Why aren't good new retro rigid mountain bikes still made?

[jonty]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy a new, good quality, retro, traditional, rigid mountain bike with triple chainrings?
I've read somewhere that some people who want one buy hardtails and change the front forks to a rigid which is extraordinary if true.
If you could buy one it would obviate the need to do this!
Why are they not made anymore?
Have they been superseded by hybrid bikes?
I find hybrid bikes with front suspension unbelievably ugly and they also look a bit flimsy to me.

 

[xxnick1975]

Re:

For sure possible. Just not fashionable/demanded

 

[kaiser]

Re:

Singular cycles, frame and forks though not complete bikes. Cannondale also do a rigid bike.

 

[mattr]

The market for that sort of bike is tiny, and mostly full of people who wouldn't want an off the shelf bike.
They want to buy a frame from one boutique, forks from another, flashy hubs, over priced cranks, daft rims, and so on.
So why would manufacturer try to compete?

 

[Caramba Kid]

Re:

My 'pimped' Boardman Urban MTB Team R(igid)
Swapped out the slick tyres & Boardman branded stem, bars, post saddle & wheels for Ritchey WCS, Flite & Hope/Stans
Now with SRAM XO cranks, sub 20 lb and rides great.

The only thing that bugs me are the aesthetics of the 475mm axle to crown forks - can easily accommodate 29er front wheel!

 

[makster]

Re:

I made my own...

 

[xerxes]

Re:

What about "hybrids" most of them are rigid, but generally have 700c wheels, so effectively a rigid 29er. Up until a few years ago Marin did some rigid 26" wheeled hydrids, like the Muirwoods, although more recently that has gone to a 29er wheels.

 

[dirttorpedo]

Re:

I believe that On One makes a fully rigid XCish mountain bike frame. Soma and Surly used to - not sure if they still do.

There just isn't much of a market today for steel fully rigid mountain bikes and I think most people who want one do what we do - restore an old one or modify an old hard tail.

 

[jonty]

Thanks for that.
Aesthetically I find the 700mm wheel looks too big and the 26 inch just acceptable but then I'm into Moultons!

 

[firedfromthecircus]

You can have exactly what you want if you are prepared to build it up with your own choice of components.

I do like big wheels, but the same could be done with the dinky ones too.

How about this for 27 speed rigid retro/modern?