Mountain Biking - Rescued this puppy from an abusive home

If you saw my previous thread about a month ago, a friend gave me a killer deal on an Ironhorse Maverick 5.0, but I later realized that I value the family jewels and needed something a little smaller. So I sold that one and went looking for something decent. I found a Specialized Rockhopper Comp (Deore 9 speed) on Craigslist for $115. When I called him, he told me he'd sell it for $60 because it needed a tune-up and a tube. I picked it up and here's how the poor thing had been treated:

1) Somehow, there were bits of inner tube stuck in the cassette lock ring.
2) There was no rim tape on the front wheel (no wonder it was flat).
3) The rear hub was way too tight and not spinning well.
4) The shifters were sticking.
5) The brake pads were rubbing so one side was terribly worn.

A little elbow grease and the purchase of another beat up craigslist special as a donor bike brought it to full health, and I can't wait to hit the trails with it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/UrbanKnight/Bike/Rockhopper01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/UrbanKnight/Bike/Rockhopper03.jpg

The donor bike was going to be sold as a frame and seperate parts on craigslist or ebay, but I realized that my brother could use a bike to build up and ride with his 4 year-old, who just got a bike for his b-day.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/UrbanKnight/Bike/Trek01.jpg

Cool beans.

If your brother decides not to take the Trek, I'm interested.

Resurrection/rescue goodness!

I thought I was going to see a real puppy in here...

Nice job! Man, those are some narrow bars!

YOU STOLE THAT PUPPY.... I am jealous....

Nice.

If your brother decides not to take the Trek, I'm interested.
I thought the frame and fork would barely be worth the cost of shipping it across the country.



Man, those are some narrow bars!
Yeah, they're marked 560mm (I used to use 580) but they came with the donor bike, so I figured I'd try them before spending any more money.

I can't wait to hit the trails with it.


Saturday morning Blackstar/Motorway loop in the Santa Ana's...rolling at 6:30 a.m. :innocent:

Yeah, they're marked 560mm (I used to use 580) but they came with the donor bike, so I figured I'd try them before spending any more money.

Let me know what you need - I have a box full of bars and other parts.

I thought the frame and fork would barely be worth the cost of shipping it across the country.



Yeah, they're marked 560mm (I used to use 580) but they came with the donor bike, so I figured I'd try them before spending any more money.

Maybe not, but for some reason I really want it.

Saturday morning Blackstar/Motorway loop in the Santa Ana's...rolling at 6:30 a.m. :innocent:
As crazy as that sadistic ride sounds, I may just be interested. What are the details? And do you guys have a couch so I don't have to wake up at 4am to be there? More likely though, I'll find something a little closer to home for now.



Let me know what you need - I have a box full of bars and other parts.
You're awesome! If you happen to have a flat bar 580mm or wider, hold onto it for me if you don't mind. I think with my comfort on 40cm road bars, though, I'll probably be happy with the 560.



Maybe not, but for some reason I really want it.
If you like it that much, buy my brother a complete bike with at least Alivio components and I'll include the V-brakes and derailleurs and cover the shipping myself. Really, if he changes his mind, you'll be the first to know.

If you like it that much, buy my brother a complete bike with at least Alivio components and I'll include the V-brakes and derailleurs and cover the shipping myself. Really, if he changes his mind, you'll be the first to know.

:lol: I'm good.

As crazy as that sadistic ride sounds, I may just be interested. What are the details? And do you guys have a couch so I don't have to wake up at 4am to be there? More likely though, I'll find something a little closer to home for now.


http://www.mountainbikebill.com/black_star_silverado_loop.htm


I think the whole loop ends up being about 25 miles with 4,000 feet of climbing. Blackstar isn't too bad, once you're on the Main Divide there are some pretty steep sections. The Motorway descent is fun? :innocent: Here's a video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo5vOq3O7G0

Jason (chucklehead) and Jeff (jsigone) are my victims...ummm...I mean, partners in crime this week! :eek:

how much do you want for that donor? cause I'm seriously interested and I live pretty close
also want to sell that bike stand?

I thought the frame and fork would barely be worth the cost of shipping it across the country.



Yeah, they're marked 560mm (I used to use 580) but they came with the donor bike, so I figured I'd try them before spending any more money.


Once upon a time I ran a bike that came with 560s, bought from a racer gal, but not for long. Run mostly 650-680 lengths these days.

how much do you want for that donor? cause I'm seriously interested and I live pretty close
also want to sell that bike stand?
Like I told mzeffex, a complete bike with Alivio (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/motobecane_400HT_x.htm) would suffice. :D Otherwise, my brother gets first crack at it. Even though he's only giving me a set of used golf clubs in return, allowing him to ride alongside his 4 year-old son is priceless. But seriously, I'll let you guys know if he changes his mind.

