Shakespeare aside, I picked up this fairly good condition HardRock with the idea of spending a chunk of change at VeloOrange and getting a shiny chrome triple, some of those gorgeous cantis, etc. Or having a shopping spree at Paul’s. There are pretty good odds something like that will indeed happen.
And this may be precisely the wrong sub to ask this question, but what if I left it pretty much stock? I’d clean and lube and adjust everything, maybe new brake pads, probably a sealed BB, might swap the saddle as most everyone does on nearly every bike.
But what if I left the rest of it stock?
It may not be as fun as blinging the shit out of it. But is it a legit approach to have a stock, essentially unrestored old steel MTB? I think this is an approach to vintage cars, right? Just as stock as possible? Can you do it with a bike? Or am I just being boring and lazy and uncreative like I suspect I am? Still, something is whispering to let it be. Or not to be?
by brbac
7 Comments
I’d say keep it as is. Just throw some new tires on it, maybe vittoria mezcals or billy bonkers. Taking off the reflectors will be much better. Trigger shifters and new grips would be a simple upgrade as well
I like your thoughts. It really is nice to keep an old bike stock as much as possible, not that it retains value – but it’s just showcasing how it looked like when it was made. I understand that.
On the other hand, if you’ll have difficulty finding parts and making them work, resto-modding it is the way to go. You don’t necessarily need velo orange or pauls, you can start with finding vintage parts from its era – like XT drivetrains or whatnot – that’s a cheaper route.
But for now, if it fits you well and you don’t need to modify anything – just ride it! You can probably upgrade it and keep the stock parts so you can slap them back again in case you need to return it to stock.
It all comes down to how you intend to ride it. The bike was entry level when it was new and the components aren’t exactly awesome, but if they work – great. However, upgrading the drivetrain, even with used parts, might result in a more pleasant riding experience.
I’d for sure replace the saddle (as you said) and the pedals. Even cheap flat pedals are loads better than those old plastic chunks. It’s totally a “valid” approach to a bike like this to leave it as is.
It’s a decent platform to build on. All standard sizes for the time and plenty of parts to upgrade with. To be honest these were sub $300 when sold new. Nothing special but it is fully ridged before they started putting the really cheap suspension forks on them… if it’s your size and you like the color rock it.
Get a sick ass reflective panther to hang from the saddle.
Nice tall frame. Is this your only bike? Ride it around and see if you like it…I just finished an 80’s bike and the thumb shifters and 18 speed stuff wouldn’t be my first choice if it were my only one. But I can use it occasionally for the nostalgia of it. If I were going to commute on it I’d definitely make changes.
I wouldn’t personally dump any money into a Hardrock unless it had an insane paint scheme.
I’d much rather put $ into a Stumpjumper, or even a Rockhopper.