Table of Contents
Mantis Cycles
Richard Cunningham started making bikes in 1981 and founded Mantis Cycles a year later in 1982 1), creating many unusual bike designs.
He was also a long time editor of both Mountain Bike Action and pinkbike.
I did all the welding on those frames, often while speaking on the telephone with customers. Richard Cunningham theproscloset
R.C. in the “Ranchita Verde”, the Mantis delivery vehicle.
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 Sherpa secondspincycles
1983 Mantis XCR
Fillet brazed XCR, one of only a few made.
1983 XCR 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.
1984 XCR secondspincycles
1985 XCR
Composite frame.
1985 XCR mtbr
1987 Valkyrie
The Mantis Valkyrie. Simply stunning.
1987 Valkyrie secondspincycles
1988 Valkyrie
The first elevated chainstay bicycle. This was quickly followed by the Yeti Ultimate and the Nishiki Alien2)
1988 Valkyrie flickr
1989 Valkyrie
Non-original, upgraded parts which work well. And a great paint job.
1989 Valkyrie mombat
1990 Valkyrie theproscloset
More Mantii
A bit beyond the current timeline. Some of Mantis' most famous creations.
1992 Valkyrie EC mombat
EC := elevated chainstay
1993 Pro Floater mombat
1996 Screaming V mombat
Production Notes
[1]. Early production numbers unknown. They are not extremely rare, but all are very collectible. Only 10 1983 fillet XCRs made. secondspincycles
[2]. Produced 500 frames per year in the late 1980's. pinkbike