Novice project Specialized Rockhopper

[Jimmy2021]

Hi, this is only the second bike I build, nothing special and most parts have been kindly donated by my good friend @ibbz or taken from other bikes in past years.
I am no expert in bikes but I can fix almost everything and restore things that most people will throw away.
So, here is a frame that a guy gave away on gumtree along with a Manitou Spyder that I took from another bike.


I cleaned the frame and fork

 

[Jimmy2021]

Then I cleaned and greased these components to their former glory.

I also had a Shimano Exage M500 but someone here suggested that the XT was a better choice.

 

[Jimmy2021]

Then I started putting things together



The seatpost is of the wrong size, only there for picture purposes.
Looking for a 30.9mm seatpost atm and 36mm seatpost clamp.

 

[Jimmy2021]

First problem today: I had half hour to spare so I thought to fit the brakes.
Front ones needed a washer because the bolts I had were a touch too long.



The rear ones were a bummer.
Some bright sparks had filed the brake brakets and were too short, so tightening the bolts would stop the brakes from moving freely.
Once again, my unlimited collection of stainless steel hardware came to the rescue in the form of tiny washers of (luckily) the correct size.
Threadlock added to all fixing bolts.
One and half hour and some swearing later, I finally got a result.



As you can see I also bolted the derailleur, that was a one minute job luckily.

 

[Jimmy2021]

Now, this is the part where I need advice.
As you can see I temporarily fitted those campagnolo wheels


But I also have these mavic



Please don't look at the tyres, I will get better ones, but which wheels would you fit?
Both sets are in good condition although they need a good clean, and are perfectly straight.
If you've read all of this, well done
I hope to get some further advice and suggestions.

Thanks

 

[sunympholepsy]

Hi,
I have a 30.9 seat post you can have for postage. Send me a PM if it’s of interest.

All the best

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Are all the bolts the same length on the brakes? Check you got them the right way around. I never realised until very recently that the rear and fronts take different lengths (giggidy).
Makes sense I suppose as rotation pushes the rear brakes inwards and the fronts away from the forks.

 

[ibbz]

Looking good man!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I prefer the mavic rims, but don't really have a reason, the Campys are nice too. Great job on the cleanup

 

[Jimmy2021]

Are all the bolts the same length on the brakes? Check you got them the right way around. I never realised until very recently that the rear and fronts take different lengths (giggidy).
Makes sense I suppose as rotation pushes the rear brakes inwards and the fronts away from the forks.

All same length.
They didn't come with the brakes, but from my collection of hardware bits and bobs
Is there a different solution for the rear brakes where the brackets have been filed short?
Or what I've done is the only way?