Show us your vintage mountain bikes!
#4601
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Costa Mesa CA
Posts: 2,636
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
10 Posts
Nice score Flying Merkel!
My brother bought that identical bike from SuperGo (back before Performance bought them out and killed it), it was one of their big holiday weekend sales. It was marked down to $999.99, saved $700.00 and the sales guy tossed in a frame pump, saddle bag, and a couple spare tubes. My brother rode it hard and it wasn't long before the dual crown Judy fork took a dump. He replaced it with a White Brother fork and it's been solid ever since.
Here are the original specs if you want to compare or locate components:
1998 Specialized Gound Control FSR Extreme - BikePedia
I see you're in C.M., I live in Brea, did you ride the river trail to the beach? The photo looks like the fine sands that Newport or H.B., hard to beat the O.C. coast for mid-ride place to chill.
My brother bought that identical bike from SuperGo (back before Performance bought them out and killed it), it was one of their big holiday weekend sales. It was marked down to $999.99, saved $700.00 and the sales guy tossed in a frame pump, saddle bag, and a couple spare tubes. My brother rode it hard and it wasn't long before the dual crown Judy fork took a dump. He replaced it with a White Brother fork and it's been solid ever since.
Here are the original specs if you want to compare or locate components:
1998 Specialized Gound Control FSR Extreme - BikePedia
I see you're in C.M., I live in Brea, did you ride the river trail to the beach? The photo looks like the fine sands that Newport or H.B., hard to beat the O.C. coast for mid-ride place to chill.
#4602
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 605
Bikes: 1966 Carlton, 197X MKM, 1983 Trek 620, 1988 Schwinn High Sierra, 1995 DBR Axis Ti, 1999 Waterford, 2016 DBR Release, 2017 Surly Travelers Check
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 65 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Rad I was thinking of doing the same match-up: Smoked chrome High Sierra to VO fenders. Which VO fenders did you go with? Hoping I can fit some VOs over my 2.15 Big Apples...
#4603
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
After finding the Norco for myself that I posted a few weeks ago, it was time to find an older, decent MTB for my wife. After a couple of weeks of looking on Kijiji, I found a 1998 (I think) Rocky Mountain Cardiac that's a good size for her. It's in pretty good shape.. needs a cleaning, and probably new tires (so they match) but she's happy with it.
#4604
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Southern California
Posts: 57
Bikes: 1990 Specialized StumpJumper 1970 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Big fan of building commuter/tourers out of vintage steel mountain bikes. Here's a couple I've built recently. Love how they ride.
1988 Shogun Trail Breaker II
1990 Specialized StumpJumper Comp
1988 Shogun Trail Breaker II
1990 Specialized StumpJumper Comp
#4605
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 210
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
One of my partners at Dynamic Composites built this in '99 for Rocky Mountain... he said that they cracked one frame during extreme downhill tests but broke 10 aluminium frames.
Full suspension design went in a different direction and the the cost to produce the carbon fibre main frame was twice that of aluminium, that and it was getting built on this side of the pond makes this a one of a kind bike although 10 carbon frames were produced and 9 are in storage.
Full suspension design went in a different direction and the the cost to produce the carbon fibre main frame was twice that of aluminium, that and it was getting built on this side of the pond makes this a one of a kind bike although 10 carbon frames were produced and 9 are in storage.
#4606
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Or the Ibis looks like a 15 year old RM prototype... D:
Was chatting with Al tonight and he was telling me how they built those Race Face carbon cranks, the carbon insert is mechanically joined to the aluminium casting which has a lattice framework with no element being thicker than about 5mm.
He said they tested those on the same equipment they testing their top forged crank sets which would run 25,000 cycles under a 200 Newton / 500 pound crank load... the carbon composite cranks went nearly 70,000 cycles before failing.
I have two sets of these, one is branded and the other is a road ready, unbranded prototype.
