I see where Rusty was coming from, in that a 90’s mountain bike might not be the best option for the pure consumer, the person who just wants to buy a bike and ride it, and never get his/her hands dirty. The ‘90s mountain bike is so much more than that. For the slightly clever person, an old mountain bike is like a blank canvas, waiting to be be turned into something extraordinary. The frame design is incredibly versatile, allowing it to be turned into almost any other kind of bike. In comparison, most bikes made today will always be….. whatever kind of bike they are now. Rather uninspiring, if you ask me.
Yooo thanks for the shoutout, homie!! Haha 🙌 100% 90’s mtb’s are a sweet intro into bikes. They’re so versatile and even if you use them as a stepping stone, they’re wonderful. For instance, if you notice you put slicks on it and are aching for something faster then you would go for a road bike etc. Can confirm, retro bikes (or similar “feel” modern bikes) are so so much fun on trails 😍🤙 Awesome video, Gary! Keep it up 😎🤌
@@garysprojects haha 100%, people always talk about the rabbit hole when they start seeing the possibilities 😂 Thank you, too!! Happy as to be a part of the video, especially with that sentence 🤌🤌💖 haha 🙌
I got two bikes from my dad who passed away. One he built (a vintage roadbike frame) and a japanese mamachari bike for errands. These made me love the old steel bikes for some reason. Just bought my 3rd bike - a 90s Bridgestone MTB juet for the reasons you just told. The 90s MTB scene is just bonkers - lots of innovation and experiments, styling and all that. Its really a creative scene evsn back then I think. More reasons to love old bikes.
That’s awesome! All good bikes! Yeah I love the 90s bikes because everything is pretty compatible and you can customize the hell them! That’s a big part of the fun I think !
My WHOLE FLEET is vintage bikes! Old school is cool. I have a 1999 Raleigh M30 rigid MTB that I've had since new. I just had it overhauled. I have 1986 Marukin M-420 that I've had since new, but I've had it overhauled twice. My new LBS had a sweet, 80s vintage Cannondale ST500 just gathering dust, so I had the LBS make it like new for me before taking it home. Finally, the LBS took in a Fuji Nevada hardtail MTB in trade, which I bought and had overhauled. Both of my road bikes have 27" wheels, rim brakes, and downtube shifters. The Marukin's frame is made from Ishiwata 025 ChroMo. It originally had a 2x6 drivetrain, but now has a 2x7; it still has its original Suntour ARx groupset though. The rims were also upgraded during its first overhaul back in 2000 or so. The Cannondale is Al, has a 3x6 drivetrain, and has a Shimano 600 groupset; I'm keeping that original. My M30 rigid has ChroMo main tubes, 26" wheels, a 3x7 drivetrain, and rim brakes. The Fuji has a similar setup, but it's Al and has a suspended fork. I had both MTBs upgraded to removable chainrings. I fitted both of them with Continental Contact Plus City tires. I wanted Continental Town & Country tires, but they're no longer made; LBS said the Contact Plus City tires were the closest match in Conti's lineup. Why do I like old school bikes? Why do I seek them out? One, their frame geometries, particularly on road bikes, are more versatile; rather than being skewed to either racing or touring, old school road bikes' frame geometries split the difference well. The road bikes have downtube shifters. There's NOTHING simpler or more reliable than downtube shifters-NOTHING! My MTBs (ATBs really, as that's how I use them), have honest, 3x7 drivetrains. I'm not a fan of these newfangled, 1x12 drivetrains-sorry. There's a reason why 3x7 drivetrains have been around for decades: THEY JUST WORK! Plus, you can more precisely dial in your cadence. Anyway, those are my thoughts. For my kind of riding (fitness and fun mostly), I don't need the latest and greatest for that. Old school bikes are well made and well designed. They look cool. They're setup the way I like-NO 1x drivetrains, thank goodness! They do everything I want to do and then some. Why do I need more than that? Have a nice day... :)
One of your best, Gary. You spoke with authority about what you know, reclaiming old mtbs and putting them into service. -- And oh yeah, I've dug up some great rides at city dumps and landfills. Thanks.
Great counter points, love my 90's MTB's. Also for the oldies that were actually out riding these bikes in the 90's (like me) a bit of nostalgia for the good old days :)
100% agree. I had my first cheap mtb in '89, when for primary school graduation (i was 11 here) and I never stopped to love steel 26" mtb. I'm still buying and fixing them. ANd, as someone else said, they are like blank canvases!
Great video, I still have my first Gary Fisher MTB from when I was 12 years old, bought in 1995, still going strong. Have a few more in the stable alongside it now but it definitely taught me everything I know about bikes!
That’s awesome you still have it! Bikes def do last and yes I think it’s great to learn on the basic bikes to appreciate the higher end bikes!! Cheers man!
I tell people I love my 90s MTB. They say, "but technology has come so far since then." I don't care. My 90s MTB gets me out on the kinds of trails I find relaxing and no doubt keeps me off the ones that would try to kill me.
Great points. The rigid 90’s mtb’s like the trek single tracks or specialised hard rocks are a superb base that can be updated when needed. No problem finding 26” rims or tyres.
I bought an older K2 bike from a local thrift shop and have been working on rebuilding it. I agree with the thoughts of this video. It's not the newest but it teaches you a ton of valuable information about keeping it going and how to maintain it even with used parts.
@@garysprojects I totally agree. This is what I've done for years. I've never really bought brand new bikes because I never saw a need. Too many amazing options on the used market just waiting to be found.
