Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - My Clydeworthy Hardrock

I've made a few changes to my 08' Hardrock and now I feel it is totally Clydeworthy. I lurked on here for quite awhile and from all I read it seemed like the 08' Hardrock would be a solid bike for someone my size (6' tall 350 lbs.) to start on. I have already started to add the bike rides as a component of my diet and exercise program. Also, I am 56 years old.

Below is my bike and some images of the changes I have made. Any comments, advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

2008 Specialized Hardrock Sport
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/clyde1.jpg

I added this bag and rack. They are both made by Topeak. The bag slides on the rack in a track and it is expandable.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/clyde2.jpg

Showing how the bag expands to give you built-in panniers.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/clyde3.jpg

I replaced the stock fork with a Surly 1x1 rigid fork. The stock fork was unlockable and too soft for my weight, plus I only ride on pavement and smooth trails. Rigid seemed the way to go. I also changed the tires with some 26x2.0 Michelin XC Hard Terrains. They make a huge difference in the ride.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/clyde5.jpg

.........and just today I added a Cateye Strada wireless.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/clyde4.jpg

Nice work on the modifications. That's a sharp looking bike.

Nice bike ... a bell's the only thing I can think of, I use one.

Nice ride! I'd consider adding a rear fender.

Cool trunk!

Looks great, definitely gonna have to pick up that trunk bag system for mine.

Is the saddle aftermarket?

drool

Very nice set up. Did you have to drill into your seat stays to attach the rack?

The only things different on mine are the full Freddy Fenders (you want full fenders if you ride in weather...found this out the hard way), and Specialized FatBoy tires at 100psi, and some reflective tape.

Oh! and mine is much older....

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hjk-KjFgGfk/SWgD225y4KI/AAAAAAAAAD0/kiwvtDCAh-8/s512/Chaporral%20Trail%20Celeste%20Hardrock.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hjk-KjFgGfk/SWASKlbohII/AAAAAAAAACU/plDmFZGnXmk/s640/Chaporral%20Trail%20Farmerville%20013.jpg

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions.:thumb:


Is the saddle aftermarket?

No, it's the stock saddle.


Very nice set up. Did you have to drill into your seat stays to attach the rack?

Steve, I really don't know. They put it on for me at the LBS, I was there when they did it and I don't think they had to drill.


Nice bike ... a bell's the only thing I can think of, I use one.

Yeah, I need to add something like a bell and I would love to have the Magicshine light.


Nice ride! I'd consider adding a rear fender.

My initial thought is that the rack would be sufficient, but you might be right.

Nice looking ride!

How did changing the fork effect your ride posture? Are you more or less upright?

I love the bike!

How did changing the fork effect your ride posture? Are you more or less upright?


The posture seems the same to me, if anything maybe slightly more upright. The real change is in the amount of energy I have to expend. Now that I no longer have the fork bobbing on every down stroke, it takes much less effort to pedal, all the energy is going to the rear wheel.

That's actually good news! I think having him more upright is the most comfortable for him. (I'm going to get DH on this forum so he can speak for hisself soon. )

We just brought home a 2004 Specialized Hardrock Sport that a friend bought and never used. Other than dust and two flat tires it's in perfect shape. And it's ours for 150$. Leaves us enough cash for the mods. Looks like it'll be fork, saddle, smooth tires and grips to start.

Thanks again for the help! :thumb:

I'm idrinkred's DH - she finally convinced me to get on here. Just wanted to echo my thanks for all the help in choosing the right bike for me. I couldn't believe that we were able to get the '04 Hardrock Sport from a friend of mine for so cheap. I must admit, it's weird to be up on a bike again, but I'm looking forward getting the mods done and getting back on 2 tires.

Thanks again for all the help, and I look forward to reading more here in the future.

Nice bike. Tastefully put together.

I'm idrinkred's DH - she finally convinced me to get on here. Just wanted to echo my thanks for all the help in choosing the right bike for me. I couldn't believe that we were able to get the '04 Hardrock Sport from a friend of mine for so cheap. I must admit, it's weird to be up on a bike again, but I'm looking forward getting the mods done and getting back on 2 tires.Thanks again for all the help, and I look forward to reading more here in the future.

Welcome aboard and congratulations on the new bike, looking forward to seeing some pictures when it is cleaned up. Is yours silver?

looks great!

Welcome aboard and congratulations on the new bike, looking forward to seeing some pictures when it is cleaned up. Is yours silver?

Yup, I was hoping for the "Taxi Cab Yellow," but it's silver. As far as cleaning it up, it's already pretty clean. The wife and I are already making plans on getting it "modded" out like yours. When we get everything together, we'll be sure to post pics.