Early Muddyfox Lovers Anonynmous

[M477]

They look great those two. A friend of mine who had a large frame '88 Explorer from new back in the day would love that - I'll send him a photo later in the week to show him what is still about. Nice work

I've still got my 19" '88 explorer - I had it powder-coated yellow and re-decalled- 10 years ago now. They didn't quite get the yellow right, its a bit darker than the original pearl yellow - but its preserved it nicely and its quite original still after bringing it back from the dead. Tough frames those - as there's not a dent or any damage on mine and its original paint was in a right old state when I picked it up.
Pictured here with my other 1988 bike - the Fisher Pro-Caliber which is a lovely svelte Tange Prestige frame and was a lot more expensive back in the day (I recall in 1988 the Explorers were £399 new and the Procaliber with its DeoreXT group was more like £999 - a heck of a lot of money back then. The Fisher does fly in comparison as a top-end competition MTB of its day; and very rare in the UK, but the Explorer is heavier but indestructable in comparison). But I'll always love an early Muddy Fox too - because its what I started off with in the mid-late '80s

 

[The History Man]

Couple of recent builds:

Pure filth.

 

[M477]

I did also have this old-timer - left it in its original paint and trim and sold it on in a Trailblazer spec. It wasn't a bad ride too - one of the early S&G Muddy Fox Japan bikes madde by Araya (that do the rims)

 

[Ippikin]

Finally I have found the few pictures I have of the 1988 Muddy Fox Trailblazer I used to own! Purchased late 1989 from a friend of a friend who also owned a Courier and did not get on with the road riding position of the Trailblazer. For me it was ideal as my Raleigh Arena was on its last legs and I was desperate for a tough touring bike for commuting and holidays. The picture of the bike leaning on the whirlygig was on the day of purchase and it came with panniers, rack and guards. I was so happy to own a decent bike especially after the Arena which was a basic bike. I had never seen a mountain bike with drops before and it used to get loads of comments (positive from MTB'ers and negative from roadies) as it was so unusual at that time. The Trailblazer was used for UK touring and also went to the french alps where it ascended numerous cols including the Galibier and Bonette. It was super stable and rigid downhill and I could easily shoot away from my friend on his Galaxy! Over the next few years I added aero brake levers, better hubs, round chainrings and a more comfy saddle. The bike had new forks fitted after a frontal in 1996 but was never the same (for me) after that and I sold it in 2000.

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