Innovations that weren't...

[bikeworkshop]

whilst I understand what you are getting it, it has to be said that fake CF vinyl is some of the most abrasion resistant vinyl available. so much so that I use it to prevent brake cable rub on steerer tubes.

There's a great reason for combovers too

 

[NWisGooderest!]

Mullet bike with a little rear wheel was a funny idea on old Cannondale, Fat Chance or Ibis. it was a solution for small sizes and trial bike.
But for the MCR Descender (and SE Hanebrink Shocker), the 24" rear wheel was necessary for keeping a standard wheelbase, due to the very very long stay ans suspension spacing. Same thing on first Cannondale, as John Olsen, one of the designer, told to me).
On other hand, the Unitrak suspension is still use on modern bikes…

Well bikes have full circle since going “MX” is actually important.
Now being able to go 29”/27.5” is a desirable option on many/most high end enduro/DH offerings. Flip chips, links and sometimes a new shock. Makes the bike an incredible play toy.
Stable in front - partly in the rear.
My Stump Evo you can change from stock:
Mullet
Lower BB
Slack head tube
Plus you can fill the downtube with a huge submarine sandwich!
Adjustability is a great thing

 

[27motorhead]

Plus you can fill the downtube with a huge submarine sandwich!

Now this is true innovation!!!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

That below one is not far from a mini velo, but the top one, is there a certain purpose for this? Serious question.

Mountain biking. Victor Vincente of America was there when it all started, even before the repack guys. Didn't really think the new fangled 26ers would take off.
He's in thehall of fame:
https://mmbhof.org/victor-vincente/#:~:text=Vincente's “Topanga!” was one,was produced for many years.
This link explains why he chose oddball wheel sizes
https://mombatbicycles.com/MOMBAT/Bikes/1979_Topanga.html
Here's a stunning example that still gets used
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/1979-vva-topanga.428537/

 

[bontybonty]

These combined brake and shifter combos from shimano are a rare miss in their otherwise brilliant xtr 970 series.
An attempt to get mtb ers to change gear like roadies by tweaking the brake lever.
Always in box fresh condition as no one
Liked them.

 

[bikeworkshop]

These combined brake and shifter combos from shimano are a rare miss in their otherwise brilliant xtr 970 series.
An attempt to get mtb ers to change gear like roadies by tweaking the brake lever.
Always in box fresh condition as no one
Liked them.

@Woz got them on page 2:

Not technically retro ...... but still. ST-M960 and all trickle down derivatives of.

View attachment 876467

I still don't think anyone liked them, tricky on rough ground.

A thumbshifter or 2 might even be better

 

[bontybonty]

960 came in in 2002 so clipping at the heals of retro now

 

[27motorhead]

@Woz got them on page 2:



I still don't think anyone liked them, tricky on rough ground.

A thumbshifter or 2 might even be better

So bad, they've been posted twice!

 

[bontybonty]

Truly a dreadful idea. What were shimano thinking of? Especially when the standard 960 rapid fire triggers were so good.

 

[NWisGooderest!]

So bad, they've been posted twice!

Had a few extra of the flipper flapper shifters sets (w/ rapid rise) and the best use for them was on a city build with the TH/FSA Metropolis bar.
Was on the design team for that item and that was perhaps the one shining moment for those shifters.
Have 2 full groups (XT/mech & XTR/mech) if anyone needs to punish themselves.