Are Gravel Bikes just 90’s Mountain Bikes?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Swoop this before they make me take it down: dustinklein.com/shop/spiritualized

[@codythomas5913]

who sends the cease and desist first? the bike company or the band

[@thenormalberries6767]

2 months later and I'm still frustrated by how dishonest your 'test' was.

[@mogulmayhem]

Bike design peaked in 1993 because I could ride with a pack of Marlboro Reds and a case of ZIma and no one would judge me.

[@theymademepickaname1248]

People would judge you because of the Zima.

[@regularsteve84]

😂😂😂

[@regularsteve84]

But is 90s Zima the same as White claws today??😮

[@phenofinder9145]

Amen brother 😂

[@jacob-bogie]

Facts

[@andreromitelli]

Dustin, just a tip: here in brazil we “shorten” the 29 inner tubes to fit a 26 wheel by squeezing the tube inside itself before inflating. The hustle is real down south

[@cfmechanic]

I just put some 24in tubes on 26in wheels no issues. Learned trick on alfredo mancuso channel video at epic bmx

[@TimR123]

FWIW those are 'V Brakes" not cantilevers. Some people think they are much better than cantis. Next vintage ride you should try some old school cantilevers. (maybe with some fresh tires) :-)

[@madpogue]

+1, and those are not through-axles either (did they even exist in the 20th Century?).

[@PARABOLA1966]

V brakes, yes they are. One thing for certain, not many riders felt the necessity to, ink their bodies.

[@joeroche552]

Was just about to write the same thing

[@tyrdle]

technically, they are cantilevers, just direct pull cantilevers :)

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

Having tested both types on the same 90ies MTB I can tell you: they do work much better! With the Cantis you really had to plan in advance when you wanted to slow down for an intersection or something, with the V-Brakes you can ride totally normal.

[@FancyAnimal]

Put 26 year old tires on the Canyon and don't rebuild the shock (if It had one) and see how you fare. PS V-brakes have the same stopping power as modern disks.

[@FMeyer-zg5mg]

thats not right, even a cheap 160mm mechanical discbrake is far superiour compared to every V-brake.

[@spencerrose8238]

Meyer your wrong, v brakes could bring a mtb tire to screeching halt equal to disc any day, not as good wet though

[@Wobbz9413]

​@@spencerrose8238v brakes are fine in the wet too. Best brakes available in my opinion. More mechanical advantage too, braking on the rim, as one should!

[@gregmarcus3064]

I found an all-original 90's Specialized Hardrock in a second hand bike store in their junk section for 80 usd. It looked like it was used as an everyday city bike. It had all the original stock parts on it including the s-works triple stock cranks. Felt soo good that no one spotted it.

[@chrisdistefano198]

My 1995 Cannondale F700 was one of the best bikes I've ever had. So light and quick and looked incredibly cool for the times. It's a miracle for those Coda chainrings still have teeth on them. Not sure who compared bikes from that era to what we have now in the gravel category but I'm sure they never rode one of these, they were good bikes but I don't ever need to ride one again. The future is now and nostalgia ain't what it used to be.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This is a perfect summary! Thank you for your insights CD.

[@brnpttmn]

I still have my 98 f900!

[@passingmebri6974]

I saw this video and immediately thought of you. Love you CD, love you DK.

[@DaveCM]

I bought an F700 last year and completely with rebuilt with 1x and 700c wheels into a commuter for my son. He absolutely loves it. I had a blast riding it around some before giving it to him. It is absolutely awesome for that job but I wouldn't trade my new gravel bike for one.

[@lbgstzockt8493]

Honestly the frames look very similar, you could get 80% of the way to a gravel bike by installing drop bars, a shorter, slacker stem and a modern groupset. And tires made in this decade.

[@billincolumbia]

Wishing you all the best, Michael. I have a similar old MTB. Short, tall, quick quick handling. I have ridden it enough to get used to it, and I really enjoy it. V brakes work well, and are soooo much easier to adjust than cantis.