Nice vid, I agree with most of what you said. Like Russ, it took me forever to find a solid chromoly 90s mtb (1997 Brodie Quantum) here in Toronto. Things are way too expensive though and if the bike is in haflway decent shape, the seller will try to slap on a "vintage" price tag on that bike. Besides that, I did learn a lot working on my bike. One lesson I did learn was that it would be hard to find a used non-suspension corrected fork and so I had to bide my time waiting for a good deal on a fork. I also had to put on a wide swept back bar (rivendell tosco bar) out of necessity to make up for the long reach and low stack. Turns out I love that style of handlebars. The bike is cheap enough that I am not too worried about it getting stolen but I like it enough that I am currently stripping the frame and going to repaint it since it had so much chipped paint and rust. Going through the process with a "cheap" bike gives me the confidence to do this again with one of my new bikes.
Totally! There is something about working on bikes that makes you appreciate it more. Glad you are doing it up! Sounds like a lot of good times ! Hard thing will be deciding what color to paint it!! 💕
Great video! I bought a 90s mountain bike early generation soft tail last year. When I found it, at first, it was the colors that caught my eye, then it was the full suspension configuration, and finally, after four and a half hours on the highway to pick it up from an older gentleman, I felt like a kid again swinging a leg over and taking it for a ride, remembering how geniune" the ride felt and not feeling deceived by the expensive full air suspension of modern bikes and disc brakes. To me, 90s mountain bikes have their own distinctive character and offer a ride that makes you feel more connected to the bike and the terrain you are riding on that fancy modern MTBs don't.
Outstanding video! I am aging LION (old cyclist) been in to 90s mtb for almost 2 years now. I dont know if I'm more ZEN when I'm riding them or working on them! I haven't painted one yet because I love the transformation they go through during a complete rebuild/update. Love the story they tell afterwards with all the dings and scratches. I own several very high end bikes, yet I find myself jumping on the 93 Rockhopper almost exclusively. BTW, I've rebuilt 7 bikes already and have not spent more than $40 U.S. on any of them initially...2 came out of the trash. The biggest problem I've found with them so far is I have a really hard time letting go of them when I'm done....
Hahha that’s the truth! I agree it’s hard to let go once they are all done up. Also agree that it’s quite zen working on them too! Good job saving the bikes, cheers!
I love the old school MTB, it's a real shame that the 26" rubber has fallen out of favour. I think to a significant extent it was an effort from the manufacturers to push new bikes. Really, what did going to 27.5" buy us? Not much difference from a 26. It's like the 29" revolution didn't happen to the extent that marketing types were hoping and they had to save face and couldn't fall back to 26 so we settled for 27.5. Silliness.
All of my bikes except 2 I bought used. I'm so glad you bring up the point you don't necessarily need a new bike and used bikes are valuable. I know this was a response to PLP but I feel like we need more awareness about being wasteful. Spot on video man. Sorry for the late response.
Cheers man! Ya retro bikes have to go somewhere and if we don’t fix them up they will most likely go into the tip. Definitely feels good to save a few bikes from the dump ✌️
Awesome video , 100% agree but as you also said it's a thing of experience and the will to learn because there are some things that can be confusing especialy when it comes to differences between older and new bikes and parts . I got a 1993 Steppenwolf Tycoon CS completely rebuilt to more modern components and always people are confused when I say basicly this bike is older than 30 years ! I always advise people to ask for advice if they are not sure which components to use because otherwise it can certainly become a frustrating and expensive experience.
That sounds like a cool bike! Yes always helpful to ask around , some of these old parts hard to find the old manuals. Great to keep the old bikes going again, Cheers !
I've been going down the rabbit hole lately I got an old truck frame I wanted to rebuild so I was buying a bike for parts and I liked it so much I want to keep it to now I have four bikes. And I want to fix them all. I guess somebody's going to get a nice birthday or Christmas present here in a few months because I can't have all these!😊
Everything you said is true of all bikes, imagination, improvisation and a touch of wrenching skill and the possibilities are limitless. I understand where Russ is coming from, 90's MTB geo is not comfortable but the possibilities are limitless. Great video👍
I have a 1997 Trek Gary Fisher Mamba. I bought it used in a pawnshop for $100.00. It's a low-maintenance all-road and dirt machine. The frame fits my body really well, the straight bars give a more comfortable, upright posture. Even though I ride a newer bike daily, I keep the Gary Fisher as a backup.
Damn - Those were good arguments. I have my 1991 hybrid that I bought in 1991. I was thinking of replacing it this year, but I'm beginning to think with a little work that it's more value than a new one.
Saw a trek 6500 zx for 150 mint , I mean mint condition, practically new , no rust , everything including the shifter 100 effective, now just planning to upgrade the tires & see if I can buy a lighter 26 wheel set if there out there , I’ve enjoyed 90 bike restoration & build & finally pulled the trigger, thank ti you , subscribed
Did up an older Specialized hardtail bike up for a friend who'd be given it, he did not have a lot of money so every thing that could be reused or refurbished was! Rim tape was persished on both wheels so an old inner tube was cut to size, new brake old style pads front and back £6 from local bike store, hand grips £5 two tyres £12 (bargain) from eBay. Rust on the front hydraulic folks & chain removed mostly and freed up, back wheel puncture fixed front and rear spindles repacked with grease, brake assemblies cleaned and cable tension adjusted, front and rear spindle hub seals replaced.....total cost £25 ish labour was free lol. Friends comment was its the best bike he's ever had (mind you he's had some very bad bikes previously not much functioned on them!) :o)
finished fixing up a 40 euro 90s Dimondback bike this weekend. The satisfaction I got from finishing the full service and getting on what felt like a brand new bike was a trip. People are way too focused on always buying newstuff, In Ireland, we have a government scene called Bike To Work. where the gov will subsidise 50% of the price of a bike. The thing is you can only use this for new bikes/bike equipment which is a joke. So everyone and their mothers are buying the most expensive over-designed bikes and then using them for a few weeks and letting them rot in the shed.
That is crazyyyyy u can only use the money for new bikes!! I understand the government is trying to boost the economy but think of all the old bikes!! Glad you fixed up your bike! 90s diamondbacks are awesome!!
My current stable of 90s bikes are a Kona Explosif, Rocky Mountain Blizzard, Rocky Mountain ALTITUDE T.O, Diamondback Apex, Dirt Research Kenai, Schwinn Homegrown, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo and a Scott Pro Racing with Ritchey steel
great way to start on getting a retro 90’s mtb bike! i recommend this video 100% shoutout to Gary and robvsam on getting me into building my own retro miyata ‘89 mtb. yall been a blessing.
just got back into biking... 90's mnt bike all the way. Found a Raleigh m30 us built chromoly frame in "i think anyway" really great condition. Everything works, shifts great with the 3 by 7 and has new tires for 120 bucks usd. Catastrophically cheaper than the trek or specialized i was looking at.... Plus the old school emblem on the head tube looks awesome.
I just fixed up a 90's USA-made Trek MountainTrack that my neighbor was throwing away, the bike was in excellent shape but still needed $165 in basic parts that I purchased from Performance Bike and eBay, a LBS would charge you $300+ for these repairs on top of the purchase price. List of items: stem adapter, new brake pads, grips, cables, pedals, chain, brake noodle, brake rubber boots, Kenda tires, and continental tubes. This doesn't include a Giant stem and handlebars and cable housing I had lying around. If you have an REI around they will sell you cables and housing for the best price I have found. The rims were in decent shape but could use truing, $30 at my LBS. I would make sure the bike has decent rims because this would be a deal-breaker if you need to purchase new ones and stay away if they have a freewheel. I didn't touch the BB or the front derailleur because they were in working order and front derailleurs are such a PIA. It's a solid bike but more of a city cruiser than anything else. I'm selling/giving the bike to a friend for the cost of parts and beer. The alternative is buying a new entry-level fitness bike/hardtail for $650 that comes with modern geo, 29er's, and mechanical disc brakes which are far superior and easier to maintain than rim brakes, I personally would stay away from the entry-level bikes with cheap suspension forks and avoid Walmart bikes altogether.
Nice job! The 90s bikes are definitely fixable, and ya maybe it’s better for some ppl to buy new, but I think it’s worth the effort to fix up something second hand! (Mostly for reason 4 in the vid). Hope your friend likes the bike, cheers!
Was looking for an "easy" bike then I thought of my 90s yellow Colnago sitting in the garage since 20 years ago at least. I was planning on customizing it a bit but after cleaning 20+ years of dust and neglect I found it in pristine shape. So I only swapped the saddle, and put a couple of billy bonkers tyres for that chonky look, and damn she's soooo cool!!!!! The shift levers every once in a while get sort of stuck but hey
@@joshualanglais613 cheers man! I left a comment too a few days ago but no reply 😂Thanks man I appreciate the support! Honestly was great to see your comment after working on the vid for a long time 😊
My expensive folding bike was stolen when correctly locked in a visible area! So, I bought an old mtb, replaced the tires,brakes and handlebar. The friction shifters work well. I could do this with five old mtb bikes to get to the price of that folder.
Over the years, I’ve been tempted to upgrade to a new mountain bike and sell my ‘90’s bike, but have never done it. Instead, I’ve upgraded some components, so it’s as good as new. I love my old bike! Ride on!
My peugeot Python has reynolds 531 steel, all decent kit for the period, got for around 70gbp chucked some decent slicks, a front rack, good grips and saddle and its cheaper than a modern commuter and less stealable than my fixed gear. The only frustration I had is sourcing parts such as 26 inch tyres which seem to be difficult in this climate
Yes! An excellent counter-point. These are the bikes I learned to ride off-road (and on-road!) on and are still useful & fun today. ATB all the way indeed.
I restore, reuse, replenish 90s steel mountain bikes especially those made with Tange Prestige, Reynolds 853, True Temper, Ritchey logic tubing. Converted a few to gravel bikes as well
All good counter points although a lot of what path less pedalled said is right depending on the market. Where I live I've seen Trek single-track frame only go for 10k Philippine peso when a new bike can be 15k ready to go. Groupset prices are almost the same as a Shimano 9 speed. Also having rebuilt a 91 MTB for my son and having to find odd seat post sizes, head sets etc it still cost 7k. Having said that I've got no problem paying a bit more for what in my eye are just better looking...and arguably better made bikes... than the MTBs of today
How good would it be to see a '92 Rockhopper boosting the road gap at Hardline though also, Why not both ? I switch between my 80's/90's gems and a new big brand "gravel" bike, one of which has almost identical geometry and no pesky un-diagnosable creaking noise
You're both right. As an 80's bike rider, my bike's not without its issues or quirks. Also, around me, finding a used bike in a large, at a reasonable price, is a challenge. It's far easier and cheaper to find a small to medium bikes.
I've been riding my GT which I purchased off a mate more than 20 years ago. Pretty much all the components have changed. My point is that components change one at a time so you don't feel the cost. Extremely cheap way to get about
@@garysprojects The time have both been replaced two times, bottom bracket 1 time, front derailer 1 time, left thumb shifters 1 time, riser bar 2, gear casset 4 times? Chain ?? Tires several times, grips several, saddle post 1 time, saddle several times. All over 20 year period
I fix up loads of bikes and it's the early nineties mountain bike I get the most excited about,I have a Diamondback accent ex that I love ,full deore ,original paint ant decals ,black with pink splatter 😀
@@garysprojects I've just done up a trek 800 for my daughter too ,there's a video on RUclips of it my channel is called Chricha bikes .one of my fav builds ,rode beautifully
3rd world approves!!! Always on the lookout for those garage unicorns with thick dropouts, chro-mo tubing and all the pretty shiny things! It's such a good feeling to ride bikes I use to crave as a kid... Call it nostalgia, I call it "better than a cheap mass produced fighter jet-looking POS" :D Keep'em rolling! Cheers.
90s mtbs are good for everything but mtb. Rebuilt my old hardtail. Took it out and tried to ride it the way I ride my current bike. Sketchy and scary. Sold it the next day😅. Ive been through fully rigid then hardtails and on to full suspension. Not going back...
@@garysprojects thanks!! 90s frames are perfect for a Rivendell inspired build with wide bars like that which is the direction I’m taking the vintage Trek. Only puzzle piece I haven’t figured out is sourcing 26 tubeless wheel sets.
Convert to single speed penny dropped for me , gears are inefficient , you really dont miss them single speed you can have a thick chain which was a surpringly massive improvement , the bikes much simpler lighter and way smoother to ride , never liked gears on bikes & in practice you dont use them all , and as kids 60's 70's didnt have them , also single speed bikes look better and ride solid
Reason 6. The good comunity and people create around it. :)
Yesssss this is a big one!!
basically good vibes 😎and...
Reason 7. nostalgia
That’s right !
I see where Rusty was coming from, in that a 90’s mountain bike might not be the best option for the pure consumer, the person who just wants to buy a bike and ride it, and never get his/her hands dirty. The ‘90s mountain bike is so much more than that. For the slightly clever person, an old mountain bike is like a blank canvas, waiting to be be turned into something extraordinary. The frame design is incredibly versatile, allowing it to be turned into almost any other kind of bike. In comparison, most bikes made today will always be….. whatever kind of bike they are now. Rather uninspiring, if you ask me.
Yesssss!! Totally agree, the possibilities are endless!! ✌️😊
Totally agree it's so versatile and perfect platform for almost any type of ridding you want to do ....might not take over strava records but oh well
Yooo thanks for the shoutout, homie!! Haha 🙌 100% 90’s mtb’s are a sweet intro into bikes. They’re so versatile and even if you use them as a stepping stone, they’re wonderful.
For instance, if you notice you put slicks on it and are aching for something faster then you would go for a road bike etc.
Can confirm, retro bikes (or similar “feel” modern bikes) are so so much fun on trails 😍🤙
Awesome video, Gary! Keep it up 😎🤌
P.s fourth 👀😆
Exactly , agree with you 100% they really are the gate way drug 😂 thanks for making cool as builds and glad you were’nt offended to be in my video 🤣🤣🤣
@@garysprojects haha 100%, people always talk about the rabbit hole when they start seeing the possibilities 😂
Thank you, too!! Happy as to be a part of the video, especially with that sentence 🤌🤌💖 haha 🙌
Most of us are extremely overbiked for the trails we ride. A standard 90s mtb is essentially a gravel bike of today.
That is sooooo true, many people aren’t riding rampage but have rampage bikes!
I got two bikes from my dad who passed away. One he built (a vintage roadbike frame) and a japanese mamachari bike for errands. These made me love the old steel bikes for some reason.
Just bought my 3rd bike - a 90s Bridgestone MTB juet for the reasons you just told. The 90s MTB scene is just bonkers - lots of innovation and experiments, styling and all that. Its really a creative scene evsn back then I think. More reasons to love old bikes.
That’s awesome! All good bikes! Yeah I love the 90s bikes because everything is pretty compatible and you can customize the hell them! That’s a big part of the fun I think !
My WHOLE FLEET is vintage bikes! Old school is cool. I have a 1999 Raleigh M30 rigid MTB that I've had since new. I just had it overhauled. I have 1986 Marukin M-420 that I've had since new, but I've had it overhauled twice. My new LBS had a sweet, 80s vintage Cannondale ST500 just gathering dust, so I had the LBS make it like new for me before taking it home. Finally, the LBS took in a Fuji Nevada hardtail MTB in trade, which I bought and had overhauled.
Both of my road bikes have 27" wheels, rim brakes, and downtube shifters. The Marukin's frame is made from Ishiwata 025 ChroMo. It originally had a 2x6 drivetrain, but now has a 2x7; it still has its original Suntour ARx groupset though. The rims were also upgraded during its first overhaul back in 2000 or so. The Cannondale is Al, has a 3x6 drivetrain, and has a Shimano 600 groupset; I'm keeping that original. My M30 rigid has ChroMo main tubes, 26" wheels, a 3x7 drivetrain, and rim brakes. The Fuji has a similar setup, but it's Al and has a suspended fork. I had both MTBs upgraded to removable chainrings. I fitted both of them with Continental Contact Plus City tires. I wanted Continental Town & Country tires, but they're no longer made; LBS said the Contact Plus City tires were the closest match in Conti's lineup.
Why do I like old school bikes? Why do I seek them out? One, their frame geometries, particularly on road bikes, are more versatile; rather than being skewed to either racing or touring, old school road bikes' frame geometries split the difference well. The road bikes have downtube shifters. There's NOTHING simpler or more reliable than downtube shifters-NOTHING! My MTBs (ATBs really, as that's how I use them), have honest, 3x7 drivetrains. I'm not a fan of these newfangled, 1x12 drivetrains-sorry. There's a reason why 3x7 drivetrains have been around for decades: THEY JUST WORK! Plus, you can more precisely dial in your cadence.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. For my kind of riding (fitness and fun mostly), I don't need the latest and greatest for that. Old school bikes are well made and well designed. They look cool. They're setup the way I like-NO 1x drivetrains, thank goodness! They do everything I want to do and then some. Why do I need more than that? Have a nice day... :)
totally agree with the downtube shifters! very classy indeed. cheers mate !
@@garysprojects thanks for responding years later, Mate!
One of your best, Gary. You spoke with authority about what you know, reclaiming old mtbs and putting them into service. -- And oh yeah, I've dug up some great rides at city dumps and landfills. Thanks.
