can go crazy on the build
I agree with what some people say I bought the specialized rockhopper teal with purple work because you did it. But now it just there because have 5 bikes all not finished but 2 are rideable
I'm lookin'. My daughter will be leaving her swanky university soon for grad school. She needs a solid, work truck kind of bike to haul books and groceries. When I find one, it gets a MicroSHIFT Advent 1x9 (already waiting on a shelf) and a basket. I'll find something.
If you haven't, contact her university's transportation offices to see if they do bike auctions each term. Many do as abandoned bikes are a common thing on pretty much any campus. Might need to be fixed up, but usually cheap. Ours does $40/ea as they come. Might be a busted frame, might actually be a $500 intro mtb; all $40
@@cjohnson3836 Good thought. And, yes. Her swanky school does have that. But… The University is pretty picky about all bikes being stored outside. It snows there. By the time bikes get left, they’re pretty much junk.
Agree 100% although I admit I went and found a 92 rockhopper frame and fork on Facebook for £10. Had great fun cleaning sanding and repainting the frame, and to this day am still dreaming about the parts I can add to this bike to make it my ultimate dropbar retro bike. I think there will always be frames and bikes out there looking for love and covid has been a blip which in a few years will see these precious bikes left in garden sheds to slowly rust away until the odd clear out brings them to marketplace for the odd bargain find for those in the know (or just geeky about bikes).
Scored a '92 (?) Cinder Cone - exact same size as my '94 Explosif (my original Race bike with KONA grass roots back in the day) The Cindercone ROCKS! Thumbshifters, rigid fork, chipped paint. It thrives in the twisty technical stuff in The Vortex) out on Vancouver Island. I scored a Terry Butterlfy ti railed saddle for FIVE dollars in a thrift store.. and it is PERFECT now. Basically about 100 dollars with tune-up, new cables and newer tires scores. The only thing crap about the older bike IMO in the big ring. THAT is an upgrade (downsize) I need to try!
I tried for awhile to upgrade my 90's retro Specialized Hard Rock Rock Hopper mountain bike. After putting money into it I decided its better to make it simplistic and turn it into a single speed everyday commuter.
Rebuilding my old Yeti AS-R Carbon. It got a brandnew Rockshox Monarch RL damper for 80€ ,a used and beaten up Fox f100 terralogic, fully rebuild and painted glossy black, like the frame, XT 1x11 drivetrain, Reverse cockpit, indestructable RaceFace Diabolus headset and cranks, Magura mt8 diskbrakes from last end of seasons sale with 203mm front and 180mm back disks, classic Selle Italia Flite titanium, nokkon cable. Last part is a magura dropper post cableless of cause, because I hate the old seatpost and I love the versatility, I brought it fom Ebay brand new for 250€.. it looks so good in black with white and red decals and handles like a dream.
from the Konas and Marins, I have seen they are pretty reasonable compared to the modern equivalent, it's prob my age but like 3 x 7 drivetrains and cantilevers, I still have some Deore ones from the late 80s (non-low profile, which are excellent with modern & decent blocks and them cleaned and buffed up make them look almost brand new
Still have my original 92 Bridgestone MB-2. Have looked for MB-Zip for years, but always $$$$$. Dad has 93 Stumpjumper and a 9x Balance that both need some repairs that I might do something with.
Yes give me cheap cool retro frames, just to put modern goodness on. I like the feel of my 90s mtb more than my new TREK 29er monster truck. Feels like I'm a foot higher off the ground !
You couldn't tell where I live (Washington state) that good bikes from the 90s or 2000s were climbing in price, people are straight taking older bikes to recycling centers and scrap yards around here. my last 3 cannondales that I got were either in a aluminum scrap pile (C400) or dropped off at the local recycling center (T400 and whatever the dual assault bikes are). The killer thing is that my T400, the dual assault bike and older Kona Lana'i were all had for $60, the T400 needed tires but other than that they were all ridable.
Lucky me, i still have my 90's Mtb in pristine condition (dark purple Wheeler 1800, chromoly), and I've been working slowly on her... Coming together quite nicely, It also helps that here where i live the retro hype isn't as high... Yet.
What’s worse is Craiglist and FB marketplace posts full of Huffys, Magnas and Roadmasters. The fools who bought cheap new bikes from Wal-Mart and think they can resell junk for high $$ are smokin’ crack. If you’re going to buy retro, buy established bike shop brands.
YA I got a nice Diamondback outlook that needed a wheel trued ,cleaned up & shifters lubed for free, because my friend got a new bike. Went to their house and it's a genesis from Wal-Mart. Brakes didn't work (assembled bikes) and I don't think they have rode it yet & that was at the beginning of summer!
Stumbled upon this channel as I started to mess around with a 1988 Brodie Climbmax fillet brazed frame I've had rusting under my deck since the 90s. What I thought was worthless junk is now a jewel and worthy of a sweet frame restoration, but I agree, I'm not attached to hanging period-correct bits on it and it will likely live out the rest of its life as a 1x with V brakes and gravel tires because it will get used. And likely abused.
I got my Rockhopper for $50 in 2015. Today, I can’t find a rear 26” wheel for that price. This summer, I did find a Peugeot MTB frame for $30 that’s been fun to build up. Weird sized headset (21.1mm) and seat post (26.6mm) on it tho.
I just got a Giant Sedona 26" and a Trek 930 26" ridged frame bike for free. tubes tires and lube, maybe a set of handles and brake/shift cables and we are rolling
I got quite a deal on a quad butted Giant mtb frame circa 1989 ($25!), and built it up for a friend with budget parts. Way cheaper than my own bike but honestly more fun to ride! Also painted with Spray.bike which sadly did not end up very durable despite so much prep. The original paint was totally wrecked though so still an improvement.
I have been doing after market shopping overtime and some people let go of frames they don’t realize what is worth here in the Denver area. Some sit for weeks where you can haggle the price. Don’t be afraid to make lower offers then what they are asking for, for bikes that have been sitting for a week plus. From experience I have gotten deals where people want bikes out of there garage to clean out for dirt cheap. There are lots of expensive retro mtb bikes but I have seen a lot sit and some get lost in the listing for weeks with new items posted. Do lots of search but don’t be afraid to offer something you think you would pay. Worst is they say no and say thank you and move on. Always realize people’s so called tuned and restored is subjective when they are selling it to you. Good luck.