Was chatting with Al tonight and he was telling me how they built those Race Face carbon cranks, the carbon insert is mechanically joined to the aluminium casting which has a lattice framework with no element being thicker than about 5mm.
He said they tested those on the same equipment they testing their top forged crank sets which would run 25,000 cycles under a 200 Newton / 500 pound crank load... the carbon composite cranks went nearly 70,000 cycles before failing.
I have two sets of these, one is branded and the other is a road ready, unbranded prototype.
#4608
Full Member
#4609
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Eastern - Canada - Atl Province
Posts: 67
Bikes: DeRosa
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A while back i had a chance to buy a '1989-90 GT KORAKORAM K2' in blue/black color , perfect original state(components) but i passed ...had brand new rims installed also !
Just wondering if it was a good deal considering the bike was in such a near perfect condition for the price - $300 !?!
Just wondering if it was a good deal considering the bike was in such a near perfect condition for the price - $300 !?!
#4610
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
A while back i had a chance to buy a '1989-90 GT KORAKORAM K2' in blue/black color , perfect original state(components) but i passed ...had brand new rims installed also !
Just wondering if it was a good deal considering the bike was in such a near perfect condition for the price - $300 !?!
Just wondering if it was a good deal considering the bike was in such a near perfect condition for the price - $300 !?!
I had one from that era and it was an awesome bike that I rolled as a fixed gear assault vehicle.
#4613
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Thanks... she has been such a good bike for such a long time.
I swapped the boots yesterday and matched up the derailleurs to some older XT 8 speed bits... it was more to match things up and make it look better and the shifting really could not get any smoother.
After that I found another matching '87 Cascade frame and fork so it was a very good day.
I swapped the boots yesterday and matched up the derailleurs to some older XT 8 speed bits... it was more to match things up and make it look better and the shifting really could not get any smoother.
After that I found another matching '87 Cascade frame and fork so it was a very good day.
#4614
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 1,744
Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
SixtyFiver. I've been meaning to post a picture of the Kuwahara Cascade I picked up about a month ago. I think I pegged the year as 1986. Quite a bit different than yours in a lot of ways, but seems to be an equally capable tourer. I already have it set up with drop bars.
#4615
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
SixtyFiver. I've been meaning to post a picture of the Kuwahara Cascade I picked up about a month ago. I think I pegged the year as 1986. Quite a bit different than yours in a lot of ways, but seems to be an equally capable tourer. I already have it set up with drop bars.
Kuwahara really bumped things up in '87 and '88 with their top of the line Cascade and Shasta being handbuilt on some very good tube sets; the '87 Cascade is Ishiwata quad butted which is a heavy duty frame set and the workmanship on the frame is very high and it is a very stiff frame which makes it a very capable touring bike.
Kuwahara never made a bad bike and the earlier models were also well built and well equipped... the serial number for Japanese bicycles should be on the lower side of the seat tube on the non drive side... the first two numbers are the year.
Taiwan built Kuwaharas have different serial numbers.
#4616
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: NELA
Posts: 291
Bikes: Mostly '80s MIJ steel.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Had mid/late '80s Stump Jumpers, Rock Hoppers, etc when I was in sales and a mechanic. Will get some pics eventually of the vintage steel MTBs I still have. They are: '85 Specialized Rock Hopper, '88? Ibis Mtn Trials (26/24) and TrialsComp (24/20), '95 BD Apex w/ Manitou shock, mid '90s Haro V2 and there may be a couple more but they have been in storage for the last coupla years. Outa sight outa my mind.
Last edited by ofgit; 07-18-14 at 01:45 PM.
#4617
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 1,744
Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I have LHT owners tell me that this was a better bike...
Kuwahara really bumped things up in '87 and '88 with their top of the line Cascade and Shasta being handbuilt on some very good tube sets; the '87 Cascade is Ishiwata quad butted which is a heavy duty frame set and the workmanship on the frame is very high and it is a very stiff frame which makes it a very capable touring bike.
