My midlife crisis splurge

As a newly inducted quadragenrian and xbiking casual fan, I decided to up my status to full-on stan, as the kids say 👴🏻

The build was inspired by the Super Yummy tires, which just barely clear the seat stays. Great for hitting the local firelanes. I stripped the bike down to paint, replaced the ratty decals, and hit it with a can of spray.bike glossy clearcoat, turtlewax rubbing compound, then polish. I left the paint scratches and wear, because repainting is a tad absurd and we all know patina is gas.

I attempted to keep the build affordable (hah) by only replacing parts I felt made a noticeable difference in ride quality. Which means I replaced everything except the seat post, cranks, and headset (a tange seiki in good condition). I might actually replace the seat post to get a bit more insertion depth, since im a tall boy and I'm maxing out the hite rite and minimum insertion.

1988 Rockhopper Comp, 21.5"
Shimano Deore M5100 11-51T
Wolftooth 38t front chainring, Shimano BSA BB
Velo Orange rear hub
Shutter Precision SV-9 dynamo hub, Busch + Muller IQ XS and Micro head and taillights
Shimano Deore v-brakes + Tektro linear pull levers
Simworks x Velocity Standalone wheels
Simworks Super Yummy 2.2 tires, tubeless
Soma Lowdown Dream Riser bars
Nitto x Crust UI Quill Stem
ESI grips, volt saddle, PNW Range pedals, and of course…
Hite-rite dropper

Shout out to Golden Pliers in Portland, OR for putting it all together. They absolutely crushed it on communication and helping source parts, and of course saving my amateur ass the headache of ensuring compatibility. I learned polished parts can command a ridiculous premium (looking at you, mister Paul). No shade at all y'all with disc tabs and klampers.