Unloved but great specs?

[Janners BJJ Clunker Rider]

I have consumed too much coffee looking and still can't find a thread of this nature, although I assume one exists! I was pondering what early MTB's were well specced great rides, but just didn't / haven't got the following these days. If some body could either point me in the direction of such threads I would be very happy, and possibly have a new coffee break read. Failing the existence of such a thread I guess this is a good start.
I had thought was there a Dawes, a Carrera, a Saracen etc where one or two models were worthy of love?

 

[hamster]

Dawes Edge, absolutely excellent frame with a tubeset better than most of the revered top end models from US brands.
Claud Butlers with the 531 tubesets

I'd add Univega and Trek to the list - Univegas because they ride so well, and Treks because they are deeply unfashionable but always (to me at least) seemed better finished than the Specialized/Kona/Marin alternatives of the day.
My wife's Univega Aluminium-800 was incredibly light, although it cracked in the end.

 

[Janners BJJ Clunker Rider]

@hamster ... Univega. I bought and sold a Univega a few years back. What a bike! I can't remember what model it was but it was very highly specced, with a very tasy supension fork and so light! It was bought for me but I was made an offer that I could't turn down. The return paid for a meal and drinks for myself and the Mrs. One of the few occassions she really liked bikes.

 

[markoc]

I’d agree with Univega, and add KHS to the mix. Always getting decent reviews, good frames and a sensible speccing of kit - but seemed to go under the radar.

Saracen had some very competent frames mid/late 90’s

The one that I never really “got” was Marin. Good steel frames that have a deserved following - and well specced to a price point - but always the bridesmaid never the bride.

 

[markoc]

To add - not retro, but a while back - when Boardman entered the mtb market (must have been about early 2000’s) I remember some cracking frames with full SLX and decent forks for surprisingly decent prices

 

[Janners BJJ Clunker Rider]

@markoc My current project is a Marin Eldridge Grade. I ran my spares collection down quite some years back. It looks as though I might just have enough bits left for the build. Never really been an enthusiast, more of a returning bloke who is too tight to buy new bikes when the old stuff is really good!

 

[KayOs]

I had a Giant Chaos that was really nice, full LX Groupset, light and stiff double butted 4130 CrMo frame, stylish box type fork and an awesome paintjob.
I also agree with Univega...

 

[Janners BJJ Clunker Rider]

Giant....blimey I had completely forgotton them!

 

[Once A Hero]

Giant has been my go to brand for years as the fit, kit and price just seems right for me.
My 'newest' bike is a 14year old carbon Anthem - which sadly is languishing unused due to a dead shock and I can't justify spend c.£300 on a new one (but I'll easily blow that on a full bike covered in ageing M900 XTR when they crop up! )

 

[KayOs]

Giant has been my go to brand for years as the fit, kit and price just seems right for me.
My 'newest' bike is a 14year old carbon Anthem - which sadly is languishing unused due to a dead shock and I can't justify spend c.£300 on a new one (but I'll easily blow that on a full bike covered in ageing M900 XTR when they crop up! )

Same