As for the bike stand, I kinda use it. besides, it's about 20 years old and only still clamps because I J.B. Welded a nut to the stripped receiving side.

Once upon a time I ran a bike that came with 560s, bought from a racer gal, but not for long. Run mostly 650-680 lengths these days.
I assume that's a riser bar, though, right?

well ill offer cash cause I dont got the bike stuff you want

It was kind of a joke, but if you want to offer $300 in cash, I'll go order my brother a Bikes Direct bike the next day.

I assume that's a riser bar, though, right?

Which one? I have flat bars, low rise bars, medium rise bars, one recent fairly high rise (and cheap) bar....just depends on the application. Need a variety of setups for a variety of bikes...

I just assumed any of your 650-680 bars were risers, but apparently I was wrong.

It was kind of a joke, but if you want to offer $300 in cash, I'll go order my brother a Bikes Direct bike the next day.

I'll pass on that thanks.

Let me know what you need - I have a box full of bars and other parts.

BBM ... you know who UK is, right?

BBM ... you know who UK is, right?

Yeah - just another schmuck I can't keep up with. Teaches music to future felons, I think.

Are you telling me I shouldn't be nice to him? Does he owe you money or something? Let me know - I could send Uncle Bambi, Vinny, and Rocco to go deliver the bars personally.


:innocent:

BBM ... you know who UK is, right?

I'm curious, who is he?

Yeah - just another schmuck I can't keep up with. Teaches music to future felons, I think.

You pay attention quite well! I like to think of it as teaching them a fine art so they can become cultured felons.



I'm curious, who is he?
Nobody special. Biker395 was just making sure BigBossMan knew that he has met me in person before, at the High Sierra Fall Century.

I'm curious, who is he?

BBM has it right. :p

Send Rocco. He knows how to break bones cleanly.

I took it out to the trails around JPL today, and it rides pretty well. I'm getting some chain suck from the middle chainring, though, so I'm going to either flip it around or swap it with the donor bike's to fix that problem, then it should run like new.

Send Rocco. He knows how to break bones cleanly.
I was kinda hoping for Bambi.

I was kinda hoping for Bambi.

Of the three I listed, Bambi would have been the last one you would have wanted on your doorstep. He's dead now, and the world is a much better place for it.

May he rest in peace. :)

Biker395 is Italian. I dare not beat my wife (his neice). I saw what happened to that guy in Godfather.

Urban.....I have the EXACT same bike....bought it new in 2002 I think. I love that thing. Mine is in a bit better condition that the way you described the one you got, but I had some paint thinner leak on the frame and now going to get it powder Coated at a local shop in tampa.......I'll take before and afters so you can see it. I've never seen anyone that had the same bike.....

Sounds about right. My research on bikepedia suggests it's a 2000/2001 model. It cleaned up real nice and has been tested on some pretty rugged singletracks now. I don't like how squishy the Magnum fork is, but product reviews show that I'm not alone. It's also a tad heavy... the tubes are not butted, or at least if they are, it's internal only. But I really can't complain when I paid $60 and got it working almost like new for another $40 on top of that.

:thumb:Congrats on the great find! I am partial to Specialized, however, what made you choose the Specialize to fix-up?:thumb:

I don't like how squishy the Magnum fork is, but product reviews show that I'm not alone.

I know what you mean.....I have them at the stiffest settings and they still feel that way.......good for when the big roots show up out of nowhere.
I've never had a problem with it.......trying to pick a new color though...thinking of DSG metallic..

:thumb:Congrats on the great find! I am partial to Specialized, however, what made you choose the Specialize to fix-up?:thumb:
I chose it because it was $60 and has full Deore 9s components. Even after the $40 in parts and day of labor I put into it, you won't find those specs for that price.

I am, however, partial to Specialized as well, and just happened to get lucky. I would have considered almost any reputable brand. Actually, I would have preferred an M2 frame because I believe it's lighter, but beggars can't be choosers.




I know what you mean.....I have them at the stiffest settings and they still feel that way.......good for when the big roots show up out of nowhere.
I've never had a problem with it.......trying to pick a new color though...thinking of DSG metallic..
Yeah, it's not a problem except when I get out of the saddle. Then it's a pogo stick unless I watch my form like crazy.

DSG?

I chose it because it was $60 and has full Deore 9s components. Even after the $40 in parts and day of labor I put into it, you won't find those specs for that price.

