Got this on eBay
#1
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Got this on eBay
$350 shipping included. It's a 1997 Specialized Rockhopper FS, so it's a lot newer than my other bike, but still what you would consider vintage I guess. I don't know anything about mountain bikes but it seemed like a decent deal.
#2
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Looks to be in really nice condition. 23 year old suspension forks generally dont age well so test them when you get it. Not sure if that is a spring, oil or elastomer model.
#3
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I rebuilt one for a neighbor a couple years back and the part kit was not bad, less than $50 and easy to find IIRC.
#4
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It likely needs a bit of work, but that's fine. There was a buy it now price of 395, but I was kind of stalking it. There were no bids, and the starting price was 275. I waited until there was 45 seconds left on the auction, bid 275 and got it.
#5
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I may be rebuilding some forks. Not a tough rebuild, I hope? Are special tools required?
Last edited by jblackmd; 07-08-20 at 07:05 AM.
#6
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I don't think you'll need anything too exotic in the way of tooling, but the parts can be difficult to find for some forks. If you elect to replace it with a rigid fork, there is probably a Surly fork that would be a good substitute, and that would give you lots of options for mounting racks and things.
#7
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I don't think you'll need anything too exotic in the way of tooling, but the parts can be difficult to find for some forks. If you elect to replace it with a rigid fork, there is probably a Surly fork that would be a good substitute, and that would give you lots of options for mounting racks and things.
#8
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jblackmd I bought a Rockhopper in 1997 with a rigid fork. I believe the frame is the same for either fork. Found a used Marzzocchi LS in 2010 and can swap in 15 min. I call it my truck because it is heave and can haul me around.
Commute configuration
P1000342, on Flickr
Trail configuration. Well needed to change tires.
RockHopper_ Sprung_2012_018, on Flickr
Commute configuration
P1000342, on Flickr
Trail configuration. Well needed to change tires.
RockHopper_ Sprung_2012_018, on Flickr
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#9
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jblackmd I bought a Rockhopper in 1997 with a rigid fork. I believe the frame is the same for either fork. Found a used Marzzocchi LS in 2010 and can swap in 15 min. I call it my truck because it is heave and can haul me around.
Commute configuration
P1000342, on Flickr
Trail configuration. Well needed to change tires.
RockHopper_ Sprung_2012_018, on Flickr
Commute configuration
P1000342, on Flickr
Trail configuration. Well needed to change tires.
RockHopper_ Sprung_2012_018, on Flickr
#10
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SJX426 makes a good suggestion, MTB forks have advanced over the years. I don't recall ever needing "special" tools for a MTB fork or this one which was a worn elastomer model but were I you I would not trust my 70 year old memory. I would search your specific fork on the Mechanics and Mountain Biking Forum and if come up empty post the question there and if needed look at other web MTB sites.
#11
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SJX426 makes a good suggestion, MTB forks have advanced over the years. I don't recall ever needing "special" tools for a MTB fork or this one which was a worn elastomer model but were I you I would not trust my 70 year old memory. I would search your specific fork on the Mechanics and Mountain Biking Forum and if come up empty post the question there and if needed look at other web MTB sites.
#12
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