Ross Klunker
After Schwinn and Huffy, Ross produced most of the USA’s bicycles during the 50s and 60s. It was founded in 1940 by a gentleman named…
Mountain Bikes
Mountain Bikes: The Complete Guide to Classic and Vintage MTB Culture
From the fire roads of Marin County to the singletrack of Moab, mountain biking has evolved from rebellious 1970s klunkers to the diverse world of trail, enduro, and cross-country machines we know today.
Here at The Spoken, we celebrate the rich history, innovative engineering, and cultural impact of mountain bikes – from legendary steel frames to modern carbon masterpieces.
The Golden Era: 1980s-1990s Mountain Bike Revolution
The mountain bike revolution began with modified beach cruisers bombing down Mount Tamalpais, but quickly evolved into purpose-built machines that changed cycling forever.
Classic brands like Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 850, Cannondale SM series, and Klein Attitude defined what mountain bikes could be. These vintage MTBs featured innovative frame materials – from Reynolds 531 steel to groundbreaking aluminum alloys – that set the foundation for modern trail riding.
Frame Materials That Made History
Steel MTBs dominated the early scene with their unmatched ride quality and repairability. Columbus, Reynolds, and Tange tubing created bikes that riders still seek out today for their legendary compliance and durability.
Aluminum pioneers like Cannondale and Klein pushed lightweight performance, while titanium masterpieces from Merlin and Moots offered the ultimate in exotic materials.
Classic Mountain Bike Categories
– Hardtail Legends: Single-speed simplicity meets technical terrain
– Early Full-Suspension: From Manitou FS to early Santa Cruz designs
– Cross-Country Racers: Lightweight climbers built for competition
– Freeride Pioneers: The bikes that launched modern gravity riding
– Klunkers & Cruisers: Beach cruiser DNA meets mountain trails
Why Vintage Mountain Bikes Matter Today
Classic MTBs aren’t just museum pieces – they’re being transformed into bikepacking rigs, drop-bar mountain bikes, and urban adventure machines.
The steel frame revival has riders rediscovering the magic of vintage geometry, while collectors seek out pristine examples of mountain biking’s most innovative period.
Whether you’re hunting for a 1990s Trek, researching Specialized Stumpjumper history, or building up a vintage steel hardtail, our mountain bike coverage spans the technical, cultural, and aesthetic elements that make these machines timeless.
Explore our latest mountain bike features below, from restoration guides to brand histories to the modern bikes carrying forward MTB’s innovative spirit.
Hex American Cycleworks
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Firefly Ti MTB
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Cielo 29er MTB
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Volvo-Cannondale Super V DHF
1998 was a good year for Volvo-Cannondale team rider, David Vasquez. The final placing of the UCI Downhill round found him on the second tier…
Fat Chance Team Comp
Heidi Davis is a founding member of the New England Mountain Bike Association, a collection of chapters dedicated to preserving and enjoying the trails that…
Chris King’s Yeti A.R.C.
Chris King’s story could well be a testimonial for a motivational speaker, at the very least provide inspiration to anyone considering the pursuit of dreams.…
Rawland Ravn
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Klein Attitude Nightstorm
There’s one thing that can be said about a Klein, they’re unmistakable. Whether for their gregarious paint or their fat aluminum tubes, few MTB manufacturers…
A Salsa Fargo Ti destined for the Great Divide Trail
Salsa’s Fargo Ti is strategically engineered towards comfortable, long distance, off-road touring. It’s true that comfortable, long distance, off-road touring is perfectly possible on a…
Kuwahara Grasshopper
While this may be a ‘how-you-find-them’ post, this is one modern classic you’d rather hope to find. Kuwahara will perpetually be remembered for their BMX…