I am, however, partial to Specialized as well, and just happened to get lucky. I would have considered almost any reputable brand. Actually, I would have preferred an M2 frame because I believe it's lighter, but beggars can't be choosers.

Yeah, it's not a problem except when I get out of the saddle. Then it's a pogo stick unless I watch my form like crazy.

DSG?

You are so lucky, I am spending more to replace a cracked rear wheel than you spent on a whole bike. What I meant about the Specialized is why did you choose to build it up versus the Trek? Is the Trek heavier or cracked frame? Just wondering.

I have a 2002 Diamondback Response with a Rockshock Judy TT, the Judy TT doesn't pogo at all under my 190lbs. Maybe you should look for another parts bike, with your luck you probably can find a $500 fork for $15.:roflmao2:

Oh, I see. I chose to build up the Specialized mainly because it fit me better. I should really be on a 17 or 18, but because of my long torso it's better to go large than to go small. The Specialized is a 19 and the Trek is a 16.5. Also, the Specialized needed less work to clean up.

The Trek has a Judy TT, but I still liked the Manitou better. Although the Judy doesn't pogo, it feels mushier than I liked, and I couldn't find a dampening adjustment. But really, I want to keep it with the Manitou because it matches the frame :D

And yes, with my pleasure in fixing up bikes and my eye for quality, I'm tempted to see if I could make money buying neglected bikes, fixing them, and then selling them. I could finish the Trek with 9s Deore shifters, RD, and cassette for less than $200 and then probably sell it for $300.

Oh, I see. I chose to build up the Specialized mainly because it fit me better. I should really be on a 17 or 18, but because of my long torso it's better to go large than to go small. The Specialized is a 19 and the Trek is a 16.5. Also, the Specialized needed less work to clean up.

The Trek has a Judy TT, but I still liked the Manitou better. Although the Judy doesn't pogo, it feels mushier than I liked, and I couldn't find a dampening adjustment. But really, I want to keep it with the Manitou because it matches the frame :D

And yes, with my pleasure in fixing up bikes and my eye for quality, I'm tempted to see if I could make money buying neglected bikes, fixing them, and then selling them. I could finish the Trek with 9s Deore shifters, RD, and cassette for less than $200 and then probably sell it for $300.

I have the exact opposite problem, I have longer legs & shorter torso so fitting a bike is not easy. On a lighter side - you are color coordinating the bike?:roflmao2:Just kidding, only my Specialized Sirrus is color coordinated the poor Diamondback is a hodge podge. It is mean & ugly like the helicopters that I fly.:D

If you can give us an update on the bike builds. Stupid question - it there a site on BF for people to share their bike builds from start to finish? I personally would find that fascinating, being new to the sport I could learn a lot from everyone's experience. Sorry about changing the subject...

Your bike is very sharp, I am thinking about having the Diamondback’s frame stripped & painted a metallic orange (favorite color).:D

On a lighter side - you are color coordinating the bike?:roflmao2:Just kidding
I admit, I am a roadie (actually trackie) by nature, and an overly anal retentive one at that. Here's my current road bike, with matching saddle and bar tape... finished with blue electrical tape to boot. I was recently trying to convince myself to use aluminum nipples on an upcoming wheel build so I can make them blue.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/UrbanKnight/Bike/Tsunami01.jpg
Although not the determining factor to buy it, the team I was racing with at the time had a kit that went well with it as well.
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2074/100/21/710779921/n710779921_1963469_8442.jpg

Here's the road bike I built up in the mid 90's. I had the rims, headset races, seatpost, and cranks CUSTOM anodized because nobody offered them in a medium blue (only turquoise). I even found yellow tires and bottles to coordinate with the stickers, saddle, and bar tape.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/UrbanKnight/Bike/GTEdge2.jpg
The fact that the team I wound up on that season had a yellow and blue jersey was also an unintended bonus.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/UrbanKnight/Bike/Racing4.jpg

This is the mountain bike I rode in the mid 90's. Notice the turquoise bar ends, seatpost, bottle cages, brake calipers, and skewers which conveniently match the stickers on the fork. I also later added a turquiose Rollamajig... just because it was turquoise. Oh yeah, I wore that jersey for the race simply because it kind of matched.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/UrbanKnight/Bike/MtSacBrian.jpg
I later had to retire the frame (non replaceable derailleur hanger + too many right side falls) and put the drivetrain on what used to be my downhill bike. Since that bike required a different size front derailleur clamp and seatpost, and I needed new cranks and bottom bracket anyway, I ended up with every shade or gray on the bike, as well as bits of black, red, yellow, and turquoise. It looked funny, but it rode just fine.