My birthday present this year was a mint, rideable 19988 GT Outpost. The closest you'd get to a rock hopper or stump jumper of that era. 3x6, cantilever brakes. Avara rims. I ride it every day more than any other bike. Is is worth upgrading to modern? No....just ride it. Eventually bump up the bike to 3x7.
Last summer I got a ‘91 Cannondale sm800 beast of the east for $100, but the 3x drivetrain was shot. I’m just getting around to building it up as a 650b 1x gravel grinder.
Great channel! Subscribed...late to the channel but been into bikes a loooong time now. I found your channel while searching 1x setups. I have 2 rockhoppers that my folks bought new in the 90s. I want to leave those alone for the most part so I've been looking around for a good condition beater and prices are all over the place. I brought home 3 hardrocks today! Including one I have at home that makes it 4. And I've built up exactly ZERO of them. Haha soon I hope! Keep up the sweet vids man!
I have a 94 Lava Dome and a 98 Rigid Rockhopper. I bought both this year for $50. I have dropped $1k into the Lava Dome on modern components (looks awesome, terrible value). Rockhopper now sits unfinished because I'm scared to go down the rabbit hole again but I will eventually. Couldn't imagine paying modern entry-level hardtail prices for the initial bikes, they do ride great as-is but to me, they serve as a cheap canvas for the bike you want to build. I still love my retro bikes and the boom in interest for old bikes in general. It inspired me to build from scratch for the first time and has me looking at bikes of all years I previously just wrote off but now seem super interesting/appealing to me. If only everything was 2019 prices.
I'm getting a jump on the next trend by snapping up the best 20" wheel girls' bikes. If it isn't pink or doesn't have butterfly/unicorn decals, I pass.
I have been realizing most of the things you said during my journey into building up retro mtb's. Find a good frame and fork for low price and throw your own parts on and be creative. If you buy too nice a bike, it'll be a waste of money and you won't get to upgrade it as much.
I love my super cheap 1x11 retro mtb I built a year or so ago. It is an ironhorse AT100 - mass produced basic steel frame. It’s just as fun as any rockhopper though😁
Last year, I bought a new Raleigh Carlton fixed for 350 C$ brand new. It was my first fixie and use it to commute (50 km RT). But with the fenders and rear rack, this thing weighs 17 kg (38 lbs). High tensile steel and straight blade fork. Not a supple bike. Now because it made me love the simplicity of a fixed gear, I'd like to get a more quick and nimble one. For this, I'd need at least brandless CrMo but a deal on a Tange or Reynolds would be nice. Now for your question: a second hand Tange or Reynolds these days cost nearly as much as a brand new Wabi Thunder frameset. This is where the answer is: it depends
There are good deals popping up all the time. Most people don't know that old bike in the rafters is sought after by certain communities. Have cash on hand and start your search. Use low grade components: good enough. Ride it, ride it, ride it. Upgrade after learning what the bike needs. Even modern bikes need upgrades/ customizing and fit. Much much cheaper with old bikes. New bikes need new parts
Basically, it’s Hot Rod culture that makes the old 26inch bikes cool. No Hot Rod is going to beat a Ferrari thoroughbred around a track. But that’s not the point. It’s the cool factor that goes with a Rod. Something creative and different using a different parts is exciting but people don’t do those things to a collectible.
it depends in what you pay for. I have bought a Specialized Rockhopper 1991 a month ago and it was all original and no more than 80km the owner did. No rust, always protected, mint paint frame, etc…. 350e looked a lot but the bike was like amnew bike. I sold the tires in Ebay in 100e .
Around here prices are going up in Fl with very little under a $100. Last month I picked up a 1999 Gary Fisher Joshua F4 for $40 complete rideable full suspension mtb. It’s been grit blasted as should be back from powder coating this week. A mix Al frame with Cr-Mo frame for the rear triangle and rockshox on the front. Am building it 1x using microShift. All up about $350 when finished maybe a bit more with new maxxis tyres if I think it’s worth it. Will probably sell it. Last October I found a couple of mid ‘90s Treks for $20ea. Built one into a 1x10 mtb with air damped shocks and put on hydraulic disc brakes. Great bike but way too expensive in the end even after I sold off a bunch of parts. Fixed the other 2 and flogged them for 150 and 350 but with about 150 in new parts between them. I think the demand bubble and resale price of refurbished 90’s mtb’s or road bikes is going to burst soon.
Bikes IMHO peaked right after the 29er in 2009 with Gary Fisher bikes... Not saying they haven't improved.. But I don't like 1X and the similarly priced 2020 XC8 wasn't as good as my 09 Paragon.
i bought a giant retro mtb for very cheap as a spare bike when my main had to get wheels trued and other stuff. it's become my main bike since and i've been slowly swapping parts. i still run the old 3x drivetrain and it's not only worn out, i really want to switch to a 1x. maybe even go single speed since i live in a very flat area. when i bought the bike, i just thought it's nice that it's an mtb because my other one is a single speed road bike frame commuter. nice to have variety. i'm also small and i feel like 26'' wheel frames just fit me better. if the prices really go up then i'm happy i already got mine. just one problem though: seized seatpost. two shops couldn't make it move. i might have to look for an automotive shop to help me out.
Got a Rocky Mountain Fusion 1994 for 40$ two weeks ago. With the purchase of wheels, tyres, tubes and a new headset installed, I've spent closer to 230-250$ on it now. But that's because I didn't have the parts, time and knowledge to overhaul the headset. Concludion: if you have parts available in your parts bin, the proper tools and time to work on it (I have a baby...) then yes, you can find good deals.
I have an old retro frame and forks. Its a Gary Fisher 1996 with an aluminium frame and chromoly rigid forks. The problem, the thread on the forks cannot be rethreaded and has completely worn down and corroded after the old headset stuck to it. I was considering sandblasting the frame and powder coating it, spray painting it in its original colour but in a Matt finish instead of a gloss. Perhaps adding the original decals or leaving it minimalist with no decals at all but putting a Gary Fisher metal head tube badge on the frame. As for the components, I’m not sure to source original second hand parts to make it look more authentic or source new components instead. The problem is, if I carry out this restoration I will need to source the same rigid forks, threaded (26”) otherwise there’s no point using rigid forks that aren’t authentic from that era when the bike was made. For the moment because I need a bike, until I decide, I bought a Gary Fisher Wahoo 1996 in wild cherry, and it’s in mint condition from Gumtree.
