30 years since the Yeti/MBA Ultimate first draft...

Re: Re:

al-onestare":18jq6izm said:
sinnerman":18jq6izm said:
...having never used, Whats App, Instagram, Facebook etc etc, i must confess i dont actually find the use of this site any different to when i started just shy of ten years ago.

Nothing at all has changed, sure the home page isn't getting updated, the wiki botm has fallen behind, but thats about all i can see, and it doesn't detract from the site.

I realise this is really obvious. If you haven't used those and other technology resources, then you're missing why you can't see how they've detracted from the site. (There's a real problem with a lack of drive and promotion but that's an off-line discussion).

Social media platforms are by no means perfect, in fact, most are a cluster-fuck. But they have one thing this site hasn't got anymore - a truly global, connected audience.

I've made more connections through those platforms and as a result been able to speak directly with ex-riders, managers, owners, editors and best of all, enthusiasts in the last 2 years than I made here in 11. And through that evolving network you hear and see bikes, components and literature, read stories and anecdotes, buy and sell, that this site could only dream about. It could just be because of the Kona angle I have but I'm sure that's not the case and there are hives of activity across the sport and hobby we love.

This site has become an encyclopedia. And like those books, it's gathering dust whilst (rightly or wrongly) we're using Google instead.


Being Fair to you and your point, I agree. Im confident the majority of Ex-Trade and professionals from the industry dont spend time on forums, sure there are the odd few, Charlie Kelly, Joe Breeze etc, and there are others, but they aren't big posters who spend time on forums, and I understand why fully.

it also stands to reason, if you wanna find someone that you have never had cause to meet in your business or personal life, the ONLY way to do it, is through social media. Face book being the main culprit, I cant comment on the Face book being a Cluster fcuk, as I have no reason to use it, I think the global connection comment is what Mark Zuckerberg's intention was all those years ago, and it works for now.

I think before we get all excited about the marvel of facebook et al, and the wonder of its connect ability, and deem this forum little more than a dusty old library, we ought not to forget, when Kona needed copies of there TBG decals, and indeed they saw the proofs of the TBG, Merlin Titanium decals where did they come to get them. Retrobike.

Also when you requested adverts for Kona spanning decades (whether they where actually what you needed I dont know)…………. you came here...!

Google, now this I find a great resource, if I want to find an Orange Formula, or a Roberts Stratos, or a pair of tyres for a Marin Pine Mountain, or even a plastic wheel disc for a muddy fox, or im struggling to find information on a far east frame with no name, Google and Google images is perhaps the first stop.

The irony here is, without exception, the majority of the information ALWAYS leads me to Retrobike, whether it be an image, an advert, a revue, a build thread or a simple comment, Retrobike is there, and at the top of the list.

I think our mistake is not adding information as often as we should, you and I are both at fault here, had we thought to upload the 20+ Kona adverts and indeed the Kona TBG artwork, when the next person does there google search, where would they be brought...……………..RETROBIKE.
 
sinnerman":mz0vrmsy said:
Happy Brirthday YETI. and well done Regan, great work. :cool:

although not redrawn, everything you have found on Facebook, Whats App and the Yeti website is here and has been for years... :cool:
Thanks Carl, but last I checked, John Parker wasn't on Retrobike, and I've been able to befriend him and glean a lot of information about Yeti's early days that weren't found elsewhere. Not much, but still more. Same for past Yeti racers who use certain FB groups (Russ Worley, Jimmy Deaton, Paul Thorson, Sue Fish) are all active on FB.

FTW has posted here but I think it's been a while. I usually see Frank posting daily on FB.

As for parts, if it wasn't for Facebook selling groups and community pages, I wouldn't have obtained most of my Yeti's build parts including a NOS BMX-type seat clamp, NOS OG decals, a NOS Turbo saddle, oh, and Jimmy Deaton wouldn't have sent me a bag for my Tioga Disk Drive, for free.

These are just a few examples I was alluding to in a simple statement I made about not buying stuff using Facebook.
 
al-onestare":1yiz623x said:
I'm talking about recently, as I'm guessing regan was too, as in the last 12-18 months.

And picking up on your point about members, that's the other primary source. Going to be folks I trust to see what they have or have seen. That, along with other sources is more common and more likely to identify and locate the really good stuff.

