VINTAGE MOUNTAIN BIKES

[Karate Chicken Industries]

I've ridden it on the local "mountain bike" trails once. I learned a lot of things, including it's still not the right size for me and I'm not in nearly the kind of shape I was 34 years ago.

That said I'd kinda like to buy a current Rockhopper and try those trails again...

Your Rockhopper is made much better than today's offerings, but from looking at the current setup it appears to be way too small for you. It does have compact geometry (back-sloping top tube), which makes for good handling, but larger frames of that year/make/model wil not. Your wallet will be better off locating a vintage compact geo rigifd fork frameset, swap your parts over. and if you decide you do not wish to pursue trail riding further, you're not out much. If you do proceed with trail riding, it'll be a great skill builder and make a great backup bike if you wish to move onto something more modern.

 

[DesmoDog]

Your wallet will be better off locating a vintage compact geo rigifd fork frameset,

I considered doing that before I rebuilt it, but I'm not familiar enough with things to know what a good alternative is. I was never all that knowledgable about frame geometery or even other brands that we didn't sell. Then again I'm not all that stoked about spending the cash for a new Rockhopper either...

I did a half assed search for bigger Specialized frames/forks but didn't see anything before some other shiny object distracted me.

 

[Lowe Beau]

Went to the weekly ride with this one…caught a flat and was also told that my front brake was inadequate therefore it was strongly suggested that I not ride by the “experts” ( now as far as the fixie and bmx crowds are concerned there’s never a discussion of riding sans brakes but I’m not supposed to realize that) personally I could see the low key envy in his eyes. Then again this is the same shop where someone told me that a regular chain would work on a skiptooth setup . Anyhoo, I wasn’t going to waste a 20 minute trip so I went against their advice and went on a solo excursion and still had a blast. I normally bring a different bicycle every time that I show up and it’s to the point where people are waiting to see what I’m rolling on next. But due to this circumstance they’ll see this classic aluminum (aircraft grade…no weight wienerdom here but this has to be the lightest bike that I own and its a blast to ride) multi terrain beautiful brute next time I show up there. So for the haters until they find a way to cope just keep crying…for I can use those tears to jazz up my coffee a bit. Anyhoo, I’m done rambling. One love y’all.


Oh and it’s a ‘93(?) GT Panthera…

 

[Lowe Beau]

Love that triple triangle

 

[MattiThundrrr]

There are plenty of mountain bikes on board, a few GT trail bikes being run by rat rodders here. The smaller sizes make fantastic BMX conversions. Pantera was a solid piece, as long as the vees are in good working order, you'll be fine. I've got a few classics, but none are in any condition worth sharing pictures of. There is an 88 Nishiki, 94 Hardrock, 07 Brodie, and another 12 Hardrock. I wanted an example from each decade, there are plans for a 70s style klunk type thing to fill out the range

 

[Lowe Beau]

There are plenty of mountain bikes on board, a few GT trail bikes being run by rat rodders here. The smaller sizes make fantastic BMX conversions. Pantera was a solid piece, as long as the vees are in good working order, you'll be fine. I've got a few classics, but none are in any condition worth sharing pictures of. There is an 88 Nishiki, 94 Hardrock, 07 Brodie, and another 12 Hardrock. I wanted an example from each decade, there are plans for a 70s style klunk type thing to fill out the range

The brakes were straight I just needed some new pads. Operative word in this case being "needed" (translation: sorted already and ready to rip ish up next Thursday). But I think you mentioned a Hardrock. I happen to have one that I've not figured the date as of yet. All I know I saw a set of bullmoose bars and I had to acquire it (I'd been looking for a while for a pair and thus this is my only bike with them at this moment) it also has a very slick rear brake setup and the funkiest turquoise paint drizzle/splash 1980's colour scheme. Better yet I'll get some pics of that and a Hotrock that I bought for parts originally. I'll keep ya posted.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

it also has a very slick rear brake setup and the funkiest turquoise paint drizzle/splash 1980's colour scheme.

Pics of that and I might be able to help you narrow it down. Specialized's serial numbers don't mean much, and their records aren't much help either. I'm not a fan of the company or business practices, but the bikes are great.

