I want to get a specialized hardrock ~89
10-10-21, 07:33 AM
#1
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I want to get a specialized hardrock ~89
hey dont know if this goes here but im looking to get an retro styled mountain bike that has horizontal dropouts and correct clearance so i can ride fixed gear.
this poster on ****** in my eyes has a beautiful build of an 89 specialized hardrock.
how much do these go for?
any info on vintage mountain bikes would be greatly appreciated.
this poster on ****** in my eyes has a beautiful build of an 89 specialized hardrock.
how much do these go for?
any info on vintage mountain bikes would be greatly appreciated.
10-10-21, 07:54 AM
#2
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Old MTBs are getting harder to find and prices are going up. These are terrific bikes. Try to get a rockhopper or a stumpjumper rather than a hardrock. I used to be able to find these for around $50-$100. I'd expect to pay north of that today. I bought 2 late 80s/early 90s Rockhoppers for $50 each pre-pandemic, rebuilt them during the pandemic and gave them to friends who couldn't find a new bike to buy.
What they are worth depends on (1) location, (2) condition, and (3) luck. In decent shape, $150-$200 would not be a bad price. Buy it for sure if you can find one for less and it's in decent shape.
What they are worth depends on (1) location, (2) condition, and (3) luck. In decent shape, $150-$200 would not be a bad price. Buy it for sure if you can find one for less and it's in decent shape.
Last edited by bikemig; 10-10-21 at 07:58 AM.
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10-10-21, 08:23 AM
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i have a Hardrock that might be a little older than that.I will be getting rid of it soon (it lives at our beach house, which is for sale). It's a light blue-green color, i think (color is not my forte). The bike is complete, but will need an overhaul, new cables, etc. Let me see if i can find a photo....
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10-10-21, 12:58 PM
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Old MTBs are getting harder to find and prices are going up. These are terrific bikes. Try to get a rockhopper or a stumpjumper rather than a hardrock. I used to be able to find these for around $50-$100. I'd expect to pay north of that today. I bought 2 late 80s/early 90s Rockhoppers for $50 each pre-pandemic, rebuilt them during the pandemic and gave them to friends who couldn't find a new bike to buy.
What they are worth depends on (1) location, (2) condition, and (3) luck. In decent shape, $150-$200 would not be a bad price. Buy it for sure if you can find one for less and it's in decent shape.
What they are worth depends on (1) location, (2) condition, and (3) luck. In decent shape, $150-$200 would not be a bad price. Buy it for sure if you can find one for less and it's in decent shape.
OP, are you going to run narrow tires like the bike in your picture?
Otto
Last edited by ofajen; 10-10-21 at 02:54 PM.
10-10-21, 01:20 PM
#5
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Old MTBs are getting harder to find and prices are going up. These are terrific bikes. Try to get a rockhopper or a stumpjumper rather than a hardrock. I used to be able to find these for around $50-$100. I'd expect to pay north of that today. I bought 2 late 80s/early 90s Rockhoppers for $50 each pre-pandemic, rebuilt them during the pandemic and gave them to friends who couldn't find a new bike to buy.
What they are worth depends on (1) location, (2) condition, and (3) luck. In decent shape, $150-$200 would not be a bad price. Buy it for sure if you can find one for less and it's in decent shape.
What they are worth depends on (1) location, (2) condition, and (3) luck. In decent shape, $150-$200 would not be a bad price. Buy it for sure if you can find one for less and it's in decent shape.
just curious, honestly i just love that frame, the decals are nostalgic.
10-10-21, 01:40 PM
#6
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Good luck with the search!
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10-10-21, 03:27 PM
#7
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Better quality. HardRock was their bottom of the line bike, largely hi-ten steel, but still a decent ride; they make good beater bikes. RockHopper was their mid-level really good bike, and StumpJumper was their top of the line racing bike. And each one of these had several models with varying quality of components. HTH.
Good luck with the search!
Good luck with the search!
Hi ten ? I thought they might be cromoly.
Can you guys recommend a nice lightweight steal frame ?
10-10-21, 03:44 PM
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I prefer the 1993 Hard Rock ultra over most other MTBs...
All Cromoly, OS tubing, cool paint and able to grow with whatever components you want...sort of.
Right combo of off road and on path balance.
All Cromoly, OS tubing, cool paint and able to grow with whatever components you want...sort of.
Right combo of off road and on path balance.
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10-10-21, 04:00 PM
#9
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i dont really care about the components, i want to make them into tracklacross builds so i will probably change all of them.
