Manitou HT960 vs HT950 = Race vs Comp ?

[LinnK]

Hi All,
I am the lucky owner of two Manitou HT (red 1994 and anodized 1995). As you can see on the pictures, they do not have the same ends at the rear triangle. The 1995 has CNC ones, whereas the 1994 has more simple ones.
"Unfortunately" , the 1994 was newly painted before I bought it, so I can't read the serial number. But I found on this forum the picture of the BB with serial number of a Manitou with almost same ends as my 1994 and which is marked HT950. My 1995 has a HT960 marking. I could check in the 1997 Manitou catalogue that there were two models (Race and Comp).
My question is : is the HT950 the reference number for the Comp and the HT960 the reference number for the Race?

 

[LeeDevelopment]

Any chance of some 'full' pictures please?

 

[LinnK]

Of course!

 

[LeeDevelopment]

Interesting to see the differences like that. Are you intending to build these?

 

[LinnK]

Thanx
I used to ride the 1995 from 1996 to 2003 until I found a crack at the BB. So I stopped riding it and bought a Cannondale (disappointing experience :evil: ). Then earlier this year I decided to go back to my first love, Manitou's. So I found and bought the 1994 frame which I am riding at the moment.
But, except the question regarding the serial numbers, you can see a difference in geometries (although they are both 17'). I started measuring the 1995 one, and now I plan to switch the equipment from the 1994 to the 1995 for comparison of riding experiences, and to measure also the 1994.

PS : this year I could get a comment from Doug Bradbury who told me the 1995 cracked frame could stil be ridden. That's why I plan to rebuild it and compare it to the 1994. I feel like I will keep the 1995 as the geometry looks beter for a modern 85mm fork.

 

[mikeekim89]

Sorry I didn't reply in PM.

That crack isn't a worry for me. It doesn't look bad or wide. I would just check it after every ride too see for worsening.

 

[LinnK]

No worry

That what I meant to do, after DB's advice!
By the way, any idea for my quest on serial numbers?

 

[LinnK]

Forget it, I just found the answer
In fact HT950 stands for year of production 1995 and HT960 for 1996... :?
Quite logical... :evil:

 

[LinnK]

Regarding the crack, unfortunately, after the only ride I made with the bike rebuilt, it has moved forward. So I can't see any future for it, except as a beautiful wall hanger... :roll:

 

[sparkiegaz]

like the red one ,,, mm seems to be problem with all these alloy bikes ,, cant you get it welded :?