I agree. It is kind of expensive. Depends on what you're trying to do. Bought a Bridgestone CB 0 zip for $200 this year. I only changed the tires, handlebar, and stem. I use it as a commuter. Already had the tires. Probably spent 20 bucks on parts. So not too bad.
From what I've read, Raleigh Canada named a lot of its bikes after the groupset. I think work truck is just called a Raleigh Deore LX. No idea on the year though, lol.
I think it depends on seller some just ask way to much money, and others don't know what they have. I recently noticed a gt palomar on the side of the road here in UK. Asked if they were getting rid of it, they said please take it they left it out for scrap. It's very original needs a few bits. I'd also been given a Dawes galaxy AL some had tried to use 26inch wheels instead of 700c they wondered why the brakes didn't work. I get a lot more pleasure from resurrecting a cheap or free bike than a prestige show pony.
We get these things donated to our bike project all the time. The really good vintage bikes are great for kids getting a taste of racing, tend to be 90s Rockhoppers, Treks etc. GT are usually too heavy for kids.. My race bike is a Kili, mostly original spec , I'm 61 and raced in the 90s so can cope with 26" wheels and minimal suspension....Not sure I'd bother buying high end retro, some was more bling than use. The last stumpy I raced on was nowhere near as good as the Kili... function over form.
I’m 6’3” and found an XL Outpost Trail with a seized bottom bracket for less than a song and with some parts bin updates it has easily displaced my 29er as my preferred ride for trail fun #26aintdead
Tooday, in Edinburgh, Scotland For sale: Specialized Stumpjumper- really nicely cleaned-up and simply done. But do I really want to pay £550 ($954.76CAN) for a bike that has been completed to someone else's (pretty original) spec? No! Because I want to RIDE IT!
Like you said depends what you're gonna do with it and the price, my bikes consist of 1. Main work horse a roughly 2013 budget argos??? Bike a Challenge Spectre 26" v brake retro style steel mtb with semi horizontal dropouts that I stripped down and rebuilt with 0 original parts and it's now a single speed rigid machine I've had this since new as it was my first mtb at the time 2. A 1998 GT Timberline All terra in turquoise, got this in perfect condition all original for £75 on bids on eBay I've since changed a few bits like wider bars nicer stem to suit me saddle and avid single digit 5 r brakes 3. Just purchases another 1998 GT Timberline All terra turquoise but justthe frame and battered at that for £20 to make into another commuter 4. Also just purchased a (unsure of the year) GT Tempest in yellow for £50 ,frame only again to build into a rigid trail bike with new components And I have a few other bikes but they're not important to my retro mtb comment, anyway depending on price and use they can be very much worth it, also hear me out even if you spend thousands on an all original klein pulse race, please don't use as just a shiny no spec of dust man cave piece and get it covered it mud
I came across your channel, last month, after I bought a Specialized HardRock 1995 in India. It didn't cost me a too much...sourcing parts has become a problem though...
Frames have always surprised me how expensive they are. My assumption is a lot of that is due to shipping costs, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, that's typically how I would think about it. Is it cheaper to buy a new frame and start from scratch, or pick up an old bike and start over. For a long time the latter seemed to win. I haven't really been looking lately, but that's what I would say is if the price of old bikes start to eclipse the cost of new frames, it would probably make sense to change. You of course also have to consider the other parts you're getting when purchasing an old bike complete and if any of those are something you'll actually continue to use. You're probably getting something that's at least rideable when you buy a used complete. Often times having old parts lying around prompts new project ideas as well. Whether that's a pro or a con is up to you to decide. Probably a con for your wallet in the end if you're like me!
Yes! Thought about it but bought new instead. Just not going to pay the inflated premium that people want, for me it was supposed to be a cheap tinker project alongside my main bikes etc.
Parts are crazy. RST shifters were recently going for $155/pair. So if you're gonna do a 3x7 dropbar something like that is what you need. If you do a dropbar with modern drive trains you have to change pretty much everything...then it makes it questionable as to worth. They are very cool though.
Around me the Specialized "-Rock" frames are starting to get too expensive for my imo. Minimum $150 for one and I've seen other people asking $350. Ended up getting a sweet purple Mongoose IBOC Sport for $20 ($50 asking) cause it was covered in grease and needed to be cleaned. Just keep your eyes peeled, set price notifications, and be ready to immediately jump on deals or setup a meeting asap.
I’ve been fixing and flipping bikes for years. The ‘average’ price of a new entry level MTB bike showed zero growth for a long time but that’s changed. It stands to reason that the used market keeps pace and the collector market shows outliers.
In the current hot market…anything over $100 is still considered expensive..that said I just picked up a pair barn stored Park-pre Hammers for $60 USD!
I wish I would have found your channel before I GAVE AWAY a '91 GT Saddleback. I would have gladly sold it to you for the shipping price. Then I would see it in all the glory I wished I could have given it!
A few years ago I made a deal with one of those guys who hunts for scrap metal that I'd give him $5 for every bike he had. I took the best parts from each to build my winter commuter, which lasted four Southwestern Ontario winters!
Oh man I shouldn’t have seen that GTBMX, lol. I have a GT triangle frame sitting in my storage now, and I didn’t really have a plan for it, I was originally man I’ve wanted a 26” BMX for a long time, and although mine is chrome I think it’s a good candidate to make into a BMX. I have this mint Marin mountain bike I was going to do a modern conversion on but it’s too good to mess with, but I’d love it to be practical and ride it. That’s the issue I have, it’s too nice to mess with
My Outpost Trail is basically my favorite bikes, got it for free years ago and is the basis for all tinker projects. I could never imagine selling it lol
I got my perfectly rideable Cannondale M900 for $150 bucks. I was able to trail ride it the same day after a quick cleaning to get it shifting, and adding some air in the tires. Since then, I've changed to a 1x8 drivetrain, carbon handbars, and a carbon seatpost. Have I put more into the bike than I bought it for? Yes, but it was a hell of a lot of fun to build and upgrade. Now, I'm looking into some new wheels so I can have two sets of tires. Was it worth it financially? IDK, I could have gotten a Vitus Nucleus 29er for a couple hundred more. Worth it for the enjoyment and learning how to work on bikes? I think so. That being said, I'm still planning to get a Nucleus in the spring haha
Just discovered your channel, I really like the mindset you presented in this video! I was about to give up an old rat (uglish) bike I found on FB market, This has definitely got me thinking to just go for it 😅
It's not necessarily the old bike (which you can still find for ~ EUR 100, decent butted steel frame) that drives costs, but what you do with it: upgrade it to a drop bar gravel bike and you easily spend EUR 400 - 600 on the whole build. Still, what you get is worth every penny: a cool bike that can easily compete with anything new from a bike shop.
