bigluelok

so here are pics of the bike that i got for free.








the problem is i am only 5'5, i can only touch the ground if i lean the bike way over.
the seat really hurts me i don't know if it takes getting used to or what.

what can i do to it?

in the near future i will be building a fixie or single speed.

bigluelok

also what color should i paint it?
im looking for a color that stands out but isn't super out there.
id prefer the color be a krylon type paint or at least aerosal.

how do i remove the old paint stripper? or just sand it primer it then paint it?

xenologer

It is normal to be unable to touch the ground when in the saddle. You want full leg extension when pedaling, and at the same time pedals must never clip the ground; therefore your legs should not be able to touch the ground either.
If its the top tube itself getting in your way, either get a smaller frame, or learn to mount and dismount cowboy style.

The saddle looks like a woman's saddle to me, see the vulvitis hole in the center? Could be wrong though, try adjusting it in the direction that feels better. up/down/back/forward/tilt


Flourescent Green.

If you're using spray paint, then you're better off leaving the old paint job underneath.
At least this way when the cr*ppy spray paint comes off the bike will have something to keep it from rusting to death.

Big_e

Xenologer is right on. At 5'5 that frame should be right. Is the standover height what bothers you? Can you straddle the toptube without talking at a higher pitch? I had to learn to mount and dismount when I got back into bicycling.
I have a newer Serfas R/X saddle and has that hole in the middle also. Don't know if it's a woman's saddle, the mechaniac at the LBS recommended it and I like it.
Ernest

Sirrus Rider

I Say leave the rigid OEM fork alone. Un-modified Hardrocks are getting rarer all the time. I do agree on swapping everthing else if it makes it more confortable..

stringbreaker

Don't do anything to it, that bike is junk. Send it to me today and I can hopefully put it to good use.

JeffS

Find someone to help you adjust the seat to the right height. You shouldn't be able to touch the ground easily when sitting on the seat though.

Don't spend any more money on it until you've ridden it a couple of weeks.

Sirrus Rider

Sure, the new aluminum hardrocks are teeth rattlers, but an old steel frame like the one in question is a smooth, supple ride. BS on it not making a good commuter it might not be all that fast, but to haul a set of full panniers, or a trailer it would be without equal short of a purpose built touring bike.

HardyWeinberg

I agree, leave it as is. Try sliding the seat back/forth up/down, there's a lot of room to play with and a little adjustment can make a big difference.

Replace that rear knobby tire w/ a slick though, for street or trail use though. The front doesn't look toooo tread-y, unless I'm not seeing the picture right.

Sirrus Rider

+1 On the spending (Other than fresh tires, tubes and lube)

dynaryder

Plug your bars!

What shape are the tires in? Any cracking and they should be replaced. Slicks with puncture protection will be a big improvement anyway. Also inspect the brake pads. If they have any cracking or you can get some pad material to crumble off with just your fingernail,then replace them as well. Get some Kool Stop salmons,they'll help in the rain. Might also want to swap the quicl release on the seatpost binder for a straight bolt. Otherwise,just find someone who knows bikes to help you set it up properly before you start swapping parts. A little tweaking can go a long way.

KitN

I'd leave the paint job the way it is: It'll help deter thieves.

I'd get a new saddle. Try a Brooks (B17) or get fitted professionally for a seat at a good LBS.

With the bike straight (not leaning to the left or right), can you stand over the top tube with your feet on the ground? If you can then you're ok. You'll just have to learn to mount the bike "cowboy" style.

If you can't stand over the top tube with your feet on the ground without leaning it over then it might be too big for you in which case I would suggest selling the bike on Craigslist and taking the money to buy a bike better suited for you.

Praxis

I have a (Terry, I believe) men's saddle that has a hole in the middle. Pretty comfy. At the risk of being quoted out of context, just because it has a hole in the middle doesn't mean it's a women's.

bigbenaugust 

+1. I would know exactly what to do with it. Bring it to my house at once.

bigluelok

quick question what is this bike worth? i might end up selling it to start to build a bike i actully like.

onnestabe

Adjust it to fit as best you can and ride it for awhile before you do anything else. If the bike doesn't fit properly, there's no sense in doing anything else to it. Sheldon Brown has a good article on bike fit. sheldonbrown.com

If, after riding it for awhile, the saddle still hurts, but is a comfortable setup, look into getting a new seat. Start with an LBS. Some have contraptions that measure your sit bones, and that will help you find a saddle that is comfortable to you. Some people don't like the saddles with a cutout portion because the plastic around the hole can dig depending on how your area is shaped. An advantage to using an LBS for the saddle is that you don't have to pay to ship it back if it's not comfortable. Some people go through several saddles before they find one that's comfortable. B-17s are expensive, but they don't work for everyone, so it might be worth looking around for a cheaper option that you find comfortable.

Also, if the bike fits and you want to use it for commuting, get some slick tires instead of the knobby tires you have now (unless you ride on a lot of loose trails to get to work). It will be faster and turn better with slicks.

If you want to paint it, I like the flat gunmetal gray look, but that's personal preference. Shiny paint in flashy colors attract thieves, so make sure you consider that when picking a color.

If you are doing any long rides, you might also consider bar-ends or different handlebars to give more hand positions.

Again, adjust the fit, then ride for awhile before you do anything to it. If it doesn't fit, then anything you add later is a waste of money.

illwafer

sweet ride! like others have said, don't do anything! ride it as much as you can, and then you'll know what you need to do.

bigluelok

thanks for all the help i lowered the seat. but then i raised it back when it was lowered my legs werent stretching all the way out.

exarkuhn15

Just ride it, that's a great city/commuting bike. Don't buy a Brooks saddle, don't change the handlebars, don't do anything except make sure the brakes and shifters are tuned up and working properly. It's a fine bike!

Someone said add a suspension? Yeesh.

bigluelok

yeah i went riding for about 20 minutes today and figured out how i like the bike till i get more comfy with it. for those of you asking about the tires here they are not the best pic's i was in a hurry

front tire


back tire




reason i want to paint it is because thre is some rust on this bike and i dont want it to get worse

bigbenaugust 

I dunno... possibly a large two-digit number, maybe more. But get it adjusted fit-wise, change the tires, and level that rack and you might like it so much that selling it won't be an option.

AndrewP

Get a set of cantilever brakes with pads attached by nuts, like these https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...3_10000_201354
They are much easier to adjust than the old style ones with post attachment that you have on your bike. Also get smooth tires as several people have suggested. For saddle height - when the pedal is at the bottom you should just be able to rest your heel on the pedal with your leg absolutely straight. This will then give a slight bend to the knees when you pedal with the front of your feet. You may then have to adjust the height a few mm either way, after you have been riding a bit.

bigluelok

i know just painting over it wont help i was thinking or sanding it down then painting it or taking it to my friends uncles body shop and having them paint it