The Ultimate Ranking Bible of Accessories Brands

[tommybike]

Hello everyone!

I've been searching for threads, articles, or discussions that rank the best vintage parts and accessories brands—think Ringlé, KORE, Syncros, Race Face, etc.—ideally with a bit of background story and maybe a fun 1-to-10 “vintage value” score… but couldn't find much out there.

So why not start one here, just for fun?

I'm not sure what the best way to organize it would be (by tiers, component type, era?), so I'll let the discussion shape itself.

Looking forward to seeing where it goes—hope it's fun!

 

[grantoury]

To name a few favorites; Phil Wood, WTB, Chris King, White industries, Middleburn, Goldtec, Nitto, Diacompe, Shogun, Cinelli.

 

[bikeworkshop]

It's an interesting idea, but there's a challenge:
It's multi- dimensional

That makes the order very subjective.

Some premium brands are more nichey or cliquey than others.

I won't flag them up here, as it always causes offence to the fans,
but having worked on tens of thousands of bikes, i see clear connections between personality types and specific brands, and in turn that changes over time.

Muddy fox was way cool in 89, but by 99 it was becoming catalogue nonsense.
So there's often a time signature with the rise and fall of a brand.

 

[benjabbi]

One mans gold is another mans gash.
It's so subjective.

 

[Fatboy1974]

I would add ControlTech, Selle Italia Flite, RockShox Mag21 SL, Manitou 1, Suntour XCpro pedals, Midleburn crankset, Manitou CNC Stem, b ut as you say there is an infinite amount of itmes depending on the age and preferences of everyone.
In my case I love everything related with Syncros ( Ti seatpost are precious).

 

[Markybeau]

One mans gold is another mans gash.
It's so subjective.

Erm, I think your definition of 'gash' means something different to mine. Arguably, to me, 'gash' and 'gold' are both prizes!

 

[shepp]

Think it could be put into decades, so 80-89, 90-99. Also components and frames.

So 90-99 components would be Syncros then control tech etc

 

[markoc]

If we're talking about the golden era of CNC machined anodised bits and bobs in the early to mid-90's then the list is probably endless. Lots of innovation. Some very good engineering - taking learnings from MX. Much of it might as well have been made of cheese. A lot of it was purple. Most of it was purple. In fact, if it wasn't purple then it just didn't cut it. Unless if was turquoise Ringle, on a Yo. Obvs.

Everyone'll have an opinion on an order of things. Which side of the water it came from, whether it's boutique, pricey functional, fancy...

I think at some point in the 90's there was an MBUK "trick list" or somesuch. Off now to fall down a google-search rabbit hole.


Back on track... did any brand have a wider portfolio than Tioga? Revolvers, Disc Drive, Powerstuds, tyres*, Surefoots/grips, weird DH long nose saddles, bouncy forks, Alchemy headsets, TBone Stems . The list will be considerable.



*many, many tyres. Go on, list 'em all!

 

[raidan73]

*many, many tyres. Go on, list 'em all!

Raw dog
Sheep dog
Puppy dog
Corn dog
Watch dog
Under dog
Lap dog
Chilli dog
Hot dog
Bull dog
Farmer Giles
Farmer Giles' Uncle
Farmer Giles' Side Piece
Lunatic
Lunatic K
Lunatic II
Deerhound
Foxhound
Wolfhound
Boozehound
Hellhound
City Break
City Scape

Think that's most of them

 

[Wyndbrook]

Crikey, don't even remember some of those tyres, were Farmer Giles more incestuous relations of Farmer John and his cousins, nephews etc? Certainly had plenty of them in late 80's.