The upgrade budget depends A LOT on what parts you want to get/do with the old bike: getting modern stuff (10-11-12 speed) is too much expensive IMO, even used. The least expensive way to convert your old mtb into a gravel bike is getting friction shifter (bar end ones or stem ones for example) because STI style ones ask for too much most of the time, then getting old style "aero" brakes (used ones from old road bikes from the 70-80's are so cheap) and keeping old brakes if possible, depending if the brakes have a long or short pull ratio. With this combo you don't have to invest money on different derailleurs (thanks to friction shifters, they don't care what brand or model), crankset (no compatibility issues there: for instance I already used a Campagnolo crank from 1975 which was designed for 5 or 6 speeds with a 10 speed chain and it works perfectly), brakes (as you keep the old one, maybe changing the pads if needed) That way I think you can get away with a great bike (if you don't mind friction shifters) for less than 200€. Even with indexed road shifters you can get away with a nice bike for less than 100€ if you get the "base" for cheap. The key is knowing hacks, tips to run things that aren't meant to get along together, for instance getting 9 speed on a shimano 7 speed only hub by buying a 10 speed cassette and removing 1 cog and 1 spacer from it. All those little things add flexibility, plus you save money :p
Not where I live. Lots of 80s to 2000's mountain bikes in my area for $40 to $200. The problem is being patient waiting for your size and jumping on it when it pops up. I just passed on a $15 Trek in my size because I already have a Trek too similar to it.
The increased hype around old bikes has made me quite happy to see people embracing and enjoying bikes that still have so much life left in them. Regardless of whether they pay $x or $xxxx . I reckon your channel has helped the old bike revival a lot! It's certainly why I'm here 😎
I saw the craze coming in 2010. I've been collecting them for a few years now. I have a Klein, Bontrager, Kona and GT bikes. They're all riders, no garage queens in my collection. I also don't flip them even though I could turn a good profit because that's not why I bought them in the first place. I really just enjoy old bikes.
I agree, a bike is there to be used, not just looking all pretty.
Kleins and Cannondales now not worth the build cost. But Giant, Specialized and older GTs can be super fun to restore.
Just don't expect to turn profits selling complete bikes
The bikes I enjoy the most are the skip bin rescues, stuff that's on the way to land fill but with imagination and ingenuity can become the coolest ride in town.
I pulled that same rockhopper out of the trash 10 years ago. New tubes and 1 wheel, also from the trash, and im dad bikin it all over the place. Oh yeah, a comfort seat from the grocery store too. Non indexed gear shifter! Eat it boys
Picked up a '91 Schwinn High Plains last year. Literally picked it up out of the middle of a busy 4 lane street. It had a taco-ed rear wheel and had probably just fallen off the back of a scrappers truck on the way to the smelter. Its been totally revamped as a fireroad bike with new wheels, mustache bars and a 2x10 microshift drivetrain. I think sometime in the near future I'm gonna strip it back down for powder coat. Something cheap and cheerful like candy purple. Dunno I change my mind every week.
I have actually enjoyed the 3x cranks myself. You have so many speed selections.
I got a 91 rockhopper because of you. I got crazy lucky and got it for $55 and it was fully rideable besides a popped rear tube. I replaced the tires, tubes, bars and hit a wall. Watching this video gave me what I needed to finish it.
There’s still some real bargains in the £50-100 price bracket here in the UK, you’ve just got to be patient and keep looking. I bought a cracking, all original Saracen Kili Racer the other night for 55quid
Same here in the U.S....well, at least in Los Angeles. Just gotta be patient. Although Covid has brought out the dreamers. Asking $300+USD for a heavily used Wal-Mart Kent roadtech that sold for around $100 brand new.
Definitely depending on brand though. Kona have gone through the roof and Orange too.
@@woodysmuddy I’ve had really good luck with cheap Konas, I’ve bought 3 Cinder Cones in the last few years for £50 or less, all in good original condition, one was a super rare 1991 in fluorescent pink with blue splatter
@@kevinfeeney5309 yeah man, plenty of dreamers here too, seems like people are smoking the hopium both sides of the pond lol
@@benspeedschannel888 lmao... too funny
I think it's mainly the higher end models that enthusiasts are interested in, but old mountain bikes just make a perfect do-it-all bike for everyday use, and gravel has made rigid bikes more appealing
Upgraded an 80`s 26" turquoise steel Winora MTB to suspension fork, disc brakes and 11-Speed. Biggest adventure ever! 😅 Love that bike so much now.
You might wanna check it out 😉, took me 5 videos to get done.
Cheers Armin
The reason is simple. The kids who saw those bikes and couldn't afford them are now getting all nostalgic for them. This is my era. Any steel Kona from the 90s is overpriced because nostalgia.
Would love a nice Cinder Cone or Lava Dome
Seen quite a few RUclips channels who do that. Some channels even include such builds as a bulk of their content. They always say they wanted such n such bike when it was new but was out of their budget and so on.
I found a 1992 KONA Hei Hei at a thrift store for $ 50 . It had the wrong stickers on it and someone replaced everything with cheap early 2000's bike store components . I've completely retro-modded it since and ride it almost daily .
Everything, everything has become very expensive! Anything vintage bikes, furniture, electronics, clothes, you name it! Thank you, thank you to the hypsters, entrepreneurs, amateur youtubers and pro's, is it worth it? I don't know, that's just going to depend on who is willing to pay or go along with the thrend, witch is the majority.
Just finished my retromod MTB build its a 1987 muddy fox courier with a brand new deore 10 speed drivetrain, I paid way too much for the rusty hunk of junk bike but I love it so much and would say it was definitely worth it. Your channel and builds were a big inspiration
This , this is why I watch this channel . Cool bikes don`t have to cost a fortune and if you can you could build one cheaper than purchasing one . I like building my own bikes.
Just while I notice that your in these comments, love the channel man. The whole ethos is fantastic and your passion for bikes is infectious. I myself will be performing my first drivetrain swap, the biggest bit of work I have ever done on a bike, tommorow thanks in no small part to your easy going attitude desmystfying bike mechanics. Cheers.
