1990: YETI C-26 (in the photo above)
The C-26 combined aerodynamics and lightweight construction at a time when heavy, unsprung steel bikes were still the measure of all things. Thin-walled aluminium tubes, encased in carbon, connected with sleeves, plus a steel rear triangle, a rubber bumper fork from Manitou and racing handlebars - that's how superstar John Tomac raced down the CC and DH tracks of the first MTB World Championships in 1990. Because the glued joints were lousy, only five to ten of the originally planned 50 frames were produced. According to the myth, employees stole tubes and sleeves and secretly built their own frames. A collector recently paid 15,000 dollars for a C-26, which is the icon par excellence.
1993: Hanebrink E/T
For the former aerospace engineer Dan Hanebrink, thinking boxes and categories were too narrow. He only wanted one thing: to roll over everywhere without getting off. Even snow and desert sand couldn't stop the E/T with hand-carved tubeless tyres. It was the first fat bike in history - and two decades ahead of its time.
1996: Hot Chilli Warp 9.3
As if a motocross machine had been paired with a mountain bike: the Warp 9.3 shocked the scene with its radical, uncompromising style. It marked the final separation of downhill sport from classic biking. A bike designed solely for downhill riding - for pure, naked speed. The suspension travel: 200 millimetres. Unbelievable at the time.
2001: Gary Fisher Supercal29
It is not known exactly why. But in 1999, accessory manufacturer WTB produced twelve tyres in the previously completely unknown size of 29 inches. The experimental MTB pioneer Gary Fisher was given a set and had a bike made for the tyres. The Supercal29 hit the shops in 2001. Many smiled at the exotic bike. It wasn't until almost ten years later that twentyniners made their breakthrough.
Extract from Test BIKE 4/2002 - Gary Fisher Supercal29: "When you sit on it, you get the feeling that you've shrunk in size. In fact, the large rollers roll effortlessly over roots and obstacles."
2004: Honda RN01
Hardly any other bike is surrounded by so many myths and rumours: from 2004 to 2007, Honda ran a downhill team that included Greg Minnaar. The motorbike manufacturer was all about experimentation. The gearbox was so secret that the mechanics removed it in the evening and took it back to their room. In 2005, two RN01s were stolen in Willingen. Bad luck for the thieves: as usual, the gearboxes were stored elsewhere.
You can find this article in BIKE 9/2019. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
