[Closed] The Bike You Wish You Still Had

My rohloff salsa el mariachi 🙁

Ducati Monster 2002, matt black with race kit. Best motorcycle I ever owned. I bought another Monster in a few years later after a short break from bikes, Completely different in feel and handling.

Santa Cruz Bullit 1999, lime green. My first full sus got nicked in 2006.

I wish I still had my PRST-4, yes it was ugly, but I just liked the way it rode.

[img] [/img]

My Soul... But I replaced it for good reasons, I keep spotting ones like it on ebay but it wouldn't be my one, that taught me to ride.

I'd like to have another go on my old Saracen Ariel with a Marz 55.

Wouldn't actually want it back though, it was way too heavy for the riding I do. Just like to do some of the local downhills on it and see how it measured up on Strava.

I'm lucky really, I stripped my karate monkey and moved all the bits to my full sus. I really missed the monkey for the 8 months that the frame was hung up in the garage, then eventually put up for sale.

The lucky bit is I saved it at the last min just before finalising the sale, and decided to keep it, so I still have it! It's now built up as a SS. 🙂

Other than that I guess second place goes to a Spesh Hard Rock that I built up with rigid forks, slicks, guards and a rack for the daily commute. Did a good 4 years of commuting on it before it got nicked. 🙁

[img] [/img]

Stolen a couple of weeks ago 🙁

No specific bike I want again. I've got rid of most for good reasons, or I know how much things have moved on since. I would like another nice XC-ish SS though. Ran an old Kona (still doing commuting duties) and a Inbred as SS for many years and miss the direct simplicity and the challenge of it. A new one would probably be a 29er this time.

I miss my Commencal Super 4. It was as quick as ive been in my local trail centre.....

I probably wouldn't be riding it, but my STS Lobo...

I so wish they'd redo it with a trail/AM twist

[URL= http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/LukeBurstow/IMG_0469.jp g" target="_blank">http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/LukeBurstow/IMG_0469.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

It was absolutely great singlespeed. I can't really remember what led me to stop using it other than newer, shinier stuff.

non really. I still want to try out as many bikes as possible.
why have toast for breakfast for the rest of your life........ 😀

My Horsethief is probably the best bike I've had and indeed still have it. But I did have a rather lovely Redline BMX years ago, mistakenly gave it to my nephew when I got too old for BMX, he trashed it and launched it into a boating pond 🙁 I dearly wish I'd just stuck it up the loft.

My 1995 LTS bought s/h from Stif Cycles in 1996 (ex-Dave Hemming race bike). I fitted Lawwill Leader 3 forks on it and it became my dream bike until decent disc brakes came along in about 2002...

Oh aye, I always say my old tange hot heart bmx- ex scotia bmx from the chris hoy days, it was a lovely bike anyway but I could tell everyone it was his (despite having no idea if it was)

Planet-X Jack Flash, when it was built up with 100mm forks, v-brakes, single ring and wiiiidddeee bars. It rode like a BMX but a bit more forgiving and a bit easier to pedal. It was great fun that bike was, I spoiled it with big forks, heavy wheels and big brakes.

I sold it in the end, I should have just rebuilt it.

My lovely Orange O2 Evo Ltd edition. Not that it was a great bike or anything, just we had such good times together and I so regret selling it (at mates / club rates), to a guy who painted it black and turned it into a commuter. What a horrible end for a nice MTB.

I think a few years later the same guy got banned from here for making sectarian comments. Ruined my lovely bike and was a weegie bell end at the same time. I've never sold a bike since to be honest. All my old frames are hanging up on the garage wall now.

Sorry 'McCoy', you were a great wee hardtail and I'd have you back in an instant if I could. 😥

the first proper bike i had was a Puch Invader BMX. i was 9 when i got it and i kept it until i was in my early 20's when i foolishly sold it. it was the last bike that my dad ever bought me, and now 11 years after he passed away...i really regret selling it.
i do miss other bikes that i've also owned but none come close to the Invader.
[img] [/img]
was similar to this bike but had a bright yellow frame and matching skyway mags

My old 5 Spot. Great bike that. Won't be a patch on what I have now, but be good for shits and giggles.

[img] ?zz=1[/img]

I oddly miss my old Santa Cruz Superlight. V-brakes and all. Was a great bike.

The only one I wish I still had was a Marin Nail Trail

Not because I liked it that much, more that I had it for years and it was sorted with XT and DX and Ringle and Syncros and SDG and Mavic and Michelin.

