what retro bikes are best to avoid if looking to use regularly off road?

[bikeworkshop]

Don't go low, but don't go too high.
Don't go early, but don't get modern.

Moderation in all things...

...is a steel 96 kona cinder cone

 

[Elev12k]

I only use 'old' bikes. I do not have modern bikes. The bikes I used off road the last couple of years are Batavus Hunter (Tange MTB OS), Panasonic MC-Comp (Tange MTB OS e-stay) and Miyata Elevation 5,000 (bonded aluminium). Rigid only. DX or XT, T-bone or ATAC stem, TrueTemper or Syncros HC bar, sturdy wheels with 32 or 36 spokes. 13 to 14 kilo bikes. For me this or something similar works.

 

[mior]

the old specialized m2 metal matrix on the super high end bikes was incredibly durable and light

 

[minor_LEGEND]

was incredibly durable

How about now?

 

[mior]

How about now?

my 1996 stumpy is still going strong despite previous owner leaving it outside for 20 yrs. paint is still perfect too.