I bought this hardrock for 30$ in poor condition (the frame seems in good condition at least). I figured it would be worth it even if I could only save the frame. how many of these parts seem salvageable? I'm particularly concerned by the rust around the headset and the rusty spokes. Do I need new wheels?
by Accurate-Incident-91
4 Comments
Start by cleaning everything up, but it looks like that the only thing not saveable is that rusty chain, everything else should be fine after a good clean and regreasing (bottom bracket, hubs)
Is it even your size? Idk, this is a pretty small frame, and the hardrock is the least sought after as it was their entry level frameset as opposed to the rockhopper and then stumpy.
If it fits you, sure, clean it up and put some new cables/housing, tubes and some fresh grease in the head tube and whatnot and ride it.
If it’s not your size, just try to get your money back out of it. Unless you have the resources for discounted parts and the tools to do your own work and try to resell it for $75-100 in good working condition. The rust around the headset is less of a concern than the corrosion on the spokes and possible nipples.
If you wanted to do a proper restore, youd replace the drivetrain (at least chain and cassette) and tires/tubes. Replace all cable and housing for a nice fresh brake and shifter feel. Headset is probably functionally fine. Things get surface rust and it’s usually not a big deal. But you could at least open it up and grease it. Your electrical tape grips are cool but those should be replaced. The only other thing I see wrong with it is the seat.
Of course I can only look at your pictures. Could have plenty of issues outside what I can see visually.
while there is rust on the chain, it does not look terrible. back pedal the cranks and look for frozen links… surface rust on a chain is not an issue rust that has seized the links are an concern… if ther eis no hops or jupms in the chain when backpedalling, then just at a heavy weight oil like 3in1.. its heavier than standard chain oil, but it will help offset the rust.
if the wheel sare in true, then don’t worry about the spokes.. also just surface oxidization. steel spokes and brass nipples are durable.
i’d just initially deal with the rubber items… most likely the brake pads are dry and hard.. depending on how much they have dried it yet to be determined… file down about 1 to 2mm off the pads and you’ll probably find that there is still unhardened rubber underneath the surface.
the tires don’t look that dy, so severe dry rot isnt a concerns… some light cracks in the rubber is not a bid deal.. dig your thumbnail into the tread,,, if chunks flake off then the tire is dead.. if all it does is leave a thumbnail indent, then the rubber still has life… (btw. it’s the nylon casing that hold high PSI , NOT the rubber)
i’d change the rubes hough, and the rim strip.. those are thin rubber items, and unlike the durable rubber on the tire, the tube and rim stip fail at moderate dryness.. both item fail when you see cracks and flaking.
all in all, that bike is not in bad shape.. it looks to have been stored indoors, maybe a storage unit or utility closet. no signs of UV damage or exposed to weather
its an entry level bike, but it still is a fun bike and worth spending a few bucks to get it rolling, especially if it’s your size… these bike are fun projects and most bike mechanics i work with got their start by working on just this kind of bike.
if you spend 50-75 on parts (like tubes,saddle, grips, cable housing etc) and enjoy riding it, then its money well spent. hell, even a few buck more aint that big of a deal. if you spent $125 on a brand new bike, it would be a dumpster fire.. this bike has a better pedigree than a dept. store bike