10-10-21, 04:25 PM
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Here's a link to the Specialized catalog pdfs. Catalogues | Specialized Archive | Retrobike
I'd say not to fixate on a specific model or year since local market supply is so unpredictable. I'll also echo that there's no reason to go for a Hardrock over a Rockhopper since they'll both be close in price (Stumpjumpers are a good bump above both).
I'd say not to fixate on a specific model or year since local market supply is so unpredictable. I'll also echo that there's no reason to go for a Hardrock over a Rockhopper since they'll both be close in price (Stumpjumpers are a good bump above both).
10-10-21, 04:36 PM
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I agree with Clang that if you can get a rock hopper in your size, jump at it. 1993 was a good year for RH components with DeOre LX which can do for a lot of scenarios.
Here's a link to the Specialized catalog pdfs. Catalogues | Specialized Archive | Retrobike
I'd say not to fixate on a specific model or year since local market supply is so unpredictable. I'll also echo that there's no reason to go for a Hardrock over a Rockhopper since they'll both be close in price (Stumpjumpers are a good bump above both).
I'd say not to fixate on a specific model or year since local market supply is so unpredictable. I'll also echo that there's no reason to go for a Hardrock over a Rockhopper since they'll both be close in price (Stumpjumpers are a good bump above both).
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
10-10-21, 07:47 PM
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Some Rockhoppers for some years have the same frame as low level Stumpies. Could be similar for higher level Hard Rocks having a Rock Hopper frame. Grab what you can but you really want to end up with a Stump Jumper. (Keep the brakes.)
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10-11-21, 08:26 AM
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I've owned and ridden two to three thousand miles each on the 1989 Hardrock Comp like you pictured and 1990 Rockhopper Sport, I think was the particular model.
It was a light blue color.
Catalog shows that the 1989 Hardrock Comp has straight gauge CroMo tubing.
Pics are somewhere on this thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...nversions.html
I stripped both to bare frame and fork before rebuilding.
The combined weight of the frame and fork on the Rockhopper was right around .70 lbs lighter.
For me seven tenths of a pound isn't much to quibble about.
Your wants and riding style may differ.
With decent quality 26x2.00 or 26x2.15 tires I couldn't tell much difference on how they rode.
I think good tires make more of a difference than a small bit of weight difference in frame weight.
Your deciding factor might fall to what you can find available in your size.
Also worthy considerations are the Trek mtbs of this era including the Trek 850, 950, 970, etc models.
Perusing the above thread as well as this one might give you some details on other worthy vintage mtbs.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...nversions.html
You might give your desired frame size and price range and forum readers might be able to direct you to a worthy vintage mtb for sale.
Also you might advise if you need a complete bike or if a frame and fork would work and you or a local bike co-op could build it up.
It was a light blue color.
Catalog shows that the 1989 Hardrock Comp has straight gauge CroMo tubing.
Pics are somewhere on this thread.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...nversions.html
I stripped both to bare frame and fork before rebuilding.
The combined weight of the frame and fork on the Rockhopper was right around .70 lbs lighter.
For me seven tenths of a pound isn't much to quibble about.
Your wants and riding style may differ.
With decent quality 26x2.00 or 26x2.15 tires I couldn't tell much difference on how they rode.
I think good tires make more of a difference than a small bit of weight difference in frame weight.
Your deciding factor might fall to what you can find available in your size.
Also worthy considerations are the Trek mtbs of this era including the Trek 850, 950, 970, etc models.
Perusing the above thread as well as this one might give you some details on other worthy vintage mtbs.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...nversions.html
You might give your desired frame size and price range and forum readers might be able to direct you to a worthy vintage mtb for sale.
Also you might advise if you need a complete bike or if a frame and fork would work and you or a local bike co-op could build it up.
Last edited by cooperryder; 10-11-21 at 08:34 AM.
10-11-21, 02:39 PM
#14
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Trek Singletracks, 900+ (920, 930, 950, 970, 990; higher # = better components), are also cromoly and great rides.
10-11-21, 03:57 PM
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My perception is that the late 80s early 90s hardrocks are classy steel frames typical of the 80's, all chromoly if not quite as fancy tubing as the upper two bikes. Around the time suspension forks showed up, they went cheaper on the frame. About 2001-2 they went to aluminum. I think it's about the same story for the 800/820, the older "Antelope" models are nicer frames than the "Mountain track" models. If your goal is a single speed conversion the earlier ones are likely better. They're all pretty old by now, it's hard to choose out a 25 vs 30 year old bike just based on age.
