Velocivixen

Here's a 7 speed 1992 Specialized Hardrock Ultra.

frantik

When I saw the Klein it reminded me of that Hard Rock paint job

Velocivixen

@ frantik - I know. I hadn't intended to post the Hardrock since I think it was entry level at the time, and am not sure it could really do mountain duty. When I saw the beautiful Klein in the fade paint job, I just had to do it. The Klein is the real deal and maybe the Hardrock only hoped to be.

WNG

@Velocivixen
The Hardrock Ultra is basically equivalent to the base Rockhopper. Some the models shared frames, just components differed. Your Ultra appears to be the same as my 92 Hardrock Cruz frame, all Tange CroMo tubing, and mine rode very well. I had a small 16" Rockhopper Sport with the same paint as yours and I believe it was also 92. That one sported Suntour components. Bought it for my ex-wife.

You'll find it to be quite competent on the road and trails. The tires make the biggest difference. Get the lightest and highest thread count tires you can afford.
Some Vee Rubber 26x2.10" mtb tires are on clearance at pricepoint.com. I have them on my Haro.

blilrat

Amazing bike! And I may be crazy, but I think this bike's twin is on Ebay.

Edit: just read your other thread, THIS is the one I saw on Ebay. Good luck with your sale, awesome, awesome bike!

Ciufalon

My latest acquisition is this 1982 Maruishi MT-15. Planning to turn it into a commuter/city/26" touring rig. The bike is a little small for me as is evidenced by the seatpost, but I like it enough to live with it. A drop bar conversion is very likely in the near future; keeping the original parts of course. One thing I've considered is the minor modification of cutting slots into the down tube cable guides to allow the use of cable splitters and multiple stem/bar configurations. That would make the rear brake cable the only inconvenience of switching setups.

Velocivixen

@ WNG - good to know. So it sounds like certain frames got reused with different paint/components in adjacent years. The bike had its original Specialized Crossroads II on it, but I've switched to some Kenda Komforts that I had from a different bike. Not sure if I'll keep this bike at this point.

As an aside I've gotta learn how to use Craigslist. So far I have 6 bikes and really don't want that many. I just like fixing them us.

ish

Most of the 80s and 90s Specialized MTBs were built pretty much the same in terms of frame construction, but their tubesets differed. The reason a Hardrock might not be as competent off road is due a little bit to the weight, but primarily to the components. The frame isn't going to break or anything.

That's one of the reasons I like Specialized and Kona bikes from that era - the frames were not that different from the top end of the line down to the bottom, and the components on the bikes were generally pretty decent for the price you paid.

^ I like the Maruishi. Not something you see too often.

enjoybikes

This was left by a previous tenant at a buddy's house. He gave it to me. Promo bike to make you want to buy a Jetta back in the late 90s.

Velocivixen

I've seen a Trek mountain bike in our local CL which was a "Snap On Tools - Limited Edition" promo bike. Not sure what model it is. Had quill stem "24 speeds", SRAM 5.0 rear derailleur. Looks like a pawn shop is asking $225 for it.

Velocivixen

I've been curious about these Panaracer Timbuk 2 tan wall tires from First Slight Bikes. I emailed and they have them in stock. How come I've never seen them mentioned here? Anyone ever use them and if so, how'd they do? Thanks.

Panaracer Timbuk II skin wall tire

cyclotoine

I had one of those for a few years. They are great bikes, that stem isn't stock, but is definitely an upgrade and those tires are bad @$$!

cyclotoine

I have heard good things, made from the original moulds, I am sure they are great. Lots of vintage resto guys are using these. I'll probably get a pair if I ever get my '92 RMB blizzard restored.

turbodrabbit

A 1991 Bridgestone MB-6 I built up. Swapped out the handlebars, stem, and pedals. Quite a bit of work to bring it back from this:

orangeology

that Maruishi w boolmoose bar is a killer!!!
loving the reflectors front and rear, too. so very unique.
@Ciufalon

Italuminium

Diggin' it. Where did you get those tires? I was considering some colored tires like that for my sub 100$ beater bike challenge we had a while ago.

blilrat

I've use them. They are a period restoration tire and work perfectly for that use. If you are a rider that pushes the envelope on the trails, get modern rubber.

WNG

A great job on the Pink Bubblegum Bridgestone!

Velocivixen

@ blilrat - thanks for the feedback. I have never been mountain bike riding. Not sure where to go that isn't miles away, and the shops around that focus on mountain biking don't have any "beginner" stuff. I thought about just taking my bike to an old rail trail that's for bikes/horses/peds and just get used to riding on dirt/gravel, but I haven't done that yet. So...that's where I'm at in regard to official mountain biking. I love nature and biking, so putting them together would be a good fit.

BigEyeBri

Just happened upon your restoration while browsing the interwebz, and was surprised that it is a current topic. I've got (I believe it is a 1990) a Haro Extreme (basically the same frame that you have, in a dark brown with neon specked flaked paint throughout, as was wont to do in the late 80's early 90's) that I bought off of a co-worker in about 1995 and I'm the second owner, so I know it's been "lightly used" over the years. My 8 year old, front suspension mountain bike was ripped off a few weeks ago, and I decided to get my Haro in a better condition, so I ripped it apart about a week ago. Last night I "finished" my project (pictures soon?). I added drop bars, Areo brakes, Shimano bar end shifters, and a new 7 speed cassette and chain, as well as new cables and housings. I may chose to replace the front and rear deraillure, and possibly stick some different tires/wheels on it. I've got some fat slicks on it now, as I'd mostly be using it for commuting in San Francisco traffic, and rainy season is now over. Your bike looks nice. I know it's just the little things, but I really like the red and purple (grapple?) accents.

WNG

@BigEyeBri

Thank you very much BigEyeBri! And welcome to the C&V Forum! Pull up a chair and join right in!
Definitely get some photos of your completed Extreme and share it with us, we'd love to see it.
We also have a vintage mtb drop bar conversion thread too. Feel free to add your bike there too. I was contemplating what my Impulse Comp would be like if I converted it for pavement pounding with a road bar.

And sorry to read you got your mtb stolen. Hate that, may karma catch up with that thief.

due ruote 

There's a Haro Extreme on Tampa CL for $80 if anyone's interested. I'll put the link on the CL thread.

Geokop

Does this one count? ...My wife's 1991 Schwinn Woodlands, fresh from a complete overhaul and dis assembly down-to-the frame for a thorough cleaning/ polishing.

dgodave

WOW!!!

That was my very first MTB, except mine had the Deore setup including the weirdo offset bearing platform pedals.

ilikebikes

Ive posted this up a thousand times, but this one is for all the noobs that havnt seen it!