 

[Lowe Beau]

Agreed. Believe me I've dealt with much worse.

 

[radnadnev]

Picked this up end of last week … $50 FBM!
2000(?) GT Timberline. I’ve been keeping an eye out for a mountain bike to keep in my work office/shop for quick lunchtime ride on the trails that run along the university campus.

The seller had a group of bikes and I saw it peeking out from the back of photo. Wasn’t sure what model/size until I drove the 25 minutes to check it out. 18” frame and in very good shape. A bit weathered from sitting outside but solid otherwise.

 

[Captain Awesome]

98 Iron Horse

Fresh find. I'll drop it here but eventually it may appear in other threads

 

[MattiThundrrr]

View attachment 213477

98 Iron Horse

Fresh find. I'll drop it here but eventually it may appear in other threads

I've always been curious about that frame, the dropped top bar is interesting. Really fat tubes for steel, I bet she's sturdy

 

[Captain Awesome]

I've always been curious about that frame, the dropped top bar is interesting. Really fat tubes for steel, I bet she's sturdy

Supposedly these A frames are quite robust. But I'm pretty amazed at how light this 4130 fork is

 

[radnadnev]

View attachment 213459

Picked this up end of last week … $50 FBM!
2000(?) GT Timberline. I’ve been keeping an eye out for a mountain bike to keep in my work office/shop for quick lunchtime ride on the trails that run along the university campus.

View attachment 213460

The seller had a group of bikes and I saw it peeking out from the back of photo. Wasn’t sure what model/size until I drove the 25 minutes to check it out. 18” frame and in very good shape. A bit weathered from sitting outside but solid otherwise.

Gave it a quick clean, swapped out the saddle and pedals and took it for a ride. Fits great, shifts and brakes good… a few adjustments needed. The suspension fork was a different matter… quite “clunky” in its operation while going off curbs! Inspection showed one of the top seal/sleave units popped loose. I tried just pressing it back in but it wouldn’t seat completely. The only way to do it was to disassemble the fork. That took some figuring since this particular model doesn’t come apart like 95% of most other forks… loosening nut at fork end and tapping unit loose. This fork had to come apart from the top. After watching 10 YouTubes I found one that revealed the secret!
There was quite a bit of water inside which made the grease nasty and corroded the metal parts… the rubber dampeners were frozen to the screw with rust! Scrubbed the parts down and reassembled with a good helping of fresh grease. Works well now and not AS clunky… it is a budget fork after all!

For a 20 year old bike that spent most of its life un-ridden and stored outdoors it is in really good shape! Hardly a scratch and still has all the safety stickers on it. Perfect shop bike!

 

[Lowe Beau]

Pics of that and I might be able to help you narrow it down. Specialized's serial numbers don't mean much, and their records aren't much help either. I'm not a fan of the company or business practices, but the bikes are great.

Hey mate, pardon the delay. Life’s kind of complicated. As promised a while back. I figured I’d get her road ready while she was out….

 

[Captain Awesome]

Hey mate, pardon the delay. Life’s kind of complicated. As promised a while back. I figured I’d get her road ready while she was out….

That's nice! Prime candidate for a refresh

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Late eighties, 1987-88. That's when they had u brakes under the chain stays and used that color scheme. It's all suntour, so my Shimano date code tricks won't work.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I think that's a scan of the 87 catalog.

88 catalog

89 catalog, cantilever brakes on seat stays
I can't find a picture of an 86 Hardrock.

 

[Lowe Beau]

Cool. I suspected the 80’s. Appreciate the info by the way. I thought that the abundance of Japanese components was something to note as well. After I noticed anomaly after anomaly this bike became a case of restoration instead of salvage.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I have a few Hardrocks, they're great all around bikes, easy to like. They can take a beating and come back for more, and you don't have to feel bad about treating them rough. Trust me, I've ridden them harder than the average bear

 

[Lowe Beau]

Cool. I suspected the 80’s. Appreciate the info by the way. I thought that the abundance of Japanese components was something to note as well. After I noticed anomaly after anomaly this bike became a case of restoration instead of salvage.

Allow me to clarify, by the way I meant Suntour parts. I see Shimano so much on American based bikes and fishing equipment that I have to remind myself that it’s a Japanese company