Classic & Vintage - Vintage hybrids? Maybe not so bad after all...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/1967cutlass/crisscross1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/1967cutlass/crisscross2.jpg

I hate to admit it, but I think this may be the most fun bike I've ever ridden. It's almost as fast as a road bike, but you can ride over / through seemingly anything with it :D I took it on some mountain bike trails and was extremely impressed. Very comfortable and versatile bike.

It probably weighs ~24lbs. XTR 8 speed shifter, XT derailleur, 35c ritchey speedmax tires.

It's a nicer bike now than it was then, in my eyes. In it's day, this wasn't a bike I'd get excited about but it is similar to some I rode. Not just the upgrades, but the lugged steel frame, rare nowadays. Even the stem cable hanger gets me nostalgic with only Vbrakes or discs on hybrids now, you don't see that anymore.

Could you post the pictures in the "post picture of your hybrid" thread in the hybrid forum? It will get lots of views there and a lot of love too!

I hate to admit it, but I think this may be the most fun bike I've ever ridden. It's almost as fast as a road bike, but you can ride over / through seemingly anything with it :D I took it on some mountain bike trails and was extremely impressed. Very comfortable and versatile bike.

It probably weighs ~24lbs. XTR 8 speed shifter, XT derailleur, 35c ritchey speedmax tires.[/QUOTE]

I recently picked up a Trek 730 (I think) with 700c 36 spoke wheels and cantilever brakes for $50. The plan was to use the bike as a donor (the wheels on a touring bike project, and other bits would go in the bins for future projects) but just looking at the bike, which is in really good shape, it looks like it could be worthwhile in its own right. My only problem is that I've already got more bikes than I've got space....

I have a Miyata Alumi cross hybrid.It has drop bars as original equipment.I originally bought it to resell but found I like it a lot and ride it frequently.

Agreed that it's better now than it was then. All things considered I think older hybrids can be a good deal if you want a bike to ride in bad conditions. I mostly built this to try cyclocross and to have something I don't have to worry about getting dirty in the winter.

My Wife rides a Schwinn "CrissCross" outfitted with Northroad handlebars and 38s, she loves it!

Cheers,
Chris

I bought this 93 Raleigh hybrid back in 94 and still use it for commuting and running errands.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n319/cb400bill/RaleighC-50003.jpg?t=1289176540

I would strongly agree that they are under-appreciated and therefore a great value. I had my 94(as I recall) Trek 730 Multitrack for years among the other bikes that came and went. I never figured it was worth much so I hung on to it. The thing is, it was such a practical bike; Sunday rides with the kids, commuting, exercise, winter bike. I sold it to a young man who was starting college and I felt confident that he was getting a great college bike. All-N-all, I really miss the bike.
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww1/rothenfield/Trek%20730%20MultiTrack/Trek730001.jpg

I recently picked up a Trek 730 (I think) with 700c 36 spoke wheels and cantilever brakes for $50. The plan was to use the bike as a donor (the wheels on a touring bike project, and other bits would go in the bins for future projects) but just looking at the bike, which is in really good shape, it looks like it could be worthwhile in its own right. My only problem is that I've already got more bikes than I've got space....

If it is the early 90's with luggs, it has the same geometry as the beloved 520 tourin bike, but built with MTB tubing. I had a 750 that I converted to Rando bars and bar end shifters it was a nice ride.

On another note, I too have become appriciative of hybrids. My current commuter is a Giant Option, that I am setting up with three different wheel sets, for three diffent tires : Slicks, Medium, knobbies.

Good looking Shwinn Btw

I have really liked any and all of the older 700c hybrids I have had pass through my hands over the past few years. Even low end ones, like the Jazz model I have sitting in the basement right now, makes for a super all around rider.

I had a Trek 730 Multitrack built from TrueTemper steel for a while and really think they fly under the radar. They have all of the features that many folks are looking for these days: steel tubing, canti brakes, 700c wheels with room for monstrously wide tires, braze-ons for racks and such, touring gearing. Is there a reason to get a Surly LHT when you can score one of these for 1/10th of the price?

