First frame-up build (and paint!)

Had a blast restoring this ’83 Rockhopper, which I picked up as a rusted, sun-faded frame over the summer. I was convinced it was too big for me, but after six months of increasingly obsessive riding and wrenching, I decided to give it a go.

I stripped it down to mostly bare metal, gave it a so-so paint job, and added some non-period-correct decals (which are already peeling, but I love them!). I also conquered my fear of servicing a bottom bracket, threw on some 650b wheels, and built it up with a mix of vintage eBay parts and some newer components.

It rides like a dream. Only problem is that everything off the bike suddenly feels way less exciting!