Back in the late 80’s, our sport was in its infancy. I guess In those days I never knew about singletrack, I was riding blissfuly down my block on a single speed Pirhana. I’m only 24 now so, I don’t really remember what other people were riding back then. That’s why the guys over at First Flight Bicycles have created an online database of vintage rides, complete with pics, specs and other info.

Check out this 1982 Specialized Stumpjumper… originally hailed the “first production mountain bike.”

Apparently front suspension was available in ‘89, unbeknownst to me before today. Check out the Brave Warrior…

Dan Hanebrink was ahead of the game in 1987 when he introduced his SE Shocker, a bike with rear suspension. Check it!

The rear linkage was definitely innovative for the time period.

Well the bottom line is, I wish I’d known about this stuff 18 years ago… I’d be in much better shape today. Actually, wait…I got my Pirhana when I was about 10 so… in 1987 I was still riding around on my big wheel. LOL…. those were the days….

Check out the Mountain Bike Museum section of the site…. there’s tons of info there to keep you entertained for hours… I’m still browsing myself.