Neal

My 1990 Trek 750, lugged True Temper steel frame made in the USA. Built up a frame set I got really cheap off ebay using 9 speed drivetrain and drops. Basically same geometry as the 520 with 5mm shorter chain stays. Made a really nice commuter.

I have a '90 Miyata triple cross that I love!! I haven't quite been able to spit out the words "This is the most fun bike I've ever ridden", but it's doggone close:). It is a blast to ride and I don't think the hybrids get enough love. Just got my wife a mid '90's Gary Fisher Marlin. Which also seems like a fun bike.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/Muttleyone/DSCF0035.jpg

Mutt

Ack. Is my commuter C&V now? '94 Nishiki Sport XRS

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/10SportXRS/DSCI1649.jpg

I bought it as NOS in '08.

Oh, and some of these bikes might be subject to a Shimano crank recall (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?334379-Shimano-crank-recall). The cranks are numbered FC-CT90, FC-M290 and FC-MC12. These numbers are located on the back or inner side of the right crank arm.

(My Nishiki above had those cranks originally; Shimano fixed them in '09. My LBS just replaced a broken crank under this recall last month; Shimano still honors it.)

Here's my 92 Trek 750 Multitrack. I replaced the straight bar with North Roads and the grip shifters with Suntour Accushift bar ends. I also added the Brooks Flyer saddle and Jandd Expedition rack. It's a really nice riding bike.

http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx235/kkelsay/Miscellaneous/PB250196.jpg

I had a Giant AT710 I picked up about a decade ago at a local thrift store. It was priced at $25 while the dept. store Schwinn next to it was $75. I rode it for years, but it was eventually parted out. If I could get the parts I'd rebuild it.

I have a '90 Miyata triple cross that I love!! I haven't quite been able to spit out the words "This is the most fun bike I've ever ridden", but it's doggone close:). It is a blast to ride and I don't think the hybrids get enough love. Just got my wife a mid '90's Gary Fisher Marlin. Which also seems like a fun bike.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/Muttleyone/DSCF0035.jpg

Mutt

Mine is set up a little differently, but if I were restricted to one bike (God forbid!) that would be the one.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/top506/Triplecross2.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/top506/miyata-snow.jpg

Top

Only decent shot I have of my Schwinn Crosscut (92 I think??). I have since upgraded the brakes with new Tektro canti's, but otherwise it is still as seen here.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_cqd22u-ZCrk/Sl9JZKYUpzI/AAAAAAAABrI/8Wj9idqvG90/s800/IMG_2185.jpg

Only decent shot I have of my Schwinn Crosscut (92 I think??). I have since upgraded the brakes with new Tektro canti's, but otherwise it is still as seen here.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_cqd22u-ZCrk/Sl9JZKYUpzI/AAAAAAAABrI/8Wj9idqvG90/s800/IMG_2185.jpg

I have the same bike including the color(no pics) stripped down and awaiting a full rebuild. I also have a Giant Cypress with a 23" frame that I keep for when my uncle comes to stay he has something to ride. I have a Cannondale H400 that is on loan to my uncle and is being set up as a lite touring bike. I am starting to like hybrids more and more as I am not as comfortable as I used to be with drop bars. I have a nice Jetter I am setting up as a hybrid using a Trek 720 with a bad frame for parts.

I just picked up a 90 Schwinn CrissCross, the next bike down from the CrossCut. Nike ride. I'll probably flip it, but I have to admit, I'm thinking of keeping it as a beater. Problem is, I have too many grocery getter type bikes now.

I just picked up a 90 Schwinn CrissCross, the next bike down from the CrossCut. Nike ride. I'll probably flip it, but I have to admit, I'm thinking of keeping it as a beater. Problem is, I have too many grocery getter type bikes now.

If you're going to flip it, don't ride it. That's the mistake I made with my Miyata.

Mutt

I picked up this Peugeot Panorama a few years ago because basically, it was my size. It is rare for me to see a 24" hybrid, so I jumped on it. It is the only French bike I have ever owned.

