Forum menu
Retro bikes that li...
 

Retro bikes that live at the back of your garage thread

Posts: 34524
Full Member
Topic starter
 
[#13531835]

What you got?

 

Kona 2002 bear dee-lux,

Screenshot_20250819-192103.pngScreenshot_20250819-192036.pngScreenshot_20250819-192015.pngPXL_20250819_180903155.jpgPXL_20250819_180852956.jpg

did all the old school welsh and 7 stanes trail centres, alps, granada, some megavalanches 

100mm Bomber mx pros It once had fox float 32s at 120mm and i still have the betd long travel plates to get the rear at 120 too

also has offensive sticker i got a Korn gig- it was the noughties!

hope pro2s and hope mini brakes(front brake is totally seized) 9/10mm qr thru axels, dmr v8s- tho i mostly rode clipless

rear fox float shock works pretty well but lockout no longer works

easton carbon dh bar 25.4 quite comfy, raceface stem

Rides ok considering its age, but feels cramped and twitchy compared to modern bikes on steep stuff


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 7:25 pm
Posts: 2279
Free Member
 

I've a 1991 Clockwork that lives on my study wall, complete with XT groupset including thumbies, Pace RC30 forks, Salsa ahead stem etc.........I've also got a Hairy Quim, sorry Harry Quinn 70's racing bike hiding at the side of the garage - with the first ever rear derailleur with a floating top jockey wheel, exciting. Is a Blue Dragon Kaffenback a classic yet, got one of them kicking about also.......


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 7:28 pm
Posts: 34524
Full Member
Topic starter
 

dug out the betd long travel plates were quite expensive and led to me cracking a seat stay (i finally got a colour matched replacement in the original crc fire sale after years with a wrong colour one)

PXL_20250819_181101552.jpg


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 7:29 pm
 irc
Posts: 5332
Free Member
 

Mid 1990s Kona Kula. Still in use for bothy trips.


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 7:48 pm
Posts: 14761
Full Member
 

'97 Lava Dome

20250518_111457.jpg

 


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 7:56 pm
Posts: 9090
Full Member
 

I don't have any of my old bikes but I keep looking out for something like this...

DSC05614-1024x768.jpg

I'd love to take one to Morzine and see if the good old days were as good as I remember. 

I saw this on the Pleney this year and was very envious...

PXL_20250802_123824357.MP.jpg

I mean, it probably rattled itself to death after a few runs but they look awesome. I'd happily retire it to the living room wall.


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 7:57 pm
tall_martin reacted
Posts: 9616
Full Member
 

I ride this to work most days. Period parts where they have been replaced of course as it's over somewhere like 35 years old.

20230318_163905.jpg


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 8:01 pm
Posts: 9616
Full Member
 

My Best bike. Custom built, custom paint scheme with full Dura Ace 7402 and another that's 35 years old. Pretty original other than replaced rims and saddle 20220709_175122.jpg 


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 8:04 pm
Posts: 3616
Full Member
 

Thorn kiddie back tandem. Not sure how old it is, the seat post bolts have nuts at the back and it's 26 inch wheels.

It arrived with a ridgid fork and an enormous stack of stem spacers

IMG_20240603_135919866_HDR.jpg

Enormous enough that I swapped them for some Marazzochi RC3 ti bombers.

This also let me swap the terrifying with 140kg on board front V brake for a disk with a massive rotor.

To my surprise it also cleared 2.3 butchers front and back which gives helps the steel frame and coil fork give a magic carpet ride on the school run.

 

IMG-20250809-WA0002~2.jpg


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 8:05 pm
a11y, thorpedo, kelvin and 1 people reacted
Posts: 9616
Full Member
 

Oh and my old Ribble 653. I refurbed it from green/white to pearl white about 5 years ago. Doesn't get used much, like the Herety as I've a CX bike that gets used when not commuting. Some bits are 40 years old, others 35 years, and some much newer. 20220326_105136.jpg 

 


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 8:09 pm
Posts: 4593
Free Member
 

My only bike from 1994 - 2022 was one of these (this one isn't mine, i can't find a photo).

