Hey guys, I'm looking to get an inexpensive grocery getter / beater that can handle single track, gravel, and mild off road use. Would prefer a rigid chromoly frame, pre 1995. I'm sure this is a question that has been asked before, but what are your suggestions? I also wouldn't mind getting a bike that could handle a drop bar and barcon conversion as a psuedo CX bike. Fire away!

I like my '88 Diamondback Ascent for that kinda thing. I went a little further and converted it into a fixed-gear:

Seems like just about any older mtb would work. I use a 1993 Mongoose Rockadile for utilitarian duties and it's perfect for the job. (I actually bought the bike new. It was my first decent bicycle) One thing I did was replace the fork with a Surly 26" Long Haul Trucker fork so I'd have more eyelets for a fender and rack.

I've got a message out to a CL seller with an 88 Diamondback Apex for a similar project I have in mind. I need a runabout bike that looks like crap so it won't get stolen so quickly.

I really like my '95 Fuji Discovery. Doesn't look special at all, has some pretty nice components, and definitely more agile than the mid-80's Panasonic MTB I also have.


I've also liked the GT MTBs that I've had in the past.

I kinda of boght this Grizzly on the spur of the moment but for $200 could you blame me? I knew I likely would never ride it off road so I was unsure what to then. Then I figured it would make a good run about. So I put some skinny tires on it and although I have no pic of it a rack.



Unfortunately on its first real mission to the market the chain up and died on me. Thats right the 25yo chain just gave up and fell to the asphalt right in front of the Giant.

I also think it might be a tad small for strickly yoeman duties so I need to decide if I want to start looking for a larger one. They come up from time to time but for big $$$

Don't forget some of the upperend Hybrids from back then. The Univegas were not always lugged but the Via Carisma and Via Montega were real nice full ChroMo frames and had some decent drive trains.

Best deal in vintage bicycling right now is a rigid frame MTB. Just aim high. The high end rigid mtbs, that have much better components, better frame, etc., and often cost $500 to $600 MORE new than their lower end siblings, can be bought for perhaps $50 more in the used market. Well worth the small premium.

For example, a 1993 Trek 950, originally sold for $760, all Deore LX components, lugged steel, etc., might bring $150 to $175 around here.

Meanwhile, a 1993 Trek 800, originally sold for around $300, all bottom of the barrel components, might bring $125.

Bridgestone made some nice ones. This is an '88 MB-2.

I,m just starting this project, think its 1990 is cromo tubing. I've had this in the shed 20 or so years and have fond memories riding it. I'm looking to do the same as you putting drops on and should fit up to 40c tires on 700c wheels.

Is this an old Hybrid? I would check the fit of 700c wheels before you do too much you may have to change plans and go to skinny 26" tires.

QUOTE=jbchybridrider;14073093]I,m just starting this project, think its 1990 is cromo tubing. I've had this in the shed 20 or so years and have fond memories riding it. I'm looking to do the same as you putting drops on and should fit up to 40c tires on 700c wheels.

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You'd be amazed what a steal you can get on ti MTB frames from the 90s...I bought this for peanuts. The bonus is that I also think they'll have a revival and be worth money down the road (so will some of the steel ones for that matter). Anyway, I highly recommend it:



If you're interested, I have an early 90s Stumpjumper steel rigid frame I'd let go cheap if a certain other member is passing on it. It's a very nice frame.

the diamondback apex mentioned above is a great suggestion. i see them all the time for cheap, and they are very nice.

I have my sights set on bikes that have Deore DX components. The LX line was a little too cheap, while XT seems to be reserved for high end bikes. I think the DX equipped bikes had better frames too. I rode a Diamondback apex for many years, and all the DX gear was working very well when I gave it up. I sorta wish I'd kept the components.

I had a DB Apex frame that I bought from a member here and it really was a great bike...pretty much identical parts spec to the Stumpjumper I mentioned (Deore DX) and similar weight OS tubing. I honestly think all of the bikes at that range are usually great deals and fairly comparable (like the Trek 950s).

Still - I have to say, there's something magical about shaving off the 2lbs and getting a ti frame that won't ever scratch, chip or rust. The "Huffy" above is one of the most awesome, versatile bikes I've ever built. Totally in love with it (and I think it would be cross ex capable).

Thanks for all the ideas, folks! This is a great starting point (and some really nice examples here).

Aaron, I'm definitely interested, but I also ride a 25" / 65 cm road frame if that makes any difference (would probably ride a 21-23" rigid frame mountain bike).

I also have an early 90's Diamondback Sorrento that seems like a decent frame, but it's my wife's size, so that will be a project for her.

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It sure is for 700c a little odd too the spacing is for MTB hubs, the reach is 700c.

I have a early 90's Giant Iguana that has been converted for some expedition type touring. I have access to some fire trails that lead to campgrounds...

Aaron

Interesting, as my 1992 Trek 950 was mostly DX, and the MSRP on it was higher than the 1993 model. I guess they downgraded the parts a touch to meet a price point.

This frame is smaller than that...I forget exact size, but likely 19inch +\- 1. I really think dozens of frames would suit your needs.

"Other" Aaron, I dig that expedition build!

Look at what the LBS in your town sells, then you'll be seeing that brand, but older.
In my town there are tons of Specialized Hard Rocks, 90's solid fork, welded chromo frames, around here. You can build them up many ways.

Oh man, this is right up my alley. I'm either doing porteur bars or flared drops on my new Schwinn Crossfit project. 700c wheels but wiide tires with cantis and fenders.

LX eventually took the spot vacated by DX in the Shimano hierarchy. (after 400GS and some other short-lived names) I think the quality is the same and the function is better due to advances in derailleur/shifter design and cog shaping.
I'd look for a Rockhopper, Trek 9XX, Bridgestone MB-1/2, Cannondale M500, DB Apex, Giant Iguana, Schwinn High Plains/Sierra. There are so many good choices.

The trek 900 series is good advice. Don't forget about GT. They made some HUGE frames back in the day. You have a tight window there between u-brakes and 1995 in the grand scheme, but they're out there.

Giant maxed out at 23" on their MTB's IIRC. I ride 62-64cm road frames. My Giant Iguana is a 21" and I am looking for a 23" in the same color. I bought that bike new in late 1989, I bought the 21" at the time because I was using for trail riding and wanted the extra stand over height.

Aaron