Kuwahara never made a bad bike and the earlier models were also well built and well equipped... the serial number for Japanese bicycles should be on the lower side of the seat tube on the non drive side... the first two numbers are the year.
Taiwan built Kuwaharas have different serial numbers.
Kuwahara really bumped things up in '87 and '88 with their top of the line Cascade and Shasta being handbuilt on some very good tube sets; the '87 Cascade is Ishiwata quad butted which is a heavy duty frame set and the workmanship on the frame is very high and it is a very stiff frame which makes it a very capable touring bike.
Kuwahara never made a bad bike and the earlier models were also well built and well equipped... the serial number for Japanese bicycles should be on the lower side of the seat tube on the non drive side... the first two numbers are the year.
Taiwan built Kuwaharas have different serial numbers.
#4618
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Mine doesn't have the Handbuilt sticker and is built from triple butted Ishiwate EX. Not that I'm complaining, it rides great and I doubt I could tell the difference between triple and quad butting. This is basically my poor man's Cross Check/LHT. Loving it so far; I should be so lucky as to find a second one like you.
The Shasta was the top of the line model for a few years with the Cascade running second but they switched that up in '87 and '88... the '87 Cascade was originally fitted with Deore while the Shasta was Exage and the Cascade came with a nicer Deore / Araya wheelset.
The nicest Kuwahara wheelsets actually date to the early 80's when they used high flange cartridge bearing hubs laced 4x to Araya rims and were equipped with a mix of Suntour and Shimano groupsets... the '85 High Siera came with a Shimano Deore Stag's head group and still had an Apollo badge.
I had this one for a little while... if I was to recoat my Cascade I think this colour is high on my list.
#4619
guy on a bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: AUSTIN TEXAS!!!
Posts: 499
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
This is a late 80s Jamis Explorer I've just gotten back into riding shape after watching it sit on CL for a couple months. Far from a high end bike in its day, it has straight gauge chromoly tubes and ovaltech cranks. I dig the thumb shifters and motorcycle levers, but changed the heavy riser to the arc bar pictured. I also added the modern seatpost and wtb saddle, as well as replacing the dept store plastic pedals with these cool alloy bear traps. I'm thinking about some fenders for it. It's not a very light bike, and feels a bit slow compared to my others, but I'm enjoying the cruiser feel a lot.
#4620
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Motor City
Posts: 262
Bikes: 2012 Giant Escape, 199? Specialized HardRock
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 40 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just picked up this Hardrock on CL, had the rims trued,new rubber, regreased bearings and cleaned all up. Took it for a 30 mile test ride today and am very impressed. I don't know if its the chrome molly frame or what but it rides nicer than my 2012 Giant Escape 2. The shifting of the Suntour XCM components even feel nicer. I added the stock seat and pedals off the Escape. I'm guessing this is an early 90,s Hardrock but Bikepedia dosent show Suntour XCM components used on this bike. For $120 invested, I'm really digging this bike!
Last edited by DEW21; 07-20-14 at 05:59 AM.
#4621
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: adelaide, australia
Posts: 2,798
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 227 Post(s)
Liked 390 Times
in
149 Posts
Disregard the seat, post clamp and lock on grips that don't work with Onza bar ends but all these parts will be yellow with a chrome post bolt.
Sakae bars are stainless. The bars and stem I bought separate on ebay but are supposed to be part of a kit sold new with the frame including a seat post a clamp, rear drops and decals, assorted bolts.
Sakae bars are stainless. The bars and stem I bought separate on ebay but are supposed to be part of a kit sold new with the frame including a seat post a clamp, rear drops and decals, assorted bolts.
#4622
Senior Member
Awesome. I have weak spot for bonded mountainbikes. My 1st proper bike was bonded and they look distinctive, so that is probably why. Unfortunately never encountered the right Litage on the Dutch 2nd hand market, but would love to own one.