It's easy to be dissuaded that the prices of everything are getting expensive, but keep in mind this is the hottest the bike market (in general) has ever been. Combine that with component shortages and whatnot, this means that instead of people buying bikes at a bike shop or whatever, they look for alternatives like doing retro builds. The demand will slowly die back down.
Plus deals always exist, just need to look for them a bit harder. Scooped a gorgeous old Nishiki for $40 CAD.
Scooped up my '93 Nishiki Pueblo mtb for $40usd....just before the first Covid lockdowns.
Blue collar classics all day long for me! When the prices of 90's era MTB's climbed, I started to focus on the same era steel hybrids. Lots fun to be had with a Trek 730/750 (lugged = $$$), Bianchi Project series, Specialized Crossroads, etc. My new favorite of those is the Schwinn CrissCross. Lugged frame, massive tire clearance and road vs mtb rear spacing. Makes it super easy throw a road drivetrain on it and make it a Surly killer!
There are still plenty of great old bikes on the used market sites. Most people still have no idea how nice the dirty old thing in their garage really is.
@RollinRat facts!
I recently scored a 1996 Trek 970 AND a 1993 Specialized Stumpjumper on the side of the road for free. Both mostly complete. I say “game on” for cheapo retro rides!
Good one. I restored my 2012 Scott, and it wasn’t worth it...except to me. I could have almost bought a newer Aspect when done, but I wanted my old bike Biggie back. Some things aren’t measured in dollars and cents, or by performance matrixes.
That’s not retro
Older MTB have been under rated for a while and are starting to get recognized for the awesome projects they can be you can still find great deals but as usual you can go crazy on the build
I agree with what some people say I bought the specialized rockhopper teal with purple work because you did it. But now it just there because have 5 bikes all not finished but 2 are rideable
I'm lookin'. My daughter will be leaving her swanky university soon for grad school. She needs a solid, work truck kind of bike to haul books and groceries. When I find one, it gets a MicroSHIFT Advent 1x9 (already waiting on a shelf) and a basket. I'll find something.
If you haven't, contact her university's transportation offices to see if they do bike auctions each term. Many do as abandoned bikes are a common thing on pretty much any campus. Might need to be fixed up, but usually cheap. Ours does $40/ea as they come. Might be a busted frame, might actually be a $500 intro mtb; all $40
@@cjohnson3836 Good thought. And, yes. Her swanky school does have that. But…
The University is pretty picky about all bikes being stored outside. It snows there. By the time bikes get left, they’re pretty much junk.
Agree 100% although I admit I went and found a 92 rockhopper frame and fork on Facebook for £10. Had great fun cleaning sanding and repainting the frame, and to this day am still dreaming about the parts I can add to this bike to make it my ultimate dropbar retro bike. I think there will always be frames and bikes out there looking for love and covid has been a blip which in a few years will see these precious bikes left in garden sheds to slowly rust away until the odd clear out brings them to marketplace for the odd bargain find for those in the know (or just geeky about bikes).
Awesome video brotha! I think all of us would be excited for an episode of retro MTB builds viewers send in for you to analyze. Cheers!!
Scored a '92 (?) Cinder Cone - exact same size as my '94 Explosif (my original Race bike with KONA grass roots back in the day) The Cindercone ROCKS! Thumbshifters, rigid fork, chipped paint. It thrives in the twisty technical stuff in The Vortex) out on Vancouver Island. I scored a Terry Butterlfy ti railed saddle for FIVE dollars in a thrift store.. and it is PERFECT now. Basically about 100 dollars with tune-up, new cables and newer tires scores. The only thing crap about the older bike IMO in the big ring. THAT is an upgrade (downsize) I need to try!
I tried for awhile to upgrade my 90's retro Specialized Hard Rock Rock Hopper mountain bike. After putting money into it I decided its better to make it simplistic and turn it into a single speed everyday commuter.
Rebuilding my old Yeti AS-R Carbon. It got a brandnew Rockshox Monarch RL damper for 80€ ,a used and beaten up Fox f100 terralogic, fully rebuild and painted glossy black, like the frame, XT 1x11 drivetrain, Reverse cockpit, indestructable RaceFace Diabolus headset and cranks, Magura mt8 diskbrakes from last end of seasons sale with 203mm front and 180mm back disks, classic Selle Italia Flite titanium, nokkon cable. Last part is a magura dropper post cableless of cause, because I hate the old seatpost and I love the versatility, I brought it fom Ebay brand new for 250€.. it looks so good in black with white and red decals and handles like a dream.
I'm glad I bought my 1993 titanium superbike (1993 Kona Hei Hei) back in 2005 when they were cheap ($400).
from the Konas and Marins, I have seen they are pretty reasonable compared to the modern equivalent, it's prob my age but like 3 x 7 drivetrains and cantilevers, I still have some Deore ones from the late 80s (non-low profile, which are excellent with modern & decent blocks and them cleaned and buffed up make them look almost brand new
Still have my original 92 Bridgestone MB-2. Have looked for MB-Zip for years, but always $$$$$. Dad has 93 Stumpjumper and a 9x Balance that both need some repairs that I might do something with.
Yes give me cheap cool retro frames, just to put modern goodness on. I like the feel of my 90s mtb more than my new TREK 29er monster truck. Feels like I'm a foot higher off the ground !
I got an ‘86 Rockhopper in very good rideable condition for $40 usd. Definitely the best bargain I’ve gotten.
It is now a drop bar touring bike
I took a 93 Nishiki Pueblo and dirt drop bar'd it... hehe
You couldn't tell where I live (Washington state) that good bikes from the 90s or 2000s were climbing in price, people are straight taking older bikes to recycling centers and scrap yards around here. my last 3 cannondales that I got were either in a aluminum scrap pile (C400) or dropped off at the local recycling center (T400 and whatever the dual assault bikes are). The killer thing is that my T400, the dual assault bike and older Kona Lana'i were all had for $60, the T400 needed tires but other than that they were all ridable.
Lucky me, i still have my 90's Mtb in pristine condition (dark purple Wheeler 1800, chromoly), and I've been working slowly on her... Coming together quite nicely, It also helps that here where i live the retro hype isn't as high... Yet.
What’s worse is Craiglist and FB marketplace posts full of Huffys, Magnas and Roadmasters. The fools who bought cheap new bikes from Wal-Mart and think they can resell junk for high $$ are smokin’ crack. If you’re going to buy retro, buy established bike shop brands.
