1992 Rockhopper Comp , finished and first ride!

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Thanks for the kind comments folks

I do think it is coming along nicely.


As for the wheels, I trued them in the bike. Do the brakes up and gradually moving them closer as the wheel became truer. Until they were there Then take out, tension, put back in and make any small adjustments. Been doing it this way for many years mate

I'd be buggered if I got discs though! But that's never going to happen

Mike

 

[Muddy paw]

Re: 1992 Rockhopper Comp , updated 8th March

Credit where it's due mike as your really doing yourself proud on this and thanks for the tips regarding the truing of the wheels although i'm still going to be a bit nervy doing it as last time i gave it ago i ended up with an egg shaped wheel :shock: :facepalm: .

No i'm not a fan of disc's either as my son had a GT bike back in the early noughties and to me they just didn't look or feel right even though they worked really well they just weren't for me at all and yes truing the rims would be a bugger if you had the discs i guess but their again i don't suppose you'd have any brake binding through the rims being untrue eh! ..

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Very true! :facepalm:

If I did have discs, I'd use cardboard and pegs on the seat stays and seatstay bridge instead.
For checking alignment with the frame, I look past the wheel at the seat tube. If it's not central, I tighten the spokes up on one side until it is. As for the forks, I use the bottom of the fork crown as a guide.
To avoid egg shaped wheels remember that for the rear drive side, tension is key, and side to side adjustment made on the non drive side if that makes sense. At the same time, trying to keep the tension of all the spokes similar.
The front is easier though, as they're at the same angle, so tighten/slacken as required to get it round.
Hope that's not confused you too much.
I know I am now!

Mike

 

[Muddy paw]

Re: 1992 Rockhopper Comp , updated 8th March

Cheers mike , for some strange reason it all makes perfect sense to me :shock: .
I was thinking on more or less the same principal regarding the centering of the rims when you've got disc brakes on but it's hopefully not something i'll be putting into practice any time soon

Ian

 

[shinobi]

Re:

Another great job there bud
you have a great eye for detail and more patience than me and it shows in your builds
cheers Paul

 

[Mike Muz]

Re: Re:

Another great job there bud
you have a great eye for detail and more patience than me and it shows in your builds
cheers Paul

Cheers Paul,

I wouldn't say I'm patient mate! Or I would have waited for some Deore cranks and hubs. And as for detail, wait 'til you see the blue fade on the forks!

All cabled and chained up now. But that's enough about my persuasions
Just waiting for pedals to arrive now before I get more pics

Mike

 

[Muddy paw]

Re: 1992 Rockhopper Comp , updated 8th March

MMM can't wait ..

Ian

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Hi folks,

Sorry it's been a while, had laptop problems so couldn't download pictures. Been on the forum via my dodgy old mobile for a while :roll:
Anyhow, the Rockhopper is now finished, and had it's first ride last week too!
It wasn't a very inspiring route to be fair, the reason being, I lost an armwarmer out of my pocket earlier in the week, and was trying to re-trace the route in the hope I'd find it. I didn't, but managed to give this old bike a test ride nonetheless.
So a long uphill drag from work, up to the top of the mountain bike motorway of the south, the South Downs Way.



The future wasn't bright, or even right, but left and very grey :facepalm:
But it did start to clear up as I made my way further west and towards the Sun, which teased me with goldenness as I rode. Heading for the horizon, directly above the saddle.



Hmmmmm, looking pretty from where I'm sitting,



Starting to get a feel for the bike, bombproof, gears and brakes working really well, cool

Past the pig farm, honestly, the smell from this place could strip the hair from my nostrils! Almost.



I know I'm HAMMING it up with these photos :facepalm:

Sorry, thats' an OFFAL joke,

Just SCRATCHING around for compliments! :roll: :facepalm:

Back on top of the Downs, looking back at where I'd come from,



Then onward along the main, wide track 'til I just had to stop when I saw these cute little lambs, the first I'd seen this year.



It's ok, I'm not going to make any mint sauce jokes!
Then back down to supposed civilisation, via the only bit of nice singletrack on the route. Sadly, getting too dark for photos.
So, I'm pleased with the bike, and after a few adjustments and a clean it's ready for action again!

More photos to follow.

Mike

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Finished pics for you,





The observant among you may have noticed the gear cables are crossed under the downtube, feels a more natural line to me at the downtube bosses.



I think the dark blue and shiny silver goes nicely together
Those wheels aren't the lightest I'll ever ride, but they're ok and stayed true ok





BTW, the drop out seems to be holding out ok

Hope you like it folks

Mike

 

[Ollie]

Wow that looks fantastic Mike!