Yes, Al, that was my point. Thanks for picking up on that. I treat my hobby obsessively, and whilst I am tremendously grateful for the friendships I've made from RB, the resources it has and the experiences I've enjoyed, there's a hell of a lot more going on in the vintage/retro/classic world on Facebook than here now, sadly. Even the archive has serious competition from other forums and even Facebook, whose new and updated search feature is now quite good at finding stuff (whereas RB's search has frequent problems) and it's improving all the time.
 
Re: Re:

sinnerman":3jnncrti said:
al-onestare":3jnncrti said:
I've made more connections through those platforms and as a result been able to speak directly with ex-riders, managers, owners, editors and best of all, enthusiasts in the last 2 years than I made here in 11. And through that evolving network you hear and see bikes, components and literature, read stories and anecdotes, buy and sell, that this site could only dream about. It could just be because of the Kona angle I have but I'm sure that's not the case and there are hives of activity across the sport and hobby we love.

This site has become an encyclopedia. And like those books, it's gathering dust whilst (rightly or wrongly) we're using Google instead.

Being Fair to you and your point, I agree. I'm confident the majority of Ex-Trade and professionals from the industry don't spend time on forums, sure there are the odd few, Charlie Kelly, Joe Breeze etc, and there are others, but they aren't big posters who spend time on forums, and I understand why fully.
Charlie Kelly is VERY active, daily, on Facebook and a vast number of FB groups (usually they all have the same members but there are some special interest groups there for niche things that don't bother with the masses)/ as is Joe Breeze, John Parker, FTW, John Grafton, Jake Heilbron, Paul Brown, Rodney David Moses, Hans Rey, Keith Bontrager, Donny Koski.... LOADS! They ALL use Facebook and Instagram, hardly any - in fact only CK and JB - use RB.

By not being a part of those FB community groups, people are missing a LOT of info, resources and opportunities.

RB is STILL a great place for lots of retro/vintage things, but it really isn't the de facto primary source any more, sorry to say.
 
regan_ev":3ojkhcz0 said:
al-onestare":3ojkhcz0 said:
I'm talking about recently, as I'm guessing regan was too, as in the last 12-18 months.

And picking up on your point about members, that's the other primary source. Going to be folks I trust to see what they have or have seen. That, along with other sources is more common and more likely to identify and locate the really good stuff.

Yes, Al, that was my point. Thanks for picking up on that. I treat my hobby obsessively, and whilst I am tremendously grateful for the friendships I've made from RB, the resources it has and the experiences I've enjoyed, there's a hell of a lot more going on in the vintage/retro/classic world on Facebook than here now, sadly. Even the archive has serious competition from other forums and even Facebook, whose new and updated search feature is now quite good at finding stuff (whereas RB's search has frequent problems) and it's improving all the time.

Dont get me wrong Regan I wasn't disputing any of the points, just pointing out the two sides to a coin. One is a forum and one isn't.

As someone who is building all the time, I would cherish any new format of information, so please do post up links to the other forums you mention.

If there is serious competition for archived information, this resource could be invaluable to me and others...…..?
 
regan_ev":17kt8jlu said:
sinnerman":17kt8jlu said:
Happy Brirthday YETI. and well done Regan, great work. :cool:

although not redrawn, everything you have found on Facebook, Whats App and the Yeti website is here and has been for years... :cool:
Thanks Carl, but last I checked, John Parker wasn't on Retrobike, and I've been able to befriend him and glean a lot of information about Yeti's early days that weren't found elsewhere. Not much, but still more. Same for past Yeti racers who use certain FB groups (Russ Worley, Jimmy Deaton, Paul Thorson, Sue Fish) are all active on FB.

FTW has posted here but I think it's been a while. I usually see Frank posting daily on FB.

As for parts, if it wasn't for Facebook selling groups and community pages, I wouldn't have obtained most of my Yeti's build parts including a NOS BMX-type seat clamp, NOS OG decals, a NOS Turbo saddle, oh, and Jimmy Deaton wouldn't have sent me a bag for my Tioga Disk Drive, for free.

These are just a few examples I was alluding to in a simple statement I made about not buying stuff using Facebook.


This brings me back to the point of one being a Forum and one isn't, Ive had conversations with several of the Ex-trade you mention on here, including Keith Bontrager, but like every member they dont use there real names, but alias and avatars.
I think they do this to stop be pestered by people asking the same questions, I guess it can be quite repetitive. I know of at least 3 people on your list, that have shut down FB in recent years, then reopened them due to outside factors requiring it. Social media is deemed the way forward as you say.

