98 Rockhopper?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
98 Rockhopper?
https://images.craigslist.org/00v0v_j...rL_600x450.jpg
https://images.craigslist.org/00Y0Y_f...32_600x450.jpg
Ad says he wants $220. I'm pretty sure this is a 98 Rock hopper? It looks clean. But bikebluebook says $120 in new condition. What do you think? Is bikebluebook accurate?
https://images.craigslist.org/00Y0Y_f...32_600x450.jpg
Ad says he wants $220. I'm pretty sure this is a 98 Rock hopper? It looks clean. But bikebluebook says $120 in new condition. What do you think? Is bikebluebook accurate?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,433
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5887 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,079 Posts
Bluebook is not that accurate but this is seriously overpriced. I just purchased a 1990ish spec rockhopper for $50. It has some cosmetic issues but the paint looks great overall and I've had to replace a few parts. I got the bike into tip top shape for an extra $50 so my entire cost was $100.
Vintage mts are, IHMO, undervalued in the marketplace and starting to trend up. Still $120 sounds about right and $220 is high. Depending on where you live though the bike may command a higher price. Prices in large cities are higher as is the case in university towns as well.
Vintage mts are, IHMO, undervalued in the marketplace and starting to trend up. Still $120 sounds about right and $220 is high. Depending on where you live though the bike may command a higher price. Prices in large cities are higher as is the case in university towns as well.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It is by a college but it's really more of a commuter college. And the area isn't anyplace you would really want to ride a bike. What's the max to pay on a bike like this? I want to turn it into a 26""hybrid" with 1.5 slicks and possibly update the shifters to trigger (unless the twist style grows on me). So I know I need tires minimum.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
Normally you can buy old rigid low end to mid range MTBs all day long for $100.
Rockhopper was very low in the Specialized range of MTB. Might have been lowest.
Nothing special about that bike.
Maybe $120 if it looks to be in great shape and rides like it.
Rockhopper was very low in the Specialized range of MTB. Might have been lowest.
Nothing special about that bike.
Maybe $120 if it looks to be in great shape and rides like it.
#5
Still learning
Once again, the Oracle sold a Rockhopper, probably a 1996, back in May for $200, fully overhauled, but most consumables were still good, small ding in top tube underside. Bought by a commercial pilot for his teenage son.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South of the Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 4,117
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1118 Post(s)
Liked 2,237 Times
in
1,306 Posts
The wheels don't even match. $220 is way too much, but they're free to dream. Keep it bookmarked and in two weeks maybe they'll be willing to come down on price.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm having a hard time seeing the difference in the wheels. Are the different colors where the spokes connect? If so, is that a big deal? How much to replace the wheels? Anything to be concerned about since it has different wheels?
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South of the Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 4,117
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1118 Post(s)
Liked 2,237 Times
in
1,306 Posts
Also, some people just like matching wheelsets. It's more aesthetically pleasing.
#9
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,783
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12736 Post(s)
Liked 7,643 Times
in
4,053 Posts
https://images.craigslist.org/00v0v_j...rL_600x450.jpg
https://images.craigslist.org/00Y0Y_f...32_600x450.jpg
Ad says he wants $220. I'm pretty sure this is a 98 Rock hopper? It looks clean. But bikebluebook says $120 in new condition. What do you think? Is bikebluebook accurate?
https://images.craigslist.org/00Y0Y_f...32_600x450.jpg
Ad says he wants $220. I'm pretty sure this is a 98 Rock hopper? It looks clean. But bikebluebook says $120 in new condition. What do you think? Is bikebluebook accurate?
That's not new condition, however. I'd maybe go $140 max if you really like it. That Rockhopper is a pretty sweet ride.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The rear rim and hub are black and the front ones are silver. It could mean that one got stolen when they locked their bike up improperly. It could mean one was damaged in a crash. Like any other bike you look at on CL, check the frame for damage, and see if the wheels are true. For that price, they better be!
Also, some people just like matching wheelsets. It's more aesthetically pleasing.
Also, some people just like matching wheelsets. It's more aesthetically pleasing.
What kind of wheels would you recommend for the bike? I agree mismatched wheels is a bit tacky. I would like it to appear as stock as possible, but I'm also not wanting to spend a bunch of money on wheels for a $100 bike?
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,433
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5887 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,079 Posts
#12
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,783
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12736 Post(s)
Liked 7,643 Times
in
4,053 Posts
If you know the wheels are staying with that bike or you know you're a diehard rim-braker:
Shimano M590 Rhyno Lite Wheelset | rim brake only | silver
If you don't mind more kooky/modern looking wheels:
Vuelta Zerolite 26" Mountain Wheelset - Limited Edition
If you think you might wanna move wheels to disc bike someday:
Sun Ringlé Rhyno Lite / Shimano Deore 525 Mountain Wheelset
You'll also need rim tape, cassette, maybe skewers.
