1988 Rockhopper Comp with 24-inch wheels
 

Saw a Craigslist ad for an old 1988 Rockhopper Comp with the U-brake mounted down on the chainstay. It's a 15 Small with 24-inch wheels so perhaps not the perfect size for my 30-inch inseam but when I saw it had purple graphics, I had to have it. The included bar ends were just icing on the cake. Actually I've done a few rides around the neighborhood and even though a Small it's very fun to ride.

The 'surfwear' fashion of the 1980's is an amusing snapshot in time to me. So many purple and pink color schemes back then. In 1988 I bought a brand new Honda VTR250 Interceptor motorcycle that had neon blue wheels and seat, with neon blue and hot pink graphics. The year 1988 was a good year for bright colors apparently. I was oblivious to the bicycle market back then though.

This bike has SRAM twist grip shifters and according to the 1988 Specialized catalog I found online it was produced with Shimano Deore thumb shifters (hubs, brake calipers, and derailleurs on it now are Deore). Other non-original parts are a Giant stem, Giant seat, and Dia Compe brake levers (original were Deore). Probably not the original handlebar either, I dunno. The U-brake mounted down low had me cackling, I wasn't aware this was a thing from 1986 to 1988. Actually when I first saw the For Sale ad I wondered "why did someone remove the rear brake?" before noticing the brake hiding on the chainstay. While researching this unusual brake I learned about the Shimano 'Shark Tooth' extension that might help prevent chain suck so I'll have to find a Shark Tooth for nostalgia's sake. And a Shimano Sharkfin too?

The Biopace front chain ring is also interesting. People back in 1988: "nobody wants an oval chain ring." People in 2021: "oval chain rings are awesome."
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2f84f10b3f.jpg

The Giant parts may just be a case of your bicycle trying to reconnect with its roots, as many of the SBI bicycles from this era were manufactured by Giant.:D

If you post your serial number, there's a good probability that we can identify the manufacturer and date.

I think you meant 26in wheels. ;)
Good luck finding a Shark Tooth and Shark Fin cheap. Those go for $$.

I have the same paint scheme on my 89 but the rear brake is mounted on the seatstay instead. Bike is a little big for me. 21.5” I think with 175mm cranks. May just recable it, swap out tires, polish the paint and move it along to someone else.

Here’s an updated picture of my ‘88 RockHopper. It’s been single speed since last August. It’s been my winter bike for the last few years, but our trails have taken a beating from flash floods and have a lot of loose gravel repairs, so I’m still just riding this bike, now with the smooth tire wheelset.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2282c0b06.jpeg

Otto

Well I just realized I never followed up on this…so 7+ years later, here we go! 5072818. The G0385 has to signify that the bike was made in 1985. Still a sweet ride!


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c7062367f.jpeg

88 Rockhopper
 

My newest acquisition. I was not looking for an old MTB but it caught my eyes on FB marketplace. Now I have a new project and a handful of parts headed my way…. Will do some new rubber, handlebar, saddle and a couple bags.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a0473bb98.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5b25ded4a.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ad06bfc76.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e719f5815.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4ee84b3c2.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7872e017b.jpeg

Forgot to post this a few weeks ago. Got this '95 freebie. It was basically all stock save for a rear rack. Playing around with it after the rebuild and replaced the drivetrain and brakes with STX-RC Special Edition, threadless stem adapter, more modern bars, and some Mavic wheels.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ca522f7d_b.jpgIMG_0103 by 2cam16, on Flickr

Build looks great. Are those black thumb shifters SunTours in friction mode? Or will they actually index with Shimano stuff?

I am not a mountain bike rider, but I have always liked the RockHoppers and StumjJumpers. I have been tempted to acquire one to convert to more of a gravel/road/mup bike, but not going to happen. I do not do much off pavement riding, if I do, I have a bike for it already.

Thanks Clang! Yeah they are SunTour XC Pros. Rear works just fine in index mode, front is on friction.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b6f5f2f9d2.jpg
Not sure of the year, early 90's? 1 1/8" threaded fork, if that helps find the year. So far: 9spd micro shift 11-42 Surly open bar, Sunlite rack, wald basket
To do: New crank set, I have a 22/30/40, Fenders, seat. Yes I have silly low gearing beyond what the RD should take, Chain is long enough for big big, There is this 10% hill close by and I'm not young anymore.

Should be a 1996

By coincidence I got a second hand hardrock for my son last week for €90. I think its 1999 but its in really excellent condition.

Comfort was the priority for this 88 Comp rebuild. Missing all but 1 RH decal so had to order all new from Velocals. Colored bits plus those #partypace grips for some added flavor.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c4a766374.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4c95b5bd7.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f430ebb3b.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8326057f1.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...68db94e5c.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d12cead8c.jpeg

88 Rockhopper
 

My build is pretty much done. Absolutely love this bike. For sure a bike I don’t see myself ever selling off. So useful and so much fun to blast around on.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e1c592143.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7342d7b32.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3b0bd9f7d.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...28da94d8e.jpeg

I think confusion/impersonation was the priority for the person who built my - "Pinalized Rockma Comp"

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cceadac796.jpg
Yes, that is a 1988 Rockhopper Comp, in Pinarello clothing. Still not sure why someone did this? I didn't even pay Specialized money for this bike? One of my favorites, gets ridden a lot on errands and casual rides, now has back rack w/ removable basket

I bought this one thinking it would be a fulltimer, it was in great condition when I got it, but it never felt right. I couldn't figure out why? Longer top bar or stem? I let this one go after getting the "Pinalized Rockma" but wish I had kept it long enough to figure out the fit issues, it was a beauty, my too sunny picture doesn't do it justice.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c74cf70892.jpg

Picked up this 1987 just before the "bug" drifted over. Needed derailleurs and wheelset; I honestly forget where they came from. Paint needs work, to say the least.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1584fd756f.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e9a8e5da49.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5afd59fef7.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6c4142b230.jpg

Now, with BullMoose Bars!
 

I consider the BullMoose bars an upgrade. I’m liking it more than the Jones bars.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6446552aa.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...746016949.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...162fa4ded.jpeg

Is this still available?
Rockhopper sport
GT020922 I think after about 20 minutes with a flashlight and magnifying glasses

That is the Giant serial number format. It indicates weeks 39-40 of a year ending in zero. However, that's late enought in the calendar year that it typically for for the upcoming model year. You'd have to look at frame features and components to determine if it's a 1991. 2001, etc. Or just post photos and someone will help you out.

It's a 1990 rockhopper sport in 14.5 with the ubrake. Thank you for the manufacturer! Been curious for years.