Even though in today’s mountain bike world the bikes are better, the clothing more appropriate, and there are more trails to ride, there’s no denying the early 90s were the Golden Age of Mountain Biking. Just look at these fellas, and tell me I’m wrong.
Tomac knew what was up. You don’t get such a badass Rainbow Jersey by accident, and his year in the bands (’92) was probably the last time the jersey looked that good. Plain black shorts, white socks, back flat as a pancake. And who else would you expect to be the first to rock a Troy Lee paint job on their helmet?
Tinker, well he’s a man unto himself. Probably the crowd favourite on the strength of recognition, being the only dreadlocked Hispanic riding a fluoro green or purple bike at the time making him easy to spot. That and his cadence, crunching the big ring where others, even Tomac and Ned, feared to tread. Legend has it that Tinker would fill a backpack with the biggest rocks he could find then set off into the mountains for a six hour training ride. Even if it’s an urban myth, the fact that it’s an urban myth about Tinker makes it more than a bit plausible.
Gumwall tyres, polished silver rims, colour matched forks, Campa… Campa? Multicoloured Sidis, Tinker made it all work. Even the Etto helmet looked good on him. Tomac was arguably the most Rule Compliant mountain biker ever. Even with limited resources to work with, these guys set the bar. Not many have reached it since.
[dmalbum path=”/velominati.com/content/Photo Galleries/brettok@velominati.com/tinkertomes/”/]
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
Those black Time shoes Tomac's wearing in many of the pics? I had a pair with corresponding pedals. Weighed about 5 pounds each. Still got 'em.
Saw him at a downhill outside Bloomington, IN in the mid 90s. Missy Giove was there too - she was a total badass.
A Golden Age to be sure.
I have a pair of those multi-colored Sidi shoes for the road and the plastic bits have cracked, making them impossible to use. Argh, they're so damn nice, I'm holding out hope of finding someone who can repair them.
An Italian cobbler?...
The Time shoes had laces covered by a stretchy flap that zipped up one side. I think they're still in good shape - I'll check tonight.
I had those Tioga shorts, until I destroyed them in a massive crash. Worth it. Tomac is also the reason I've always run Manitou forks.
Shot #11 up top. I had that exact Sony Walkman (still do actually). Musta paid a months wages to get it too. All thanks to the radness that's Tinker.
@scaler911
Slash may have gotten his look from Tinker -- never be in a photo without your hat (helmet) on. Slash probably had a Walkman too.
That lead phone makes it look like Tinker is using a tumpline to carry his gear.
Picture #12 begs for a rule regarding MTB suspension. The amount of suspension required is inversely proportional to the amount of testicular fortitude possessed by the rider. If you need 6" on both ends there is room for only one tiny testicle, whereas anyone sending boulder drops on a few inches up front immediately confirms their mastery of rule V.
Tiker, not only a legend himself, was riding that brand of bikes, that is not even needed to mention. THE BRAND of bikes, the one and only. That bikes that featured details that only 20 years after, current frame design are catching up with...
The gods indeed...
@Joey
Sorry, but i beg to differ.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jilqCro2MVU