It's a fully rigid Giant CFM3, still with original LX rear mech, Exage cantis, stem, bars and fork, and i rode it 5-6 days a week.  I also 1X'ed it for simplicity and ease of maintenance.

Sadly, due to Long COVID i haven't been able to ride it since 2020, and due to lack of space it has been relegated to the loft while my new hybrid ebike takes pride of place in the space under the stairs.


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 8:16 pm
tall_martin and fossy reacted
Posts: 674
Full Member
 

I have a 1994 Specialized FSR frame.  Like this. image.png 


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 8:34 pm
hot_fiat and nicko74 reacted
Posts: 20975
 

Posted by: sharkattack

I don't have any of my old bikes but I keep looking out for something like this...

Same, eldest is 12yo, but put as much modern kit in as will fit, see if that helps. Keep seeing Whyte PRST-1s popping up on marketplace…


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:02 pm
Posts: 17842
Full Member
 

Not a bike as such. But a frame.

My first proper mountain bike I suppose - a 2001 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC

I stripped it when I replaced it with a 2010 Stumpjumper FSR and put the bits on a new Barry White Inbred frame. I think it only needed a different front mech, seatpost & collar. Everything else went straight on.

PXL_20250404_114201086.jpg

I can't get rid of it 


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:14 pm
Posts: 11639
Full Member
 

Not exactly retro as its only 20 years or so old, this Salsa Juan Solo lives in my attic, not seen it for 5 years but my mum says it’s still there and all complete except for the FX80x fork. Brand new/unused Mavic SLR ceramic front rim fitted to the carbon SLR hubs, think I’ve still got a replacement ceramic rim for rear that I never got round to lacing up. 

Dunno if it’s worth much these days, still in rather unmarked condition which given how much time I spent on my face is surprising 

 

[img] [/img]

 

IMG_3465.jpegIMG_3466.jpegIMG_3462.jpeg


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:34 pm
Posts: 4880
Full Member
 

FB_IMG_1746729966689.jpg


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:36 pm
jamj1974, a11y, Watty and 3 people reacted
Posts: 4880
Full Member
 

Similar vintage T Shirt after seeing one being worn in a mag article .


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:37 pm
Posts: 5825
Full Member
 

@kimbers I remember that first photo

 

I have a 98 GT STS in the loft,  bit of a shame really but it is one of those bikes where you are unsure on actually riding it.  


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:42 pm
kimbers reacted
Posts: 4880
Full Member
 

FB_IMG_1592993690150.jpg


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:45 pm
Posts: 4880
Full Member
 

My lifer bike featured on now defunct CRC  👍been to Morzine , Whistler Bike Park , Tahoe , Kamikaze at Mammoth and more iconic riding spots and a bit like it's owner sitting back and cruising now .


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:48 pm
Posts: 1642
Free Member
 

'95 Fully rigid Klein Attitude. I have a Spark, it's the most fun I've ever had on a bike, the Klein just beats me up. Can't get rid of it though. Raced it for years and even won the odd one on it too (Eastway Beastways mainly). So many great memories attached to it.


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 9:52 pm
gkeeffe reacted
 TedC
Posts: 276
Full Member
 

Mine at York last year: Kona’s at York 2024


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 10:42 pm
Posts: 3643
Full Member
 

Saracen Kili-flyer from 1990, fillet brazed Tange prestige that I eventually added stainless steel handmade track dropouts to for singlespeed duties.

Parkpre Pro-Elite Ti that my Mrs raced at 1995 world's. Eldest lad has been restoring it so might be rebuilt sometime....

