gingi310

Thought I would share an interesting (at least to me) bike I picked up from CL not too long ago. As the title says, it's a Specialized ATB that I have surmised is from the early 90s which was branded as a "Park Police" bike. Other than the paint job, it looks to be close to stock with an all Suntour components except the FD which is a likely-replaced Shimano.

The bike is in pretty good shape overall; used but not abused and has been well-maintained. I bought it for my wife but she doesn't like it, so I am strongly considering cannibalizing the components to put on my used and abused Bianchi Grizzly.

If anyone can share anything about the bike (like the model and year); that would be cool. If not, enjoy the pics!

Frame & Fork: Specialized steel (tig-welded)
Seat tube c-t: 43cm; eTT: 53cm; Chainstay: 44.5 cm; Standover: 73cm
Serial number is PY218525
Wheels: Specialized X-23 26x1.5; Wheelsmith spokes
Hubs: Suntour Front & Rear (MD 8S)
Tires: Conti Town & Country 26x1.5
Cranks: Suntour MD XC Expert 829 170mm
Chainset: Suntour PowerRing MD Triple (42 / 32 / 20)
Pedals: Specialized
FD: Shimano Deore LX
RD: Suntour XC Expert (Micro Dive Design)
Cassette: Suntour 8 speed
Brakes & Brake Levers: Suntour XC Expert Canti (Front & Rear)
Shifters: Suntour XC Expert Thumbies


Full gallery here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/29970868_w9D4wC

David Newton

Either the Park Ranger didn't like to ride, or he (she) took great care of it. Nice bike!

wayback

It is an interesting bike. Why doesn't your wife like it?

I've owned 1990 & 1992 bikes with XCE stuff and the components on your bike look a little more advanced. By 1995 Specialized was using Shimano exclusively on their better MTBs, so it must be a '93 or '94. Most likely a Rockhopper Ultra model.

LesterOfPuppets

That is a sweet rig! I'm guessing the wife didn't like it because that setup has a super long reach compared to the saddle height.

You can check the date code on the parts to get an idea of the year.

https://vintage-trek.com/component_dates.htm#suntour

The 1993 Rockhopper Expert has parts that seem to match what's on there.

https://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...pert&Type=bike

gingi310

Boo yah! You nailed it! Thanks; that's THE ONE! And judging by that site and the pictures of the one here: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=96948 it truly is all original save for tires and the FD. Mine has the same stem and bars (which were the two parts on which I could find no identifying marks) and even the same worn grips!

Nailed it again! She hated the reach and forward position; probably the same reason it saw little use as a park police bike! I told her of course that I could change the bars and stem, but she doesn't wasn't interested.

Thanks for the responses and help. This bike would make a great commuter with a new bar and stem, but unfortunately is collectively worth less than the price of those two parts, so I am going to be porting over the drivetrain, wheels and brakes to my tired Bianchi Grizzly. I'll likely be offering up the spare bits on pay it forward if anyone is interested.

I'm in San Francisco if anyone wants to come pick up the frame and fork (I will likely be using the bottom bracket and headset if they can be salvaged and fit) in a couple of weeks.

gingi310

I have stripped the parts off this bike and have the frame and fork from this 1993 Rockhopper Expert free for the taking in San Francisco. PM me if interested.