WTF are these drop-bar bikes?!?

[Dr Dremel]

Forks look pottsy

For the man, seems to be a Steve Potts type II fork. Wheels are not so big. So, only mountain bikes with 26” but with drop bars

- Edit: found a better resolution pic of the ad -

Indeed the dropouts look like they could be the scalloped ones Potts uses.



I was wondering what the head badge/sticker on the other bike is. Because of the lugged crown I was thinking early Moots or Mountain Goat, but neither of the logos seem to match.



Never heard of Jill Barr either, but I´m living under a stone. Apparently she makes an appearance in this rather excellent documentary:

So the name may not be just the product of imagination of an art director.

 

[Fatal Swan]

I was wondering what the head badge/sticker on the other bike is. Because of the lugged crown I was thinking early Moots or Mountain Goat, but neither of the logos seem to match.

My first thought looking at that head badge is Univega:

My first MTB was a '93ish Univega, with this head badge logo in white. And the forks look similar to me to the ones on these old drop bar Univegas (the one below is a Viva Sport)

 

[Dr Dremel]

My first thought looking at that is Univega:

Were they around in 1985? The ebay auction where I found a better pic claimes is from the 1985 NF catalogue

Vintage 1985 NORTH FACE JACKET APPAREL CLOTHING Print Ad 1980s | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage 1985 NORTH FACE JACKET APPAREL CLOTHING Print Ad 1980s at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Here´s the (straightened out) pic from the auction:

 

[Fatal Swan]

Were they around in 1985? The ebay auction where I found a better pic claimes is from the 1985 NF catalogue

Yes, and in the 70s even. Maybe something like this, modified with 26" wheels to allow for fat tyres?

1983 Univega Specialissima

Meaning “most special” in Italian, the Univega Specialissima was the company’s top grand touring model from the early to late 80’s. And for excellent reasons. Especially as …

simplicityvintagecycles.com

Univega Specialissima - Bike Forums

Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals. - Univega Specialissima - Through an acquaintance of someone I met, I have an opportunity to purchase one or two identical Specialissimas. They belonged to a deceased father and are stated as being in very good condition. I have some...

www.bikeforums.net

 

[manuelschafer]

"Guy" is Wes Williams of Willits and previously Ibis Cycles.
He rode a Ritchey with Potts fork early on and then his own custom Ibis from 85 onwards

 

[BOBU]

The guy's bike defo looks like Marin Rockstar forks. As for the marketing niche on these machines the "Rubble Racer" [Copyright Bobu, all future uses should be referred through my Samoan Attorney] to supercede any need for a gravel bike in the next marketing race....