1990 Specialized Rock Hopper Resurrection

[KayOs]

I found this bike on ebay and thought it would be just right as a city bike.



I've always wanted a Specialized and this was almost free. It was all original and nothing really seemed broken. As it turned out, it wasn't...

I didn't want to buy new parts so I dug through the parts box and replaced the faulty bottom bracket, changed the cables, re-lubricated and re-adjusted all the bearings, cleaned and re-greased the shifters, replaced the handlebars and saddle and then I found these straddle rods.

What at first seemed like overkill to me, after all they are currently more expensive on ebay than the bike was, turned out to be a good solution for everyday use. The brakes feel better than new. I then fitted the fattest tyres I had and now want to touch up the paintwork and fit a front rack. Then it will be an ideal city racer.

 

[vtwinvince]

Nice project, I have a real soft spot for these steel 'hoppers' and 'stumpys'.

 

[KayOs]

I've been riding it every day for half of December and January and I'm thrilled at how well a bike that has been neglected so much rides again with a little love.

 

[Augustus]

Ahh, the halcyon days of sticking a laser cut Oakley sticker to a seat tube.

 

[dablk]

Nice Save.. keep looking for an early rockhopper or stumpy to resto but 21" rarely appear

 

[KayOs]

Removing the Stickers without further damaging the paint was the hardest part....

 

[KayOs]

Nice Save.. keep looking for an early rockhopper or stumpy to resto but 21" rarely appear

Thank you and good luck with your further search!

 

[enc]

Great project

 

[KayOs]

Great project

Thanks! It will go on in the future. As I said I will polish everthing up and try to get it back to it's old shine. I even thought about sandblasting and new paint and decals, new bolts and skewers but that's stage two I think.

 

[27motorhead]

Thanks! It will go on in the future. As I said I will polish everthing up and try to get it back to it's old shine. I even thought about sandblasting and new paint and decals, new bolts and skewers but that's stage two I think.

If it was mine I'd leave as is. Lovely patina! And with a proper clean and polish it will be perfectly imperfect! If you want to remove old stickers gently heat them up with a heat gun to aid removal to help them prevent pull the clear-coat off as well. I liked the stickers, but that'a a personal thing.

As always with bikes, as long as they're being enjoyed/ridden it doesn't really matter what you do it as that is a completely subjective. Some great pics of it in use so far!