I owned an all-original 1999 Bontrager Privateer mountain bike, in red, yellow, and green "rasta" colors.
It was a great bike. The components work terrifically, and it was light and fun to ride. Compared to a more recent hard tail bike, the bars were way low compared to the seat. I could deal, being used to a road bike, and not having any other bikes around to compare it with.
Here's a parts list:
rims: Bontrager
hubs: Bontrager
handlebars and grips: Bontrager
seatpost and seat: Bontrager
stem: Bontrager
pedals: Bontrager
front tire: Bontrager
rear tire: Panaracer Fire XC Comp
brakes: Avid V-brakes
fork: Rock Shox Judy XC (Which, according to the manual, is supposed to be serviced every 9 hours of riding. Heh.)
cranks: Shimano Deore LX
shifters: Shimano Deore LX
derailleurs: Shimano Deore LX
The frame was handmade in the USA of True Temper OX 2 steel tubing, which is also made in the USA. I believe, though, that by 1999 Trek had bought Bontrager and it was Trek who made this frame. Also, in 1999, "rasta" colors still seemed pretty hip, I guess. They were actually kind of played out, but maybe bike designers were a few years behind the cutting edge.
Frame dimensions:
top tube c-c: 597 mm
chainstay (dropout center to bb shell edge): 406 mm
bottom bracket to ground, loaded (sprung fork): 279 mm
I had fun riding the Privateer. I only rode it in one place, Cunningham Park, which is about 12 miles from my house along local streets. It's not the greatest ride out there, but once I got there the paths are a lot of fun. Narrow, twisty paths. Lots of roots, but not too many loose stones, and if I go during work hours, not too many people. Being an urban park, Cunningham has its share of beer cans and broken glass as well.
The bouncy fork took some getting used to. Especially because my posture was so far forward (because of the low bars), hard braking, when the front dips, gave me the sensation that I was about to go over the handlebars. Also, there is was strange sensation when the front end dipped into a hard turn. I can't say I altogether liked that sensation.
Maybe if I make a mountain bike, it will be rigid. I always think this to myself as I am riding to the trail. Then, once I get to the trail, I am very glad that I have suspension! I watch the front wheel bouncing over rocks and roots and I think, I would be absorbing all of that with my arms. I know that some forks are adjustable. Maybe I will try those some day.
For now, I am still learning to mountain bike.
This bike was sold to a serviceman in Mokena, Illinois in November of 2011.