Down The Trail
30 Years Ago In MBA
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30 Years Ago In MBA
In-depth tests of mountain bikes (over 50 bikes a year), components, riding gear, and much much more!
Back in the 1990s, the Cactus Cup was the first big mountain event of the year for most of North America. In fact, it was such a big event that top racers flew in from as far away as Europe and Australia to take part in it. The racers included Olympic gold medalists, world champions, […]
Check out the cover of MBA’s first issue from July 1986
Danny MacAskill impressed the crowd with his skills at the Crankworx festival in Whistler, Canada, on July 23, 2011. (Photo by Mike Wirth)
Seems like it was yesterday
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Aliens Have Landed!
The Roaring 90’s
In looking back at the bikes from those days, one thing that stands out now is that nearly all the bikes were completely rigid with no suspension,…
Our November 1989 issue came out at a time when almost all mountain bikes were still rigid, 26-inch-wheel models. The term “hardtail” wasn’t even being used yet.
Jimmy Deaton’s new challenge is not about speed
Way back in our October 1989 issue, we took a hard look at the rise of elevated-chainstay bikes, a trend that was catching on big 30 years ago.
Down The Trail
Look what you missed
Where We Came From
Looking Back 30 Years
Looking Back 20 Years
One Sweet Deal
The Specialized FSR XC took center stage on our March 1999 cover
Looking Back 20 Years
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How much things have changed in 30 years
Good Old Days
Looking Back 20 Years
Mountain Bike Champions
In 1987, there were two races billed as the Mountain Bike World Championships. One took place in Europe, and the next one took place at Mammoth Mountain, California, the following weekend. As it turned out, Ned Overend won both the European and American World Champion titles in the Men’s Cross-Country category that year. Ned also […]
Diamond Back was one of the most popular BMX brands in the country, and they were apparently eager to capitalize on their popularity as mountain biking exploded in the the 1980s. Suntour was one of the most popular drivetrain systems in 1988. Haro Designs was famous for its creative approach to marketing and advertising. This […]
Where it all began