We’re from Vienna and got into this niche in 2019, after we bought an old 1991 GT Avalanche and fixed it up. That quickly escalated into an obsession and now all our friends ride bikes we built. We just do this in our spare time.
Why rebuild mountainbikes?
Mountainbikes in the ’90s weren’t as specialized as they are today. They were much closer to road bikes, but with better brakes, clearance for wider tires, and easier gearing for hills.
We like to reimagine ’90s MTBs as a balanced mix between a commuter and a gravel bike, that is also fun to take on bikepacking journeys as well as light singletrack. If you’re limited to just one bike for some reason, a 26-Inch MTB from the ’90s is likely a sensible choice.
Why choose 26-inch wheels?
Wide 26-inch tires have almost the same outer diameter as narrow road tires, but a larger percentage of that diameter is made of rubber and air. That means you get almost the same rollover abilities but with more grip, more control and more comfort. Cobble stones and tram rails are no longer obstacles on city commutes, and gravel roads become a blast to ride on. Compared to modern 29-inch mountainbike wheels, 26-inch wheels are also noticably easier to accelerate and provide a more spritely ride feel. It’s a myth that bigger wheels roll faster.
What makes steel bikes great?
Steel is real. You don’t have to be a purist when it comes to materials, but with 30-year-old frames trust steel over carbon and alloy any day. Steel has a long history in framebuilding, while the best ways to use carbon and alloys were still being figured out in the ’90s. It’s a sustainable choice, as it can also be easily modified and repaired anywhere in the world.
Why choose rigid forks over suspension?
Rigid forks save weight, reduce complexity and offer a more direct ride feel. I love a good suspension fork but in my opinion there’s no need for them on bikes that don’t get ridden fast on dirt. Wide tires help with traction and comfort and don’t need maintenance. An article covering this topic in detail is coming soon.
Who took the photos?
Most of the photos were taken by the brilliant Anna Breit.
What does ‘Billo’ mean?
‘Billo’ is German slang for ‘cheap’ and ‘trashy’.
Billo Bikes 