Hardtail mountain bike recommendations?
 

Hey all, I'm going to be swinging by a few swap meets and used bicycle sales to look for a commuting bike. I've settled on either a hybrid or a hardtail mountain bike. I don't really know too much about mountain bike brands/product lines, especially the ones from the 80s which I've heard were especially good for converting to hybrid commuters. My target price is around $150, which limits my selection a bit. Here's my list of brands to look out for, let me know if you have any experience with these or know of any others I should look for:

Bianchi - Nyala?
Fuji
Nishikishi - Ariel
GT
Giant
Raleigh
Trek
Specialized

Nishiki is the correct spelling...

it doesn' t matter much .. condition of that yard- sale find will , but web list text wont help there.
can you tell the difference between big box store brands by their construction details and bike shop brands?

$350 will get you a new bike rather than a used $150, project, to spend $100 more on to be serviceable

I started commuting on a Ross Mt. Hood. Switched to a Fuji Odessa when that became available because I didn't want to lose or damage the Ross for sentimental reasons. The Fuji gives a comfortable ride in an upright position. I use it now as my bad weather and winter ride. Most of the time I'm on a '96 Trek 830 that fits like a glove and is very comfortable. It has twist grips which I find preferable to trigger shifters. I replaced the knobbies with 1.5 inch street tires, added a rack and bag, 1.5 inch rise handlebars, fenders, and lights front and back. One thing that you really need to do is to test ride whatever you plan to buy, if possible. I picked up a Trek 970 in the same size frame as my 830 thinking that I'd turn it into a long distance touring bike. I just can not get the 970 to feel as comfortable as the 830. Go figure. There can be different levels of comfort from one model to another in the same brand.

As for Nishiki, my first mountain bike was a '85 Nishiki Cascade. I bought that one because it had a relaxed feel and wasn't twitchy. It turned out to be an excellent around town bike. It too would be a good choice.



Walt

Rocky Mountain.

As mentioned above Ross made some nice options in the 80's. Other smaller brand option would be Peugeot and Bridgestone. They both made a few MTB models in the 80's that work great as commuters. Schwinn also.

If you find a brand you don't recognize just check out the components and look at the frame for any tubing decals. Most quality frames will be labeled with the type of tubing.

I'd look at fit really carefully. Think about how you want it to fit. Short reach and upright? Long reach and more laid-out? And of course get an appropriate size overall, don't buy something that's a hot deal but too big/small.

For myself, I like a long reach and would look for a big XC-oriented hardtail like maybe a steel Stumpjumper from the '90s.

Just built up a Diamondback Sorrento for a friend to use as an all purpose utility/commuter bike.
Before handing it over I took it out and rode the crap out of it and was very impressed with what a great all around bike it was.
If you find one jump on it.

Thanks for the input. Went to one today, and saw several bikes but none of them fit me correctly. Saw some interesting brands out the, a few Peugeots, Raleighs, Fujis, and some vintage Schwinns. Saw a Panasonic bike, I had no idea they even manufactured bicycles 0____0 But unfortunately, the hunt goes on.

As I've gotten older I've hybridized my 2002 era Novara HT MTB (stem riser and riser bars, Ergon grips, rack, suspended seat post, Brooks saddle) from the more aggressive flat bar bike it once was. I'd think any decent HT bike from a major manufacturer would be suitable depending on condition. I love mine as it can still hit trails but ride pavement comfortably too.

I started commuting on my old 90's Trek 820... it was perfect. I switched to a Giant 29er which is a heck of a fun ride through town, and am working on building up a Trek 800 from the 80's for a winter commuter. So far it is a frame hanging in the bike shed (aka potting shed :D) waiting for the tri-coat auto paint to cure, but it's got studded tires waiting for the IGH wheel to be built at my LBS. I am still thinking about a dynamo hub for the front. If you'd like a steal/steel :), old hardtail Treks are pretty common for the commuters. I got mine for $40...

Definitely the direction I'm thinking of going in for my main utility/commuter/do-all bike. Question though, what should I be looking for when I go to check out these old MTB frames? I know they should be steel framed, chromyl if possible without any cracks. I'm going to be replacing the tires anyways, so probably no problems there. Anything in particular you think I should keep an eye out for? And besides changing out the tires, what else must be done to hardtail MTB to make them suitable for commuting?

Oh, and another newbie question: What sized tires will these older MTB hardtails use? 26 in? And does it make a really big difference if the wheels are 700c or 26 in?

Oh, I wish I had the answers for you! Truth be told, even though I've been riding on and off for 20+ years (some years more seriously than others), I am a complete noob when it comes to building up a frame. I am totally counting on everyone here, Google, and three LBSs to steer me right. I do think that the 700cs are the same as 29ers, however. If that is the case, the 26inch vs. 700c would make a HUGE difference, as the brakes wouldn't line up right on the rims (well, assuming you are running rim brakes, that is).
Okay, all you experts out there, any more advice?

If you can snag a late 80's/ early 90's steel frame mountain bike, you can pretty much ride it to work the next day (assuming that everything works). Swapping out the tires for slicks is a big performance improvement, but even with knobbies, they work. Other options to consider are bar ends & a rack. Fenders & lights if you will be riding in a rainy climate &/or at night. Oh also, when you are looking at the frame, make sure it's not rusty.

Most of the mountain bikes you will be looking at from that era will be 26" wheels. It doesn't really matter, you can find tires/tubes in both sizes easily.

Good luck in your quest. I have an early 90's Specialized Rockhopper that was my first commuter. I just fixed it up to ride again & it's amazing how nice the ride is.