[@Tigerstripe40]

That Cannondale was on my 'dream bike' list back in the day. Vee brakes, especially the XT level stuff with Shimanos Parallel Push mechanism, had really amazing stopping power. I'd say the higher end Vee brakes (XT, XTR) offered just as much, if not more stopping power than many of the earlier disc brakes.

[@artemisxo6734]

my avid v brakes, with the really powerful cool stop pads, actually stop faster than my sram rival discs, but the discs feel better and lock up less

[@poijupoij]

I have the same set up. It will put you over the handlebars if you are not careful.@@artemisxo6734

[@stevewalther2293]

Just bought that same bike 20 minutes ago ... for $100...

[@erich7863]

80s/90s MTBing was a totally different flavor. It was about rad fun. They were very popular and even fashionable- even the show Friends and Seinfeld had a mtb in the background in their perspective apartments. Bikes of this period were designed to be maneuverable and bmx- like. These bikes were not designed to ride long stretches of gravel or man-made bike parks. It was all about riding trails and the terrain and challenges that normal type trails presented, or urban obstacles such jumping curbs and riding stairs. It was almost designed to to be a not-so-serious bike; the roadies were the hard core people. Many people of the time even thought front suspension took away from the bikes. MTB suspension was almost a novelty. Not saying this period of bikes is better, just that the sport currently has a different flavor and has gotten more extreme. Wishing you a speedy recovery Michael Frye and that you get back riding that Cannondale!!!!!!

[@theepimountainbiker6551]

For sure the mtb world has changed. I remember in the 90s we didnt have bike specific trails with jumps, drops, skinnys, rock gardens, all the modern "features" where Im from we rode muddy quad trails, skidoo trails, hunting trails, heck we made our own just by riding through the woods with no trail at all. It was good fun. Mountain biking today, to me, just sucks. Too BMX/skater like full of adrenaline junkies in bike parks.

[@wintermetalhd]

1990's steel mountain bikes were the peak of cycling production ever. Best bang for buck, and utitlity, they will never be outdone.

[@markymarknj]

YES! I'm the proud owner of a 1999 Raleigh M30 rigid that I've owned since new. I just had it overhauled, and I'm enjoying it once more... 😁

[@handsfeellikegloves]

I had a green 97 Cannondale F500 with 60 mm headshok, CODA components. Beautiful welds on the US made frame. Shock was super bouncy on hot days, stiff on cold days. I loved that bike, would do XC trails. Moved to Vancouver, and almost died “riding” the North Shore trails. Became my commuter for a while. It was light and fast in its day, and I was way younger too. This video brought me back. Thanks!

[@tongpocalypse]

50 miles and 5k on that bike sounds like a rough day. Weight wise it's pretty darn light for what it is but I also wonder why the ride is so inefficient (I also have a 90s hard tail hanging in the garage). The one thing I'm going to disagree with you on is the top tube length. Those things were made to stretch you out and I don't think modern gravel top tubes are longer than those on a 90s MTB. I think a restomod with modern components would be interesting to compare to a modern gravel bike (in this case maybe a 1x conversion and a new cockpit are all that's needed).

[@Ferrichrome]

likely the bike would be way more efficient if you changed out the tires. those old knobbies aren't doing you any favors, I'd go with René Herse slicks, they still make 26" tires. as Dustin said the suspension is also killing your efficiency on the uphill, and offers little benefit for most gravel rides, unless you're doing something really gnarly

[@maximumschwa6993]

A 90’s rigid MTB with an updated drivetrain and maybe try to squeeze some 27.5’s in there? There are options to raise the rim brake pads to fit the bigger wheels.

[@l00tur]

I’m in favor of keeping the 26”s as there’s an infinite amount of wheel sets to be had on the 2nd hand market. I have a nearly 3.25 tire on my current Rockhopper from 1995.

[@neilpook3719]

Thanks

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thank you NEIL!

