1991 Mantis Flying V
The radical looking Mantis Flying V first appeared in 1990 and was featured on the cover of the October issue of Mountain Bike Action magazine. Although the chromed rear end was slightly different than the Mantis XCR-EC, it continued the mix-material, elevated chainstay concept. Rather than using tubular aluminum, the front end of the frame was created using a monocoque technique. Two pressed aluminum sheet metal halves were welded together around their perimeter, with the incorporation of a traditional seattube and an encapsulated headtube. The three control cables were strung together on the right side of the frame, appearing like the strings of an electric guitar. This particular bike is built with a complete Shimano XTR M900 component group with a 39 piece SRP titanium bolt kit. The Manitou fork has aftermarket titanium stanchion and steerer tubes.
The Build
Year: 1991
S/N: VL180638 Frame: Mantis Flying V Fork: Manitou M1 with MRC Titanium Tubes Stem: American Bicycle Manufacturing Headset: Shimano XTR M900 Bottom Bracket: Shimano XTR M900 Handlebar: Titanium Bulge Shifters: Shimano XTR M900 Front Derailleur: Shimano XTR M900 Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR M900 Brake Levers: Shimano XTR M900 Front Brake: Shimano XTR M900 Rear Brake: Shimano XTR M900 Crankset: Shimano XTR M900 Chainrings: Shimano XTR M900 26-36-46 Pedals: Shimano XT M737 Hubs: Shimano XTR M900 Rims: Mavic 231 Tires: Ritchey Z-Max Red or Black Compound Wheel QR: Shimano XTR M900 Seatpost: Shimano XTR Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Grips: ATI Neutron Cogs: Shimano XTR M900 Chain: Sachs Bottle Cages: Ringle H2O |
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