I always wondered what it was going to feel like to look back at my old mountain bikes and bike photos. Recently I have done this and am reminded of how things have progressed…a lot!! in 10 years. Wow…it kinda makes me feel old. On my last trip back to Australia I found some pics I had taken (or had been taken of me) on my first full suspension downhill race machine!!! It was a Specialized FSR Comp circa 1999 complete with Manitou Xvert Triple clamp forks( an upgrade).If i remember correctly this bike cost $2850.oo Australian….oh my how things have changed. Over the years I added some sweet custom upgrades including DMR 3 piece cranks, Azonic stem (probably 60mm down from 90mm stock!), Tioga Factory DH tires and eventually a Rockshox Psylo fork once the Manitou crapped itself!! This did little  to affect the steep head angle of the bike, budget rear shock, the vague sensation of braking offered by my super sweet Avid v brakes but it was still rad and i had so much fun learning on it.

I even found some early racing photos, note the sweet builds and awesome style! So kids, think yourself lucky.Your first downhill bike is 10 times better than anything the previous generation use to ride….NO EXCUSES!!!!!!

Enjoy these gems.

                 Sweet endo!.. Callum gettin rad on his Giant Hardtail

                      Me ripping our local DH run…35 seconds of awesome suburban downhill.

           Showing some style!!…nice!

                    This was my first downhill helmet..Netti fullface…also my first jersey.$2.00 button up from the thrift store.

                              Callum getting wicked on the Woralla jumps.

                                                   These shots are from a junior race at Mt Buller circa 1999. I didn’t own a full face at the time and had to rent a moto lid from the shop on the hill…rocking no style.

            Granton race.It snowed…wtf!!!! Lost all braking power care of v brakes and had to zip tie my grips on to stop them from sliding off, no chainguide..no worries!…race kinda sucked, i’m not going to lie.

                                        Part of  a Victoria race series. Went to watch this event. Narrow bars and style for miles…Hope he’s had his Weet-Bix!!!