Full Version: First MTB
Okay guys, I'm a newbie to the whole MTB scene. I've restored several BMX bikes but today I decided to step into another realm. (Makes the wife so happy!!) LOL! I was at a thrift shop looking for another BMX and came across a Specialized Hard Rock. Now, I do know enough to realize that 16 dollars for a bike with a full cro-mo f/f, Dia-compe brakes, SR 3 piece cranks, Araya rims, and Joytech hubs has to be a good deal. It has a few parts missing I'm sure. I will post pics shortly. I guess my question is "Am I in over my head?" I am wanting to fix this up for my dad he's almost 60 and he recently salvaged a 10 speed for my mom to ride and has been looking for a bike for himself. I'm pretty mechanically inclined but the cable system on this thing looks a little complex. Where should I start and is it worth the effort or should I just get a cheapo brand in better shape?
It's missing the derailluer (bad spelling so shoot me) Here's the pics help greatly appreciated!! I have more pics if needed also what year is it? I'm thinking early '90's
missing derailluer
shredded cable
missing derailluer
shredded cable
It definitely needs a lot of work, and may only break down to a frameset- an old out of date, not that comfortable entry level (even at the time) frameset.
Bike positioning has come a long way in the last 10 years. Your pops would be much more comfortable on a modern mountain bike, or probably better yet, a "comfort" bike with all the gears, a bit of suspension, and a nice upright posture.
Stay with a well known brand like Giant or even Raleigh, stay away from department store brands, and you should be able to find a nice quality used bike for a good price.
Bike positioning has come a long way in the last 10 years. Your pops would be much more comfortable on a modern mountain bike, or probably better yet, a "comfort" bike with all the gears, a bit of suspension, and a nice upright posture.
Stay with a well known brand like Giant or even Raleigh, stay away from department store brands, and you should be able to find a nice quality used bike for a good price.
trying to decipher the years of Specialized bicycles is hard. I have a S-Works model
that I have been trying to find out what year it was for a long time. I've called some of the local shop in Indiana and no one can tell me. so then I got on the internet for some dealer out in California. some gave me a no help, others some and one was a big help but nothing definate. between '93-'95. ok. like 1984 had said, a "comfort"
bike would be the way to go. they are more ergonomicly correct. well good luck to you.
that I have been trying to find out what year it was for a long time. I've called some of the local shop in Indiana and no one can tell me. so then I got on the internet for some dealer out in California. some gave me a no help, others some and one was a big help but nothing definate. between '93-'95. ok. like 1984 had said, a "comfort"
bike would be the way to go. they are more ergonomicly correct. well good luck to you.
What the other guys have said... start with something that needs less work.
That $16 is just the tip of the restoration iceberg.
I would have spent the $16 on a pizza and a couple of beers instead.
That $16 is just the tip of the restoration iceberg.
I would have spent the $16 on a pizza and a couple of beers instead.
Cool, thanks for the advice, does anyone need anything off it, seems like the cranks, rims are pretty decent LMK
I'm going to fix it up anyway the way I see it is it's better fixed up than in a scrap pile. Does anyone have a front derailleur I can use? It's a suntour or can I use any old one? I'll get a more comfortable one for the old man but I still am intrigued by this bike for some odd reason maybe it's Bob who said good luck. I love a challenge.
I have an 87 or 88 Hard Rock that I rode for a long time, and I have to disagree, I was entirely comfortable on it, still am. As with any bike it depends on the rider as to how it fits. Its definitely going to feel different than new school rides, but its totally usable for a 60 year old. My mom began riding mine after I retired it, she was about 50 at the time.
As far as a restore, that does look like it needs a lot of work, but to me restoring is a lot of fun. You might get lucky and only need new cables and a chain after you remove the rust and corrosion.
(side note, I snapped my axle after about 11 years of use, so maybe check that out before you hand it off and your dad gets stranded somewhere. I gingerly rode my bike back down the mountain, but I had to walk it over the hairy stuff.)
As far as a restore, that does look like it needs a lot of work, but to me restoring is a lot of fun. You might get lucky and only need new cables and a chain after you remove the rust and corrosion.
(side note, I snapped my axle after about 11 years of use, so maybe check that out before you hand it off and your dad gets stranded somewhere. I gingerly rode my bike back down the mountain, but I had to walk it over the hairy stuff.)
QUOTE (Ringer @ Oct 9 2008, 04:16 PM) 
I have an 87 or 88 Hard Rock that I rode for a long time, and I have to disagree, I was entirely comfortable on it, still am. As with any bike it depends on the rider as to how it fits. Its definitely going to feel different than new school rides, but its totally usable for a 60 year old. My mom began riding mine after I retired it, she was about 50 at the time.
As far as a restore, that does look like it needs a lot of work, but to me restoring is a lot of fun. You might get lucky and only need new cables and a chain after you remove the rust and corrosion.
(side note, I snapped my axle after about 11 years of use, so maybe check that out before you hand it off and your dad gets stranded somewhere. I gingerly rode my bike back down the mountain, but I had to walk it over the hairy stuff.)
As far as a restore, that does look like it needs a lot of work, but to me restoring is a lot of fun. You might get lucky and only need new cables and a chain after you remove the rust and corrosion.
(side note, I snapped my axle after about 11 years of use, so maybe check that out before you hand it off and your dad gets stranded somewhere. I gingerly rode my bike back down the mountain, but I had to walk it over the hairy stuff.)
That's what I wanted to hear apprieciate it and yes, I think all it needs is some cables, chain, and the front derailluer. Does anyone know or have a list of front derailluers that will work on this bike.
any company will work. it just needs to be adjusted correctly.
QUOTE (sean072 @ Oct 10 2008, 03:36 PM)
That's what I wanted to hear apprieciate it and yes, I think all it needs is some cables, chain, and the front derailluer. Does anyone know or have a list of front derailluers that will work on this bike.
Shimano makes a entry level that should work. Just make sure it is Bottom Pull due to your cable routing
First here is a great place to research bikes.
http://www.bikepedia.com/
Second, is it worth fixing up? Thats up to each person. From the pics, Yes, it needs some work. But what you do is look for cheap used parts. I am avid MTN biker, I mainly ride Gary Fisher bikes, and like all the other die hards, I have a couple brand new up to date rides. But here recently, I have gotten into older bikes. I bought my wife a 98 Gary Fisher Aquila this past summer. I liked the thing so much, I started to look for my own. This past weekend, I scored a 96 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. Paid 60 bucks for it. By the time I get done, I will end up throwing at least 200 more into it. Found a used wheelset with 8 speed cassette for 40, will need new tires, seat, ECT. Is it worth it? HELL YEA!!! When im done I will have my own custom old school bike.
Take your time, look on craigslist, and ebay. Look for close outs on online parts dealers. Have fun rebuilding the thing. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
http://www.bikepedia.com/
Second, is it worth fixing up? Thats up to each person. From the pics, Yes, it needs some work. But what you do is look for cheap used parts. I am avid MTN biker, I mainly ride Gary Fisher bikes, and like all the other die hards, I have a couple brand new up to date rides. But here recently, I have gotten into older bikes. I bought my wife a 98 Gary Fisher Aquila this past summer. I liked the thing so much, I started to look for my own. This past weekend, I scored a 96 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. Paid 60 bucks for it. By the time I get done, I will end up throwing at least 200 more into it. Found a used wheelset with 8 speed cassette for 40, will need new tires, seat, ECT. Is it worth it? HELL YEA!!! When im done I will have my own custom old school bike.
Take your time, look on craigslist, and ebay. Look for close outs on online parts dealers. Have fun rebuilding the thing. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
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