It's an Indy Fab. Do you even need to think about this? Keep both bikes. N+1 is always right.
Vintage Hardtail Advice
Hi All,
I currently have a 1991 Gary Fisher Mt. Tam with a hodge podge of 7spd components - mostly not original, and a series 1 or 2 answer manitou fork that needs rebuilding. It's built for urban commuting, which is it's primary use (think potholes and cracked pavement).
I now have an opportunity to buy a non-disc Independent Fabrication hardtail that has 9spd XT with a more modern marzocchi fork and a front disc for probably a couple hundred more than I'd get for selling the Fisher.
I know that at the time, the Mt. Tam was the most expensive hardtail Fisher sold ($1900!) and still 29lbs, but I'm wondering how much of an upgrade (if any) going to the IF. Primary use will be urban commuting, with the occasional trail ride.
Any suggestions about whether to keep the Fisher or move to the IF?
I currently have a 1991 Gary Fisher Mt. Tam with a hodge podge of 7spd components - mostly not original, and a series 1 or 2 answer manitou fork that needs rebuilding. It's built for urban commuting, which is it's primary use (think potholes and cracked pavement).
I now have an opportunity to buy a non-disc Independent Fabrication hardtail that has 9spd XT with a more modern marzocchi fork and a front disc for probably a couple hundred more than I'd get for selling the Fisher.
I know that at the time, the Mt. Tam was the most expensive hardtail Fisher sold ($1900!) and still 29lbs, but I'm wondering how much of an upgrade (if any) going to the IF. Primary use will be urban commuting, with the occasional trail ride.
Any suggestions about whether to keep the Fisher or move to the IF?
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
Indy Fab all the way. I have a 2001 Fisher 29er that I love and use as a commuter but would consider replacing with an Indy Fab.
High end 1991 bike is 29#? Seems heavy. 7 speed? So quite the mix and match. My 91 Kona is < 25 with suspension fork. Those answer forks are older than 91, really museum pieces now.Indy Fab all the way. I have a 2001 Fisher 29er that I love and use as a commuter but would consider replacing with an Indy Fab.
The Indy with disc on front. Uh… sometimes people put bad forks on good bikes. I tried upgrading my Kona with a marzocci bomber with disc. Brake levers didn't match and geo was screwy. Was a mistake in my case, impossible to ride off-road no weight on front wheel.
I think it's better to buy a complete working nice bike. Ride the Indy and buy it if you like it. The prestige is in a bikes fit and road feel, not the brand.
You did not mention wheel size, or if you've experienced any modern bikes with modern geometry. For actual riding I'd want modern stuff. A modestly priced thoroughly modern bike is far more fun to ride in trails and works better than the classic old bikes we have including Fat Chance where IF sort of came from.Hi All,
I currently have a 1991 Gary Fisher Mt. Tam with a hodge podge of 7spd components - mostly not original, and a series 1 or 2 answer manitou fork that needs rebuilding. It's built for urban commuting, which is it's primary use (think potholes and cracked pavement).
I now have an opportunity to buy a non-disc Independent Fabrication hardtail that has 9spd XT with a more modern marzocchi fork and a front disc for probably a couple hundred more than I'd get for selling the Fisher.
I know that at the time, the Mt. Tam was the most expensive hardtail Fisher sold ($1900!) and still 29lbs, but I'm wondering how much of an upgrade (if any) going to the IF. Primary use will be urban commuting, with the occasional trail ride.
Any suggestions about whether to keep the Fisher or move to the IF?
I held out and kept my vintage stumpy HT for a longggg time. That was a mistake. Modern geometry and all the new jazz makes riding so much more fun. I wish I had had made the switch years ago.
Also, two words from a stubborn dude who always said: “I don’t need that new crap”
Dropper. Post.
Also, two words from a stubborn dude who always said: “I don’t need that new crap”
Dropper. Post.
Vintage bikes are fun to ride for the nostalgia. I enjoy riding them to the park with my kids, on mild singletrack once in a while, and for visual art. But even I have to agree with the above advice, they are not as much fun, from a performance perspective, as new bikes.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
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