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10-12-21, 06:29 AM
#16
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wow , a lot of answers. first of all thanks to all, every information provided will be used when i pull the trigger.
im most likely going to get whatever i can get my hands on, seeing as they are "old" frames and i will only depend on ebay and or craigslist. at first it was the retro decals that i liked and it being a chromo frame but now i just like the idea of having a robust bike that can take a beating. also, there are a couple of trails near by my house that i will be trying this o next week. problem is my only bike at the moment ( track bike) has 25's on it now. going to try it anyways, im sure it will be fine.
i finished building my dream fixed gear a couple of weeks ago and now i have this sudden urge to go through some tougher terrane. with i thought about it before and gotten something with wider tire clearance.
im most likely going to get whatever i can get my hands on, seeing as they are "old" frames and i will only depend on ebay and or craigslist. at first it was the retro decals that i liked and it being a chromo frame but now i just like the idea of having a robust bike that can take a beating. also, there are a couple of trails near by my house that i will be trying this o next week. problem is my only bike at the moment ( track bike) has 25's on it now. going to try it anyways, im sure it will be fine.
i finished building my dream fixed gear a couple of weeks ago and now i have this sudden urge to go through some tougher terrane. with i thought about it before and gotten something with wider tire clearance.
10-12-21, 07:21 AM
#17
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wow , a lot of answers. first of all thanks to all, every information provided will be used when i pull the trigger.
im most likely going to get whatever i can get my hands on, seeing as they are "old" frames and i will only depend on ebay and or craigslist. at first it was the retro decals that i liked and it being a chromo frame but now i just like the idea of having a robust bike that can take a beating. also, there are a couple of trails near by my house that i will be trying this o next week. problem is my only bike at the moment ( track bike) has 25's on it now. going to try it anyways, im sure it will be fine.
i finished building my dream fixed gear a couple of weeks ago and now i have this sudden urge to go through some tougher terrane. with i thought about it before and gotten something with wider tire clearance.
im most likely going to get whatever i can get my hands on, seeing as they are "old" frames and i will only depend on ebay and or craigslist. at first it was the retro decals that i liked and it being a chromo frame but now i just like the idea of having a robust bike that can take a beating. also, there are a couple of trails near by my house that i will be trying this o next week. problem is my only bike at the moment ( track bike) has 25's on it now. going to try it anyways, im sure it will be fine.
i finished building my dream fixed gear a couple of weeks ago and now i have this sudden urge to go through some tougher terrane. with i thought about it before and gotten something with wider tire clearance.
Yeah I like old MTBs:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...mtb-fleet.html
10-13-21, 06:32 AM
#18
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Nothing against HardRocks, they are nice bikes, but it's good to see you don't seem married to the idea. Prices are wonky these days with everything bike-related, but you may find you're paying a premium for the name (I say that full well knowing I have a single speed converted RockHopper that I absolutely adore!). Same thing with Trek, to some extent, but Diamondback, Mongoose, Jamis and just about everybody else in the game back then made some sweet MTBs well into the 90s, and there's a million old GTs out there--those are sweet bikes, too, even the hi-ten models. I've ridden them all and they are all nice, smooth rigs. The bike that got me back into cycling 9 years ago was a Peugeot mountain bike, and I loved that thing. They pop up from time to time, too.
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10-13-21, 01:51 PM
#19
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10-14-21, 03:44 AM
#20
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I converted my '89 Hardrock, all red, to fixed gear with upright bars over 10 years ago. I run 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" wide tires with full black plastic fenders. I find skinnier tires, 1 1/4" or less to look overly skinny for the frame - too much side to side clearance between the seatstays or fork and the tires for my aesthetic tastes. It's a decent, although heavyish, ride that I use for utility and commuting where it takes abuse and shrugs it off.
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10-21-21, 07:19 PM
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hey dont know if this goes here but im looking to get an retro styled mountain bike that has horizontal dropouts and correct clearance so i can ride fixed gear.
this poster on ****** in my eyes has a beautiful build of an 89 specialized hardrock.
how much do these go for?
any info on vintage mountain bikes would be greatly appreciated.
this poster on ****** in my eyes has a beautiful build of an 89 specialized hardrock.
how much do these go for?
any info on vintage mountain bikes would be greatly appreciated.
10-21-21, 08:15 PM
#23
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10-21-21, 08:37 PM
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10-21-21, 09:44 PM
#25
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I converted my '89 Hardrock, all red, to fixed gear with upright bars over 10 years ago. I run 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" wide tires with full black plastic fenders. I find skinnier tires, 1 1/4" or less to look overly skinny for the frame - too much side to side clearance between the seatstays or fork and the tires for my aesthetic tastes. It's a decent, although heavyish, ride that I use for utility and commuting where it takes abuse and shrugs it off.