Giant aluminium lightweight 26er from 1997 that I later machined and bolted / bonded some aluminium frankendropouts for her to win SSWC2001 🙂


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 11:07 pm
somafunk reacted
Posts: 25938
Full Member
 

Late 1970s or early 80s Jack Taylor road frame.  Suspect it's unrideable but keeping it (he lived not far from us when I grew up and my dad knew him - bike was my dad's)

My toddling round the village bike (now I don't commute) is a 90s Zaskar frame

Also have a 2001 or so Bulitt and a cheap & nasty Boxxer of similar vintage (plus a Marz 66SL, a shiver SC that I bought from somebody on here and an Airborne carpe diem cross frame from about 20yr ago).  A friend of ours is riding round on an old Stiffee of mine, too

Christ, it's some kind of a disease isn't it ?!


 
Posted : 19/08/2025 11:17 pm
Posts: 4992
Full Member
 

If anyone one wants a 95 Cindercone I need to sell one, its in fair condition with period upgrades but mostly original I think. I bought it off a mate to hang on the back of the camper, as the thieves that might steal stuff have no idea what it is. 


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 6:28 am
Posts: 3358
Free Member
 

Oldest thing I have is a 2007(ish?) Charge Blender. I flogged mine to get a full suspension bike but when I was looking for a cheap frame to build up as a dadcountry bike this came up in Radstock for £30. 
all pilot up using mainly age appropriate parts from the garage for jumping, pumping and dad ride duties for the pricey mum of £100 (including the powder coating (a friend of my dad’s slipped in in to a big job he had for the price of a bacon sarnie) and most of the parts came off an old Kona Howler 4x bike I had in the barn. 

all rebuilt with the help of my then 4 year old daughter  IMG_0170.jpeg  


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 8:46 am
tall_martin reacted
 P20
Posts: 4262
Full Member
 

I used to have various retro bikes, but sold them all. I keep an eye out for a Trek 930, my first proper bike


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 9:20 am
Posts: 641
Free Member
 

I like retro Marins, particularly the Zolatone ones. probably because my first MTB was a 1990 Palisades.

 

[url= https://i.ibb.co/RPj8pvQ/IMG-1273.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/RPj8pvQ/IMG-1273.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

 

[url= https://i.ibb.co/TYRbWFH/IMG-8504.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.ibb.co/TYRbWFH/IMG-8504.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

 

The FSR is an absolute dog to ride, worst bike ever. 

 

 

 


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 9:40 am
tall_martin and dlr reacted
 dlr
Posts: 701
Free Member
 

 DSC_2403.JPG DSC_0736.JPG 1992 Breezer Lightning Pro - Owned from new (purchased in 94, was an ex dealer demo from the one year ATB Sales imported them). Note 1992 "dropper seatpost" 😉 Still have most of the original parts ie rigid forks, dia compe brakes etc

1996 Breezer Ignaz X


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 9:41 am
tall_martin reacted
Posts: 7419
Full Member
 

Literally in the back of my garage, hanging by a hook, is a Fisher Sugar 1. Same as this 

Orginally built for my ex, my son used it a bit, then it was a loaner, until recently, now no longer used by anyone.

Has lovely Mavic/Hope wheels, Manitou forks, the original Bonty seatpost and some Coda cranks. STX-RC mechs. All works fine, but the shock is a bit squelchy.


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 9:50 am
Posts: 6805
Full Member
 

Currently I have these as well as projects Aluminium O + Saracen Kili Flyer filet braised.

 

IMG_5578.jpegIMG_6552.jpeg 

A23E50A6-9169-478C-BA0C-BA264DF0D1EE.jpeg 621CA099-6CEA-438D-9059-F1064A4CDEB1.jpeg  

 


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 1:50 pm
dlr reacted
Posts: 17329
Full Member
 

1993 Shorter steel time trial bike, fillet brazed by the late great Barry Chick and ridden as a team bike by the Leo RC. Bought used off eBay for £400 ten years ago.

IMG_7517.jpeg

Now refurbished and running modern electronic groupset and carbon bling. I raced to a PB for 50 miles last Sunday 


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 5:39 pm
Posts: 1484
Full Member
 

Retro is not the same as old. 

