Hi to everyone, newbie here!
I could have found a Specialized Rockhopper 1993 in good condition size 18'' for free and I would love to restore it!
I am a fairly short girl (5.1'' – 1,55m) and the bike is 18'' size.
I am considering solving this by using a cafe racer stem/handlebar to shorten the length. Could this work or it's just two big? I have trouble finding a vintage MTB in my size
Considering that the transmission must be changed but The shifters looks okay, what a budget for a cheap build should I consider?
Thanks in advance!
by Upbeat-Ad4510
5 Comments
Maybe if you run a stubby stem with swept back bars and possibly 0 setback seat post. You won’t have much seat post showing. It’s probably going to come down to stand over height and what you’re able to step over.
Looks good. Might be too big though. The key thing would be the stand over height . I looked at the ‘93 catalog and those stats aren’t listed so you would have to check it out, but it’s free so why not?
Awesome bike, looks well-taken care of and that rear basket is to die for! But yeah this bike will probably feel way too big on you. My worry is that the top tube is just too high and it will never feel comfortable to mount/dismount or pedal. There’s no harm in trying it out though!
Try a short stem or maybe some swept-back handlebars and see if you can make it comfortable. Then I’d guesstimate you will just need a $75-$150 budget to update the drivetrain and make it feel great to ride. Go to your local bike shop and see if they can help you get started and fit it with a smaller stem for you.
I think it’ll be too big for you tbh. You could always see if the plan of swapping the bars to something more swept back works before dropping anymore cash into it.
With your height you might want to look for 15in frames or if your stand over height is good a 17 (I measure 171cm and ride 17in frames if the effective top tube is the right length). With these however, you’ll find that lots are step through frames or have a top tube with tons of slope