[@doachs]

The Cannondale F2000 that I had ( actually still do have ) will lock out the fork if you spin the dial. That one probably needs some service :)

[@B1KER]

Best part: "It's not as good as you would think!" Hahahahahaha! Mental note, don't mix coffee and rootbeer. 👍

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

ALL THIS YES!!! LOL

[@christopherguzzi1316]

Fyi, those are not cantilever brakes on the Cannondale. They are linear pull v brakes. Either way, yes, they can work great. A bike rim is basically a very large disc.☺️

[@jessetamez7362]

Not cantilevers, V- brakes, linear pull I believe.

[@franzgustavgauner5601]

ShimanoParallelogramm XT M 737 to be specific

[@helgarivers6281]

@@franzgustavgauner5601 they were the disc brakes of the day

[@bum_doubt]

came here to say this lol

[@ComicsInk]

Technically V-brakes are a type of cantilever, its just a cantilever with the most leverage.

[@franzgustavgauner5601]

@@helgarivers6281 unfortunately the mechanism wears out over time but I still love them

[@Fncontroloptioncommand]

Some race king tires, a rigid fork and a wider bar that bike could be a lot more fun.

[@paulstrong2210]

Since everyone is hammering the v brakes, I thought I’d mention that the bb drop is pretty high on older mountain bikes and likely attributes to some of the instability. Mad props for riding as is for so far.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I didnt actually measure this. But it sure felt like a high BB. Good call

[@bobtilton3024]

I suggest a future video of Mike riding that bike when he's all done with treatment!

[@matthewshaw3747]

I own a Diverge EVO which is about as close to this as it gets (flat bar, a “shock” in head tube etc) but it SO different to ride. The 90s mtb would fit inside the bike from today.

[@gareth_gj]

Love you 'riding the ride, without him having to ride the ride' - Much love for what you did for him - and for us 🥰

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Absolutely!!

[@gravelier68]

Nitro Dad, get well soon. Your baby was in good hands with Dustin, and he did a proper ride and review. I have 90s to 20s bikes in the garage and love them all, for different reasons. Ride on!

[@stevendayton7016]

Great video. Brings back memories of my CAD3 mountain and cyclocross bike. At the time great rides and raced them often. I believe my forever bike is going to be my Co-motion Klatch. Lets hope that Mike will be back on the bike soon!

[@markk527]

Interesting video. I've got a 1999 Cannondale F2000(upgraded to disc brakes and 1x11 drivetrain) and a 2022 Specialized Diverge E5 as my most used bikes. I think they ride fairly similar on light terrain. If the terrain gets rougher, the F2000 has a slight advantage over the Diverge. Therefore, the position is a bit more relaxed, and it's more comfortable on long rides. If I compare the speed of my tours, they are very similar. In my experience, they aren't the same, but close enough that you only need both to meet the n+1 requirements for cyclists.

[@BrianRPaterson]

An F2000, with disc brakes? Sounds close to perfect to me. I'm on a Slate just now, and it's a blast. Cheers

[@rnodeprot]

Hope you have a fast recovery Mike! Nice ride and comparison

[@gregoryneal2852]

Yes. And that’s why gravel is great. Getting a topstone with a lefty made me start to enjoy cycling again.

[@brianreddish4874]

Lotta good 26in tires now. Gravelkings, Rene Herse, Ultradynamico, and Sim Works. It would ride so good with newer better rubber.

[@timshelhamer7374]

Exactly, don’t judge a bike by its tires if they should have been worn out and replaced before now

[@markymarknj]

Continental makes some GREAT 26" tires! Their Contact series tires have something for everyone.

[@Bikecampcook]

Stay strong Michael wishing you well from the UK.

[@charlcoetzee93]

I love weird bike builds with old frames, cranks etc. 700c is a non negotiable for me though. And as long as you get your seat height correct and the seat to handlebar drop similar as a modern bike your body will be in an about equally aero position, which is the main contributor to CDA. The 1990s stems are a no-go too though.

[@fredfirth3834]

I still ride a 1999 Stumpjumper. I rode it on every surface til I got a single speed road bike for around town. I don't plan to get rid of it anytime soon.

[@kamakani13]

Passed you opposite on a downhill during this ride. Did not recognize the bike at all but here it is, thanks for sharing as always!

