Got this on eBay
07-08-20, 05:44 AM
#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.
07-08-20, 06:11 AM
#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.
07-08-20, 06:55 AM
#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.
07-08-20, 06:59 AM
#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.
07-08-20, 07:00 AM
#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.
07-08-20, 07:35 AM
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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.
07-08-20, 07:43 AM
#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.
07-08-20, 07:57 AM
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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 FlickrTrail configuration. Well needed to change tires.
RockHopper_ Sprung_2012_018, on Flickr
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07-08-20, 08:13 AM
#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 FlickrTrail configuration. Well needed to change tires.
RockHopper_ Sprung_2012_018, on Flickr
07-08-20, 08:24 AM
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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.
07-08-20, 08:28 AM
#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.
07-08-20, 02:09 PM
#12
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