I kept it at the office and used it to pick up the mail and run to the bank. Unfortunately as someone else said, I have too many grocery getters and another bike took its place this year and I sold it.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad157/matketze/Motobecane%20and%20paugeot/P9230005.jpg

I liked it so much, if I run across another huge hybrid I think I will pick up another.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f223/BigPolishJimmy/bicycles/SchwinnFrontier2.jpg

I'll agree to the usefullness of a vintage hybrid. I don't know if this counts, but it's my current go anywhere bike, but an old photo. It now has fenders, a rack, and a better saddle, so it's more versatile. I bought it to flip it, but then rode it on my lunch hour and decided it was a keeper. I enjoy the nice lugged frame, most mtn style bikes I come across don't have the lugs.

If I ever saw a really large hybrid, I'd probably be all over it. Looking at the specifications of the Schwinn "cross" bikes, they topped out at 22", except for one year/one model (1993 Crisscross) that came in a 24".

For now I have a 1992 Trek 400 that came in a less aggressive geometry and fits 32mm Paselas. I might even be able to sneak a fender in there.

My Nishiki is a 24". It was made in the Raleigh plant in Kent, WA. I think they also made Univegas there. So you might want to keep an eye open for those three brands. The Nishiki has proven to be a very capable platform. I paid $100 for the bike but with upgrades I have several times that invested in it.

I had a Trek 730 Multitrack built from TrueTemper steel for a while and really think they fly under the radar. They have all of the features that many folks are looking for these days: steel tubing, canti brakes, 700c wheels with room for monstrously wide tires, braze-ons for racks and such, touring gearing. Is there a reason to get a Surly LHT when you can score one of these for 1/10th of the price?

Neal

Totally agree. I have a 720 Multitrack and it's a very nice-riding frame. I had a Bridgestone XO-4 for a while and didn't like that one nearly as well; too stiff in the back end. Old rigid mtb frames are also often bargains, but that's a different thread.

Only decent shot I have of my Schwinn Crosscut (92 I think??). I have since upgraded the brakes with new Tektro canti's, but otherwise it is still as seen here.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_cqd22u-ZCrk/Sl9JZKYUpzI/AAAAAAAABrI/8Wj9idqvG90/s800/IMG_2185.jpg

Nice! Is that orange or red? Or orange-ish red?


Also I am interested in the treks that have 520 geometry, are the seat tubes and top tubes the same proportions as a road bike? On my schwinn the seat tube is 22" and the top tube is 24", so it would be too long to use drop bars and if I found one with a short enough TT the seat tube would probably be too short. Not that I need drop bars, I actually enjoy the flat bars greatly, but if I were to buy another one I would prefer to do a drop conversion so the trek interests me.

Nice! Is that orange or red? Or orange-ish red?


Also I am interested in the treks that have 520 geometry, are the seat tubes and top tubes the same proportions as a road bike? On my schwinn the seat tube is 22" and the top tube is 24", so it would be too long to use drop bars and if I found one with a short enough TT the seat tube would probably be too short. Not that I need drop bars, I actually enjoy the flat bars greatly, but if I were to buy another one I would prefer to do a drop conversion so the trek interests me.

It's red.

Here's the bike "as bought" from the local bike shop. First thing I did was replace the saddle, ditch the reflectors, and adjust the angle of the bar-ends.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_cqd22u-ZCrk/ShIbN7naIrI/AAAAAAAABEM/qbfCAWTRAdc/s800/rz_IMG_1882.jpg

Oh, and some of these bikes might be subject to a Shimano crank recall (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?334379-Shimano-crank-recall). The cranks are numbered FC-CT90, FC-M290 and FC-MC12. These numbers are located on the back or inner side of the right crank arm.

(My Nishiki above had those cranks originally; Shimano fixed them in '09. My LBS just replaced a broken crank under this recall last month; Shimano still honors it.)

Thanks Doohickie for that recall info. I wasn't aware of decade + recall imposed on Shimano. I checked this evening and I have 2 of the 3 listed models. Glad to know they are still honoring it. I googled the recall and did read some aren't getting prompt service. Hmmm.
I'll have to see what my LBS's response will be.

PS... Some nice hybrid builds posted! I'm also a fan of the 700C hybrid. I just picked up a not-so-CV 2002 Giant Cypress LX 23" frame yesterday. I'm digging into my parts bin for a cross/hybrid frankenbike. It will be united with a rigid steel fork instead of the factory suspension fork.

I'll have to see what my LBS's response will be.

Any LBS that is an authorized Shimano repair center/dealer should be able to do the recall work. My LBS was not Shimano authorized, but they went through the motions to do it. It look about 2-3 months for Shimano to do the paperwork. Chances are if your LBS is not Shimano authorized, there is another one nearby that is. Here is the info on the recall (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml97/97149.html) directly from the Consumer Products Safety Commission. There is a number there for Shimano to call if you can't find a Shimano dealer. The recall involves replacing: Crank, bottom bracket, front derailleur & chain. The new cranks don't look as spiffy as the old ones, but they are functional. It's a nice way to get some new components on an old bike for free.

It looks like the Schwinn Crosscut is The classic early hybrid.

What size is it? Don;t be greedy now, spread the love! I'll double your money :)



I hate to admit it, but I think this may be the most fun bike I've ever ridden. It's almost as fast as a road bike, but you can ride over / through seemingly anything with it :D I took it on some mountain bike trails and was extremely impressed. Very comfortable and versatile bike.

It probably weighs ~24lbs. XTR 8 speed shifter, XT derailleur, 35c ritchey speedmax tires.

I recently picked up a Trek 730 (I think) with 700c 36 spoke wheels and cantilever brakes for $50. The plan was to use the bike as a donor (the wheels on a touring bike project, and other bits would go in the bins for future projects) but just looking at the bike, which is in really good shape, it looks like it could be worthwhile in its own right. My only problem is that I've already got more bikes than I've got space....[/QUOTE]

I have had pretty good luck with my '91 Schwinn CrossCut. The second picture is of my '93 Trek Multi Track.

I found the photos of the hybrids I have, all of when I first got them. The Giant is just that with a 23" frame.
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/Glennfordx4/bikepics163.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/Glennfordx4/bikepics168.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/Glennfordx4/09BIKEAUCTION007.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/Glennfordx4/EbayCLNov09014.jpg

Resurrecting an old thread:

1995 Trek Multitrack:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/corwin1968/IMG_0942.jpg

Hybrids are like minivans: Both are good ideas, both are handy, but nobody is completely comfortable being seen by a hot girl with either one.

Got me one of each by the way.

Hybrids are like minivans: Both are good ideas, both are handy, but nobody is completely comfortable being seen by a hot girl with either one.


Not quite, one of my co-workers has a Trek 790 with a really pretty blue paint job that doesn't appear to have even a single chip or scratch. It's also built up with all new parts, 9-speed bar-ends, and mostly XT drivetrain. I actually think it is the coolest bike I have ever seen. I'll have to snap a pic of it one of these days.


I've been keeping my eyes out for the right hybrid to build up, but wanting a large steel women's frame really limits my options...

I really love it when people post there old hybrids in the hybrid forum. I'm going to rebuild my 92-93? Giant Innova with dropbars I've owned almost since new but it will have to wait till after I've had my upcoming spinal surgery.

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad345/kdionb/Old%20Bikes/AUT15453.jpg

Hybrids are like minivans: Both are good ideas, both are handy, but nobody is completely comfortable being seen by a hot girl with either one.

Got me one of each by the way.

in portland, being seen on an xo-1 pretty much guarantees some hipster girl booty

Here's an old one, 1950s Bianchi Sport.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7480064964_b6fa39ccf2_k.jpg

Hybrids are like minivans: Both are good ideas, both are handy, but nobody is completely comfortable being seen by a hot girl with either one.

Got me one of each by the way.

What have you got against MiniVans? Anyone with bikes should have one.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=274429&d=1348404226

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=274430&d=1348404294

Although I do agree it hard to explain to that certain someone "Yes I am single, no I do not have kids" when they see my Windstar after dinner. LOL

274429274430274431

I would never consider this a hybrid, this a beautiful city bike and one anyone should be proud to own and ride.


