1993 Mantis Pro-Floater
The Mantis Pro-Floater was one of the first full suspension frames that actually worked. It featured a MacPherson strut suspension directly driving a Noleen coil shock with hydraulic damping, resulting in less than 3 inches of travel. The availability of the bikes was limited at the time because Mantis had difficulty keeping up with demand, using various contract manufacturers to construct the later frames. As good as the suspension was at the time, the rear ends had a lot of lateral flex and relied on the shock for some of the rigidity. The aluminum swingarms also tended to crack on the right side near the pivot. The early frames had a chrome plated steel strut such as this one. This bike resided in Southern California for many years, as reflected in the after-market build.
The Build
Year: 1993
S/N: SL180138 Frame: Mantis Pro-Floater Fork: Rock Shox Judy SL with AC Crown Stem: Answer ATAC Headset: Shimano XT Cartridge Bottom Bracket: Mantis Cartridge Bearing Handlebar: Answer Hyperlite Shifters: Shimano XTR M900 Front Derailleur: Shimano XTR M900 Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR M900 Brake Levers: Shimano XTR M900 Front Brake: Pauls CrossStop Rear Brake: Pauls CrossStop Crankset: Grafton Speed Sticks Chainrings: Shimano XTR 26-36-46 Pedals: Shimano XT M737 Hubs: Ringle Super Bubba Rims: Mavic 217 SUP Tires: Panaracer Smoke Wheel QR: Ringle Cam Twist Seatpost: Syncros ProPost Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Grips: Scott AT Cogs: Tioga Titanium Chain: Shimano HG Barends: Titanium from Dave Wiens |
                       |
