I’ve always loved these bikes:
They’re a natural evolution from the lugged steel frames of the 60s-80s. Among bike enthusiasts, this is often recognized as a very 90s thing. The best the 90s had to offer. Unfortunately, they are not exactly becoming more common. Their component compatibility, increasingly obsolete. But I gotta have one.
If I’m going to make a 90s bike frame, I also want to capture the general ridiculousness of the 90s. Obnoxious colors, the novelty of personal computers drove what I imagine to be the 90s aesthetic. We do this because we can.
What I want to do is weld up a few of those lugs from steel and epoxy carbon tubing between them. To appropriate the 90s further, I want to paint each of the steel sections a cataract inducing color.
To further drive the message home, I’m gonna come up with a brand (I have a few ideas) and sticker the name/brand on with the most vulgar 90s graphic design styles possible.
Technical Improvements
- Modern standards: 135mm hub, threadless headset, 29er tire clearance, disc brake tab, 31.8mm seatpost…
- Geometry: Based on modern advancements in comfort and handling.
- Materials/Manufacture: UV resistant epoxy (resists yellowing), larger steel/carbon surface area
Aesthetic “Improvements”
- Shameless appropriation of 90s neon colors and brush font.
Potential Shortcomings
- Safety. One off carbon fiber frame will need to be continuously monitored and inspected for delamination, cracking and buckling.
- Weight. To address safety, overbuild everything.
- Steel headtube. Looks less cool. The headtube and the area around it is the most catastrophic point of failure.
4 Comments. Leave new
I really love the idea to use 90s graphic design aesthetic. Reminds me of the show Saved by the Bell. I didn’t see much of this aesthetic in your final project. Despite its absence of 90s style, it was an amazing project. Obviously, a lot of time, effort and passion went into the creation if it.
Interesting that we both drew influences from 90’s retro cycling but with very different materials. I think it’s because we are re-embracing older methods/technologies from what is a more modern design. Also 90’s colors fit bikes all too well.
[…] It’s all been done before, just probably not in this combination. I’ve written an inspiration piece […]
Albert this sounds freaking sweet! The thought that you have put into technical improvements is great and I know that your project is gonna turn out well. Your post was also fun to read and I enjoy the passion you have for making this aesthetic stand out!