I've got a 95 Rockhopper that I love and will never sell. Out of all the mods I've done to it the rised handle bars were the biggest game changer. The are the exact profile you switch to...I think you're gonna like it!
I have just bought a 1995 rockhopper aswell. It's in good condition but I'm undecided whether to keep it original or do a resto mod on it. Only cost me 15 quid.
Been out on my 93 Rockhopper today with 1x7 , modern wide bars and Michelin Country Rock tyres, it is my go anywhere flying machine. Love it bits.Keep up these cool videos.
My wife wants to thank you for my new obsession with retro mountain bikes 😅 I have just got myself a 1998 Specialized Hardrock A1 for £45. Plan is to ride and enjoy it over the summer and maybe modify it over winter. Need to get one of your stickers for it as well. 👍
Love your videos...the time, effort with genuine sincerity you put into them. Makes me wonder why you don't more subscribers. Great you take us for a ride too. Makes my day more enjoyable. God Bless you on your travels...
I would recommend the Seeley mini ratchet.Quite pricey at about £14 but a superb tool. At one end is the ratchet, at the other a bit holder recess so you can either use it as a ratchet or a screwdriver. Surprisingly comfy and very shiny. Lives in my tool roll due to its compactness and practicality.
Look forward to more Rockhopper evolutions. I've got one from (umm) mid-90's, I guess. Horrible blue, pink, creamy white frame colours but it is what it is. Inspired by your vids to pimp it up a bit, but I have zero skillz. Or knowledge. Got some cider though, so should be OK. Ratchet recommendation: I have a Laser Tools 3/8 stubby - 3442 I think (links not allowed. who knew?). Not top notch, doesn't pretent to be. But solid and handy.
love your videos! beautiful build. I have a 1986 red rockhopper that I turned into a single speed (silver and white parts)....love,lovelove it! Original sealed bearing wheel set still going strong.
I have BLB Big Smoke OS bars on my retro 26 MTB commuter. This is with a 130mm 45deg stem, which brings my bars level with my saddle (I'm 6ft). I dont like swept back bars as i have found it very hard to get the reach right. Plus i have a front rack, which i put my shopping on, so i like the bars medium wide and flat for leverage with the rack. Maybe for a commute, try cutting the bars shorter between 700 and 750, and with comfort grips, like Ergon GA3s, or some thumb rests like Togs Flexi MTB.
since you have Vbrakes you could have easily just gone for a high rise stem and kept the sweet bars. i changed the stems on all my bikes for a more 'gaper' ride. i have switched to RockandRoll Gold or Blue on chain, mainly because they are so easy to clean with a wire wheel on a cordless drill between lubes. chain stays shiny. cool bike for yer dad. nice new 1X on the hopper.
In regards of the rachet - wera mini rachet all day. Pricey, but the build quality and feel is superb. I also have the bosch one, the older model though and i understand your struggle with the little switch, never had it with wera.
Regarding your ratchet, Halfords Advanced stuff is excellent and has a no quibble, no receipt required guarantee. You will be able to get a 1/4" one as part of a set or on its own
If you're using this for commuting, what are your numbers? What do you actually need? Looks like you've tried swept back and you've tried height. What about height and back sweep together? Velo Orange Klunker Bar in black might be the ticket. Just get a shim to convert the 25.4 to 31.8 and you can still use your stem. Or switch out to a sick BMX stem.
I own a '97 or '98 Rockhopper here in Canada. Modified tires, saddle, handlebars. But I never found it particularly comfortable, especially for long rides. It desperately needs new tires and a new drivetrain, but also a stem and handlebar to improve comfort as well as cable repairs. By the time I do all that, I might as well buy a new bike.....which I did (yet another Specialized, but this time a 2023 Sirrus X 2.0). I needed to get out biking, and I just didn't want to ride my old one (I kind of feel sorry I didn't try to rebuild it.....but I 'could' afford a new one). I was initially shopping for a pure commuter bike, like a Devinci Cartier or Kona Dew......but found those BORING, though comfortable. I sacrificed a bit of comfort for my wrists by buying the Sirrus, but boy is it fun to ride and great at keeping speed. Still need a handlebar upgrade though.
On the mini ratchet, I really like my presta cycle ratchet set. I'm pretty sure they make it for several different companies, like topeak. Can't go wrong with one of them.
i follow you on IG with likely 3 accounts.. my HANDLEBARS of choice is the.. usually range between a 30-45 degree with a rise that matches enough to slip the cups for TT bars inside. I keep doing that for some reason.. I tend to ride smaller frames upsized with 450mm seatposts and swap to riser stems BMX-MOTO bars and the uprights.. simply because I'm not a little person. current stable has a 1996 ROCKY MOUNTAIN CARDIAC in BADASS BLACK.. going thru a city mullet disc brake conversion. a 2021 NORCO INDIE4 going to 29er and 24spd DEORE on a Surly BIG DUMMY fork.. a 2005 TREK 7300fx running the OEM KLEIN-TREK disc brake mount on the back.. the IS version. etc etc.. 2020 trek xcalibur8 1997 giant sedona SE BMX ... 2013 opus zermatt
You haven't shown what your preference is for position on the bike, so it is hard to recommend a bar that would work best. A commuter really should not only be comfortable but sit up to be able to negotiate traffic and hazards. Just my opinion.
Love the rockhopper in nearly every aspect. Just the front quick release skewer drives me nuts: please consider turning the opening mechanism to the left side 🫣
please continue along this glorious path
I've got a 95 Rockhopper that I love and will never sell. Out of all the mods I've done to it the rised handle bars were the biggest game changer. The are the exact profile you switch to...I think you're gonna like it!
I have just bought a 1995 rockhopper aswell. It's in good condition but I'm undecided whether to keep it original or do a resto mod on it. Only cost me 15 quid.
I've been modifying mine for a year. It's like a Frankenstein I can't stop messing with. It's alot of fun!
Been out on my 93 Rockhopper today with 1x7 , modern wide bars and Michelin Country Rock tyres, it is my go anywhere flying machine. Love it bits.Keep up these cool videos.
What crankset did you use
Same, I love the Michelins. Very durable tire, grippy and decent for tarmac and trail.
My wife wants to thank you for my new obsession with retro mountain bikes 😅 I have just got myself a 1998 Specialized Hardrock A1 for £45. Plan is to ride and enjoy it over the summer and maybe modify it over winter. Need to get one of your stickers for it as well. 👍
Love the comment about dropping bolts. I think I spend 30% of my time on builds looking for the stuff that I've dropped.
I’d say it’s 50-50 for me 😂
Love your videos...the time, effort with genuine sincerity you put into them. Makes me wonder why you don't more subscribers. Great you take us for a ride too. Makes my day more enjoyable. God Bless you on your travels...
I would recommend the Seeley mini ratchet.Quite pricey at about £14 but a superb tool. At one end is the ratchet, at the other a bit holder recess so you can either use it as a ratchet or a screwdriver. Surprisingly comfy and very shiny. Lives in my tool roll due to its compactness and practicality.
First build video your new place? Looks like you have way more room and a much better view in the yard. Congratulations!
Look forward to more Rockhopper evolutions. I've got one from (umm) mid-90's, I guess. Horrible blue, pink, creamy white frame colours but it is what it is. Inspired by your vids to pimp it up a bit, but I have zero skillz. Or knowledge. Got some cider though, so should be OK.
Ratchet recommendation: I have a Laser Tools 3/8 stubby - 3442 I think (links not allowed. who knew?). Not top notch, doesn't pretent to be. But solid and handy.
1/4” ratchet suggestions. Can’t go wrong with wera. The xyclop ones so you can angle the handle to suit or use it like a screwdriver handle.
You make some cool bikes I've just done a gt for my boy and its turned out great you're a good inspiration keep up the good work
love your videos! beautiful build. I have a 1986 red rockhopper that I turned into a single speed (silver and white parts)....love,lovelove it! Original sealed bearing wheel set still going strong.
Get a little rechargeable ratchet...you'll love it
Try some swept back bars, something like the nitto albatross or on-one Mary.
I have BLB Big Smoke OS bars on my retro 26 MTB commuter. This is with a 130mm 45deg stem, which brings my bars level with my saddle (I'm 6ft). I dont like swept back bars as i have found it very hard to get the reach right. Plus i have a front rack, which i put my shopping on, so i like the bars medium wide and flat for leverage with the rack. Maybe for a commute, try cutting the bars shorter between 700 and 750, and with comfort grips, like Ergon GA3s, or some thumb rests like Togs Flexi MTB.
since you have Vbrakes you could have easily just gone for a high rise stem and kept the sweet bars. i changed the stems on all my bikes for a more 'gaper' ride.
i have switched to RockandRoll Gold or Blue on chain, mainly because they are so easy to clean with a wire wheel on a cordless drill between lubes. chain stays shiny.
cool bike for yer dad. nice new 1X on the hopper.
In regards of the rachet - wera mini rachet all day. Pricey, but the build quality and feel is superb. I also have the bosch one, the older model though and i understand your struggle with the little switch, never had it with wera.
You should try the Stooge Junker Bar 85 for handlbars. More backsweep, 85mm rise and BMX style. Had them, loved them on a RockHopper.
Regarding your ratchet, Halfords Advanced stuff is excellent and has a no quibble, no receipt required guarantee. You will be able to get a 1/4" one as part of a set or on its own
Same bars on my 94 bianchi ocelot. Very comfortable on any terrain. Think youll like them better.
If you're using this for commuting, what are your numbers? What do you actually need? Looks like you've tried swept back and you've tried height. What about height and back sweep together? Velo Orange Klunker Bar in black might be the ticket. Just get a shim to convert the 25.4 to 31.8 and you can still use your stem. Or switch out to a sick BMX stem.
I own a '97 or '98 Rockhopper here in Canada. Modified tires, saddle, handlebars. But I never found it particularly comfortable, especially for long rides. It desperately needs new tires and a new drivetrain, but also a stem and handlebar to improve comfort as well as cable repairs. By the time I do all that, I might as well buy a new bike.....which I did (yet another Specialized, but this time a 2023 Sirrus X 2.0). I needed to get out biking, and I just didn't want to ride my old one (I kind of feel sorry I didn't try to rebuild it.....but I 'could' afford a new one). I was initially shopping for a pure commuter bike, like a Devinci Cartier or Kona Dew......but found those BORING, though comfortable. I sacrificed a bit of comfort for my wrists by buying the Sirrus, but boy is it fun to ride and great at keeping speed. Still need a handlebar upgrade though.
That's a bit of me, very nice!
Love love old bikes
On the mini ratchet, I really like my presta cycle ratchet set. I'm pretty sure they make it for several different companies, like topeak. Can't go wrong with one of them.
You need a 70/80/90mm stem with 15/25° rise, you can't get away with the stem your running
Truvative 35mm rise work well on 26 mtb
The best bike i have owned was the specialized rockcombo best city bike/gravel
Hair dryer solves all your stickers problems!
Noticed you use flat pedals, have you tried SPD's ?, they make a huge difference in my view especially when paired with stiff soled shoes.
Soma Dream Riser.
Did you ever find handlebars thay felt right for this bike? And how big are the cassette and chainring?
This is awesome! I think my favorite thing about restomods is getting rid of the front derailleur!!!! What’s the gear range on this?
OMG so dope
I have a 1994 specialized rock Hopper like new conditions the only parts i replace pedals and the seat
Maybe some bmx bars
I like the surly sun rise moto bars
i follow you on IG with likely 3 accounts.. my HANDLEBARS of choice is the.. usually range between a 30-45 degree with a rise that matches enough to slip the cups for TT bars inside. I keep doing that for some reason.. I tend to ride smaller frames upsized with 450mm seatposts and swap to riser stems BMX-MOTO bars and the uprights.. simply because I'm not a little person. current stable has a 1996 ROCKY MOUNTAIN CARDIAC in BADASS BLACK.. going thru a city mullet disc brake conversion. a 2021 NORCO INDIE4 going to 29er and 24spd DEORE on a Surly BIG DUMMY fork.. a 2005 TREK 7300fx running the OEM KLEIN-TREK disc brake mount on the back.. the IS version. etc etc.. 2020 trek xcalibur8 1997 giant sedona SE BMX ... 2013 opus zermatt
AIways I mean always use a small socket on jubilee clips
It saves time it seves pain and paint and how did you convert from threaded
I used one of these Deda Elementi Men's Spada Quill Stem Adapter, Black, 22.2mm / 25.4mm amzn.eu/d/aO1D2Ot
Ritchey koyote bars
Try s&m 29er race bars
How did you convert to threadless?
Hi my friend what your size tire
What tires are those?
What size(inch) is it?
You haven't shown what your preference is for position on the bike, so it is hard to recommend a bar that would work best. A commuter really should not only be comfortable but sit up to be able to negotiate traffic and hazards. Just my opinion.
Put a rack on it!
name handlebar?
look out for a muddy fox for Gods sake your English
Love the rockhopper in nearly every aspect. Just the front quick release skewer drives me nuts: please consider turning the opening mechanism to the left side 🫣