The clouds parted and the sun shone through (cue the Hallelujah chorus)

[incorrigible]

1985 MANTIS XCR on eBay (not mine)



https://www.ebay.com/itm/2268151863...wbVYVko8liaiFopUH9xbbuVBZp|tkp:Bk9SR_7mus3uZQ

Seller states: "Please reach out if you're an international buyer, I'm happy to work on shipping details to make it as painless as possible."

Auction has full details and nice background story, but TBH, seller had me at "Mantis".

Stats listed indicate both 21" and 21.5" Seat tube, and Auction Specifics indicate Frame Size is 23" (Seller has other auctions running, so he likely forgot to change this).

Whether 23" or 21" or 21.5", it's all the same to me, i.e., WAY TOO TALL FOR ME. If I tried to throw a leg over it, I'd end up hanging onto the top tube for dear life to prevent a catastrophic fall to the ground far below that would seal my doom while awaiting rescue from some helicopter crew that would dare to soar to such heights. Just looking at its intimidating stature makes me want to scream and run away. Where are all the 17.5" bikes?

 

[pwebb]

its certainly a nice looking creature - don't see those coming up too often
I would tear off that shoulder pad thing the moment I got my paws on it though !
edited to say the same vendor's black fat chance from 82 is more my thing - but 8k ? https://www.ebay.com/itm/226815277266

 

[MT62]

Seller also has an impressive for sale thread here, aka I knew I saw it somewhere recently:

For Sale Thread 'Spring garage cleanout'

Mar 30, 2025

My garage is too full, need to make some space.

1985 Mantis XCR

One of the early composite Aluminum/Steel XCRs built. Large or maybe even XL frame (ST 21.5" / TT 24.5"). This bike was sold to Chuck Parmenter who was a mold maker and built the first prototype Nishiki Alien (out of wood!!!) for Richard Cunningham. When I got the bike Chuck claimed that this was the first XCR (red one from MBA) that was upgraded for him and repainted in the color you see now. I spoke with Richard about this and he could not confirm the story, but he did say that he named the bike as "CLEO'S XCR" after...

• mkozaczek
• Replies: 20
• Forum: MTB For Sale

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• 
• 

 

[incorrigible]

Seller also has an impressive for sale thread here, aka I knew I saw it somewhere recently:

For Sale Thread 'Spring garage cleanout'

Mar 30, 2025

My garage is too full, need to make some space.

1985 Mantis XCR

One of the early composite Aluminum/Steel XCRs built. Large or maybe even XL frame (ST 21.5" / TT 24.5"). This bike was sold to Chuck Parmenter who was a mold maker and built the first prototype Nishiki Alien (out of wood!!!) for Richard Cunningham. When I got the bike Chuck claimed that this was the first XCR (red one from MBA) that was upgraded for him and repainted in the color you see now. I spoke with Richard about this and he could not confirm the story, but he did say that he named the bike as "CLEO'S XCR" after...

• mkozaczek
• Replies: 20
• Forum: MTB For Sale

• 
• 
• 

I didn't catch that when I posted.

I've dealt with Martin a few times over the past 15 years or so. He's a great guy who always seems to have his finger on the pulse of MTB history as well as the main players involved.