Im glad you got there with your Yeti builds, I too had the same issue with seat collar, perforated Year correct white turbo etc, thankfully all mine where sourced through members here, and even the repaint on the Bullseye Cranks, White True Temper bar, decals, all came via RETROBIKE.

Just adding a few examples of the opposite side of the coin.
 
Re: Re:

regan_ev":2j8wcpes said:
sinnerman":2j8wcpes said:
al-onestare":2j8wcpes said:
I've made more connections through those platforms and as a result been able to speak directly with ex-riders, managers, owners, editors and best of all, enthusiasts in the last 2 years than I made here in 11. And through that evolving network you hear and see bikes, components and literature, read stories and anecdotes, buy and sell, that this site could only dream about. It could just be because of the Kona angle I have but I'm sure that's not the case and there are hives of activity across the sport and hobby we love.

This site has become an encyclopedia. And like those books, it's gathering dust whilst (rightly or wrongly) we're using Google instead.

Being Fair to you and your point, I agree. I'm confident the majority of Ex-Trade and professionals from the industry don't spend time on forums, sure there are the odd few, Charlie Kelly, Joe Breeze etc, and there are others, but they aren't big posters who spend time on forums, and I understand why fully.
Charlie Kelly is VERY active, daily, on Facebook and a vast number of FB groups (usually they all have the same members but there are some special interest groups there for niche things that don't bother with the masses)/ as is Joe Breeze, John Parker, FTW, John Grafton, Jake Heilbron, Paul Brown, Rodney David Moses, Hans Rey, Keith Bontrager, Donny Koski.... LOADS! They ALL use Facebook and Instagram, hardly any - in fact only CK and JB - use RB.

By not being a part of those FB community groups, people are missing a LOT of info, resources and opportunities.

RB is STILL a great place for lots of retro/vintage things, but it really isn't the de facto primary source any more, sorry to say.

Genuinely now, I would appreciate your help here, I am a total FACE BOOK virgin.

Could you list for me, the resources, I dont need peoples names, anybody can hfind anybody with there name I guess, that's what facebook is for, what im looking for, to turn my head to FB, is the archives and community pages that have all the information that RETROBIKE does not.

I know you had a sabbatical from retro bike and have now come back, but you are making me feel like I have missed a trick.
 
sinnerman":1jinkq4e said:
Dont get me wrong Regan I wasn't disputing any of the points, just pointing out the two sides to a coin. One is a forum and one isn't.

As someone who is building all the time, I would cherish any new format of information, so please do post up links to the other forums you mention.

If there is serious competition for archived information, this resource could be invaluable to me and others...…..?
sinnerman":1jinkq4e said:
Genuinely now, I would appreciate your help here, I am a total FACE BOOK virgin.

Could you list for me, the resources, I dont need peoples names, anybody can hfind anybody with there name I guess, that's what facebook is for, what im looking for, to turn my head to FB, is the archives and community pages that have all the information that RETROBIKE does not.

I know you had a sabbatical from retro bike and have now come back, but you are making me feel like I have missed a trick.

sinnerman":1jinkq4e said:
This brings me back to the point of one being a Forum and one isn't, Ive had conversations with several of the Ex-trade you mention on here, including Keith Bontrager, but like every member they dont use there real names, but alias and avatars.
I think they do this to stop be pestered by people asking the same questions, I guess it can be quite repetitive. I know of at least 3 people on your list, that have shut down FB in recent years, then reopened them due to outside factors requiring it. Social media is deemed the way forward as you say.

Im glad you got there with your Yeti builds, I too had the same issue with seat collar, perforated Year correct white turbo etc, thankfully all mine where sourced through members here, and even the repaint on the Bullseye Cranks, White True Temper bar, decals, all came via RETROBIKE.

Just adding a few examples of the opposite side of the coin.

For sure, I am just trying to add more info to add to the case FOR using FB and pointing out the detriments of ONLY using RB.

As for other forums' archived resources, there isn't an archive as such, but just other sources of archival material.

(On that note, the most complete and thorough collection of printed material exists in Charlie Kelly's archive which, at this point, is still sitting in boxes but now housed at MMB in Fairfax, CA, awaiting digital scans and collation. CK has a fundraiser to help pay for the electronic media to help in the archiving, the current storage costs and someone to manaully process it all. Having all that as a digital resource will be amazing I've made a couple of small contributions to the fund. I encourage everyone with an interest in and passion for MTBs to do the same: DONATE to Charlie Kelly's Mountain Bike Legacy Project HERE)

The other forums I've gleaned a lot of info from but are troublesome to navigate sometimes are the MTBR forum and MTB News.de

It's a pity that the RB Archive isn't open to be added to, I've found lots of things I wanted to add in the past, but can't.

