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Rock Hopper Reclamation

Started by jcstilley · · Last activity · 6 posts · 3,129 views

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01 / Original postRock Hopper Reclamationjcstilley · 28 Dec 2012 02 / This pagePosts 1–6Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #6i12ride · 18 Feb 2013

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Original section
Mountain Bikes
Published
28 December 2012
Last activity
18 February 2013
Original author
jcstilley
Posts
6
Discussion status
Public discussion
Total views
3,129
Views / 30 days
0
Topics
Bike cleaningChainringsInner tubesRear derailleursReplacing chainringsTouring

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  1. Original post
    jcstilley
    Archived post
    #1

    About a month and a half ago I came across a Specialized Rock Hopper Sport that appears to be from the early 90's. Someone had left it on their curb for someone to take it away. So I figured, why not me? I've been looking to get into mountain biking and not wanting to spend an arm and a leg.

    Since I have this week off from work, I started some of the rehab work.

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    Yesterday morning, I replaced the inner tube on the rear tire and replaced both brake cables. Also cleaned the chain and the chainrings and the cassette. Cleaned the rear derailleur as well. In all cases, there was years of dirt and grease caked on the parts. It will take multiple cleanings to clean the cassette fully.

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    Today, it was time to polish the frame and the wheels. Both had suffered from years of neglect.
    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    Yes, a little bit of metal polish did the trick on the rims. And here's an example of what needed to be cleaned.
    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    Did I mention that the early 90's Rock Hoppers were cromoly frames? They were cromoly frames. 😉

    Long story short, the bike cleaned up pretty nice for being 20 years old. But the down side is that there will be some parts that need to be replaced.

    Like the crankset...
    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    I'll also most likely replace the chain. This morning I also added a couple of water bottle holders that I found at Wally World (Wal Mart for the non-Americans here) on clearance for about $4.00 each.

    I did take it for a test ride today and had a bit of a rough time shifting. But that was most likely because I was riding on a snow covered mountain trail. Where I am in the Nanny State of Minnesota we got a couple of inches of snow last night and into this morning.

    So, I'll be scouring ebay to try and find some cheap cranksets and maybe a chain. In the mean time, I'll be replacing the derailleur cables. Those also looked to be in pretty sorry shape.

    I'll keep ya posted as this progresses...

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  2. i12ride
    Archived post
    #2

    That's cool. I still have my '92 RockHopper Comp that I bought new. First bike I got when getting back into riding back then. It is chromoly non-suspended full LX. Did have thumb shifters but scored a nice 7 speed XT rapidfire/servowave combo set for it. Other than that it is still rockin all the original LX parts. Have replaced chainrings from wear, chain, bb and tires of course. It has been a great bike and I will never get rid of it. It is fixed up as touring bike since it came with 46/36/24 chainrings and put a 7 speed road cassette and some fat smooth tread tires on it. It is the forest green with purplish lettering color. It did have a Manitou 2 fork on it when using it for offroading but put the original fork back on it after bumpers eroded in it. Got a coil set for the fork but just didn't go back with it since I have 14 bikes and had other offroad bikes to ride. Diggin the score you did and look forward to more pics of it when you get it all fixed up.

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  3. i12ride
    Archived post
    #3

    Only pic of it on work computer..........circa 1993

    [IMG]cyclingforums.comLL[/IMG]

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  4. hectorshouse255
    Archived post
    #4

    Nice bike. I love the classic 80s bikes for being reliable hacks. Got a Trek 930 for virtually nothing last year. A few days work and its done me proud as a commuter and winter bike now the snow has set in. 🙂

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  5. hectorshouse255
    Archived post
    #5

    (Sorry, 90s bikes. 80s would have bigger shoulder pads......)

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  6. i12ride
    Archived post
    #6

    Here's a better pic of my 1992 Rockhopper in it's current touring setup..............

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com1000[/IMG]

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