Old Rockhoppers
#227
Senior Citizen
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: North Bend, WA
Posts: 128
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR7 Disc, Lemond Poprad, 1980 Colnago Super, '88 Specialized Rockhopper
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 69 Post(s)
Liked 576 Times
in
162 Posts
I bought my '88 Rockhopper back in '90 or '91. Recently installed new grips, tires, pedals and saddle. Everything else is original equipment. Still rides great and it's perfect for buzzing around town on the street, or riding on one of the many gravel trails in the area.
#229
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,696
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1533 Post(s)
Liked 1,530 Times
in
917 Posts
Pretty Purple Princess Penelope (lol) is still a work in progress, but she's a different bike from the one I picked up in March.
And then this happened. Still dialing in the stem height before shortening the cables.
And then this happened. Still dialing in the stem height before shortening the cables.
Likes For Korina:
#230
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Actually, U brakes are awesome. They have far more stopping power than a cantilever brake and they look cool. The only drawback, which is ridiculous, is that they can get gummed up with mud in the most extreme conditions. Who rides these bikes in thick mud? You shouldn't ride any bike in those conditions because you will ruin the trail. They were only spec'd on bikes for a couple years, so they are somewhat rare. I love them on my 1988 Stumpy.
Last edited by konasun; 10-08-19 at 10:42 AM. Reason: Left something out.
#231
Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 819
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
34 Posts
My '93 Rockhopper is still doing what is was made to do, kicking butt on the trails. Here it is in full bikepacking mode.
I did finally replace the cantilevers with v-brakes this summer, to give myself some easier stopping power under loaded conditions, and to make room around the upper fork for my bags. I also added the front rack and basket, which has worked out very well. All in all, this is a spectacular bike for bikepacking. Reasonably light, even by today's standards, with just enough flex to be comfortable on bumpy trails. It takes 2.3" tires with plenty of room to spare.
I did finally replace the cantilevers with v-brakes this summer, to give myself some easier stopping power under loaded conditions, and to make room around the upper fork for my bags. I also added the front rack and basket, which has worked out very well. All in all, this is a spectacular bike for bikepacking. Reasonably light, even by today's standards, with just enough flex to be comfortable on bumpy trails. It takes 2.3" tires with plenty of room to spare.
Likes For AlmostGreenGuy:
#232
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 602
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I keep reading about how mountain bikes have changed so much that older ones aren't useful, but comparing a new one with mine I don't see much difference. The head of the frame is a little higher to clear the taller tires and maybe more travel in the suspension but the stem on mine is higher so the bars are about the same height. Seems like I could just upgrade brakes and such and have the same thing.
#233
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,157
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2363 Post(s)
Liked 1,749 Times
in
1,191 Posts
^^^^^^ +1; and your vintage bike has the advantage of being much easier on the eyes. Another member recently described the profile of a modern MTB frame as resembling a dog taking a dump.
#234
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 602
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I'm thinking of getting one of these https://www.dimensionbikeproducts.co...teerer_adaptor
and then a shorter stem to pull the bars back a bit. Notice how mine are a bit further forward.
and then a shorter stem to pull the bars back a bit. Notice how mine are a bit further forward.
#235
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,157
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2363 Post(s)
Liked 1,749 Times
in
1,191 Posts
^^^^^^ Or just find a shorter-reach quill stem. Is there a bike co-op near you? They probably have buckets of them.
#236
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,788
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 919 Post(s)
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
#237
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Here's my RockHopper literally saved from the dump. Guy had it locket to an old metal shelving unit at the curb next to my BinL's place. I asked the guy if the bike was out for garbage. He said yes. I took the bike next door to my BinL's and used a Dremel rotary disc to cut off the U-lock. That took two minutes.
Here's the bike as I got it.
Here's the bike as I got it.
#238
Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 819
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
34 Posts
It's an aftermarket stem. I needed the handlebars up further than the minimum insertion line of the original quill stem, so I bought an Origin8 Pro Fit ATB Stem. Works great, and fits a more modern handlebar with a clamp diameter of 31.8mm. Gives me tons of handlebar options. I regularly switch between an inexpensive flat bar when I run a handlebar bag for bikepacking, and a Sunlite riser bar for everything else. The Sunlite is a fantastic bar for the price. A nice amount of rise, some extra sweep back for comfort, and it seems to be pretty strong for its weight. The Origin 8 stem/ Sunlite riser bar is a killer combo.
Last edited by AlmostGreenGuy; 10-16-19 at 07:03 AM.
#239
Senior Member
My '93 Rockhopper is still doing what is was made to do, kicking butt on the trails. Here it is in full bikepacking mode.
