Help me chose a 30th birthday present...

[TSP]

Afternoon all...

I'm 30 this year and after sorting our flat out with boilers and double glazing etc I feel that it's time to treat myself to a nice new (second hand) bike for my 30th :mrgreen:

Now I'd like to have something that I remember from my younger, teenage years. The main reason for this is that I want a reason to keep it for a long time. The new spanking gear in my LBS is lovely but it'll look dated in 18 months time and I want to avoid that.

I grew up riding local trails during the freeride boom... We all had Club Roost bars and tiny stems on cheap XC bikes. Things like the Santa Cruz Chameleon and Orange Ms Isle were becoming the 'in' thing but to a teenager they were well out of my reach.

So, in short I'm after something that reminds me of the old days but is still fun. Having said that, I won't be doing silly things like I used to.

The two bikes I've mentioned are all I can think of... Can you guys think of anything else? I'll be keeping a close eye on the classifieds and seeing what may pop up.

I've got some Hope brakes and 521 rims on my town bike that will be liberated

Thanks everyone... I've forgotten a lot in the 10 year break from biking I've had!

 

[TSP]

Re:

I've thought of 2 more!

GT Zaskar and Cannondale Beast of the East...

Thanks in advance for any more suggestions though!

 

[elPedro666]

Can't go far wrong with a Chameleon...

Spooky perhaps?

 

[coomber]

Spooky would be hardest to find but awesome.

Easiest would be a DMR trailstar.

Same era as me. Good times!

 

[Barneyballbags]

Re:

See, if it was me I'd be tracking down a nice Santa Cruz Chameleon

 

[ollie540]

Re:

My era too, on my list...
Hardtails:
Intense Tazer
Pashley 24/26 MHz
Santa Cruz chameleon
Kona Chute

Full sus?
SC Bullet
Orange Patriot (best bike I ever had, nicked back in 2004 :cry: )

All you'd need is a pair of Factory DH tyres for your 521's and you're away.

 

[wynne]

Wonder if you would be interested in a modern take on a bit of a classic. I'm planning to sell my new generation Spooky dual slalom/jump bike - oddly to part fund my 40th birthday present, young 'un.

Rich

 

[02gf74]

this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-Gary-Fis ... _816wt_966

 

[TSP]

Re:

Thanks for the link and also the offer. If like to start with a frame though ideally.

I love the idea of a Chameleon, I remember one of the staff writers at MBUK having one and dreaming about it!

I guess the only problem with a Trailstar etc is the size. I think I'd be better with something that comes in 17" or similar so I can ride it further than 200m without crying with knee and back pain

 

[ba57ards]

ellsworth specalist was another on the list about the same era (im 30 also )