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.
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@Zman
Should state "Harden the fuck up "when" you ride your bike." or "Shut the fuck up "while" you ride your bike."
@unversio
Then again "wait while" has a completely different meaning in Yorkshire where the signs at level crossings that say "Wait while red lights flash" could have the exact opposite effect to that intended.
@Zman
Errr . . . hate to burst your wee bubble, but look at the pic of Tomac in the first picture: he has spent considerable time in the barber's chair getting it cut and styled just so . . . Clearly, Mr Tomac did have what he considered the "correct haircut."
@wiscot Every two weeks I have what is referred to as "race cut" to make sure the helmet feels right -- and looks right. Shabby hair leads to shabby kit, shoes, legs, tactics, performance, speed... keep your head tuned up.
@Zman You had me lost after fashion.
I read it again and got as far as the bit about having the correct haircut, which is so wrong. Have you ever tries gelling your hair to look like this?
Anyway, haircuts are irrelevant if you've got the right retro cap or Belgian winter hat (obviously the Rapha versions of those are just as good).
@unversio
Exactly.
@unversio
This is my happening and it FREAKS ME OUT!
@frank
Here's a version where they show the commentators:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KZV7zfMGTg
@Chris
exactly
even on the mtn bike, even tho its singlespeed rigid style, i always ride proper, now in 3/4 bib knickers, and cap under helmet, arm warmers when appropriate
however, lets be clear, there is something totally refreshing about throwing the mtn bikes in the back of your rig, running like kiddo's to the woods/trails, and playing all day, meeting up with friends and kicking one another around. Its carefree. If theres mud, its better, vs the cleaner the better road ride. It helps me regain my love for all things bipedicular to just let it go for a while and not worry about the grit and grime