Found this locally for $200. Going to convert it to a dirt drop or mustache commuter... Guy says no sticker on frame. Any help?

Also the crank is the cheapest of the specialized models. Can I upgrade that to a better one out of someone's parts bin? Like 1 x 7 setup or so? Can v brakes swap on?

I don't really want it unless it's cromo.

I don't remember what the frame material is, but I'll tell you that $200 is pretty steep for an 80s Hard Rock.

Like my mom always said there's more then one fish in the sea. Save your 200 and find something better unless the market is pretty scarce where you are. It's specialized so it'd never find a spot in my garage but even if I didn't despise that company I'd have a hard time dropping 50 on it.

Only the seat post is chromoly
1996 Specialized Hardrock - BikePedia

gotcha, thanks for the help! I found THIS for $100
nishiki pueblo. full cromo frame according to seller, looks like it has cheaper riveted cranks?

That Nishiki is not a bargain where I come from. More like a $40 bike. YMMV, your market may vary.

1995 Nishiki Pueblo - BikePedia

Chromoly seat tube again. Don't trust craigslist sellers and do your research. If it looks like it has bottom of the barrel components, chances are the frame isn't great. $100 should easily buy you a decent mtb. Around the Twin Cities area where I live, the most common finds are Specialized Rockhoppers and Trek 930s.

Maybe I can spot something in your local CL if you give me the area.

I'm in Nashville. 17-19" frame would work out.

thanks!!

I just paid 175.00 for a Trek 930 in nice nice shape and that's in the NY market so you should be able to do better.

The only thing cheap that jumped out at me was this Raleigh (and it's an aluminum main-tubed, chromoly stays Technium, so it might not meet your criteria). The model looks like a 1988 Chill (that was the year with the chainstay brake). It should be well equipped parts-wise.

Raleigh Technium Bicycle - $70
Raleigh Technium Bicycle

If the Hardrock can be ridden as is, fits you and has been overhauled recently, has new tires, brake pads and comes with the goodies in the pic: lock, cable, saddlebag, and possibly lights, then it's not a bad buy. Much of what you find on craigslist will require work and new parts to be able to ride.

That's what I did. Bought an 89 technium and stripped it. Gave the frame to my mechanic for good will. Ebay has great deals on old steal frames. Good luck.

If you want chromo for ride quality, I'd pass on the Technium. Yes it's worth $70 easily. But the ride quality won't be any better than the Nishiki or the Hard Rock. Maybe you need to keep looking.