I’m a huge fan of early to mid 90′s mountain bikes; the frames, the gear, the attitude – all of it. Remember Tomac on the drop bars, and Tinker’s Cannondales and Ned Overend never ceasing to amaze? To quote Nicolas Cage in Raising Arizona, “These were the salad days”
My chops were cut on a Fat Chance Yo Eddy (later a Shock-a-Billy (I still have both)), and my friends rode Dekerfs, Rockies, Konas and Yetis – and we all had spd’s, probably still do. Flats?! Are you crazy?
Don’t get me wrong, I really do appreciate the current forms of mountain biking, the balance, power, and courage is unparalleled. There was just something special about the flowing, nimble, (and very aerobic) traits of the old days. An old friend used to hold us accountabIe with the adage “If you can’t ride up it, you don’t deserve to ride down it”. Many an hour and beer have been spent reminiscing about Ringle hubs, Race Face cranks, Panarecer Smokes and Darts, and Syncros everything. And, while I know many of these companies still exist, back then it all just seemed different.
That’s why I think this beauty might make it’s way into the rotation soon.