For the Nashbar ones, make sure you get a 20% off code. Join their email list, you'll probably get one within a week or two.
Put some slicks on one pair of wheels and knobbies on the other and you'll be ready for any occasion.
Shimano M590 Rhyno Lite Wheelset | rim brake only | silver
If you don't mind more kooky/modern looking wheels:
Vuelta Zerolite 26" Mountain Wheelset - Limited Edition
If you think you might wanna move wheels to disc bike someday:
Sun Ringlé Rhyno Lite / Shimano Deore 525 Mountain Wheelset
You'll also need rim tape, cassette, maybe skewers.
For the Nashbar ones, make sure you get a 20% off code. Join their email list, you'll probably get one within a week or two.
Put some slicks on one pair of wheels and knobbies on the other and you'll be ready for any occasion.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not yet. Still debating and figuring how much to offer. I don't know why but this is the bike I keep coming back and fixating on. I like the black and chrome. I like the fact that its a mountain bike and that I could actually take it on some of the trails by my house if I get the urge to try rigid. Although many people recommend the hybrids with 700 wheels I kind of like the group of people who refuse to do this and ride with the 26 wheels and slicks and try to keep up with road bikes.
I also am a classic car guy, so this bike just satisfies that itch too.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you know the wheels are staying with that bike or you know you're a diehard rim-braker:
Shimano M590 Rhyno Lite Wheelset | rim brake only | silver
If you don't mind more kooky/modern looking wheels:
Vuelta Zerolite 26" Mountain Wheelset - Limited Edition
If you think you might wanna move wheels to disc bike someday:
Sun Ringlé Rhyno Lite / Shimano Deore 525 Mountain Wheelset
You'll also need rim tape, cassette, maybe skewers.
For the Nashbar ones, make sure you get a 20% off code. Join their email list, you'll probably get one within a week or two.
Put some slicks on one pair of wheels and knobbies on the other and you'll be ready for any occasion.
Shimano M590 Rhyno Lite Wheelset | rim brake only | silver
If you don't mind more kooky/modern looking wheels:
Vuelta Zerolite 26" Mountain Wheelset - Limited Edition
If you think you might wanna move wheels to disc bike someday:
Sun Ringlé Rhyno Lite / Shimano Deore 525 Mountain Wheelset
You'll also need rim tape, cassette, maybe skewers.
For the Nashbar ones, make sure you get a 20% off code. Join their email list, you'll probably get one within a week or two.
Put some slicks on one pair of wheels and knobbies on the other and you'll be ready for any occasion.
This was really awesome information and gives me a great idea of how much things may cost. Disc brakes on that bike may look pretty cool (and stop better). I'll just have to decide how much I really want to spend on a bike that isn't worth much. Thank you for the great advice!
#15
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times
in
1,366 Posts
I'd give it a hard look in person, because it's got hinky modifications, but it looks pretty well cleaned up at least. If it's lubed and trimmed out, should be ok for a commuter.
$200 seems a bit steep to me for a 17yo bike that was $470 retail new.
$200 seems a bit steep to me for a 17yo bike that was $470 retail new.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#16
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,783
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12736 Post(s)
Liked 7,643 Times
in
4,053 Posts
This was really awesome information and gives me a great idea of how much things may cost. Disc brakes on that bike may look pretty cool (and stop better). I'll just have to decide how much I really want to spend on a bike that isn't worth much. Thank you for the great advice!
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,433
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5887 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,079 Posts
Not yet. Still debating and figuring how much to offer. I don't know why but this is the bike I keep coming back and fixating on. I like the black and chrome. I like the fact that its a mountain bike and that I could actually take it on some of the trails by my house if I get the urge to try rigid. Although many people recommend the hybrids with 700 wheels I kind of like the group of people who refuse to do this and ride with the 26 wheels and slicks and try to keep up with road bikes.
I also am a classic car guy, so this bike just satisfies that itch too.
I also am a classic car guy, so this bike just satisfies that itch too.
You can do a lot better at $220. I don't know where you live (and location impacts prices) but just to give you some data points here are the latest 3 vintage mtbs I picked up:
(1) 1990ish specialized rockhopper with mountain lx parts, $50. Paint was in very good shape with some surface rust. I had to replace the front wheel. Total cost around $100.
(2) 1987 specialized stumpjumper comp. The bike has a tange double butted tubing set and deore xt components for $125.
(3) 1992 Trek 950 for $125. Lugged true temper double butted tubing, deore lx components. Paint job was in A1 shape with a few scratches.
