I bought the bike, more importantly it fit great! I think it is either a 98 or 99 Hardrock, but I am too lazy to figure out 100%. I definitely want to keep the bike as a flat bar bike, and not convert it to a drop bar setup. I also don't mind the 3x in the front, and after wiping off the crank, they do be looking cool. Questions for y'all:
- The shifters look newer, and frankly I don't like the aesthetic of them. They're pretty bulky and look newer than the bike. Can I remove the gear indicator and just have the shifters? If not, are there aftermarket shifters I can purchase?
- The bike came with hardrock'r tires, given how cheap they are, I presume they aren't the highest quality. Is there any solid recommendations for tires?
- I removed the bar end things, and I need to change the grips. Similar to the tires, are there grips that people love to use? I don't care for cushioning, and would prefer grippier grips. (take a shot for every time i wrote grip)
- Would I be a bot for changing to 8 or 9 speed in the rear? Is that worth the effort of changing the cassette and derailleur?
- I need a new chain, and am probably going to buy new cables just cause.
If there is anything y'all reckon I missed/should check on please let me know. Appreciate y'all's help!
by kootiic
2 Comments
congrats on your new bike. i try to answer your questions with what worked for me in the past.
1) if you don’t like the look of your shifters, change them out. there are lots of good, used parts online (ebay, kleinanzeigen, fb marketplace, craigslist). maybe some 3×7 deore thumbshifters. if you also have to replace the brake levers look for v-brake levers. i can always sell the existing levers there online too (if you’re lucky you even break even.
2) always change out the tires. i like schwalbe billy bonkers, maxxis dth or schwalbe road cruiser with tan walls if you intend to build up the bike as daily driver. look for nobbier options if you intend to ride offroad.
3) plenty options available. choose color, form and style you like.
4) changing to 8 or 9 speed means you have to change out the whole wheel. the freewheel on your bike only takes up to 7 speed cassettes. but 21 gears should be enough for conveniance.
5) new chain and cables – always good to change while you’re at it. bring some color in the build with new cable housing.
Congrats. I always peruse markerplace for these bikes. Nice find.