I went to a garage sale to look at a CRT they had advertised, but walked out with this for $20. I figured I'd try restoring it, but as you can see, one thing led to another… I tore it all down, and ended up getting the frame stripped and powder coated a light metallic blue by a local shop because the original paint was so chipped and I want a fan of the flat red. I also ordered replacement decals with pink background to sort of match the teal/pink color scheme they had in 88'. I found a donor bike in bad shape which had these zac19 double walled rims with a freehub for the 1×11 deore conversion (I still have the og 3×6 thumbies in case I want to go back). V brakes, used nitto stem and kalloy seat post, vintage avocete seat, pnw xl grips, conti double fighter tires, origin8 headset, and here we are!
For those who ask why do all this work to a hardrock instead of a Rockhopper or stumpy, I say why not!? Yes this is straight gauge cromoly and has hi-ten seat and chain stays, but all in it only ways 29.5 lbs, which I think is good for a 22.5 in bike (I am tall). In the middle of building this, I found a 94 Rockhopper and I considered abandoning this bc that has butted tubing, but I carried on because I like the decals on this more! The stock 94 Rockhopper of the same size is only 1.5lbs lighter anyways, which is like one bathroom trip after chipotle…… Anyways! All in I'm under $850 with all the parts. I think it's worth it for what I think is a new bike.
It rides unbelievably great. These wide tires make the ride so smooth! This is going to take me to and from the ice cream shop and I'm going to take it to pick paw paws once I get a front rack.
by m_saxer
11 Comments
I think we just don’t like it when someone asks about unecessary build advice. Like if you don’t already know or have the conviction to act like an idiot anyways, then just up leave it stock and go ride. This was well done – necessary. We are all just straight gauge hi ten wanting someone to look at us with appreciation for what we can still do.
Super job! Nice finish too
Well done!!
Do you think people will find our sweet restomods in 20 years and remod them?
Looks sweet in that blue too
Nice but that is a wholly necessary build
The powder coat with new decals looks so so good!!
The 1.5lb difference in weight is going to be components more than frame, so upgrades are going to shrink that gap considerably.
One of my favorite bikes is a late 70s Fuji royale, made of straight gauge cromoly with a high ten fork. I have it upgraded considerably and it rides amazingly.
So it was originally a 6 speed freewheel. So did you do a coldset to the frame? I’ve tried going wider on several frame rears. Some it worked fine…some it put the derailleur at a slight angle from stock and it wouldn’t shift properly. Any shifting problems?
Love the powder coated old steel frame. Got 3 of them. Frames here ALL require a redo on finish.
Love it. One of the best builds I’ve seen on here. Bravo
> one thing led to another.
One of us!