1986 Rockhopper mod

[klunkrider]

Managed to use the angle grinder and torch to start the mods on the frame today.

Chopped the chainstays behind the bb and debrazed the dropouts from the seat stays.

Also debrazed the gear cable routing from the downtube and bb shell and the brake cable guides from along the top tube as I will replace this with a cable stop at each end like the Stumpy of that era had.

I went with a riser bar. This was bmx bar, having a loop welded on the bottom. That was chopped off and the crudely punched vent holes filled in with brass and filed smooth.

It’s only something like 760mm wide, will see how I get on with that and could extend it if needed.

 

[klunkrider]

I’ve gotten done with the mods on the frame today and, after adding some dimpling to the stays to clear the cracks, got it built enough for a round the block test ride. It goes in a straight line and I can ride it no hands so stripped it back down and have given it the first coat of lacquer.

Using a new brush on lacquer now which takes a wee while to dry, more so in the low temperature now, so it’ll likely be a couple days before I can give it another coat sand then maybe a week or drying before it’ll be ready to build up.

I had to cut the original seat strat bridge out as it was too close to the tyre so have replaced it with a bit of brass with ‘NG NM’ stamped in it for No Gears, No Masters.

 

[27motorhead]

Lovely work and progress! Super neat brazing, practice does make perfect.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

a bit of brass with ‘NG NM’ stamped in it for No Gears, No Masters

I approve of the reference, but anarchism is against the rules

 

[KayOs]

Wow, enviable work! Congratulations! I love the inserts in the seat stays and I can hardly wait to see the bike finished.

 

[klunkrider]

Bit of a photodump here, got it all finished off the other day and rode to work on it today.

I've a new* seatpost on the way because the saddle angle keeps slipping with this one but I'm pretty satisfied with it. Fulfils my brief for sure.

*new to me, used off ebay to maintain teh aesthetic

 

[klunkrider]

Second dump of images.

Would have loved to have taken some outdoor images of it but anytime I looked up at the windows (I work in the dungeon, sorry, basement) it seemed really dark out.

 

[27motorhead]

Don't apologise for dumping a load of great pictures. Lots of details to be enjoyed!

You've done a great job of modifying the rear end for more modern tyre clearances and given it some new character. Bars and stem combo look amazing. Loving the old Specialized seat QR and is that a Crud Bung on the underside of the fork steerer?

Have you managed to ride it properly yet? I know you mentioned the slipping seatpost, but couldn't you just drag a file or hacksaw blade across the serrations on the top of the post to improve bite/interface between the post & clamp assembly?

How do you find those MKS pedals? Thinking about buying some for a build as Suntour XC-ll pedals cost a bomb!

Good to see an old bike get a second life, will last another 38 years now!!!