1989 Marin Eldridge Grade
1990 Marin Eldridge Grade
You have probably noticed that we have a number of mountain bikes from the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s in our museum collection. You’re probably wondering what’s special about this one.
Well, nothing in particular. This is just a nice bike made out of Tange steel tubing, outfitted with Shimano Deore and Deore LX parts. The rims were made by the French Wolber company, a dominant brand in the 1980’s rim and tire market (Wolber‘s rim division was purchased by Mavic in the 1990’s and Wolber tires became Michelin tires).
Marin’s bike offerings from 30 years ago were primarily about value, the frame design ideas of the month, and colors that were on trend.
Rigid front fork
Deore thubshifters
American made
Wolber AT18 rim
Deore LX parts
Tange steel
So there’s nothing super special about this bike. What’s the deal?
We like the paint scheme on this one.
High-tech bikes in this era were usually made out of carbon fiber or aluminum tubing that was glued into cast aluminum lugs. The black carbon tubes were typically left bare to show off the carbon fabric weave, and the lugs were painted or polished. Specialized had the Allez, Trek made the 2300, There were bikes from Look, TVT, Vitus, Bridgestone and Colnago all in this style.
Pretty similar…
Style Icon?
This bike is made out of TIG-welded steel. We think it’s awesome that the paint job on this bike was either meant to fit in with the cool kids that were made out of bonded carbon fiber, or it was a deliberate attempt to fool consumers.