Wish I still had my 1996 Bontrager OR but it was nicked. 😭


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 8:19 pm
sillyoldman reacted
 wbo
Posts: 1771
Free Member
 

Sadly my Bontrager Race lite got nicked as well, but I still have a Privateer frame in the garage and a 20 year old GT BMX my son road a bit thats very pretty 


 
Posted : 20/08/2025 8:39 pm
Posts: 3364
Full Member
 

 2DB4C831-FF54-4B88-8BF6-9ED25914EFF7.jpeg

This is still in a mates shed at home. Still haven’t worked out how to get it to Tasmania. 


 
Posted : 21/08/2025 2:15 am
dlr reacted
Posts: 17329
Full Member
 

Well it was running Cinelli Angel bars, original dura ace nine speed cables and zip 440 with tubs. Which I raced too for a while. Those wheels are now doing track duties and the iconic bars are with a friend. It’s a fabulous bike. Modern parts on old bikes really does it for me. Once geometry is nailed down good bikes are always good. What’s changes in MTBs is really geometry. 


 
Posted : 21/08/2025 10:31 am
Posts: 1359
Full Member
 

'94 DBR Axis CroMo.

 


 
Posted : 21/08/2025 1:51 pm
Posts: 512
Free Member
 

I did have a 94ish Scott Yecora stashed in the loft, until I sold it to @sazter off here.
Oldest bike I still have is my old 456 evo, 2012 vintage frame, all gas pipe raw steel and 26 inch wheels.


 
Posted : 21/08/2025 2:01 pm
Posts: 2113
Full Member
 

Not in the back of the garage, but still in regular use, my partners 99 rockhopper

PXL_20250821_071620829.MP.jpg

 


 
Posted : 21/08/2025 8:17 pm
Posts: 2113
Full Member
 

Also have a rocky mountain fusion (also a commuter), and a 1995 bontrager race.

Collected most of the bikes I wanted as a kid over the last few years, but have settled in just the bonty now. 

PXL_20230902_103449475.jpg

 


 
Posted : 21/08/2025 8:22 pm
 joat
Posts: 1450
Full Member
 

'99 Spesh Hardrock, CroMo fully rigid, acera 7speed. It's all the now wife could afford. But it gave me the bug. Lusted after some bombers from Woolly Hat Shop in the back of MBUK for years, but bought an original Giant Trance instead.


 
Posted : 21/08/2025 9:21 pm
Posts: 6310
Full Member
 

Nowadays Mrs A rides a modern geo 27.5 Giant FS, a Liv Embolden E+. It died just before we were due to go on holiday to Les Gets so she spent time riding her Kona Dawg Pro from 2003??? until the hire bike was available. The Spesh turbo Levo is world's apart, it's a magic carpet ride as opposed to the 'bag of bones' the Kona gave. 


 
Posted : 21/08/2025 9:50 pm
 adds
Posts: 88
Full Member
 

I have a Kona Caldera HT from 2005, bought new as the shop wanted rid of it and my Marin Hawk Hill died. Rode it everywhere, still have it hanging in the garage with most of the original parts (Just got rid of the very knackered Race Face cranks). Was excellent bike forks were a little bit heavy but it never let me down. 


 
Posted : 22/08/2025 12:33 pm
 kilo
Posts: 6921
Free Member
 

Late 80s Colnago. Rides like a dream, although the gearing is a bit high for me nowadays.

IMG_0888.jpeg


 
Posted : 22/08/2025 2:12 pm
 nbt
Posts: 12476
Full Member
 

The "retro" bike at the back of my garage that doesn't get used (not been ridden in about 2.5 years or so) is this

2018-08-08 19.50.47.jpg

 

That's a Whyte T-129 that I bought in August 2018.  I bought it off Andy who I recall saying had ridden 237 miles on it in total - I've now covered another 583 or so (938km). It's barely run in, at that mileage, but I know I've had to get the rear wheel bearings replaced on it...

 


 
Posted : 22/08/2025 3:08 pm
Page 1 / 2