YA I got a nice Diamondback outlook that needed a wheel trued ,cleaned up & shifters lubed for free, because my friend got a new bike. Went to their house and it's a genesis from Wal-Mart. Brakes didn't work (assembled bikes) and I don't think they have rode it yet & that was at the beginning of summer!
Ive got a Trek 950 all original. Dont parts swap, renew the old parts and make them work well
What do you think about the 1994 820? Awesome, ok, or could be better?
@@audacityhour3104 OK bike. mass produced and generally good quality...I enjoy digging into the shifters and getting them working like new
I like Raleigh, always have. Still have my '86 Technium, although I don't ride it much. I just like to look at it and remember all the good times .
Stumbled upon this channel as I started to mess around with a 1988 Brodie Climbmax fillet brazed frame I've had rusting under my deck since the 90s. What I thought was worthless junk is now a jewel and worthy of a sweet frame restoration, but I agree, I'm not attached to hanging period-correct bits on it and it will likely live out the rest of its life as a 1x with V brakes and gravel tires because it will get used. And likely abused.
I got my Rockhopper for $50 in 2015. Today, I can’t find a rear 26” wheel for that price. This summer, I did find a Peugeot MTB frame for $30 that’s been fun to build up. Weird sized headset (21.1mm) and seat post (26.6mm) on it tho.
I got a pair of 26 inch wheels for 10$ at a thrift store here in Georgia.
I just got a Giant Sedona 26" and a Trek 930 26" ridged frame bike for free. tubes tires and lube, maybe a set of handles and brake/shift cables and we are rolling
Love this! There’s still a bunch of good deals to be had for sure. It’s the ones that “know what they’ve got” lol
That's why I built my cheap commuter using an aluminium hybrid frame with surly straggler fork... Plus you get disc mounts! 👍🎉
I got quite a deal on a quad butted Giant mtb frame circa 1989 ($25!), and built it up for a friend with budget parts. Way cheaper than my own bike but honestly more fun to ride! Also painted with Spray.bike which sadly did not end up very durable despite so much prep. The original paint was totally wrecked though so still an improvement.
I have been doing after market shopping overtime and some people let go of frames they don’t realize what is worth here in the Denver area. Some sit for weeks where you can haggle the price. Don’t be afraid to make lower offers then what they are asking for, for bikes that have been sitting for a week plus. From experience I have gotten deals where people want bikes out of there garage to clean out for dirt cheap. There are lots of expensive retro mtb bikes but I have seen a lot sit and some get lost in the listing for weeks with new items posted. Do lots of search but don’t be afraid to offer something you think you would pay. Worst is they say no and say thank you and move on. Always realize people’s so called tuned and restored is subjective when they are selling it to you. Good luck.
My birthday present this year was a mint, rideable 19988 GT Outpost. The closest you'd get to a rock hopper or stump jumper of that era. 3x6, cantilever brakes. Avara rims. I ride it every day more than any other bike. Is is worth upgrading to modern? No....just ride it. Eventually bump up the bike to 3x7.
Started with a 3x6 on my nishiki Pueblo mtb... went straight to 7spd when I did the dirt drop bar conversion on it....eventually went to 9spd....haha
im just getting in to this, and yes they are. bought a Rock machine flash from 96 for 120 bucks.
Last summer I got a ‘91 Cannondale sm800 beast of the east for $100, but the 3x drivetrain was shot. I’m just getting around to building it up as a 650b 1x gravel grinder.
Great channel! Subscribed...late to the channel but been into bikes a loooong time now. I found your channel while searching 1x setups. I have 2 rockhoppers that my folks bought new in the 90s. I want to leave those alone for the most part so I've been looking around for a good condition beater and prices are all over the place.
I brought home 3 hardrocks today! Including one I have at home that makes it 4. And I've built up exactly ZERO of them. Haha soon I hope! Keep up the sweet vids man!
time to move on to 2000s mtbs letsgo
In the last month I bought a 93 purple rockhopper for 25 bucks and a Surly disc trucker frame and fork for 20 bucks. The deals are still out there
I have a 94 Lava Dome and a 98 Rigid Rockhopper. I bought both this year for $50. I have dropped $1k into the Lava Dome on modern components (looks awesome, terrible value). Rockhopper now sits unfinished because I'm scared to go down the rabbit hole again but I will eventually. Couldn't imagine paying modern entry-level hardtail prices for the initial bikes, they do ride great as-is but to me, they serve as a cheap canvas for the bike you want to build. I still love my retro bikes and the boom in interest for old bikes in general. It inspired me to build from scratch for the first time and has me looking at bikes of all years I previously just wrote off but now seem super interesting/appealing to me. If only everything was 2019 prices.
I'm getting a jump on the next trend by snapping up the best 20" wheel girls' bikes. If it isn't pink or doesn't have butterfly/unicorn decals, I pass.
Just by the title..... YES!
I have been realizing most of the things you said during my journey into building up retro mtb's. Find a good frame and fork for low price and throw your own parts on and be creative. If you buy too nice a bike, it'll be a waste of money and you won't get to upgrade it as much.
I love my super cheap 1x11 retro mtb I built a year or so ago. It is an ironhorse AT100 - mass produced basic steel frame. It’s just as fun as any rockhopper though😁
Last year, I bought a new Raleigh Carlton fixed for 350 C$ brand new. It was my first fixie and use it to commute (50 km RT). But with the fenders and rear rack, this thing weighs 17 kg (38 lbs). High tensile steel and straight blade fork. Not a supple bike.
Now because it made me love the simplicity of a fixed gear, I'd like to get a more quick and nimble one. For this, I'd need at least brandless CrMo but a deal on a Tange or Reynolds would be nice.
Now for your question: a second hand Tange or Reynolds these days cost nearly as much as a brand new Wabi Thunder frameset. This is where the answer is: it depends
There are good deals popping up all the time. Most people don't know that old bike in the rafters is sought after by certain communities. Have cash on hand and start your search. Use low grade components: good enough. Ride it, ride it, ride it. Upgrade after learning what the bike needs. Even modern bikes need upgrades/ customizing and fit. Much much cheaper with old bikes. New bikes need new parts
Basically, it’s Hot Rod culture that makes the old 26inch bikes cool. No Hot Rod is going to beat a Ferrari thoroughbred around a track. But that’s not the point. It’s the cool factor that goes with a Rod. Something creative and different using a different parts is exciting but people don’t do those things to a collectible.
it depends in what you pay for. I have bought a Specialized Rockhopper 1991 a month ago and it was all original and no more than 80km the owner did. No rust, always protected, mint paint frame, etc…. 350e looked a lot but the bike was like amnew bike. I sold the tires in Ebay in 100e .
