*New* Vintage Bike Dilemma - Please Help

[bikeworkshop]

Mtb geometry got better in early 90s, then became suspension oriented by mid 90s

My favourite fully rigid bikes are from around 94.
But original quality plays a part too

If you ride ti already, you might find the steel frames a bit lumpen.

Steel frames can corrode around the joints from the inside over decades, but titanium has some curious fatigue problems -

But if the frames appear in good order, it's going to be really bad luck if one fails.

 

[CTK]

As a collector the MB-0 is #1. As a rider who knows!? I doubt any will feel as fast as your litespeed.

 

[SFP]

What are the chances the MB Zip frame cracks riding trails at 160lbs/72kg?

I would think you should be fine.

If possible request some photos of inside the frame - seat tube and headset - hell, can't hurt to ask for them.

Now if you are going to be free riding aka bombing drop offs and big air, the Zip so so is not the bike for that. They are basically a Ritchey P-23 frame and fork - there is some good info on the P-23s out there.

Keep in mind the Zip was designed as a pure XC race bike of the era. No huge air, no huge jumps... designed to be fast and nimble and climb like a goat.

 

[Frankenorange]

The Bridgestone is a no brainer. Desirable and fun to ride as long as you aren't going to be too precious about it.

 

[dubcorp]

A 1992 Bridgstone MB 1 in very good condition and price also just entered the picture making things harder. 1990 MB-0 or 1992 MB1?

 

[dubcorp]

What are the prices?

Marlin Pine Mountain - 200
92 Bridgstone MB1 - 500
Marlin Ti (will need rigid fork) - 500
MB Zip - 700

All these are USD

 

[CTK]

#1 mb-zip
#2 marin ti

Decent prices imo

 

[dubcorp]

#1 mb-zip
#2 marin ti

Decent prices imo

can you comment on what the ride difference between the zip and mb1 would be?

 

[CTK]

Absolutely no idea sorry I assume similar.
Im just thinking the mb-zip is more sought after than the mb-1 and likely worth tbe extra $200.

 

[brocklanders023]

The 90 will have a very low front end so it really depends how you like your bikes to ride. I'd probably go Marin ti as a rider although Marin's tend to be more neutral to ride, comfy rather than sporty if that makes sense?