1988 Doug Bradbury Manitou

I spent a little bit of time this weekend geting the 1988 DB Manitou read to for rebuild. I have to admit I got distracted when some Klein parts showed up and instead I ended up building up a Klein Attitude, so not as much progress on the DBM as I would have liked, but it's a start.

The frame in question here is an 88 Doug Bradbury Manitou. As far as I can tell 88 was the first year of  what one can call production in Doug's shop in Crested Butte. He definitely made bikes in 87, but things didn't seem to get started in earnest until 1988. I think his official catalog came out in 88 and starting in that year you could get the whole frame, fork, wheels and stem package coupled with his unique frame details we all talk about today. Anyways, this post is not meant to describe the frame and it's characteristics in extreme detail, but simply start the process. I'm lucky enough to have an example of Doug's work from 88, 89 and 90 and I hope to dedicate several threads to discussing in as much detail as I can muster the differences and progression of the Manitou across the early years. Maybe I spin off an website wholly dedicated to Doug's early work.

On to the pics:

That taller top tube to head tube gusset is characteristic of the very early frames, later ones had a shorter gusset that went back further on back on the top tube.

This early Manitou lacks the stiffener bridge between both the chain and seat stays commonly found on the later frames.

Due to the size of the frame not a lot of room was available for the rear brake setup requiring a modified straddle brake hanger.

Oversize 90mm bottom bracket shell, became a standard feature on Manitous in the years to come.

Very cool rear entry drop outs. Shimano 600 rear derailleur was a good choice if you wanted to run a compact spread rear freewheel (as this bike did), the short cage XT didn't come until 1992 or 1993.

This frame came features front and rear roller cam mounts and came equipped with IRD progressive u-brakes.