Mountain Biking - 2004 Specialized Rockhopper on CL

I've been following CL for a long time, waiting to find a low cost replacement for my Schwinn Moab 1 that was stolen out of my garage 4 years ago. It caused me to transition from MTB to Road, a decision that I haven't regretted, but I enjoy riding trails occassionally, so have kept my eye out for a replacement.

Here's the ad. (http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/1540050732.html)

Here's the Bikepedia specs (http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Specialized&Model=Rockhopper&Type=bike)

It's the standard RH, with Deore components (edited - previously posted it was Alivio shifters) and a Manitou 6 fork. It's got v-brakes which I actually prefer over disc, mostly because I do all my own wrenching and don't want to learn a new system.

I've e-mailed with the owner, who describes its condition as "good", and am planning to go take a look. I told him my budget was $200 and he said he wouldn't take lower than $250, so I'm assuming he'll accept that if I offer.

It's the same size as my Schwinn so I believe it'll be a decent fit. I would use it for light to moderate trail riding here in Austin.

Any thoughts or suggestions on the deal or anything specifically I should watch for when I go look at it?

Thanks.

My family has three Rockhoppers and one Stumpjumper. They're all solid, good bikes. That seems like a reasonable price, especially if the fork is still in good shape.

Thanks BBT. I'll pay attention to the fork. My Schwinn's fork was starting to knock before it was stolen (in my fantasy world, it catastrophically failed as the thief was bombing a descent) so I'll check for that tell-tale sound.

Sweet bike if it's in good condition. 300 is a good price, better than half off the original. It looks to be in decent shape and whoever selling it seems to be into bikes. The Rockhopper is normally set in the 700+ dollar range going even higher. They have a couple LOWER END ones but they are still MUCH nicer than anything you will find at an X-Mart.

Test rode and purchased it today ($250). Despite his statement that it was "Deore Components", it was really Alivio with a Deore RD...which is what I expected after looking at several reviews. The fork seemed sound and all the gears were present. The thing has some huge 2.0 tires on 'em but maybe they just seem huge since I've been riding a road bike for the past four years. Wheels appeared solid and true.

Got it home, threw it onto the home-made stand and discovered that this is, by far, the filthiest bike I've ever cleaned. Had to pull out the brake cleaning fluid for the cassette, chain and the non-bearing parts of the RD and FD. The pulleys on the RD had ridges of filthy grease that I had to scrape off with a screwdriver. I had to use q-tips to get the grime out of the chain links (and I'm not that anal about cleaning my bike...the stuff just wouldn't come out any other way!). I suspect the guy never cleaned it, let alone ever even hosed it down.

I removed everything except the crankset (need to read up on removing square taper cranks and figure out whether my crankpuller will work), the brakes and the fork. The one spot that I've got to work on is the drive-side chainstay...the protector that I suppose came with the bike was removed and some point and the clear adhesive is all dry, flakey but stubbornly clinging to the surface. I tried some adhesive remover but it didn't have any impact. I suspect some heat might help (it was about 45 degrees in my garage today) so I'll probably bring it inside tomorrow and try softening it up with a blow dryer.

It has platform pedals but I have some MTB shoes so I'll probably get some clipless pedals off eBay (Shimano 505's?).

I need to stop by my LBS and pick up a couple of 8-speed chain pins so I can put it all back together, adjust it and take it out for its maiden voyage and token garage door picture.

Awesome! Take it for a ride pre-picture, and then post it covered in mud. That's more accepted here than a spotless bike in front of a white garage door.

It's got v-brakes which I actually prefer over disc, mostly because I do all my own wrenching and don't want to learn a new system.Glad that's worked out for you. I only paused at above statement - - not to pick at you but I found the statement a bit puzzling. Since you mention brake cleaner, that tells me you wrench on cars too. Did you have trouble switching from working on drums to discs? Like with cars, bike discs are actually easier and more trouble-free in a lot of ways.

Awesome! Take it for a ride pre-picture, and then post it covered in mud. That's more accepted here than a spotless bike in front of a white garage door.
Advice noted...but it sure is purdy right now!


Glad that's worked out for you. I only paused at above statement - - not to pick at you but I found the statement a bit puzzling. Since you mention brake cleaner, that tells me you wrench on cars too. Did you have trouble switching from working on drums to discs? Like with cars, bike discs are actually easier and more trouble-free in a lot of ways.

I would like to be wrenching on the '73 240z sitting in my garage but it's not happening. That's where the cleaning fluid came from...hopefull preparation for diggin' into that project. I'm sure it wouldn't be a stretch for me to switch to disc...just goin' with what I know and have experience with.

V brakes are fine. However disc brakes are a HUGE difference in Wet, Sandy, Freezing conditions. Which tends be a lot of the time I am riding my MTB bike. Cause lets face it, if it is beautiful out im doing 30-50 miles on the road.

...However disc brakes are a HUGE difference in Wet, Sandy, Freezing conditions.

I'll be fine then as most of my riding will be in hot, dry, hard-pack/rocky conditions! :thumb:

good find, don't be surprised if you find yourself selling the road bike and getting another mtb

I have found that WD40 or WalMart Orange Clean will take off adhesives. You can use alcohol to take off the WD40 so a new chain guard will stick. I hope that helps...

Finally got some sunshine to take a few pics:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4279863166_09a026fd31_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4279118915_85b0745dd7_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4279863346_1ae12e83a5_o.jpg

It's very shiney.

Still to do: New tires, MTB clipless pedals, ride the heck out of it.