Cheers Peter glad you liked it, appreciate the support! 😊
Great counter points, love my 90's MTB's. Also for the oldies that were actually out riding these bikes in the 90's (like me) a bit of nostalgia for the good old days :)
Ahhh yes!! Absolutely, I could imagine that would be a huge positive if you grew up riding them! Good old times!
100% agree. I had my first cheap mtb in '89, when for primary school graduation (i was 11 here) and I never stopped to love steel 26" mtb. I'm still buying and fixing them. ANd, as someone else said, they are like blank canvases!
Hell ya ! They are amazing for what they can be done to them, cheers!
@@garysprojects absolutely! Cheers
Every bike is a good time - Spindatt
Definitely agree with this 👍
Great video, I still have my first Gary Fisher MTB from when I was 12 years old, bought in 1995, still going strong. Have a few more in the stable alongside it now but it definitely taught me everything I know about bikes!
That’s awesome you still have it! Bikes def do last and yes I think it’s great to learn on the basic bikes to appreciate the higher end bikes!! Cheers man!
I tell people I love my 90s MTB. They say, "but technology has come so far since then." I don't care. My 90s MTB gets me out on the kinds of trails I find relaxing and no doubt keeps me off the ones that would try to kill me.
@@soap5393 that’s it mate, don’t need a lot to have fun
Great points. The rigid 90’s mtb’s like the trek single tracks or specialised hard rocks are a superb base that can be updated when needed. No problem finding 26” rims or tyres.
For sure, great way to get into cycling !
I bought an older K2 bike from a local thrift shop and have been working on rebuilding it. I agree with the thoughts of this video. It's not the newest but it teaches you a ton of valuable information about keeping it going and how to maintain it even with used parts.
Hell ya dude , that’s what it’s about. So satisfying learning something and then knowing how to fix it ! Cheers
@@garysprojects I totally agree. This is what I've done for years. I've never really bought brand new bikes because I never saw a need. Too many amazing options on the used market just waiting to be found.
Exactly! I think most people don’t buy secondhand because it’s the norm just to buy new, but there are so many good secondhand bikes out there!!
Nice vid, I agree with most of what you said. Like Russ, it took me forever to find a solid chromoly 90s mtb (1997 Brodie Quantum) here in Toronto. Things are way too expensive though and if the bike is in haflway decent shape, the seller will try to slap on a "vintage" price tag on that bike. Besides that, I did learn a lot working on my bike. One lesson I did learn was that it would be hard to find a used non-suspension corrected fork and so I had to bide my time waiting for a good deal on a fork. I also had to put on a wide swept back bar (rivendell tosco bar) out of necessity to make up for the long reach and low stack. Turns out I love that style of handlebars. The bike is cheap enough that I am not too worried about it getting stolen but I like it enough that I am currently stripping the frame and going to repaint it since it had so much chipped paint and rust. Going through the process with a "cheap" bike gives me the confidence to do this again with one of my new bikes.
Totally! There is something about working on bikes that makes you appreciate it more. Glad you are doing it up! Sounds like a lot of good times ! Hard thing will be deciding what color to paint it!! 💕
Great video! I bought a 90s mountain bike early generation soft tail last year. When I found it, at first, it was the colors that caught my eye, then it was the full suspension configuration, and finally, after four and a half hours on the highway to pick it up from an older gentleman, I felt like a kid again swinging a leg over and taking it for a ride, remembering how geniune" the ride felt and not feeling deceived by the expensive full air suspension of modern bikes and disc brakes. To me, 90s mountain bikes have their own distinctive character and offer a ride that makes you feel more connected to the bike and the terrain you are riding on that fancy modern MTBs don't.
Totally agree!! Thank you I appreciate that.
Outstanding video! I am aging LION (old cyclist) been in to 90s mtb for almost 2 years now. I dont know if I'm more ZEN when I'm riding them or working on them! I haven't painted one yet because I love the transformation they go through during a complete rebuild/update. Love the story they tell afterwards with all the dings and scratches. I own several very high end bikes, yet I find myself jumping on the 93 Rockhopper almost exclusively. BTW, I've rebuilt 7 bikes already and have not spent more than $40 U.S. on any of them initially...2 came out of the trash. The biggest problem I've found with them so far is I have a really hard time letting go of them when I'm done....
Hahha that’s the truth! I agree it’s hard to let go once they are all done up. Also agree that it’s quite zen working on them too! Good job saving the bikes, cheers!
I love the old school MTB, it's a real shame that the 26" rubber has fallen out of favour. I think to a significant extent it was an effort from the manufacturers to push new bikes. Really, what did going to 27.5" buy us? Not much difference from a 26. It's like the 29" revolution didn't happen to the extent that marketing types were hoping and they had to save face and couldn't fall back to 26 so we settled for 27.5. Silliness.
Hahah yeah I guess corporations have to make some money somehow 😂
i'll never buy a new bike again they did that totally on purpose. Lost a diehard customer with that move.
@@jonnie2bad yeah it was a greasy douche move.
True. The 26ers today are kids bikes =(
All of my bikes except 2 I bought used. I'm so glad you bring up the point you don't necessarily need a new bike and used bikes are valuable. I know this was a response to PLP but I feel like we need more awareness about being wasteful. Spot on video man. Sorry for the late response.
Cheers man! Ya retro bikes have to go somewhere and if we don’t fix them up they will most likely go into the tip. Definitely feels good to save a few bikes from the dump ✌️
for real i love your content and your attitude/philosophy! makes me want to go back to the roots again.
I appreciate that ! Thank you so much 🙏 nothing like some good ole fun on a bike 👍
Don't forget the colors!!! They use great colors back in the day
That’s true they had amazing paint jobs back then, some of my favs
@@garysprojects yup klien is one of my favorite but specialized did. Some killer stuff
@@yardsalecycles for sure, Peugeot had some good ones too!
you really hit the nail on the head as to why I love 90s bikes so much
Yesssss thank you ! I’m glad you do haha I love them too, so much fun !
