Are gravel bikes really just 90s mountain bikes? Gravel Bike Vs Retro Mountain Bike Comparison

[@CuriousMind_LVG]

I have a 1992 Kona Hei Hei TI and a 2020 Litespeed Watia TI. They are very different, but the Kona is upgraded to 1X10, good brakes, lightweight wheels and Rene Herse tires and the Kona is very fast on gravel. I will point out one thing that none of the bike media channels have done is compare a modern gravel bike to a vintage MTB like that Kona, but with upgraded components. Sure, any old bike with old parts is going to pale in comparison to a modern bike with modern parts. Cheers and keep up the great videos mate.

[@frog-spit-182]

Exactly. This is just a marketing piece. I even put a dropper post on my 94 Lava Dome. I don't expect the 90s bike to provide the same experience but these comparisons are always out of wack (likely because the difference isn't as big as they'd like).

[@microcosmonauta]

Have a 1993 Stump Jumper with all new components, including full carbon fork conversion and stem modification. A fraction of the price to build compared to obscene expensive new gravel bikes. Old MTB with current components ARE excellent gravel bikes.

[@mxims97]

I'm interested in doing the same with my 94 Stumpjumper. What carbon fork did you get? Did you convert to disc brakes?

[@reinderblodnos8056]

I did the same with my 93 stumpjumper (ahead system) and replaced the old suspension fork for a carbon fork from Radon (no disc brakes). Installed a 3x9 speed from my parts bin, new tires and cockpit. Rides are great! And saved a lot of money.

[@grahamhubbard2331]

amazing coincidence:about thirty years ago in the final term of my final year of my degree my house mate bought that model Kona( brand new) ready for a life after Uni- I was amazed at how brilliant it was off road and climbing v steep ascents

[@richcrompton6891]

I loved my 90s MTBs! Had quite a few! Raleigh Technium first, then a Bromwich custom built frame, a Trek 970 and a Kona Cinder Cone

[@chris1275cc]

That bike is beautiful, and the Storm King is nice too.

[@twatts4436]

Gravel bikes are very similar to MTB's of the 90s, but with the expected tech improvements. I don't see that as a problem. The trails that mountain bikes are now aimed at are, for me, a bit hardcore. So would be overkill on local bridleways. Luckily I can grab a gravel bike and ride 90% of the bridleways around home without suffering too much on the roads in between - not interested in downhill or trail centers. What I think both roadies and mountain bikers forget is that their respective tools are very specialist (just that they're more common), whereas a gravel bike is more of a 'jack of all trades' kind of bike.

[@anthonyshillingford848]

I'd rather ride the Kona. I personally like the idea of bikes being used for as long as possible.

[@ThunderousProduction]

Im sure those pads are old as the hills on the kona, get a good set of koolstop pads and make sure the toe and everything is right and cantis stop better than discs in the dry. Also I was appalled by the phillips head screws holding the headbadge on the ti bike. could have used some cool Ti bolts but instead they are probably steel and will cause dissimilar metal corrosion. I would also rival the better rolling on the gravel bikes. I just don't think that they really roll that much better. I have done 100s of rolldown tests and the 26" mountain bike tires are always in the same range as a gravel tire. would also be interesting to try this with a 700c or 27" with knobbies from around that period too. Maybe find a Klein adept from the period and show the storm king who is king. cheers

[@paulhynam7332]

It would have been useful if you had let us know the weights of both bikes (and the frames on their own). It would have been useful to know the grade of titanium used too. I rode a Raleigh M Trax Titanium built by the Special Products Division back in the 90's ;and I'm pretty sure that it would give Storm King a run for it's money if I installed modern-day equipment on it. I would probably have ridden both bikes on a number of Strava sections of differing terrain to arrive at a meaningful conclusion. I think the Sage is a beautiful bike, and am not criticising it, as I would love to own one, but can we have a more realistic comparison next time please.

[@lhassall77]

Also £100 vs £7,650

[@osh241]

The 90's are screaming "Thrills and Spill!" Just adds to the one the edge feeling, with technology and customer feedback it's no wonder bikes have progressed to where they are today.

[@djscars572]

Another great review Dave, thanks for posting it up

[@davidpan2405]

3*7 bring back good memories

[@andydt82]

I think you need a new saddle on that Kona!

[@ivansobotik903]

Not really a fair and meaningful comparison, but somehow it fits into the cool-fast-fun-doitall gravelbike rhetorics "internets" are full of.

[@johndeans2543]

Good review of the Sage. Would have liked you to compare a steel gravel to the Kona and rode the Kona with SPD’s

[@patricklohnes1261]

I like that he's comparing a $4000 bike to a $150 bike.

[@paultavener526]

I ride a Ribble CGR al, the ride feel and geometry really reminds me of my much loved 1996 Specialized Rockhopper (sadly stolen).

[@patricksalmon6538]

Interesting, but not surprising. I suppose the better comparison is a modern hard tail vs the gravel bike.

[@maximillianchong9934]

Rigid MTB vs Flat bar Gravel bike please.

[@cypriano8763]

Test them on a single track circuit. I bet the times are within seconds if you use the same power.😉

[@everywherelocal]

yeah! 🔥

[@lloydm5562]

Modern Gravel Bike compared to a Modern XC bike on the same tracks?

[@davidarthur]

Yup kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3TRhYFsl9CMo9E

[@DirkDierickx]

Surprise, the new bike is better, who would have thought?

[@fisharefriends598]

That storm king is 5 bloody k... it’s nothing like a second hand mountain bike from the 90s, technology has just moved on so much it can’t compare.... and technology from 30 years ago is like the flint stone’s

[@thelmaviaduct]

You don't get better bikes than 1992/93 Konas, it doesn't happen.

[@jpj4449]

Dave - both bikes have rusty chains. Disgraceful. Maybe it’s time you did a review on different chain lubes.

[@Jacob99174]

They’re just 90’s mtbs

[@jesselopez904]

10k for a bike. Jesus Christ! Hard pass. Peace

[@colincampbell4261]

There is always someone with more money than sense!