#4623
Rides Majestic
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Westfield, MA
Posts: 1,339
Bikes: 1983 Univega Gran Turismo, 1970 Schwinn Super Sport, 2001 Univega Modo Vincere, Self-Built Nashbar Touring, 1974 Peugeot U08, 1974 Atala Grand Prix, 1986 Ross Mt. Hood, 80's Maruishi MT-18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Making progress
I am finally getting the motivation to get started on refurbing my 1986'ish Ross Mt. Hood. It was in pretty rough shape with rust spots, decal adhesive all over the frame and fork, and in bad need of a complete rebuild. The other night, I stripped all of the parts and began cleaning the frame up. I used aluminum foil, brass brushes, and barkeepers friend on the chrome. Not perfect, scratched her and there, but pretty nice overall. The decal adhesive was a total PITA. I ended up using goof off, finish line degreaser, and ,rubbing compound. None worked really well until I used scrapers made from shards of CD jewel cases. Last night I cleaned and repacked the headset and bottom bracket. Everything went well with only one problem, the head on one of the rack bolts on the seat stay boss broke off. Looks like I'll be buying an extractor set. I'm thinking of going with the slingshot stem/bar combo instead of the stock stem, any thoughts? For the saddle, I'm going with a Honey Brooks Flyer and some faux leather grips that match pretty well. Now for the pics:
I am finally getting the motivation to get started on refurbing my 1986'ish Ross Mt. Hood. It was in pretty rough shape with rust spots, decal adhesive all over the frame and fork, and in bad need of a complete rebuild. The other night, I stripped all of the parts and began cleaning the frame up. I used aluminum foil, brass brushes, and barkeepers friend on the chrome. Not perfect, scratched her and there, but pretty nice overall. The decal adhesive was a total PITA. I ended up using goof off, finish line degreaser, and ,rubbing compound. None worked really well until I used scrapers made from shards of CD jewel cases. Last night I cleaned and repacked the headset and bottom bracket. Everything went well with only one problem, the head on one of the rack bolts on the seat stay boss broke off. Looks like I'll be buying an extractor set. I'm thinking of going with the slingshot stem/bar combo instead of the stock stem, any thoughts? For the saddle, I'm going with a Honey Brooks Flyer and some faux leather grips that match pretty well. Now for the pics:
#4624
Senior Member
That Ross Mt Hood is looking great likebike. I would love to come across a good deal on one of those.
I just picked up this '84 Stump Jumper Sport a couple days ago. It is way too small for me with it's 24" tires and 17" frame but I couldn't pass it up as it was pretty inexpensive. I'm not sure but I think it's mostly original other than the saddle and maybe the rear derailleur (I'd appreciate any insight anybody has). I don't know what do with it. I currently have it listed on Craigslist priced a bit high because I'm not sure if I really want to sell it or keep it until my 18 month old son is old enough to use it. I started taking it apart today to overhaul and clean it up. It's a bit scuffed up but I think it's a pretty cool bike for a kid.
I just picked up this '84 Stump Jumper Sport a couple days ago. It is way too small for me with it's 24" tires and 17" frame but I couldn't pass it up as it was pretty inexpensive. I'm not sure but I think it's mostly original other than the saddle and maybe the rear derailleur (I'd appreciate any insight anybody has). I don't know what do with it. I currently have it listed on Craigslist priced a bit high because I'm not sure if I really want to sell it or keep it until my 18 month old son is old enough to use it. I started taking it apart today to overhaul and clean it up. It's a bit scuffed up but I think it's a pretty cool bike for a kid.
#4625
Rides Majestic
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Westfield, MA
Posts: 1,339
Bikes: 1983 Univega Gran Turismo, 1970 Schwinn Super Sport, 2001 Univega Modo Vincere, Self-Built Nashbar Touring, 1974 Peugeot U08, 1974 Atala Grand Prix, 1986 Ross Mt. Hood, 80's Maruishi MT-18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
@turky lurkey: Thanks, a good deal it was. That Stumpy is cool. Neo pop started a thread about those handlebars:https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...oto-heavy.html. I'm not sure if they're the same, but he may appreciate the info.