---- ===== Mantis Cycles ===== Richard Cunningham started making bikes in 1981 and founded Mantis Cycles a year later in 1982 (([[https://mmbhof.org/richard-cunningham/|mmbhof]])), creating many unusual bike designs. \\ \\ He was also a long time editor of both [[https://mbaction.com/|Mountain Bike Action]] and [[https://www.pinkbike.com/|pinkbike]].

I did all the welding on those frames, often while speaking on the telephone with customers. Richard Cunningham [[https://www.theproscloset.com/blogs/mtn-bikes/1990-mantis-valkyrie|theproscloset]]

{{ranchita.jpg?440|Ranchita Verde}} \\ R.C. in the "Ranchita Verde", the Mantis delivery vehicle. \\ [[https://www.pinkbike.com/photo/18144508/|pinkbike]]

---- ===== 1982 Mantis Sherpa ===== Beautifully fillet brazed, with an very nice double crowned fork, it looked like a Ritchey from a distance. The filed fillets, custom stems and dishless rear wheels set it apart as uniquely Mantis. \\ \\ Mantis also produced a TIG welded version of the Sherpa called the Overland.

{{1982.jpg?300|1982 Sherpa}} \\ 1982 Sherpa [[https://www.secondspincycles.com/1982-83-mantis-sherpa/|secondspincycles]]

---- ===== 1983 Mantis XCR ===== Fillet brazed XCR, one of only a few made.

{{1983.jpg?300|1983 XCR}} \\ 1983 XCR [[https://www.secondspincycles.com/1983-mantis-xcr-2/|secondspincycles]]

---- ===== 1984 XCR ===== In 1984, Mantis introduced "composite" frames, with an aluminum main frame and a CroMo screwed and glued rear triangle. This was the beginning of many unusual frame designs which became Mantis' true trademark.

{{xcr.jpg?300|1984 XCR}} \\ 1984 XCR [[https://www.secondspincycles.com/1983-mantis-xcr-2/|secondspincycles]]

---- ===== 1985 XCR ===== Composite frame.

{{1985.jpg?300|1985 XCR}} \\ 1985 XCR [[https://www.mtbr.com/threads/mantis-xcr.284410/page-3|mtbr]]

---- ===== 1987 Valkyrie ===== **//The//** Mantis Valkyrie. Simply stunning.

{{1987.jpg?300|1987 Valkyrie}} \\ 1987 Valkyrie [[https://www.secondspincycles.com/mantis-valkyrie/|secondspincycles]]

---- ===== 1988 Valkyrie ===== The first //elevated chainstay// bicycle. This was quickly followed by the Yeti Ultimate and the Nishiki Alien((Richard Cunningham was a design consultant to Nishiki and had "Cunningham Design" stickers attached to many of their models, allowing his ideas to become mass produced.))

{{1988.jpg?300|1988 Valkyrie}} \\ 1988 Valkyrie [[https://www.flickr.com/photos/46195580@N03/albums/72157623896397009/|flickr]]

---- ===== 1989 Valkyrie ===== Non-original, upgraded parts which work well. And a great paint job.

{{1989.jpg?300|1988 Valkyrie}} \\ 1989 Valkyrie [[http://mombatbicycles.com/MOMBAT/Bikes/1989_Mantis_Valkyrie.html|mombat]]

---- ===== 1990 Valkyrie ===== Cool bike - but check out that Hite-Rite [[tech:post|dropper post]] with an IRD remote.

{{1990.jpg?300|1990 Valkyrie}} \\ 1990 Valkyrie [[https://www.theproscloset.com/blogs/mtn-bikes/1990-mantis-valkyrie|theproscloset]]

---- ===== More Mantii ===== A bit beyond the current timeline. Some of Mantis' most famous creations.

{{valkyrie.jpg?200|1992 Valkyrie}} \\ 1992 Valkyrie EC [[http://mombatbicycles.com/MOMBAT/Bikes/1992_Mantis_Valkyrie_Purple.html|mombat]] \\ EC := elevated chainstay

{{proflo.jpg?200|1993 Pro Floater}} \\ 1993 Pro Floater [[http://mombatbicycles.com/MOMBAT/Bikes/1993_Mantis_Pro_Floater_Red.html|mombat]]

{{scream.jpg?200|1996 Screaming V}} \\ 1996 Screaming V [[http://www.mombatbicycles.com/MOMBAT/Bikes/1996_Mantis_ScreamingV.html|mombat]]