We’ve got all the usual suspects in today’s edition, but what really cranks up the stoke is our special feature: The Glory Days: 5 Retro Downhill Bikes That Defined ‘Send It.’ Get ready for a nostalgia-fueled trip down memory lane with some of the most iconic rigs to ever grace the trails. Sit back, grab a coffee, and enjoy the ride!👇
788 words of pure stoke.
Read time: 2 min 46 seconds.
Photo of the Day
Jono Jones getting that good light (and properly sideways) in Whales.
📷 Samantha Saskia Dugon behind the lens.
Video of the Day
Gabriel Wibmer just dropped his 2024 highlight reel, and it’s 4 minutes of pure wizardry on two wheels. Seriously, it’s like he made a deal with some sketchy mountain bike sorcerer.
Only have 10 seconds? Watch 1:42. HOW?!
Send of the Day
Antoine Bizet threw down an oppo cork 7 aboard his Rampage bike from 2016. Damn.
The Glory Days: 5 Retro Downhill Bikes That Defined 'Send It'
Ah, downhill mountain biking in the early days: when frames were overbuilt, suspension was more of a suggestion, and geometry was basically just "hold on and hope."
It was a time of questionable tire widths, clunky chain guides, and neon paint jobs so loud they could double as a rave invitation.
But oh, the memories! Here's a look at five retro downhill bikes that helped shape the sport—whether they were glorious, terrifying, or just plain weird.
The GT Lobo (1996)
The GT Lobo was a masterpiece of its time. Carbon fiber before it was cool, a linkage fork up front, and anodized parts. It had a whopping 4 inches of rear travel. Back then, that was practically a couch. If you didn’t own one, you either envied your friend who did or tried to convince yourself that your fully rigid was just as good.
Specialized Big Hit (2001)
The Big Hit had style, but it also had a 24-inch rear wheel, which meant good luck finding replacement tires in 2025. Specialized claimed it offered better handling, but let’s be honest—it was mostly just so you could feel cool explaining it to your buddies. The Big Hit was built to survive bike park abuse, occasional crashes, and the wrath of your local mechanic.
Intense M1 (1995)
The M1 was one of the first frames to incorporate a multi-link suspension design, it set the benchmark for performance and innovation in the late '90s. The M1’s precision handling and plush rear suspension gave riders an edge on technical descents, and its sleek, aggressive design turned heads both on and off the track
Kona Stab Dee-Lux (1999)
The Stab Dee-Lux was the tank of downhill bikes, with massive aluminum tubing and a head angle so slack it might as well have been a recliner. This bike was built to withstand hucks to flat, cases, and crashes that would end a lesser bike.
Orange 222 (1999)
The Orange 222 was the essence of British engineering: no frills, no nonsense, and absolutely no regard for your dental work if you bottomed out. It had a single-pivot design that looked like it was built in a high school shop class, but man, did it work.
Alright now we have to hear from the senders. Give us your vote👇
Which retro dream ride is your favorite?
GT Lobo (1996)
Specialized Big Hit (2001)
Intense M1 (1995)
Kona Stab Dee-Lux (1999)
Orange 222 (1999)
Dream Rides ❤️
Matt Jones rolled up to Red Bull Hardline Tasmania last week with a fresh-out-the-box Marin Quake, and boy, this thing is so clean it makes your toothbrush look lazy.
Sadly, it's about to get a Hardline style makeover which is just a fancy way of saying covered in dust. RIP to that showroom shine.
Got a bike that makes your friends drool? We wanna see it! Shoot us an email at editorial@thesenditdaily.com, and maybe your ride will be the next superstar.
Trail of the Day
SuperG - Sentiers du Moulin, Quebec
Alright, let me paint the picture for you. SuperG is like the French croissant of enduro trails—flaky, buttery smooth, and absolutely delightful from top to bottom.
This 1-kilometer masterpiece lets you drop in from the summit and shred your way to the base without so much as a single pedal stroke.
It's all about flow, with perfectly sculpted berms, jumps that make you feel like a superhero, and the kind of rhythm that leaves you grinning ear to ear.
Laugh of the Day
Been there done that 😂
That’s all for today folks. Hope everyone gets some saddle time today. See you all tomorrow! 🤙
For the ❤️ of two wheels.
We write The Send It Daily Monday - Friday (we’re out riding on the weekends). We do not proofread our material before sending and did not get A’s in English.
Our mission is simple: To advocate and bring awareness to the athletes that Send It and the media teams that capture it.
If you’re looking to feature content on The Send It Daily, reach out to editorial@thesenditdaily.com.
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