Hi all, I recently obtained a Specialized Rockhopper Comp '88 (I have heard this bike is rather highly praised by oldbies), and it has ALL original parts in absolutely amazing condition, minus the seat and entire front wheel. The only issue with the bike was the chain. It was skipping so terribly it was unrideable. After examination, I noticed the chain was simply broke in a certain spot, so I went to my local bike shop and picked up a new HG-71 as the cassete is a hyperglide. I sized the chain up, hopped on, pedaled... and it still skipped like crazy. The cassette's teeth are still in great condition, sharp and straight, as are the cranks. I simply cannot figure this out.


Edit:
The old chain was a Uniglide chain, however, the cassette reads Hyperglide proudly imprinted on it.

No they are Obviously Not... Reads like the chain was not 'amazing', it's worn & needed replacing but not that alone.

the drive train is a consumable, start out with all new stuff , and it will wear in together..
you need a new cassette/freewheel too .. Maybe the chainrings too..







....

If you put on a new chain and it skips then the cassette is toast. You cannot evaluate a worn cassette by looking at it.

What cassette is recommended? The current cassette is a 13-30 7 speed so I would like to keep it at those specs.

13-30 7 speed is still available: https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...30&category=42