Cheers


ps. I noticed your other posts just before trying to reply to the first, so I've copied and pasted it all together to save further replies and to try and make reading easier...

In terms of my sabbatical away from RB, that was just because I'd discovered contemporary bikes and riding and had no builds on and not enough time to spend courting the numerous online resources for feeding my addition for everything two-wheeled, so the retro stuff took a back seat, that was until I decided to buy another retro! But it's funny you mention sabbaticals, because I previously did the same with Facebook and deactivated my account, but found I was shutting off access to a huge source of info and a whole community of biking friends and acquaintances not on RB, so i reactivated it but typically never use Facebook for anything other than retro/vintage bike groups, pages, buy & sell pages, and very close friends and family which is non-bike related.

Get on FB, befriend some people who can add you to these numerous retro groups, and see what you think. It's easy to avoid or even switch off, if you find it's not for you. :)

I have a few Alpinestars Groups which I frequent, there's the UK MTB Golden Age group that's good for the UK race scene discussions, a number of buy & sell groups, some UK specific, some US-centric but containing many UK and Euro sellers, biggest with >10K members and about 1000 active, is the CLASSIC MTB TRADING CENTER. Really, there's too many to list. Klunkers groups, Marin groups, Kelin Groups, Kona Groups, they're al there, as well as general interest 'bit of everything' stuff. Despite the plethora of info and groups, it's easy to focus on the ones that would serve your own particular interests. Good luck! :D
 
FORUMS:
https://forums.mtbr.com/vintage-retro-classic/
https://www.mtb-news.de/forum/f/classic ... basar.151/

FACEBOOK GROUPS, BUY/SELL PAGES:
UK MTB Golden Era 80s & 90s appreciation group. [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/553464581472701/ ]
The Vintage MTB-Enthusiasts Club (on-line magazine) [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/790624667633521/ ]
CLASSIC MTB Trading Center [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/579498092116390/ ]
Klunkerz and Such Nonsense [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Klunkerz/ ]
Vintage Mountain Bike Collectors Society [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/927406034014215/ ]
Vintage & Retro MTB Sales UK [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/456208327901609/ ]
Vintage Yeti bikes [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/891281107606724/ ]
Klein Bikes Owners Group [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Klein.Bike.Owners/ ]
Vintage MTB Workshop [ https://www.facebook.com/vintagemtbworkshop/ ]
Second Spin Cycles [ https://www.facebook.com/secondspincycles/ ]

That'll get you going.... dozens more if you care (or dare!) to look.
 
regan_ev":2qp0uvdc said:
FORUMS:
https://forums.mtbr.com/vintage-retro-classic/
https://www.mtb-news.de/forum/f/classic ... basar.151/

FACEBOOK GROUPS, BUY/SELL PAGES:
UK MTB Golden Era 80s & 90s appreciation group. [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/553464581472701/ ]
The Vintage MTB-Enthusiasts Club (on-line magazine) [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/790624667633521/ ]
CLASSIC MTB Trading Center [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/579498092116390/ ]
Klunkerz and Such Nonsense [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Klunkerz/ ]
Vintage Mountain Bike Collectors Society [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/927406034014215/ ]
Vintage & Retro MTB Sales UK [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/456208327901609/ ]
Vintage Yeti bikes [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/891281107606724/ ]
Klein Bikes Owners Group [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Klein.Bike.Owners/ ]
Vintage MTB Workshop [ https://www.facebook.com/vintagemtbworkshop/ ]
Second Spin Cycles [ https://www.facebook.com/secondspincycles/ ]

That'll get you going.... dozens more if you care (or dare!) to look.


Thank you for listing that, and whilst I seen some through linking here, and via wife FB page, for the majority of the FB stuff, in terms of Info it seemed a little like a clusterFCUK as alonestar mentioned, so I shy away.

I really didn't give tuppence for the MTBR forum, the same but less inviting and far less info, and far fewer members concentrating on RETRO which is why im here.

Charlie Kellys Fundrasier, is something that already been committed too, and for the second time too, and I think I speak for the majority on members here, if this is something that can be achieved I think it, NO, I know it would be more than Valuable.

I really hope for all our sakes this time the fundraiser succeeds....

Glad to have you back in the fold too, and thankyou for posting the links too
 
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