My 80's Muddy Fox Explorer MTB/ATB
02-18-18, 09:29 AM
#26
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The OP's ATB definitely pre-dates the 1989 catalogue, as SunTour XC 7000 Accushift was only manufactured for the 1987-1988 models years. It was SunTour's mid-range ATB group,below XC 9000 There weren't many manufacturers specifying it but some 1987 competitors featuring it included the Zebra Fresno ($500 US), Nishiki Ariel ($550 US), Kuwahara Cougar ($559 US) and Miyata Terra Runner. These models were typically 2nd or 3rd in their respective ATB lines, competing against bicycles equipped with Shimano Deore (not Deore XT but the mid-range group later called Deore DX).
The Osaka reference in the catalogue implies Japanese manufacture. Unfortunately, Osaka was a major bicycle manufacturing centre of Japan. I once compiled a list of about twenty bicycle manufacturers and bicycle trading companies located in Osaka. Undoubtedly, there were even more and if the Osaka reference is to a trading company, there's still a possibility of Taiwanese manufacture, though by 1987 trading companies played a much smaller role than they did during the early 1970s bicycle boom.
The Osaka reference in the catalogue implies Japanese manufacture. Unfortunately, Osaka was a major bicycle manufacturing centre of Japan. I once compiled a list of about twenty bicycle manufacturers and bicycle trading companies located in Osaka. Undoubtedly, there were even more and if the Osaka reference is to a trading company, there's still a possibility of Taiwanese manufacture, though by 1987 trading companies played a much smaller role than they did during the early 1970s bicycle boom.
02-18-18, 10:02 AM
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Thanks for all the help and insight, everyone! This forum never ceases to amaze with the wealth of knowledge.
03-07-18, 06:18 PM
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Started on the bike today. Tore it down and gave the frame and fork a nice wash. Little did I know that the finish is a metallic yellow. Now I have to find a close to matching nail polish color. I like the nice little details on the braze-ons and on the seat stays. Also an interesting headset. A Mori Epoch with a spring.
IMG_3588 by 2cam16, on Flickr
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03-07-18, 09:31 PM
#30
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What's tripping me out is the Avocet water bottle. Haven't seen one since like 1981.
Cool early MTB!
Cool early MTB!
03-07-18, 11:47 PM
#31
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What are the years for the chain stay roller cam/U-brakes for most manufacturers? 87/88 with a few holdovers into 89?
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
03-08-18, 04:24 PM
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Cool headset!
Those are my favorite brake levers. Can you send a pic showing how the shifters attach to the tops? Haven't tried that yet.
Are the pedals made by VP?
Those are my favorite brake levers. Can you send a pic showing how the shifters attach to the tops? Haven't tried that yet.
Are the pedals made by VP?
03-08-18, 05:32 PM
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03-11-18, 10:00 AM
#36
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All that branding is indicative of the quality and care that went into that bike. 
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
03-12-18, 04:00 PM
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Wheels are all rebuilt and cleaned. They are in awesome condition.Nary a scratch on them. The only thing is the rear had some small black paint splatter on them.
Original Panaracer tires back on. No cracks. Plus I'll never find these tires again. Love how they still have the old-school National name on them:
IMG_3631 by 2cam16, on Flickr
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Original Panaracer tires back on. No cracks. Plus I'll never find these tires again. Love how they still have the old-school National name on them:
IMG_3631 by 2cam16, on FlickrIMG_3632 by 2cam16, on FlickrIMG_3634 by 2cam16, on FlickrIMG_3635 by 2cam16, on FlickrIMG_3636 by 2cam16, on FlickrIMG_3637 by 2cam16, on Flickr
03-12-18, 04:53 PM
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You've been busy.
03-12-18, 06:11 PM
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I kinda adore this bike with all of it's quirky branding. Platonic, of course. 
03-14-18, 12:12 AM
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03-29-18, 05:11 PM
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All done:
DSC_9444 by 2cam16, on Flickr
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03-29-18, 05:16 PM
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Don't mind the lousy paint matching. lol
Threw on a pair of John Tomac designed grips. I think they fit right in with the period.
I guess I was lucky with the rollercam adjustment because I got it on the first try.
Will probably take it out next week,schedule-dependent.
Threw on a pair of John Tomac designed grips. I think they fit right in with the period.
I guess I was lucky with the rollercam adjustment because I got it on the first try.
Will probably take it out next week,schedule-dependent.
03-29-18, 05:16 PM
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Well done, a unique bike restored to original condition. The mtn bike forums will want to see that one.