My point is that it will take some digging but you can do better. I'd offer the seller a reasonable price around $100 and move on if the S does not accept.
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I really love old mountain bikes. So do a lot of people in C&V. These bikes are undervalued and you can normally pick them up for very reasonable prices.
You can do a lot better at $220. I don't know where you live (and location impacts prices) but just to give you some data points here are the latest 3 vintage mtbs I picked up:
(1) 1990ish specialized rockhopper with mountain lx parts, $50. Paint was in very good shape with some surface rust. I had to replace the front wheel. Total cost around $100.
(2) 1987 specialized stumpjumper comp. The bike has a tange double butted tubing set and deore xt components for $125.
(3) 1992 Trek 950 for $125. Lugged true temper double butted tubing, deore lx components. Paint job was in A1 shape with a few scratches.
My point is that it will take some digging but you can do better. I'd offer the seller a reasonable price around $100 and move on if the S does not accept.
You can do a lot better at $220. I don't know where you live (and location impacts prices) but just to give you some data points here are the latest 3 vintage mtbs I picked up:
(1) 1990ish specialized rockhopper with mountain lx parts, $50. Paint was in very good shape with some surface rust. I had to replace the front wheel. Total cost around $100.
(2) 1987 specialized stumpjumper comp. The bike has a tange double butted tubing set and deore xt components for $125.
(3) 1992 Trek 950 for $125. Lugged true temper double butted tubing, deore lx components. Paint job was in A1 shape with a few scratches.
My point is that it will take some digging but you can do better. I'd offer the seller a reasonable price around $100 and move on if the S does not accept.
#19
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times
in
1,366 Posts
I'm in Southern California, so everything is more expensive out here I suppose. Thank you for the advice. I have to ask, where are you finding these cheap bikes? Most of the things I see on Craigslist are fairly steep in price. Where is the best place to find used bikes? I know there are a few people on Craigslist who must do side business flipping bikes because they have tons of ads and it seems like their bikes are moderately priced and supposedly "gone through." I'm not sure I wouldn't do better going through them since they appear to at least be bike enthusiasts who are making money but aren't price gouging.
trek 970 single track classic $235
Yes there are people who fix up bikes, a couple of them have posted in this thread! I just enjoy hunting, like the guy with the camera on Northern Exposure
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 08-28-15 at 12:41 AM.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This one is under $100 but it is rough and only a 7 speed. I think it is an older model as well. I like that it already has commuter tires. But the bike is pretty ugly and looks like it wasn't taken care of very well.
Last edited by oldsrocket1965; 08-28-15 at 12:47 AM.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 81
Bikes: 2012 Kona Fire Mountain, 1998 Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
North of $100. This one looks nice and clean. What year might this be? Looks older. It's 21 speed and trigger shifters.
#22
Still learning
A scratched up seat post can be replaced for $20. The bigger issue is whether or not you have an idea of what size frame you want? You are looking at 15" and 18" frames.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,433
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5887 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,079 Posts
I'm in Southern California, so everything is more expensive out here I suppose. Thank you for the advice. I have to ask, where are you finding these cheap bikes? Most of the things I see on Craigslist are fairly steep in price. Where is the best place to find used bikes? I know there are a few people on Craigslist who must do side business flipping bikes because they have tons of ads and it seems like their bikes are moderately priced and supposedly "gone through." I'm not sure I wouldn't do better going through them since they appear to at least be bike enthusiasts who are making money but aren't price gouging.
The rockhopper under $100 you listed looks pretty solid if its your size. Also there is nothing wrong with a 21 spd mtb; parts are available and that is a very common gearing for a vintage mtb. I don't know what model the grey spec is but I've always liked that paint job.
Last edited by bikemig; 08-28-15 at 06:35 AM.
#24
Still learning
Bluebook is not that accurate but this is seriously overpriced. I just purchased a 1990ish spec rockhopper for $50. It has some cosmetic issues but the paint looks great overall and I've had to replace a few parts. I got the bike into tip top shape for an extra $50 so my entire cost was $100.
Vintage mts are, IHMO, undervalued in the marketplace and starting to trend up. Still $120 sounds about right and $220 is high. Depending on where you live though the bike may command a higher price. Prices in large cities are higher as is the case in university towns as well.
Vintage mts are, IHMO, undervalued in the marketplace and starting to trend up. Still $120 sounds about right and $220 is high. Depending on where you live though the bike may command a higher price. Prices in large cities are higher as is the case in university towns as well.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,433
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5887 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,079 Posts
I couldn't get $220 for it in IA. I should be able to get around $150ish for it after I fixed it up. Vintage mtbs are getting harder to find and prices may be trending up but deals are out there if you look.