What is the worst MTB ever made?

kwijbyo187 · Jan 22, 2025

My votes go toward the Klein Mantra and the Klein Palomino.

Both had awful suspension platforms as well as really bad performance and looks.

Bikedog22 · Jan 22, 2025

Any URT and any company that doesn't use industry standards.

twowheelmotion · Jan 22, 2025

Bikedog22 said:
Any URT

Just. This.

Tree_magnet · Jan 22, 2025

The $300 "full suspension" Vortex I purchased from Costco in 2002....completely destroyed that POS in under 4 months. The only positive was it created an addiction that involved the immediate purchase of an Ano Citrus Santa Cruz Blur in early 2003, subsequently a Scattante road bike for race training, a Blur II, a 26" Scott Spark, a 29" Spark 900SL, several Looks (585 & 586's), and one month ago a 2024 S-Works Stumpjumper T-Type. The CEO doesn't know it yet, but come hell or high water, a new Spark 900 (120/120) is going to find it's way into a very crowed garage sometime this year.

Bikedog22 · Jan 22, 2025

You know what I don't like? Bottom brackets that need a proprietary wrench. If I can't use my Park tool I'm moving on. Provide the wrench if you have to be special. I'm not buying it separately.

Loll · Jan 22, 2025

From aesthetic perspective, Marin R3ACT 2Play Mount Vision from 2019 was an eye sore. Ride well? Looked hella ugly that it actually hurt the sale.

Mount Vision 9

2020 Mount Vision 9

www.marinbikes.com

FoShizzle · Jan 22, 2025

I dont know about the worst, but the best, hands down, was a 2001 Ellsworth Truth

TylerVernon · Jan 22, 2025

FatboyFarleyFuse1977 · Jan 22, 2025

I had 6200 miles on my 1997 Trek Y bike, that thing was awesome! It got beat to hell on trails, urban assault, a hint of trials, Iceman 2000…but compared to a real FS bike in modern times, it’s a joke. I built up a 1998 “updated frame” Y-33, it’s pretty much garage art next to my new Stumpjumper Expert!

FatboyFarleyFuse1977 · Jan 22, 2025

TylerVernon said:
View attachment 2130341

Slingshots seemed to be huge for XC racing, in Michigan, of course. 😄🚴

Curveball · Jan 22, 2025

kwijbyo187 said:
My votes go toward the Klein Mantra and the Klein Palomino.

Both had awful suspension platforms as well as really bad performance and looks. View attachment 2130335 View attachment 2130336

It's hard to argue against the Klein trebuchet.

Maybe that very early Trek FS bike with the weird rear arm?

.WestCoastHucker. · Jan 22, 2025

Curveball said:
Maybe that very early Trek FS bike with the weird rear arm?

what, you don't like suspension that goes as far side to side as it does up and down?

twowheelmotion · Jan 22, 2025

Klein Mantra was the worst bike ever.

But that Synchros and XT with the 737s on that Slingshot build. XOXO.

127.0.0.1 · Jan 23, 2025

SouthSoundRider · Jan 23, 2025

twowheelmotion · Jan 23, 2025

SouthSoundRider said:
View attachment 2130345

smartyiak · Jan 23, 2025

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a billionty: Fisher/Trek Y. Calling them “trash” is an insult to garbage.

twowheelmotion · Jan 23, 2025

Is the slingshot considered URT?

Weinerts · Jan 23, 2025

... I don't think anything is the worst, the Klein was wicked - but like riding a couch on the flats... I will vote for the 100lb mountain bike knockoffs that were produced (and still are) that get people hurt because of crap quality.
Looking at you Kent and other Walmart braded items.... (Robot or human?)

The Klein Mantra was a terrible idea - but well made with love by someone. Even their hardtails beat the heck out of you TBH, but I will always love them because they are awesome.

Weinerts · Jan 23, 2025

I think the slingshot is an Unattached rear triangle.. I still want one if any wants to trade a ZhI trials bike for it.

What is the worst MTB ever made?

kwijbyo187

Bikedog22

twowheelmotion

Tree_magnet

Bikedog22

Loll

Mount Vision 9

FoShizzle

TylerVernon

FatboyFarleyFuse1977

FatboyFarleyFuse1977

Curveball

.WestCoastHucker.

twowheelmotion

127.0.0.1

SouthSoundRider

twowheelmotion

smartyiak

twowheelmotion

Weinerts

Weinerts

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