[@qzrnuiqntp]

Yes! I have a wonderful 90' MTB with new modern wheels, crankset, saddle, fork, handlebar, cassette and derailleur, and it's a perfect modern steel gravel bike! (Modern stuff are carbon...).

[@jpauldion]

Great bike! I have a 99 GT Zaskar being built for gravel riding. I have an Ultra X rigid fork and 27.5 Mavic Crossmax wheels ready to go. I also have a Cannondale One 40T crankset taken off a modern gravel bike and 11/46 XT cassette. Will be mounting GRX brifters with XTR calipers disc with a rear adapter. Mango color and should be sick when done. A little heavier but it will have drop bars and will be a mtn bike!

[@ToddSloanIAAN]

You are very very very very very very very entertaining dude and I had to subscribe! I mean come on, great is good.

[@madtownangler]

All my Gary Fisher bikes have short stems and long top tubes. It's almost like they knew what they were doing kinda.

[@mistermatsuda]

Favorite part of the vid was WINSTON! When are you going to do a review on him? Oh, the 90's MTBs, need a more road friendly tire and dunno about the front shock thingy as most bikes in those days were ridged. Glad to see you made it through the whole ride without fixing a flat.

[@moabfool]

These cantilever brakes work great! (Shows V brakes). The upgrade from cantilever to V breaks was as profound as the upgrade from V to disc. They're pretty good. Just gotta be sure the levers match the brakes.

[@Tombastic77]

You are the rider of bikes that this world needs. Also... 90's Cannondale with uni-fork-shock-thingy??? Glad we've come further in bike tech. It was for a good cause. Hope your friend pulls thru.

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Sending good vibes to Mike! If you see this, you got this buddy!

[@bindingcurve]

I have a 2004 F600. The last version of this bike. Prefect condition with a fully functional fatty added hydraulic disks (came with the mounts). My 2020 Checkpoint blows it out of the water. Still take it on fun rides, but it is SCARY on descents. Also had one of these in the 90s and it was awesome at the time.

[@Kevin-nc7hs]

My 2000 Gunnar Rockhound made a great gravel bike. I was always comfortable on it and my pace on it was similar to the Cutthroat I enjoy now. Great content as always!

[@wescheslak9408]

Great episode. I hope Mike heals. ❤

[@rolfaalto]

Turned my mid 90s Bontrager TiLite into a modern gravel bike and it's a dream -- rides better than my full carbon gravel bike and climbs faster than my Moots. Perfect geometry and craftsmanship, just needed some updates to components.

[@anielyantra1]

First off the brakes are V-brakes, my fav. Second, It could be upgraded to a 1X transmission. Thirdly, quit raggin on 26" wheels, there is not that much difference to 650B. As far as a forever bike, I still ride a 1987 Bianchi Ocelot (upgraded on parts), 36 years old and goin strong like a teenager! Lets see you ride a 36 year old carbon frame....Haha!

[@tinycmo]

Riding the same. 1 by , big cassette, and BMX bars. Gtg.

[@helgarivers6281]

Those brakes work good cause they aren't the old canti's . Side pull gives more stopping power.

[@m1les7]

Great vid as usual Dustin. Such an cool amazing bike. Get well to the guy who owns that beauty.❤️💪💪💪🏁

[@aybee69]

Stay encouraged, Mike!! We're pulling for you!! @Dustin...good on you for doing this video, Sir! ✌🏿 A bit of an unfair comparison though. Take a 90's/2000's MTB converted to drop bars (or alt bars), modern 26" tires, and/or possibly 650b....THEN do a the comparison. Not saying the mtb would 'win', but I think the outcome would be pleasingly different.

[@333wheeler]

Riding old MTBs like this one with gravel type file treads takes away a lot of the drag on the road and can handle most fire roads. Your actual ride time for the distance was totally respectable as well. Those guys passing you always speed up when they see a carrot in front of them as well. :)

[@lindonandlisa8114]

The roads look amazing where are all the potholes Thanks for another great video Are they still called videos

[@poijupoij]

The fact that you are riding the 90's bike kinda wins the forever bike argument but we'll see where that canyon is in 30 years, maybe it will be around and sought after.