Around here prices are going up in Fl with very little under a $100. Last month I picked up a 1999 Gary Fisher Joshua F4 for $40 complete rideable full suspension mtb. It’s been grit blasted as should be back from powder coating this week. A mix Al frame with Cr-Mo frame for the rear triangle and rockshox on the front. Am building it 1x using microShift. All up about $350 when finished maybe a bit more with new maxxis tyres if I think it’s worth it. Will probably sell it. Last October I found a couple of mid ‘90s Treks for $20ea. Built one into a 1x10 mtb with air damped shocks and put on hydraulic disc brakes. Great bike but way too expensive in the end even after I sold off a bunch of parts. Fixed the other 2 and flogged them for 150 and 350 but with about 150 in new parts between them. I think the demand bubble and resale price of refurbished 90’s mtb’s or road bikes is going to burst soon.
Prices here in Northern California have been higher than other places for a while. Still worth it and deals can be found if you’re patient
So glad I scored my rockhopper frame for free from a friend, because it was out of his repair/tinker knowledge 🙏🏼
I've got an early 2,000s Giant Rainier... and it's honestly the funnest thing EVER!
Bikes IMHO peaked right after the 29er in 2009 with Gary Fisher bikes... Not saying they haven't improved.. But I don't like 1X and the similarly priced 2020 XC8 wasn't as good as my 09 Paragon.
i bought a giant retro mtb for very cheap as a spare bike when my main had to get wheels trued and other stuff. it's become my main bike since and i've been slowly swapping parts. i still run the old 3x drivetrain and it's not only worn out, i really want to switch to a 1x. maybe even go single speed since i live in a very flat area. when i bought the bike, i just thought it's nice that it's an mtb because my other one is a single speed road bike frame commuter. nice to have variety. i'm also small and i feel like 26'' wheel frames just fit me better. if the prices really go up then i'm happy i already got mine. just one problem though: seized seatpost. two shops couldn't make it move. i might have to look for an automotive shop to help me out.
Got a Rocky Mountain Fusion 1994 for 40$ two weeks ago. With the purchase of wheels, tyres, tubes and a new headset installed, I've spent closer to 230-250$ on it now. But that's because I didn't have the parts, time and knowledge to overhaul the headset. Concludion: if you have parts available in your parts bin, the proper tools and time to work on it (I have a baby...) then yes, you can find good deals.
I have an old retro frame and forks. Its a Gary Fisher 1996 with an aluminium frame and chromoly rigid forks. The problem, the thread on the forks cannot be rethreaded and has completely worn down and corroded after the old headset stuck to it. I was considering sandblasting the frame and powder coating it, spray painting it in its original colour but in a Matt finish instead of a gloss. Perhaps adding the original decals or leaving it minimalist with no decals at all but putting a Gary Fisher metal head tube badge on the frame. As for the components, I’m not sure to source original second hand parts to make it look more authentic or source new components instead. The problem is, if I carry out this restoration I will need to source the same rigid forks, threaded (26”) otherwise there’s no point using rigid forks that aren’t authentic from that era when the bike was made. For the moment because I need a bike, until I decide, I bought a Gary Fisher Wahoo 1996 in wild cherry, and it’s in mint condition from Gumtree.
I agree. It is kind of expensive. Depends on what you're trying to do. Bought a Bridgestone CB 0 zip for $200 this year. I only changed the tires, handlebar, and stem. I use it as a commuter. Already had the tires. Probably spent 20 bucks on parts. So not too bad.
From what I've read, Raleigh Canada named a lot of its bikes after the groupset. I think work truck is just called a Raleigh Deore LX. No idea on the year though, lol.
Yesssss....have you seen retro BMX bike prices??? Ppl really going crazy with what they expect ppl to pay for them
There’s been some hints at this below, but the expensive part of a drop bar conversion now is drop bar parts. You can find a bike for
I have a beautiful green GT outpost complete and a Trek 850 frame for sale in Texas. Reasonably priced 👍
I just built a 92 Specialized Hardrock. Hardest part to find is a bottom bracket cable guide.
I think it depends on seller some just ask way to much money, and others don't know what they have. I recently noticed a gt palomar on the side of the road here in UK. Asked if they were getting rid of it, they said please take it they left it out for scrap. It's very original needs a few bits. I'd also been given a Dawes galaxy AL some had tried to use 26inch wheels instead of 700c they wondered why the brakes didn't work.
I get a lot more pleasure from resurrecting a cheap or free bike than a prestige show pony.
We get these things donated to our bike project all the time. The really good vintage bikes are great for kids getting a taste of racing, tend to be 90s Rockhoppers, Treks etc. GT are usually too heavy for kids..
My race bike is a Kili, mostly original spec , I'm 61 and raced in the 90s so can cope with 26" wheels and minimal suspension....Not sure I'd bother buying high end retro, some was more bling than use. The last stumpy I raced on was nowhere near as good as the Kili... function over form.
Yes, it’s getting way out of hand. But they do look cool
I’m 6’3” and found an XL Outpost Trail with a seized bottom bracket for less than a song and with some parts bin updates it has easily displaced my 29er as my preferred ride for trail fun #26aintdead
Tooday, in Edinburgh, Scotland
For sale: Specialized Stumpjumper- really nicely cleaned-up and simply done. But do I really want to pay £550 ($954.76CAN) for a bike that has been completed to someone else's (pretty original) spec? No! Because I want to RIDE IT!
Like you said depends what you're gonna do with it and the price, my bikes consist of
1. Main work horse a roughly 2013 budget argos??? Bike a Challenge Spectre 26" v brake retro style steel mtb with semi horizontal dropouts that I stripped down and rebuilt with 0 original parts and it's now a single speed rigid machine I've had this since new as it was my first mtb at the time
2. A 1998 GT Timberline All terra in turquoise, got this in perfect condition all original for £75 on bids on eBay I've since changed a few bits like wider bars nicer stem to suit me saddle and avid single digit 5 r brakes
3. Just purchases another 1998 GT Timberline All terra turquoise but justthe frame and battered at that for £20 to make into another commuter
4. Also just purchased a (unsure of the year) GT Tempest in yellow for £50 ,frame only again to build into a rigid trail bike with new components
And I have a few other bikes but they're not important to my retro mtb comment, anyway depending on price and use they can be very much worth it, also hear me out even if you spend thousands on an all original klein pulse race, please don't use as just a shiny no spec of dust man cave piece and get it covered it mud
That’s how it was with me. The Rockhopper, I’m afraid to hack, but I didn’t care about the iron horse, which was basically the same thing.
