reddDesign

My bf got an older Specialized Hardrock mtn bike for free today. This is phase #1 of getting my SO to ride, get a bike!

Here it is:


Anyone know what can be put on this for wheels? The knobbies are pretty wide, and I know he'll hate them for the road...seat should be fine, brakes are really bad, cables are really bad...going to work on it slowly so he can ride it...

X-LinkedRider

Kenda Kross' Try them out. Or you can try these for much more road riding. https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...5_10000_201490
There are plenty of cross / hybrid tires that should suit your needs.

Biketiresdirect.com
Nashbar.com
Jensonusa.com
Biketires.com
etc...

Good luck.

pabuck

Just put slicks on it and have him start saving for a road bike. I think I rode my mtb about five times on pavement with slicks before I said screw it and got my old Trek 1400 back.

JonnyV

first thing, just get it in safe, riding condition. New cables, chain and brakes. Tune up. Then, if it's going to be used mostly on the road get some slick street tires for it. I'd keep the knobbies, just in case he wants to do a little off roading sometime. Other than that, hope he enjoys it! Good luck.

Braden1550

Replace the pads if the rubber is perished (cracked/very hard) but the calipers should be fine. Replacing the chain could be expensive, if it's significantly worn.

X-LinkedRider

+1 on the brake pads (as they are also very cheap) but the tires and pds should be good enough for now. Just a standard tune-up should suffice.

rumrunn6

I like these cuz they are faster on the road but wide enough to take abuse:
Innova Swifter - looks like this:

https://www.bikemania.biz/Innova_Big_...bigroadhog.htm


My kids bikes have these and they like them better than MTB tires. They are BMX tires. I believe they can be found in 26" size
Maxxis Holy Roller

https://buy-bmx-bike.blogspot.com/200...-standard.html


https://commuter-bicycle-gear.com/max...-tire-20-inch/

lechat

I just sold a pair of Panaracer MTB slicks on Ebay that were in great shape for $20. $70 if new. Check there.

socalrider

I like the Conti Sport Contacts for slicks, choice of 1.3 or 1.6 width.. Very fast tire for 26 inch.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/pcosp...inch%29/pp.htm

rob!

Slick tires, new brake cables (and probably shifter cables too), new brake pads, and maybe a new chain and it should be good to go.

waitforme

I've put around 1,500 road miles on my 1997 Hardrock this year. All I did for the road conversion were a set of 1.25 wide Panaracers and a set of bar ends. It's reasonably comfortable for 50 to 60 mile rides. As other have said, your main priority should be a general overhaul of the brakes, etc. which shouldn't take much as these bikes are amazingly durable.

reddDesign

anyone know what these things have for drivetrain?

RichinPeoria

I'd regrease the headset, bottom bracket and hubs. If you put on a new chain you may have to replace the cassette. (Loose Screws has this stuff cheap) I would buy both if you intend to ride it alot. Fenders, Conti slicks tire, new cables and housings, brake pads and you'll be ok for awhile.

Whats wrong with the '70s GP you have. I've still got mine and I use it as my ghetto road bike.

reddDesign

This is my BF's bike, not mine! I can't even fit on it with the seat all the way down.

CrimsonKarter21

Serfas makes an awesome MTB slick (I think it's called the Barista). It comes in a 1.25" and takes like 110psi. I really like their flat protection.

sirious94

You will probably spend more money turning it into a road bike than just buying a cheap steel one from the 80s on craigslist.

tFUnK

putting on some 1.5" slicks might help, but my experience with mtb-to-road conversions haven't been so great. i can't say i've noticed a huge difference in going from knobbies to slicks. perhaps i've gained 1-2mph on flats but i don't feel that much faster nor is it substantially more fun to ride. it simply feels nicer and more fun to ride a road bike on the road.

Tsuru

get some studded tires and turn it into a snow bike!

reddDesign

We're not even sure he's going to want to ride much, so really I'm just going to do the usual maintenance and throw on new tires and have him ride it around. If he gets into cycling then we'll definitely get him an actual road bike, and something newer. He got the bike for free so we really can't complain.

Going to get started on the maintenance this weekend when I have some actual freetime! Will post pics and such, thanks guys for all the input!

icyclist 

I like the tires from Specialized - Fatboys are cheap, and 26x1.25. The All Condition Pro IIs are 26x1.0 and more expensive. I think these tires make an amazing improvement on the road over knobbies.