Here's an old one, 1950s Bianchi Sport.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7480064964_b6fa39ccf2_k.jpg

Although I do agree it hard to explain to that certain someone "Yes I am single, no I do not have kids" when they see my Windstar after dinner. LOL


But I would imagine you don't need to explain "if the van is a rockin', don't come a-knockin'."

But I would imagine you don't need to explain "if the van is a rockin', don't come a-knockin'."

If it is rocking I am likely trying to get my cycling shorts on ;)

If it is rocking I am likely trying to get my cycling shorts on ;)

Tee hee...

What have you got against MiniVans? Anyone with bikes should have one.
Although I do agree it hard to explain to that certain someone "Yes I am single, no I do not have kids" when they see my Windstar after dinner. LOL

When I said one of each, I meant hybrid, hot babe, and a minivan. 1999 Plymouth Caravan. Gots cranky-up windows and sippy cup holders & all.

After searching for a hybrid Trek for a while, I found a really nice mid-90s 720 MultiTrack on Craigslist, made an offer, but before I could get to it the guy sold it. A few days later I went to checkout an equally nice Bianchi hybrid, but it was too small for me. On a whim I stopped by a bike shop that I knew sold older bikes... and what did I find... the very same Trek I was going to buy off CL. Being that it was in a retail shop, the guy had marked up the price considerably. After giving him my sob story about how I was supposed to buy the bike, but wasn't able to get there as quick as I had hoped, the guy graciously knocked the price way down. By doing so, he has now garnered himself a devoted customer, so I'm sure he'll earn more off of me than what he lowered the price of the bike by. Now I know there are deals to be had on these bikes and most people wouldn't spend much on a MultiTrack, but I don't care about that. I love the look, design, and fit of the bike.

With that said, I want to convert it into a light tourer with drops, bar end shifters, etc... Yes, that seat has to go!

Hopefully I'll have some updates made within the next month, as I'm really looking forward to putting some miles on this bike.

Here is the starting point:

http://michaelspickles.com/wp-content/uploads/Trek720/IMG_3294.jpeg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/1967cutlass/crisscross1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/1967cutlass/crisscross2.jpg

I hate to admit it, but I think this may be the most fun bike I've ever ridden. It's almost as fast as a road bike, but you can ride over / through seemingly anything with it :D I took it on some mountain bike trails and was extremely impressed. Very comfortable and versatile bike.

It probably weighs ~24lbs. XTR 8 speed shifter, XT derailleur, 35c ritchey speedmax tires.

The link to your pictures isn't valid anymore. How about posting some new pics?

Cool bike Mike, but what is the machine in the background?


After searching for a hybrid Trek for a while, I found a really nice mid-90s 720 MultiTrack on Craigslist, made an offer, but before I could get to it the guy sold it. A few days later I went to checkout an equally nice Bianchi hybrid, but it was too small for me. On a whim I stopped by a bike shop that I knew sold older bikes... and what did I find... the very same Trek I was going to buy off CL. Being that it was in a retail shop, the guy had marked up the price considerably. After giving him my sob story about how I was supposed to buy the bike, but wasn't able to get there as quick as I had hoped, the guy graciously knocked the price way down. By doing so, he has now garnered himself a devoted customer, so I'm sure he'll earn more off of me than what he lowered the price of the bike by. Now I know there are deals to be had on these bikes and most people wouldn't spend much on a MultiTrack, but I don't care about that. I love the look, design, and fit of the bike.

With that said, I want to convert it into a light tourer with drops, bar end shifters, etc... Yes, that seat has to go!

Hopefully I'll have some updates made within the next month, as I'm really looking forward to putting some miles on this bike.

Here is the starting point:

http://michaelspickles.com/wp-content/uploads/Trek720/IMG_3294.jpeg

Chris,

That is a Chandler & Price printing press from 1905. My wife and I run a very small print shop, in addition to our many other ventures. Obviously I like old steel! ;-)