In 1981 mountain biking was just developing. Special MTB parts were barely existant. That’s why you can recognize many components from other cycling sport disciplines on early mountain bikes. For example, note the one-piece crankset and pedals. These were usually seen on BMX bikes, as well as the caliper brakes (also called side pull brakes), which had to be long enough to fit around the balloon tires. Also note the special tabs on the seatstays near the rear brakes, for sturdiness and stability.

The frame, fork and thumb shifters are 'borrowed' from the road or touring bicycle. Shift levers were originally located on the down tube, but were adapted for the handlebars of a touring bike long before the advent of the mountain bike. This is a ten speed bike with two chainrings, like most road bikes at the time.

You could say that the one-piece handlebar/stem combination is one of the first parts developed specifically for the MTB. This type of handlebar is called Moose or Bullmoose.

Looking at today’s MTBs, you will think twice before you dive into the terrain on this bike…

On a special sticker, Murray proudly announces to be the official manufacturer of the US cycling team bikes for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. In reality, they had no idea what professional riders needed and the work was left to American frame builder Ben Serotta.