Awesome video , 100% agree but as you also said it's a thing of experience and the will to learn because there are some things that can be confusing especialy when it comes to differences between older and new bikes and parts . I got a 1993 Steppenwolf Tycoon CS completely rebuilt to more modern components and always people are confused when I say basicly this bike is older than 30 years ! I always advise people to ask for advice if they are not sure which components to use because otherwise it can certainly become a frustrating and expensive experience.
That sounds like a cool bike! Yes always helpful to ask around , some of these old parts hard to find the old manuals. Great to keep the old bikes going again, Cheers !
Love that you got a shoutout over on Path Less Pedaled's new video. Hell yeah, dude!
Thanks champ! Yes it was very nice of him to do that , grateful 😊
I've been going down the rabbit hole lately I got an old truck frame I wanted to rebuild so I was buying a bike for parts and I liked it so much I want to keep it to now I have four bikes. And I want to fix them all. I guess somebody's going to get a nice birthday or Christmas present here in a few months because I can't have all these!😊
Hahaha yeah it’s a slippery slope 🤣
Everything you said is true of all bikes, imagination, improvisation and a touch of wrenching skill and the possibilities are limitless. I understand where Russ is coming from, 90's MTB geo is not comfortable but the possibilities are limitless. Great video👍
Cheers, agreed! He made some valid points. Love the all possibilities with the 90s mtbs ! Appreciate the support 👍
Still own my '93 Stumpjumper M2. It has become my paved trail cruiser for more leisurely rides with my wife. Still love it!
Awesome!! Nice bike! Old bikes still have a lot of enjoyment in them, glad it’s still being used!!
I have a 1997 Trek Gary Fisher Mamba. I bought it used in a pawnshop for $100.00. It's a low-maintenance all-road and dirt machine. The frame fits my body really well, the straight bars give a more comfortable, upright posture. Even though I ride a newer bike daily, I keep the Gary Fisher as a backup.
Hell ya that sounds like a nice bike. Always good to have a back up just in case!
I got a 1999 kona Cinder Cone 2 weeks ago for £45 and love it to bits it rides so nice
Hell ya!! That’s a nice bike! There are def good bikes out there!!
Damn - Those were good arguments. I have my 1991 hybrid that I bought in 1991. I was thinking of replacing it this year, but I'm beginning to think with a little work that it's more value than a new one.
Ooo nice! Ya that sounds good 👍 good to get running again!
@@garysprojects It's never stopped running. I guess that's a good reason to go through it so I'll get another 32 years (if I live that long.) Thx😊
@@daniellarson3068 hahah awesome!!!
Saw a trek 6500 zx for 150 mint , I mean mint condition, practically new , no rust , everything including the shifter 100 effective, now just planning to upgrade the tires & see if I can buy a lighter 26 wheel set if there out there , I’ve enjoyed 90 bike restoration & build & finally pulled the trigger, thank ti you , subscribed
No worries glad you found something! Sounds like a fun product, cheers !
Did up an older Specialized hardtail bike up for a friend who'd be given it, he did not have a lot of money so every thing that could be reused or refurbished was! Rim tape was persished on both wheels so an old inner tube was cut to size, new brake old style pads front and back £6 from local bike store, hand grips £5 two tyres £12 (bargain) from eBay. Rust on the front hydraulic folks & chain removed mostly and freed up, back wheel puncture fixed front and rear spindles repacked with grease, brake assemblies cleaned and cable tension adjusted, front and rear spindle hub seals replaced.....total cost £25 ish labour was free lol. Friends comment was its the best bike he's ever had (mind you he's had some very bad bikes previously not much functioned on them!) :o)
That’s awesome!! Great work. Glad he likes it 👍👍
@@garysprojects Thxs!
Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Big ups, brodda
Ayyyyy appreciate it brother !
finished fixing up a 40 euro 90s Dimondback bike this weekend.
The satisfaction I got from finishing the full service and getting on what felt like a brand new bike was a trip.
People are way too focused on always buying newstuff, In Ireland, we have a government scene called Bike To Work.
where the gov will subsidise 50% of the price of a bike. The thing is you can only use this for new bikes/bike equipment which is a joke. So everyone and their mothers are buying the most expensive over-designed bikes and then using them for a few weeks and letting them rot in the shed.
That is crazyyyyy u can only use the money for new bikes!! I understand the government is trying to boost the economy but think of all the old bikes!!
Glad you fixed up your bike! 90s diamondbacks are awesome!!
My current stable of 90s bikes are a Kona Explosif, Rocky Mountain Blizzard, Rocky Mountain ALTITUDE T.O, Diamondback Apex, Dirt Research Kenai, Schwinn Homegrown, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo and a Scott Pro Racing with Ritchey steel
Stocked up!! Nice collection there 💕
great way to start on getting a retro 90’s mtb bike! i recommend this video 100% shoutout to Gary and robvsam on getting me into building my own retro miyata ‘89 mtb. yall been a blessing.
Yesssss ! Cheers for the support! Appreciate u
just got back into biking... 90's mnt bike all the way. Found a Raleigh m30 us built chromoly frame in "i think anyway" really great condition. Everything works, shifts great with the 3 by 7 and has new tires for 120 bucks usd. Catastrophically cheaper than the trek or specialized i was looking at.... Plus the old school emblem on the head tube looks awesome.
Hell ya dude that’s awesome! Nice pickup enjoy the ride!
@@garysprojects thanks, channels like yours really do help motivate people to get out and ride.
@@ozmosis0074 cheers!
