I think most of the suggestions above are good. My short list:
- Fenders
- Rack
- Nice saddle
- Nice pedals
- Handlebar setup you like
- Nice grips
Sometimes it's the little things that make the big difference. If you want the "ultimate" commuter drivetrain, IMO that is a 7S Shimano Cassette Freehub rear wheel and a triple up front. Laced 36x3 with 135mm spacing. 87 Hardrock probably does not have 135mm spacing though..
Originally Posted by
jimc101
Agree most can if you have the time and money to source them, but when you have changed one, say the shifters, that then leads to needing a new rear mech, cassette, chain, rear wheel the list goes on, and it quickly get to the point that you may as well start with a modern bike.
Any old bike like this is far better left to the retro crowd, who often try to keep them in as stock condition as possible, and also they have the knowledge of what parts are completable and were to source obscure parts, which most people don't.
Uhh... No. You're making this way harder than it needs to be. A LOT of stuff on that bike (especially if it's Shimano) is still compatible with modern stuff. 7-speed indexed MTB shifters can still be bought new, very cheap actually.