Just picked up the Rockhopper to replace my old tokyobike. It was $75 and is in great condition with Shimano Alvivo parts. I lucked out.
This is my first project build and I would love to hear some of your ideas or advice on where to start and what to do. I’m hoping for a bike that can both haul groceries, and haul ass for a fast commute. I don’t have opportunities to ride on gravel much.
My initial thought is throwing a rack on it, replacing the grip shifters with triggers, putting on skinnier tires with less tread (if that will speed it up, right now it has some 26×1.95 with aggressive tread but no knobbies), swapping the stem, and adding riser bars.I’m a little worried it’s too small for me and can’t be helped with a new stem and bars. I added a side by side with my old bike if anyone has insight.
by RealityAmbitious6481
4 Comments
P.S. I’m poor as fuck
Then leave it as it is..
If you replace the tyres I don’t think you should go skinnier, you want your commute to be comfortable too. There’s a few good all-road tyres out there which would be a cost effective upgrade.
The question regarding size is ultimately to be answered by yourself. From time to time, I ride a bike that is basically a bit too small for me but fits me okay after I put on a riser bar. Depending on your specific dimension discrepancies and one’s requirements, one needs to accept minor or major compromises in terms of aesthetics, cockpit stiffness and handling. If saddle height in your photos is already adjusted to your needs, then it should be possible to achieve a practical ride position with a different stem and a riser bar. It might not be possible to get the bars level with saddle height, but that‘s not necessarily necessary for an adequate fit.
Regarding tires, I am not familiar with Paselas. I usually try to balance puncture protection, weight and rolling resistance based on the area/terrain in which I ride that bike normally. When wide knobbies aren’t necessary for grip, I like them nonetheless for aesthetics. Ultra smooth ride feel from a smooth thread pattern is less a priority for me. Too skinny of a tire just looks bad imo.