I just fixed up a 90's USA-made Trek MountainTrack that my neighbor was throwing away, the bike was in excellent shape but still needed $165 in basic parts that I purchased from Performance Bike and eBay, a LBS would charge you $300+ for these repairs on top of the purchase price. List of items: stem adapter, new brake pads, grips, cables, pedals, chain, brake noodle, brake rubber boots, Kenda tires, and continental tubes. This doesn't include a Giant stem and handlebars and cable housing I had lying around. If you have an REI around they will sell you cables and housing for the best price I have found. The rims were in decent shape but could use truing, $30 at my LBS. I would make sure the bike has decent rims because this would be a deal-breaker if you need to purchase new ones and stay away if they have a freewheel. I didn't touch the BB or the front derailleur because they were in working order and front derailleurs are such a PIA. It's a solid bike but more of a city cruiser than anything else. I'm selling/giving the bike to a friend for the cost of parts and beer. The alternative is buying a new entry-level fitness bike/hardtail for $650 that comes with modern geo, 29er's, and mechanical disc brakes which are far superior and easier to maintain than rim brakes, I personally would stay away from the entry-level bikes with cheap suspension forks and avoid Walmart bikes altogether.
Nice job! The 90s bikes are definitely fixable, and ya maybe it’s better for some ppl to buy new, but I think it’s worth the effort to fix up something second hand! (Mostly for reason 4 in the vid). Hope your friend likes the bike, cheers!
Was looking for an "easy" bike then I thought of my 90s yellow Colnago sitting in the garage since 20 years ago at least. I was planning on customizing it a bit but after cleaning 20+ years of dust and neglect I found it in pristine shape. So I only swapped the saddle, and put a couple of billy bonkers tyres for that chonky look, and damn she's soooo cool!!!!! The shift levers every once in a while get sort of stuck but hey
Damnnnn that’s awesome!! Great revival. Just spray some wd-40 in the shifters and you’re golden!
Reason 6, less likely to be stolen. Beater bikes are incognito. Great video. Thanks for making the counterpoint to PLP. Cheers.
Totally ! Def feel safer leaving them at the grocery store !
Cheap
Reliable
Reasonably light
Easy ro maintain
Fun to customise with a huge online community
Agreed 👍
Learning about your bike and it's components can also make you a better rider.
That’s true ! Good point 👍
Great work....and anyone else notice how modern hardtails look like an overgrown BMX with flat bars?
Cheers man! Ya they look similar!
Love it, dude. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this.
Thank you my dude! Glad you liked it - someone had to make a response so I guess it was me 😂✌️
You've got some influence now, so it's good it was you. I left a comment/reply on his video, but I don't carry much weight. Keep up the good work. 🤙
@@joshualanglais613 cheers man! I left a comment too a few days ago but no reply 😂Thanks man I appreciate the support! Honestly was great to see your comment after working on the vid for a long time 😊
also cooler people tend to ride 90s mtb. facts.
Hahah definitely true ! 😂
My expensive folding bike was stolen when correctly locked in a visible area! So, I bought an old mtb, replaced the tires,brakes and handlebar. The friction shifters work well. I could do this with five old mtb bikes to get to the price of that folder.
Hahah yeah definitely get your moneys worth with these old bikes. And love friction shifters! Great for a smooth ride
@@garysprojects both of my vintage road bikes have downtube, friction shifters!
Over the years, I’ve been tempted to upgrade to a new mountain bike and sell my ‘90’s bike, but have never done it. Instead, I’ve upgraded some components, so it’s as good as new. I love my old bike! Ride on!
Yes!! A little upgrade here and there goes a long way!!
Interesting and seems balanced, thanks for this !
Thank you Andy!
My peugeot Python has reynolds 531 steel, all decent kit for the period, got for around 70gbp chucked some decent slicks, a front rack, good grips and saddle and its cheaper than a modern commuter and less stealable than my fixed gear. The only frustration I had is sourcing parts such as 26 inch tyres which seem to be difficult in this climate
Yeasss that sounds like a great ride ! Ya tyres can be hard sometimes!
Great video man! I usually go for early 2000s bikes more myself like the kona's you have.
Nice!! Yes they are all great , I like a lot of bikes & the Kona’s so great! I don’t limit myself to one decade 😂😂
Yes! An excellent counter-point. These are the bikes I learned to ride off-road (and on-road!) on and are still useful & fun today. ATB all the way indeed.
Cheers man! Def can have a lot of fun with the ATBs
Im addicted to riding and your channel, so much wholesome fun!
Thanks homie! I appreciate that cheers! 😋
@@garysprojects I’m starting a vintage gravel bike build, I blame you, in a good way hopefully u would like to see what it looks like when done
@@wasiegwebu3371 hahah I am honored thank you! Yep would like to see it when your done! Cheers
@@garysprojects I’ll be back here to let you know cheers
I restore, reuse, replenish 90s steel mountain bikes especially those made with Tange Prestige, Reynolds 853, True Temper, Ritchey logic tubing. Converted a few to gravel bikes as well
Nice all good stuff there! Nice tubing 👍
All good counter points although a lot of what path less pedalled said is right depending on the market. Where I live I've seen Trek single-track frame only go for 10k Philippine peso when a new bike can be 15k ready to go. Groupset prices are almost the same as a Shimano 9 speed. Also having rebuilt a 91 MTB for my son and having to find odd seat post sizes, head sets etc it still cost 7k. Having said that I've got no problem paying a bit more for what in my eye are just better looking...and arguably better made bikes... than the MTBs of today
True that! Was just offering an alternative opinion. Great to hear u got your bike going and 90s look awesome!
We love you Gary, you are the boss. Like and share Gary! He deserves it!
Hahah cheers man! Just a regular dude that likes bikes, same as you 💕
How good would it be to see a '92 Rockhopper boosting the road gap at Hardline though
also, Why not both ? I switch between my 80's/90's gems and a new big brand "gravel" bike, one of which has almost identical geometry and no pesky un-diagnosable creaking noise
You're both right. As an 80's bike rider, my bike's not without its issues or quirks. Also, around me, finding a used bike in a large, at a reasonable price, is a challenge. It's far easier and cheaper to find a small to medium bikes.