I did finally replace the cantilevers with v-brakes this summer, to give myself some easier stopping power under loaded conditions, and to make room around the upper fork for my bags. I also added the front rack and basket, which has worked out very well. All in all, this is a spectacular bike for bikepacking. Reasonably light, even by today's standards, with just enough flex to be comfortable on bumpy trails. It takes 2.3" tires with plenty of room to spare.
I did finally replace the cantilevers with v-brakes this summer, to give myself some easier stopping power under loaded conditions, and to make room around the upper fork for my bags. I also added the front rack and basket, which has worked out very well. All in all, this is a spectacular bike for bikepacking. Reasonably light, even by today's standards, with just enough flex to be comfortable on bumpy trails. It takes 2.3" tires with plenty of room to spare.
#240
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,788
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 919 Post(s)
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
I believe it's a 20" frame. The dimensions of the inside triangle, measured from the center of the tubes is 23"x 9"x25". I just happened to measure it a couple days ago, while researching full frame bags.
It's an aftermarket stem. I needed the handlebars up further than the minimum insertion line of the original stem, so I bought an Origin8 Pro Fit ATB Stem. Works great, and fits a more modern handlebar with a clamp diameter of 31.8mm. Gives me tons of handlebar options. I regularly switch between an inexpensive flat bar when I run a handlebar bag for bikepacking, and a Sunlite riser bar for everything else. The Sunlite is a fantastic bar for the price. A nice amount of rise, some extra sweep back for comfort, and it seems to be pretty strong for its weight. The Origin 8 stem/ Sunlite riser bar is a killer combo.
It's an aftermarket stem. I needed the handlebars up further than the minimum insertion line of the original stem, so I bought an Origin8 Pro Fit ATB Stem. Works great, and fits a more modern handlebar with a clamp diameter of 31.8mm. Gives me tons of handlebar options. I regularly switch between an inexpensive flat bar when I run a handlebar bag for bikepacking, and a Sunlite riser bar for everything else. The Sunlite is a fantastic bar for the price. A nice amount of rise, some extra sweep back for comfort, and it seems to be pretty strong for its weight. The Origin 8 stem/ Sunlite riser bar is a killer combo.
#241
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,157
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2363 Post(s)
Liked 1,749 Times
in
1,191 Posts
I regularly switch between an inexpensive flat bar when I run a handlebar bag for bikepacking, and a Sunlite riser bar for everything else.
#242
Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 819
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
34 Posts
I use longer than normal shifter and brake cables. This allows me to just slide the grips and integrated shifters/brake levers right off the handlebar, switch bars, and slide everything right back on again. The whole affair takes about 60 seconds. The longer cables also help the shifters and brakes to work better when a heavy bikepacking handlebar bag is pressing against them. Lots of wiggle room. Playing around with my Jones loop bar also requires very long cables, due to the extreme width of the bar.
#243
Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 819
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
34 Posts
Likes For AlmostGreenGuy:
Likes For eom:
#245
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,696
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1533 Post(s)
Liked 1,530 Times
in
917 Posts
My '93 Rockhopper is still doing what is was made to do, kicking butt on the trails. Here it is in full bikepacking mode.
I did finally replace the cantilevers with v-brakes this summer, to give myself some easier stopping power under loaded conditions, and to make room around the upper fork for my bags. I also added the front rack and basket, which has worked out very well. All in all, this is a spectacular bike for bikepacking. Reasonably light, even by today's standards, with just enough flex to be comfortable on bumpy trails. It takes 2.3" tires with plenty of room to spare.
I did finally replace the cantilevers with v-brakes this summer, to give myself some easier stopping power under loaded conditions, and to make room around the upper fork for my bags. I also added the front rack and basket, which has worked out very well. All in all, this is a spectacular bike for bikepacking. Reasonably light, even by today's standards, with just enough flex to be comfortable on bumpy trails. It takes 2.3" tires with plenty of room to spare.
#246
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,435
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5888 Post(s)
Liked 3,471 Times
in
2,079 Posts
My '93 Rockhopper is still doing what is was made to do, kicking butt on the trails. Here it is in full bikepacking mode.
I did finally replace the cantilevers with v-brakes this summer, to give myself some easier stopping power under loaded conditions, and to make room around the upper fork for my bags. I also added the front rack and basket, which has worked out very well. All in all, this is a spectacular bike for bikepacking. Reasonably light, even by today's standards, with just enough flex to be comfortable on bumpy trails. It takes 2.3" tires with plenty of room to spare.
I did finally replace the cantilevers with v-brakes this summer, to give myself some easier stopping power under loaded conditions, and to make room around the upper fork for my bags. I also added the front rack and basket, which has worked out very well. All in all, this is a spectacular bike for bikepacking. Reasonably light, even by today's standards, with just enough flex to be comfortable on bumpy trails. It takes 2.3" tires with plenty of room to spare.
#247
Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 819
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
34 Posts
#249
Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 819
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
34 Posts
Likes For marius.suiram: