The Rockhopper

I had been looking for an old MTB to turn into a commuter and this fit the bill just right. It's a 3x7, so all the range I need for my 10 mile commute with barely any elevation. Here's what I've done so far and what I plan to do:

Recently, I came across a Trek 820 on Marketplace for the right price. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it in time to buy it. But, when I did make it to the guy’s house, he had a 1994 Specialized Rockhopper GX that he had just finished fixing up.

He found it in a barn, I think, and had done very little work to bring it back to life. The rims needed to be brushed, the derailleurs & brakes needed adjustments, and it sounded like he added new cables, maybe new housing. He put a fresh pair of tires on (and put new tubes in ’em) and it was ready to rip. He also included a sick little 6-pack rack on the front. Super clean with a green color, I was thrilled.

I had been looking for an old MTB to turn into a commuter and this fit the bill just right. It’s a 3×7, so all the range I need for my 10 mile commute with barely any elevation. Here’s what I’ve done so far and what I plan to do:

What I’ve Done

  • Added a rear rack
  • Added a pannier
  • Replaced stock pedals with flats & straps from my previous commuter
  • Replaced bottom bracket (the original spindle was too narrow and the left crank was rubbing on the frame. Got one with a longer spindle)
  • Replaced saddle with a take off from an old bike
    • The OG saddle is cool but hurt my butt!
  • Added a bell (of course)

What I’ll Do (soon)

  • Replace flats with different flats & straps (camo!)
  • Replace cockpit
    • Replace quill stem with threadless adapter
    • Add new stem & handlebars
    • Replace grip shifters & brake levers with combo shift & brake levers
    • Replace grips
    • Add headset-mounted front cantilever brake cable guide
  • Replace cables & housing
  • Replace chain

What I’ll Do (later)

  • Replace wheelset
    • Might build a new set using the OG hubs
  • Replace crankset

Photos