Question for those of you who have bought a new ATB frameset, like a Stooge, Crust, etc… was it worth the extra investment over a 90s mtb build?
by OldSchoolWillie
Question for those of you who have bought a new ATB frameset, like a Stooge, Crust, etc… was it worth the extra investment over a 90s mtb build?
by OldSchoolWillie
6 Comments
Own a Ritchey ATB and a 90s Marin MTB
Yes and no. “Worth it” is too subjective depending on the person.
I think what you get is a _very close_ riding experience, but with modern standards like threadless headset, thru-axle, disk-mounts, and clearance for wider tires.
Mine each have a different use case, and that’s where they’re “worth it” in their own right.
90s mtb: City run-around commuter, cheap parts, less worried about theft/damage, and it’s just a fun retro bike that makes for a good conversation starter.
Modern ATB: Offers better performance, albeit at a much higher price, the components and frame are engineered using modern techniques that 90s equipment simply can’t match. But from a riders perspective, 10x the price doesn’t equate to 10x the riding experience or performance so it’s diminishing returns.
I use the Ritchey for multi-day rides. Every bike shop will have standard modern parts to keep you on the road/trail, but not every shop has vintage compatible components that will work for you.
I have both, I have a use for both. Worth it for _me_ anyway
I work in the industry so I’m not paying full price for stuff, just as a disclaimer.
But I love my modern builds as much as I love my old builds. I’ve built a lot of both.
New bikes aren’t all created equal so maybe I’ve gotten lucky with my choices. I’ve got a couple Somas and a Stooge (among way too many others).
The $4000 question!
I have a secondhand ATB, 2015 Karate Monkey, rigid (didn’t pay $4k though). I really like the tire clearance and disk brakes. I also have a 90s ATB (Schwinn High Plains). Very different ride, much lighter and more agile but also much less capable on really rough stuff, snow, loose gravel, slippery leaves, etc.
My wife’s bombora is top fucking notch. Lightweight tubing, perfect (modern all-road) geo for her, gorgeous paint and decals and that fork crown is so sick. Modern features such as flat mount disc, thru axles, 27.2 (not some weird 26.4 bs) seatpost and 1 1/8” threadless headset are also appreciated. Add to that the 2.2” wide knobby tire clearance in 27.5” and it’s a no brainer for me. Vintage bikes are cool in their own right but the newer stuff is a more refined version of *most* of 90s stuff.
Also, my wife knows to cut up and bury my all-city with me.
A bike is a bike but I don’t regret plunking down the cash for my Stridsland. Still go out to sneak peaks of it in the garage. First bike that had me doing that in a while.
Not trying to solve this for you but if I had to choose the thing about each that keeps me coming back..
New Bikes: Thru axles ease setup, maintenance, and provide a lot of confidence while loaded. Off-road this becomes more important.
Old bikes: modesty… you can’t lose, fail, mess up… you can experiment endlessly. You can learn a lot about the limitations of the time and how to solve them for yourself.