Having spent the previous day spring-cleaning my bike stable and mulling over whether or not to get rid of my 2007 Giant Anthem, I took it out for an XC spin round Swinley yesterday. Every spring, I dust it off and give it good thrashing. A ritual that each time finds me surprised at just how capable a bike it is. Really bloody good fun. QR wheels, 100mm forks, 83mm rear travel and 26" wheels. Just. Seems. To. Work.
In fact, it was probably more silly fun clearing doubles and tables on a 8 year old 'XC' bike than it would be on a more modern 'trail' bike. A sense of how-is-it-actually-getting-away-with-this, if you like.
So I shan't be selling it just yet.. 😀
[img] 
?oh=c15858225803f38e0b2f3122ea8b4996&oe=557CEBCD&__gda__=1437080929_a2e49b862a2147da162141f496faa1a9[/img]
What are your fave old-timers?
1994 Raleigh m-trax Ti, I've used it as anything from a touring bike, xc race bike and even a trail bike, with some 80 or 100mm forks it really is fantastic!
I've got two older bikes like that. Surly 1x1 (2004 I think) - very regular use and an absolute blast on all sorts of terrain. Great to drop back onto after a while on a more "sophisticated" bike. And a Klein Attitude (c 2000) set up as a light and fast singlespeed (with a nice short travel Fox fork). Rides brilliantly and great for just going as fast as you can for as long as you can... usually not that long 😉
my spare bike , a 2005 specialized enduro. I only ride it when my main bike is broken, but it constantly amazes me with how good it is, and how far ahead of its time it was when released.
Its starting to show its age a bit now, feeling a bit short in the wheelbase ,a bit cramped to ride , and a bit heavy compared to my current bike, but its still decent.
I have one of the ltd 853 SS Inbred's - could very easily end up my sole trail bike if I wasn't seduced by modern gear.
Turns in a wee bit slower than a 44mm headtube modern steel frame, but skips and hops over everything i'm capable of riding. Very comfy too.
f500. Recently re-acquired one because I missed the last one a bit much. 2001 vintage (not my pic)
Like a crazed yellow ape, it gobbles up fast singletrack and surprisingly comfortable on all-dayers. Takes rock punishment, gravel makes a very loud sound pinging off the hoooge down tube. Climbs like a hillbilly on fire who's been told there's a lake at the top of the mountain. The light weight still catches me out giving a big grin. Upgraded with SLX discs it's just great. Such a nice frame. If the Headshok was more reliable/easily serviced I'd be a happier than a goon on the moon. As it is they are in the naughty corner. Shame as I really like the rock solid tracking and flex-free braking. Meantime - may have to commit travesty and fit some Rebas or rigids, will be interesting to see if even better or not.
[img] 
[/img]