don
Well-Known Member
I am stealing this from PB as I listened to the podcast today and thought it was pretty interesting and could make for some good posts on here. I like the Intense M1, Kona Process, and Transition Bottle Rocket picks from those guys. I don't know how someone could pick the 1st Nomad as it is one of the ugliest bikes ever (but maybe it rode well). And the 1981 Specialized Stumpjumper is a no-brainer. I feel for DH and even modern
1 - Santa Cruz Heckler - one of the first full suspension bikes that wasn't super boutique'y (ie Mtn Cycles). Then to burlier version Heckler 5 that you could still pedal. Then a 27.5 version then an e-bike version. https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-CA/archive/bike/heckler
2 - Kona hardtails of the early to mid 90's - I feel like Kona was one of the first bigger companies that made a sloping TT and tall HT and those Joe Murray type forks with the straight blades and axle where so much better looking than say a StumpJumper of the time.
1994 Kona Lava Dome (I know it has some updated parts but it still looks great):
3 - Spooky Cycles MetalHead - adjustable dropouts, US BB, HT gussets, super low slung and a punk rock attitude the Metal Head was unlike any other frame at the time (maybe Brooklyn Park but I think those came later). I feel like the Metalhead spawned frames like the Azonic DS1 and Evil Imperial and then brought in the whole long fork HT movement.
I feel Turner has to be mentioned. The DHR, RFX, 5 Spot, Highline and Rail (among the others) definitely had an influence and were know as great bikes when they were out.
1 - Santa Cruz Heckler - one of the first full suspension bikes that wasn't super boutique'y (ie Mtn Cycles). Then to burlier version Heckler 5 that you could still pedal. Then a 27.5 version then an e-bike version. https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-CA/archive/bike/heckler
2 - Kona hardtails of the early to mid 90's - I feel like Kona was one of the first bigger companies that made a sloping TT and tall HT and those Joe Murray type forks with the straight blades and axle where so much better looking than say a StumpJumper of the time.
1994 Kona Lava Dome (I know it has some updated parts but it still looks great):
3 - Spooky Cycles MetalHead - adjustable dropouts, US BB, HT gussets, super low slung and a punk rock attitude the Metal Head was unlike any other frame at the time (maybe Brooklyn Park but I think those came later). I feel like the Metalhead spawned frames like the Azonic DS1 and Evil Imperial and then brought in the whole long fork HT movement.
I feel Turner has to be mentioned. The DHR, RFX, 5 Spot, Highline and Rail (among the others) definitely had an influence and were know as great bikes when they were out.