I also have a soft spot for Celeste green.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/UrbanKnight/Bike/Bianchi015.jpg

By the way, every bike I have owned since 1994 has been built up or highly altered by me. The GT and Balance above were take-off framesets I bought at my team sponsor shop, and the Tsunami was used off of Ebay with the saddle and headset. I saved a bunch of money by shopping around and using whatever parts I could get a deal on... and then spending some of the money I saved on the color-coordinating bling parts :D

I'm not sure about the mountain bike section, but the road forum has a thread dedicated to bikes people have built up themselves. They also have a thread for craigslist and ebay finds.

Hey Urbanknight,

This is just a guess, but is turquoise your favorite color? :p All of the bikes look great and have a common turquoise theme. I did’t know that GT made road bikes in the 90’s it is a really good looking bike, especially the seat stays. What type of steel tubing was on the GT?

I like the ride of a steel road bikes a lot the Specialized Sirrus is very smooth & seems to spring up a hill. The only aluminum road bike I owned was a Cannondale ST400 that I traded to get the Sirrus. The ST400 was a little bit of a harsh ride, you felt every bump & pebble. I am looking for a new bike, I have only purchased one new bike in my life & I am going to be 47. So, I am going to treat myself to a new bike, I am considering the Motobecane Immortal Pro (CF bike). I know BD is a dislikes on BF, but it seems like a good deal. A Cannondale Synapse 5 & Specialized Allez Elite are on the final list, I don’t know yet. Sorry about the non sequitur…the road section is mild this Friday.

You are one lucky guy to have so many really cool bikes, do you still have some of the old race bikes? What is your favorite material for a bike frame?

Actually, my favorite color is blue, but turquoise is pretty close :D

That GT was aluminum. I actually wanted the steel version of the same frame (some type of Reynolds I think, and lighter than the aluminum) but the retail was over $800 (I think $600-700 for aluminum) and I got the aluminum one on clearance for $150.

I only own two bikes now - the Tsunami and the Specialized. Despite my love for them, I only see the need for one bike for each purpose at a time. The highest number of bikes ever in my possession was 4:
- Road bike
- Track bike
- Mountain bike
- Downhill mountain bike
At that time, my brother owned 3 bikes, my dad 2, and my mom 2. We had quite a stable!

Nothing wrong with Bikesdirect bikes, especially if you are competent enough to assemble and maintain them yourself. I disagree with their business model and advertising tactics, but there's nothing immoral or illegal about them.

I suppose I'd have to favor titanium for road bikes. It's reasonably light, has a great ride quality, and doesn't rust. I have come to realize, however, that there's more to a bike's characteristics than the material. The quality of that material, the quality of assembly, and the quality of design are all major contributors.

The GT's tubes look like steel tubing the diameter seems small for AL.

I have two bikes, my wife can't understand why I want another. I can't get my family to ride with me, the boys want to drive the car or go skateboarding (20 & 16 years old), my wife has no interest and my daughter (13) doesn't want to ride further than 6 miles. I need to get them new bikes so they want to ride, uh.

I need a bike that is tough, I put my bikes on a moving blanket pad in the back of the truck (the truck has a topper to keep the bikes out of the weather). Oh, I wasn't saying the BD is immoral I am looking at the Immortal Pro CF bike.

The GT's tubes look like steel tubing the diameter seems small for AL.

That's because the only aluminum bike you ever owned was an early Cannondale. The biggest complaint about that bike was that people kept knocking their knees on the huge top tube. The industry responded by developing an aluminum tube that didn't have to be so huge.




I need a bike that is tough, I put my bikes on a moving blanket pad in the back of the truck (the truck has a topper to keep the bikes out of the weather). Oh, I wasn't saying the BD is immoral I am looking at the Immortal Pro CF bike.
I got that. I was just stating my .02 about how so many people on here hate BD with such a passion.

I got that. I was just stating my .02 about how so many people on here hate BD with such a passion.

Sorry, I must have misread or not understood your .02. I still don't get the hate for BD, it seems that there are only a couple of manufactures in China & Taiwan that make all of the bike brands. The same plant that makes Motobecane probably makes several famous brands that are not hated. I don't understand all the passions over a sticker on the tubes.

Urban.......the DSG is a dark metallic grey.......my buddy had this color on his lightning and I just loved it.......Mine was black, but I always loved that color, so I think I may have it done like that.....the jury is still out though...
Here is a pic of what the truck looks like...
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7958/hooddsg.jpg

I drove 50 min to drop the donor bike and tools off at my brother's place so he could build it up after he woke up, and he decided he doesn't want it. So it, and the parts, are going on craigslist or ebay soon.