[@gravelpack8536]

Another awesome video. I had this exact model and you should be able to lock it out by twisting the black cap. Your totally right anyone that says they are the same hasn’t ridden both.

[@l00tur]

This wasn’t an apples to apples comparison so it’s flawed. Now if you restomod the cdale with 1x and more modern components, you’d be very hard pressed to still have that same opinion. That’s the argument being had in the current circles. No one is arguing a 90s MTB complete with OG parts is the same as a gravel bike.

[@jpnw3272]

I think you meant 25 years, not 15 years. V-brakes, not cantilever. It would have been interesting to see the Canyon against Cannondale’s XS cyclocross bike (in the same color) around the same period (if I recall 1998?). Ridden both back in the day. I think your conclusions might be similar though. Fun seeing the past with the future!

[@1chi]

Love it. This is the wholesome content we need!

[@brnpttmn]

Man i hated the gripshift on my f900. Swapped mine out for quickfire after like two rides. Also, you should be able to lockout the head shock with the dial on the top of the headtube. i loved the headshock.

[@albano.garcia]

You're riding my dream bike (things of being a teen in the 90s). These are V-brakes, way better than canties, that's why you're surprised!

[@madtownangler]

All my bikes except my fat bike are from the late 1990's. Some are single speed and some are winter bikes with studded tires.

[@billermanthegreat]

I have some canti brakes on my 90s MTB and they really grab. I dare to say they grip better than some disk brake bikes I have in my stable.

[@thenexthobby]

As someone who bought their first “serious” bikes in the ‘90s I’m just now coming back to this after a multi-decade absence. I always knew my MTB wasn’t great on pavement, yet “just fine” everywhere else. From what I understand, gravel bike riders seek out gravel but have to contend with mostly pavement. All of which begs the question: Why not instead compare gravel bikes to roadies capable of running 28mm or wider tires?? Is it because unless they have dental floss for tread they aren’t “really” road bikes? ‘90s Bridgestone owner. So that’s my bias.

[@Gravelmisfit_]

Speedy recover mike! You are a awesome man Dustin! You do so much for the community keep being wicked! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

PLAYER!

[@jackmcglasson3766]

Go Mike. With you all the way.

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

Man, that’s rocking V-Brakes man and XT no less!!! Way above cantis back then 😎😎

[@Speenard]

Public Coast root beer is the bees knees. Mix it with Costco’s vanilla ice cream - you got the cats pajamas.

[@iantm15235]

My forever bike is a 1992 Cannondale mountain bike. When I decided to get back into riding heavily, I bought newer stuff because I didn’t want to minimize the risk of destroying my beloved bike.

[@330_Crew]

Banger. Love this episode and who doesn’t love a cool 90’s MTB.

[@Justsaying112]

Awesome video ...I still ride my 1995 Brodie "Expresso" ... love my bike

[@peachesandcreamrobinson]

v brakes. That Cann is very pretty. We used to call them Can-o ales in the shop because of the alum. Those tires are awesome they look original. I hope the bikes father is doing well.

[@before1984soul]

All bikes take you point A to point B doesn't matter.

[@marcokalle2452]

I just came here for the Winston cameo ❤ oh, and to ask what tires are those on the Canyon 😎 and to say that that Cannondale MTB looks (sh)rad! 🤘🏽

[@franciscoromano377]

I just love my 1995 kilauea with the project 2 fork , so good memories.

[@Connor-x6k]

80s MTBs are where it's at. The 90s got infiltrated by racing and roadies, and funky technology (headshock).

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Truth ✊

[@sharikmarius]

I'd say 1990 was a peak year, right before suspension took over. And remember that the original Marin County gang were roadies before they started the Repack races.

[@markymarknj]

Don't forget the friction shifters!