Sold it to a friend of a friend who used it as a commuter bike 😯 then got it stolen. Sad end to such a fine machine.

My Raleigh Chipper that my Dad and I "customised" with a red and gold hand painted colour scheme.

More recently a Salsa El Mariachi SS LE that was just the definition of fun! Really loved it but sold during job, divorce, housing turmoil. I've replaced it now with a Singular Gryphon running full SS niche and it's lovely but not quite as zingy!?

My Torker 280X
[img][url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/13125011424_c827d02a92_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/13125011424_c827d02a92_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/kZP7Cq ]3[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/120231558@N03/ ]rlockwood64[/url], on Flickr[/img]
[img][url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2784/13124835063_614b48c972_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2784/13124835063_614b48c972_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/kZNdcH ]6[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/120231558@N03/ ]rlockwood64[/url], on Flickr[/img]

At the moment, any bike...

I had a SS inbred that had a rear disc mount brazed on and was painted in Actual Ferrari Rosso as a mate runs a race car spray shop, and when I went in, he was repairing the front end of a 308, I got half price 🙂

It had all sorts spares-box finery on it, including a King Headset, pretty trick RS Rebas and wot not.

All built up just as I was beginning to fall out of love with SS-ing...Shame, it was a lovely bike

My Rocky Mountain Element - bought the frame on here for £100, it was too small and a simple design but I just loved it - the most fun and confidence inspiring ride. I was gutted when the rear dropout snapped 🙁

[img] [/img]

[url= http://bikemagic.com/gear/nick-evanss-s-works-epic.html#F2GeZybtwxiKq98I.97 ]My 2007 S-Works Epic[/url], replaced it with a 2008 one, and then a 2009 one, but neither were as good as the original one.

Perhaps because I was also at my fastest on that. I apologise now for the bar end angle!

[img] [/img]

Was thinking this a short while back. My 2001 F500. Just bought an identical one. Just got it fixed up today! Good times.

I miss my Brodie Holeshot, but it was sold for good reasons.

[url= https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6296459290_163579a925_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6296459290_163579a925_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/aAoZYW ]Top of the climb before Jacob's Ladder[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/77122468@N00/ ]NeilCain[/url], on Flickr

I had a Mk1 Cannondale Raven. I loved it. Sold it for something that could take discs.

[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3228/2870304635_16c208eee3_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3228/2870304635_16c208eee3_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/5nD4yX ]Windy Raven[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/66452821@N00/ ]ritcheyp20[/url], on Flickr

Then many years later I got the chance of another Mk1 Raven, but in the colour I always wanted, Chromalusion Purpleen.

[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3417/3269829436_724f517824_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3417/3269829436_724f517824_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/5YWJnA ]Shadow[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/66452821@N00/ ]ritcheyp20[/url], on Flickr

To be honest, it was a perfectly usable bike, but didn't offer anything over my modern bikes. It worked, was ok to ride, but didn't inspire me. So it was sold.

The one I miss now is my old Bonty. Really nice to ride. Sold it for a dedicated SS frame which didn't ride anywhere near as well.

[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1106/1354381827_eac8c02254_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1106/1354381827_eac8c02254_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/34FywP ]114[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/66452821@N00/ ]ritcheyp20[/url], on Flickr

I'd give my left testie to get this back
[URL= http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx19/geoff1_photos/9E43969A-20DB-46FD-A8E1-1547E01E2B74_zpstiiz4rfr.jp g" target="_blank">http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx19/geoff1_photos/9E43969A-20DB-46FD-A8E1-1547E01E2B74_zpstiiz4rfr.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

my Anthem, if only it doesn't plan to murder me everytime i take it for a ride.. god knows how many amount of blood I spilt riding that bike..

My old Malcolm Smith Racing.
Not my actual bike as I was more interested in riding than taking pictures back then.
[img] [/img]

Replaced it with an Alpinestars which was shite.

Also miss my first generation Klien.
One of the first in the UK at the time.
I remember turning up late to a race in llanwrtyd and missing the start.
One of the team Raleigh lads had done the same thing and we got chatting.
He asked for a go on the Klien and didn't want to give it back.
The team bike he was on was awful. I remember he'd drilled a hole through the seatpost and seat tube to route the rear brake cable. 😯

Miss this one!

[img] [/img]

Not my pic but similar build. Cannonade Prophet MX. Never worked out why I did sell it.
[img] [/img]

I wish I still had this, 89 specialized stumpjumper
[img] [/img]
Unfortunately some **** nicked it from the garage a week after my dad bought it for me.

replaced with this, which was quite nice til that got nicked as well

[img] [/img]

Sold this on here some 3 yrs back - wish I still had it only in 18" Wish I had kept the Indie XC saddle too. Fitted like a glove and now can't find one. Gravy - if you by any chance have that seat knocking about spare I have cash waiting!

[IMG] [/IMG]

[URL= http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f48/Pablowoof/CIMG0325.jp g" target="_blank">http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f48/Pablowoof/CIMG0325.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Mk. 1 Cotic Soul.

cracked through the weld vent hole on the drive side chainstay. I was a poor student so couldn't afford to replace it and it had been second hand so I couldn't chase warranty. Loved that frame so much.

Here's it pictured built up like a tank.

No pics but my old P7 circa 2004. I loved it, it might not be just the bike but the memories that went with it but it was a bike I loved and miss it dearly. Would love Orange to produce a 29er steel version type thing but can't see it happening. Also my old Dawes One Track from circa 94. A truly wonderful lilac beast upgraded to full DX with thumbies, Pace Forks and Middleburn c/set. Sadly stolen and missed everyday since.

I do like a steel hardtail 🙂

I wasn't finished with my DMR singletrack when I bent it round a tree - I loved that bike. I wouldn't want it back now but I had to search a lot after that for a hardtail I liked as much. But things have moved on...

The bike I think I'll always want back is a Yeti ASR5. It was 95% the perfect bike and I sold it to fix the 5% but lost 20 in the process. So much fun, so able on everything. I want another.

Not that old but I've a hankering for an mmmbop again. There was something about that bike that just gave me the confidence to ride stuff I'd normally baulk at.

Several but this one Maverick Ml8

[img][url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4138/4801565352_3d99a059f5_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4138/4801565352_3d99a059f5_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/8jih6w ]IMG_1277[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/50879761@N05/ ]vondally[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Litespeed Kitsuma

[img][url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8745/16820756946_36fee0fc95_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8745/16820756946_36fee0fc95_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/rCoM1N ]DSC_0709 (2)[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/50879761@N05/ ]vondally[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Also miss my old size large foxy

Would love to have tried it with a modern 35mm stem

It was the fastest trail bike I've had but just a bit too long with a 50mm stem.

My Cotic Soul Mk3 in orange...especially now they're not making any more. 🙁

One of the last of the original shape Santa Cruz Blurs. Turned out "Do what you ****ing want!" didn't actually mean that.

"Choose me or that ****ing bike" did mean exactly what it said.

I miss that bike.

would love to get my 2002 cannondale F800 (matt black with lefty fork) back.

sold it in a moment of stupidity,and have regretted it ever since.

i did the longest ride i,ve ever done on it (205 miles).

just a lovely bike 🙁

not my pic/bike [img] [/img]

My Cube ltd pro , really wish that one was still with me

I miss my matt gold GT BMX that was stolen outside my flat (3 floors up and chained to the bannister). 😥

This, all sorts of this....

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

Not my picture but I had an identical frame to this one. I had XTR all over it with the orginal Fox forks and Crossmax SL wheels and RFcranks. Absolutely loved this bike (I actually think it rode better than the VPP frames of today). I would always get special treatment in London bike shops, too as the mechanics always fought to work on it. Gutted when it was stolen from my flat. 😥

[img] [/img]

Me riding it near Les Arcs...
[img] [/img]
[img] [/img]

Pics by hungrymonkey of this forum IIRC.

I put a Pace DH stem and some risers on this and it was the best bike ever.

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/2/1714112_770cba38e9_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/2/1714112_770cba38e9_z.jp g"/> ?zz=1[/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/9MxE ]Pace RC200f8[/url]

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/2/1714092_0ecf0e7426_m.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/2/1714092_0ecf0e7426_m.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/9Mxj ]Racing at Beastway[/url]

And this one..
odd that they are from the same era... and British weirdly.

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/2/1714114_3c61bd22e6_m.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/2/1714114_3c61bd22e6_m.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/9MxG ]Patriot B&W[/url], on Flickr

My Cotic soda. I never got to ride it much, but when I did I loved every moment on it.

Miss my Dave Yates Diabolo. Fillet brazed 735 tubing. It was lovely 🙁

1993 Kona Cindercone with silver to green fade paint!
I will buy another one day...

Miss me Kona Explosif of 89.

[img] [/img]
This one for me ... sold it in a moment of weight weenie madness ... shame!

Intense 5.5 for me too. Stolen nearly two years ago. I'd just about got over it when I read a Shaun Palmer interview recently where he said it used to be his go-to bike.

[IMG] [/IMG]

(Not my pic)

I loved that bike, 1989/1990 Rockhopper Comp.

I'm just looking at a vintage rockhopper on the NZ version of ebay cos I'm after something to go exploring on while I'm out here..

Recently serviced, good working order at £42.50 and no bids yet.. I may have to give the fella a call this eve

The chain looks a bit sketchy though ey..
Whatwesayin'? Is this my new bike?

[img] [/img]

[url= ]I miss being young and fit, basically. [/url]

my Orange crush, mmm lovely

This beaut weighed a tonne, and made sure I was almost always last on the BMX track near my house when I was riding against my friends, but man was she popular when we were doing our log-jumping competitions on the front street!

[img] [/img]

[been shown before; not my picture]

With this thread, I am starting to realise how many things I wish I had never got rid of. 🙁

SaxonRider - I know what you mean!

Thanks to everyone for sharing, has been an awesome trip down memory lane.

I may have gone out and bought another BMX off the back of this - not the one I had as a youth (yoof?!) but the first one I could find - http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/bmx-stunt-bike-/1104374411 - that one to be exact.

Have only taken it for a sneaky ride around the block and already has put a big grin on my face. I may take it off road at the weekend. Well once I have told the other half why I have a new bike....

Still wish I had my one of these. I managed to wangle one out of Raleigh as the shop I worked in had a race team. I believe they were not available to the public, only the Raleigh team. Mine had a curved top tube. It did attract some curiosity from the Raleight team @ the malvern Hills Classic one year as they thought I was a new team member 😳
[img] [/img]

mt - Member
Miss me Kona Explosif of 89.

Yes, I had my only decent race results on mine, back in the early nineties.
Luckily, I still have it......

Hold out for some longer bar ends and a higher stem yunki.

I wish I still had this, 89 specialized stumpjumper

I loved that bike, 1989/1990 Rockhopper Comp.

Bizarrely I have an '89 Rockhopper frame in the loft. 19.5" in grey, same triple butted tubing as the Comp and basic Stumpie of that year.

Raleigh Boxer XL ...not my pic but have fond memories of it .[img] [/img]

Ah, there it was, Leigh Hill, Porlock, some time ago. On One Mary bars, Schwalbe Big Apple 2.35s and a leather Fizik Gobi K:ium wingflex.
Went like sh*t off a shovel, climbed like a deranged monkey and hurt my fillings downhill.
[IMG] [/IMG]

Sold my Yeti ASR-5 and Cotic Soul last year.

Thought I wanted more travel and a slacker head angle for enduro, so got a Pivot Mach 5.7 instead.

Big mistake. Turns out I'm not an enduro rider at all.

I miss those bikes every day.

Loving the boxer memories ^^. I had a Tomahawk. The largest kid in our year had a Chipper. Incongruous.

A 16" wheel GT BMX with a back-pedal rear brake, early 90s vintage, that my neighbour brought over from Canada.

It was simple, light, indestructible (didn't matter if the wheels buckled!) and I could bunny-hop it about two feet aged 11. Got through a rear tyre every month though...

Sold it to my friend for a fiver when I got into skateboarding 🙁

Was told I needed [s]Thought I wanted[/s] more travel and a slacker head angle for enduro... Turns out [s]I'm not an enduro rider at all[/s] '[i]Enduro[/i]' is just another marketing-lead exercise to convince most normal trail riders they need to buy new bikes

FTFY... 😉

(As a fellow Yeti ASR5c rider - I can confirm this bike would have to be prised from my cold, dying hands).

I loved my Demo 9, but I think the Big Hit that I had before it was the best DH bike that I had. The PUSH tuned Van RC transformed that bike.

I also wish that I hadn't sold my Slackline at the start of the year; the Switchback is amazing but I'd like to have been able to hang onto the Slackline just because it was ace fun. The orange bits looked brill with the grey paint too.

My old Tomahawk, Grifter, Aero Pro Burner and Haro Sport - purely for nostalgic reasons as i don't think i could ride any of them these days without breaking myself.

Hard to believe this was 20 years ago (Haro Sport)...

[img] [/img]