I came across your channel, last month, after I bought a Specialized HardRock 1995 in India. It didn't cost me a too much...sourcing parts has become a problem though...
Frames have always surprised me how expensive they are. My assumption is a lot of that is due to shipping costs, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, that's typically how I would think about it. Is it cheaper to buy a new frame and start from scratch, or pick up an old bike and start over. For a long time the latter seemed to win. I haven't really been looking lately, but that's what I would say is if the price of old bikes start to eclipse the cost of new frames, it would probably make sense to change. You of course also have to consider the other parts you're getting when purchasing an old bike complete and if any of those are something you'll actually continue to use. You're probably getting something that's at least rideable when you buy a used complete. Often times having old parts lying around prompts new project ideas as well. Whether that's a pro or a con is up to you to decide. Probably a con for your wallet in the end if you're like me!
Yes! Thought about it but bought new instead. Just not going to pay the inflated premium that people want, for me it was supposed to be a cheap tinker project alongside my main bikes etc.
Parts are crazy. RST shifters were recently going for $155/pair. So if you're gonna do a 3x7 dropbar something like that is what you need. If you do a dropbar with modern drive trains you have to change pretty much everything...then it makes it questionable as to worth. They are very cool though.
Around me the Specialized "-Rock" frames are starting to get too expensive for my imo. Minimum $150 for one and I've seen other people asking $350. Ended up getting a sweet purple Mongoose IBOC Sport for $20 ($50 asking) cause it was covered in grease and needed to be cleaned. Just keep your eyes peeled, set price notifications, and be ready to immediately jump on deals or setup a meeting asap.
Yes!! That’s the compromise right there. Still a sick bike, way less money
I’ve been fixing and flipping bikes for years. The ‘average’ price of a new entry level MTB bike showed zero growth for a long time but that’s changed. It stands to reason that the used market keeps pace and the collector market shows outliers.
In the current hot market…anything over $100 is still considered expensive..that said I just picked up a pair barn stored Park-pre Hammers for $60 USD!
I wish I would have found your channel before I GAVE AWAY a '91 GT Saddleback. I would have gladly sold it to you for the shipping price. Then I would see it in all the glory I wished I could have given it!
Yes I agree. Was a time you could purchase an old mtb cheap. But I believe when you attach the word retro, the price goes up.
Or vintage....lol
Hey man, just got the mug. I love it! Ride cheap ass bikes!
I could afford a Stumpjumper in the 90's so I got a used Rockhopper for maybe $300. It's great making $6 an hour with a lot of overtime
A few years ago I made a deal with one of those guys who hunts for scrap metal that I'd give him $5 for every bike he had. I took the best parts from each to build my winter commuter, which lasted four Southwestern Ontario winters!
Oh man I shouldn’t have seen that GTBMX, lol. I have a GT triangle frame sitting in my storage now, and I didn’t really have a plan for it, I was originally man I’ve wanted a 26” BMX for a long time, and although mine is chrome I think it’s a good candidate to make into a BMX. I have this mint Marin mountain bike I was going to do a modern conversion on but it’s too good to mess with, but I’d love it to be practical and ride it. That’s the issue I have, it’s too nice to mess with
My Outpost Trail is basically my favorite bikes, got it for free years ago and is the basis for all tinker projects. I could never imagine selling it lol
I got my perfectly rideable Cannondale M900 for $150 bucks. I was able to trail ride it the same day after a quick cleaning to get it shifting, and adding some air in the tires. Since then, I've changed to a 1x8 drivetrain, carbon handbars, and a carbon seatpost. Have I put more into the bike than I bought it for? Yes, but it was a hell of a lot of fun to build and upgrade. Now, I'm looking into some new wheels so I can have two sets of tires.
Was it worth it financially? IDK, I could have gotten a Vitus Nucleus 29er for a couple hundred more. Worth it for the enjoyment and learning how to work on bikes? I think so. That being said, I'm still planning to get a Nucleus in the spring haha
Just discovered your channel, I really like the mindset you presented in this video!
I was about to give up an old rat (uglish) bike I found on FB market,
This has definitely got me thinking to just go for it 😅
It's not necessarily the old bike (which you can still find for ~ EUR 100, decent butted steel frame) that drives costs, but what you do with it: upgrade it to a drop bar gravel bike and you easily spend EUR 400 - 600 on the whole build. Still, what you get is worth every penny: a cool bike that can easily compete with anything new from a bike shop.
The upgrade budget depends A LOT on what parts you want to get/do with the old bike: getting modern stuff (10-11-12 speed) is too much expensive IMO, even used. The least expensive way to convert your old mtb into a gravel bike is getting friction shifter (bar end ones or stem ones for example) because STI style ones ask for too much most of the time, then getting old style "aero" brakes (used ones from old road bikes from the 70-80's are so cheap) and keeping old brakes if possible, depending if the brakes have a long or short pull ratio.
With this combo you don't have to invest money on different derailleurs (thanks to friction shifters, they don't care what brand or model), crankset (no compatibility issues there: for instance I already used a Campagnolo crank from 1975 which was designed for 5 or 6 speeds with a 10 speed chain and it works perfectly), brakes (as you keep the old one, maybe changing the pads if needed)
That way I think you can get away with a great bike (if you don't mind friction shifters) for less than 200€. Even with indexed road shifters you can get away with a nice bike for less than 100€ if you get the "base" for cheap. The key is knowing hacks, tips to run things that aren't meant to get along together, for instance getting 9 speed on a shimano 7 speed only hub by buying a 10 speed cassette and removing 1 cog and 1 spacer from it. All those little things add flexibility, plus you save money :p
The GTMX looks sick dude
Not where I live. Lots of 80s to 2000's mountain bikes in my area for $40 to $200. The problem is being patient waiting for your size and jumping on it when it pops up. I just passed on a $15 Trek in my size because I already have a Trek too similar to it.
Tange infinity IS tange’s SEAMED chromoly tubing. Yes, there is seamed chromoly tubing and it’s as good as their other tubing! Just cheaper.