[@suhansandiro]

4:41 on audio we hear "cannondale" but we have a image of canyon bike! Nice ! :)

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

canyondale

[@charlesholland6851]

Sick old cannondale! I have a 99 f400. I love it. But I don’t take it on any adventures because it just feels weird. Lol

[@phenofinder9145]

Love the aero triangle hands position

[@rlittleton]

Designed on computers 😂😂 truly cutting edge

[@michaelbonade4667]

I love a Cannondale, but my 2001 Stumpjumper Pro is basically the same platform as the beautiful bike you rode in the vid….but the Manitou Mars fork has a true lockout….its a rocket I still won’t ride mountain gearing on my road bikes….the two shall not mix

[@maxab7e63s5]

The way its configure now, it will not be a good gravel bike. But couple of tweaks like ditching the fork, stem, cranks, flat bar, update the drivetrain. Replace the wheelset with 700c and you will get something closer to a gravel bike. I did it. And with the changes cost less than a new bike. Gravel riding has been hijacked by mfg's trying to sell their goods. What did you use before the mfg's starting spitting out these so called gravel bikes?

[@bindingcurve]

Or by a used gravel bike and spend less 🤣🤣🤣

[@sickunit2096]

One of these is on fb near me for $100. So tempting. Needs a headshok rebuild tho.

[@tevemullins8156]

Pure gold‼️ You gotta restore a 90’s MTB so we can watch you cuss it the entire vid. 🤣 they have a cult following you know.

[@omeldoid]

“It was the 90s! Everyone was just trying to figure it out.” ❤

[@cesarabrego684]

I hope Michael Frey is ok and enjoying his Cannondale. Nice bicycle!

[@samwebb585]

The last 15 years? Dude we’re in 2023! I’m only bitter because I turn 30 next month - and I don’t want to 😅

[@martimcfly6207]

Having both a steel gravel bike and a 90s MTB i can clearly say no to this question. They feel much different.

[@Bananajoe1125]

I‘m riding a 28“ Trek Multitrack 7600 from 1995 with a gravel bar and it feels closely like a real gravel bike. The geometry however is more like a modern cross bike. It‘s not too comfortable, but more on the racy side. Outstanding build quality. Gonna upgrade it to XT 3x9 components with a 10-by cassette and Ultegra 3x10 shifters. Still cheaper than a new Gravel Bike!

[@thenormalberries6767]

I became really sad when you called them cantilever brakes. Also that headshok had almost no air in it. Crappy test, Dustin.

[@chumdm3]

The "Nitro" chorus effect was a nice touch.

[@poijupoij]

Those are V brakes. They will put you over the handlebars if you're not careful. Don't worry about stopping power. And there was no "Through" axel. Greasing the chain and changing the tyres might have made your ride a little more enjoyable. Nice bike.

[@clyse88]

your edits are great

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Appreciate you

[@zepolekul]

I would agree, a 90’s mtb is definitely not the same as a modern gravel bike. However, my 1989 Bridgestone MB-2 is the perfect ATB.

[@agoose6277]

2000's mtb's are gravel bikes. 29er, disc brakes, 69 degree headtube angles.

[@Yoda-em5mt]

Love your vid style Dustin but must say there v brakes not cantilevers those xt v brakes had lots of power with little modulation cantilevers had way more modulation and required real skill to set up and they needed a lot of adjustment as the pads wore down there your mind is blown . ✌👏

[@thomasmcroy1756]

But it looks coool. Run it as a single speed with some balloony slicks and a shorter stem and its probably 10x more fun.

[@douggreen1283]

What are the tires on your purple cannon dale? I see the link to Pierellis I don’t think this are the ones.

[@falcoperegrinus82]

I remember seeing one of these when I was a kid in the 90's and being like "wow that is a cool bike".

[@lindagordon3581]

LOL! This was a BLAST from my past.

[@Animalliberationfront_269]

I like my 29er MTB and Gravelbike but at home I feel on my 26er MTB with rigid fork.

[@johnnydoe66]

If it wasn't for Cannondale using proprietary parts like that stem, it would be nice to go with a slightly shorter stem (100-110mm), add a set of Surly Corner Bars or Moloko bars, and change the tires to a set of Panaracer Gravel Kings it would transform that bike into a more usable gravel rig.