nayr497

Nah, no wrecks. Everything was running well, shifting well, no noises, no grinding - just a worn out chain. Replaced it...no a grinding anytime I really push on the pedals - false flats, uphills really make it loud.

My first suspect was the "master" link, but it moves freely and isn't binding. (Where you install the provided Shimano pin on a Shimano HG 10-s chain.) Same model/make of chain that was on there too.

I'll try and put on the spare chainring the shop gave me and see what happens. Should have time around the NYE holiday. Thanks, Sam! When I was a kid and my older brother went off to college he got a Rock Hopper in a really cool light-ish army green. Loved that bike, wish it was still in our possession.

shoota 

One of my favorite bikes. You should definitely build yours up.

bluehills3149

Here's my budget gravel bike based on an old Nishiki that originally had 27" wheels. I used an old MTB crankset (Sugino) but the brand doesn't matter. In the 80's they commonly had 22-32-42 chainrings but to better fit a road bike frame I chopped off the 22 chainring and the lugs so it would fit closer to the frame and used road front derailleur and shifter I had. The 42-32 gearing is pretty good - enough speed for downhill and the 32 for uphill. Combine this with a 11-32 or 11-36 cassette and you'd get anywhere.