True! Sometimes sizing can be an issue
Fuck yeah. I'm currently converting a raleigh 26er into a single speed. I found it on hard rubbish.
Yesss can’t beat free!
Agree on all points!!! I just love the design and vibes of an old mtb! ✌🏻
Cheers man! Likewise here too! 💕
I've been riding my GT which I purchased off a mate more than 20 years ago. Pretty much all the components have changed. My point is that components change one at a time so you don't feel the cost. Extremely cheap way to get about
For sure that’s a great idea! Or even run the old mid ranges components, some of them aren’t too bad either!
@@garysprojects The time have both been replaced two times, bottom bracket 1 time, front derailer 1 time, left thumb shifters 1 time, riser bar 2, gear casset 4 times? Chain ?? Tires several times, grips several, saddle post 1 time, saddle several times. All over 20 year period
You just dont feel the cost
I fix up loads of bikes and it's the early nineties mountain bike I get the most excited about,I have a Diamondback accent ex that I love ,full deore ,original paint ant decals ,black with pink splatter 😀
Yessss!! I have one too, so solid tru temper avr 👍👍
@@garysprojects I've just done up a trek 800 for my daughter too ,there's a video on RUclips of it my channel is called Chricha bikes .one of my fav builds ,rode beautifully
@@chrischatfield2935 looks great man, turned out real nice man! Super clean
3rd world approves!!! Always on the lookout for those garage unicorns with thick dropouts, chro-mo tubing and all the pretty shiny things! It's such a good feeling to ride bikes I use to crave as a kid... Call it nostalgia, I call it "better than a cheap mass produced fighter jet-looking POS" :D Keep'em rolling! Cheers.
Hahahah yesss!! Old frames look awesome! Thanks for the support brother 😊
All magnificent and valid points Gary. I’m in full agreement
Thank you my dude! I’m glad you agree, but kinda new you would’ve too 😂🙌🤝💕
90s mtbs are good for everything but mtb. Rebuilt my old hardtail. Took it out and tried to ride it the way I ride my current bike. Sketchy and scary. Sold it the next day😅. Ive been through fully rigid then hardtails and on to full suspension. Not going back...
Hahah fair enough , ride what you like 👍
That Toyota hat is pure gold 🧢
Haha cheers mate !
Great Video 👍🏻.
Thank you mate !
Absolutely! 100%
Yesssssss
And the upvotes from randoms in the Easten bloc is worth it
I got 2 bikes from 90s likebrand new, BH GRISLEY and TREK 7000
Nice!!! Coool bikes
I agree. ..90s bikes look real cool...💪
Definitely!! Huge part of the appeal that’s for sure 😊
Make sense bro, thank you
Cheers brother
Aesthetic is more than enough.
😂 def true!
Love 90s bike
Same!
Word up brother
Thanks homie! 😊
The rampage reference! Haha.
🤣🤣🤣
Garys project 26'' Panners coming now available in the web Shop?
Hahah coming soon
I only need one (reason) = "I want it". =)
Hahah nice!
*1) It's fun*
that's it.
Agreed!
Hey Garry, what's up Man.
Hi dhd what’s goodie !
And they last a long time. With Some TLC.
For sure , built to last
Great video- I am restoring a 1995 Gary Fisher mtb now... what is your stem / handlebar set up at the 1:00 mark? Look perfect for my build.
Cheers ! It’s sakae sr mts100 stem to wald 898 , that clip is from the shogun restoration vid if you wanna see more of the bars cheers !
❤️❤️❤️
💕🙏💕
They're pretty good at a lot of different things, even if they're not really great at just one thing...
Jack of all trades master of none
😉👍 good answer!!
Ayy cheers!
What bars on the orange bike with the crazy stem?! I’m building up a trek 970 as a 1x and those bars would be perfect
Satori melange medium, they are 560mm wide, I think I might change them for something wider in the future though!
@@garysprojects thanks!! 90s frames are perfect for a Rivendell inspired build with wide bars like that which is the direction I’m taking the vintage Trek. Only puzzle piece I haven’t figured out is sourcing 26 tubeless wheel sets.
@@withfilm no worries! Yep they make good all round adventure bikes! Some ppl have converted old shims to tubeless if you’re game!
Convert to single speed penny dropped for me , gears are inefficient , you really dont miss them single speed you can have a thick chain which was a surpringly massive improvement , the bikes much simpler lighter and way smoother to ride , never liked gears on bikes & in practice you dont use them all , and as kids 60's 70's didnt have them , also single speed bikes look better and ride solid
Nice!! Yes that’s a nice way to save some coin. I have single speed Kona as well and it’s pretty damn fun!
5 good reasons😁
Thank u 😊
Vc está certo 👏👏👏👏
😊💕😊💕
What country is “ billobikes. “
Austria
Much better vid than path less pedalled. All cyclist become elitist in there own way eventually. Though he's a great guy and amazing videos.
Hahah cheers I just wanted to share the alternative POV, someone had to do it! Good to hear out different opinions even if you don’t agree
26 inch bikes are too small for taller people.
Could be true
🚲🏎🤤
😊✌️💕
90s mtb is not dead
Def not!!
Nice. Lol I rly did lose some respect for russ after that video. Sponsored by Pro Home Closet lol. So non-transparent. Cmon.
Haha cheers man, good to hear out other ppls opinions
Ha ha take that Russ!
Hahah I’m sure he was expecting some kind of response
No,to many problems with comparability, old parts etc
👍
OLD shovel copied your heading ! shame plagiarism
Hahah it’s all good! More ppl sharing their thoughts for 90s bikes the better!
Aaaaaaayyyyyyyy
Ayyyyyyyyyyy 😊
🙌 🤍
🙌💕💕