arex

It should work. Bear in mind that you'll need to set the front shifter to friction, since there's apparently a difference in throw between the indexed road derailleurs and the MTB derailleurs, they don't index the same. I think these are the same as what I'm using, and they work well.

wstreefrog

Question: I want to put drops on my SS MTB. I understand I'll need to replace the brake levers...but can i use the existing brake cables to route to them?

Bikedued

The housings may be too short, and the inner cables have the wrong "knob" on the end.,,,,BD

wstreefrog

Thx!

arex

Just get a new Jagwire cable kit...it'll have everything you need, and they're not expensive.

arex

Just about have my Mtn Tek finished...just need to tape the bars. Pics this weekend, assuming the weather allows. It's turned out nicely.

wrk101

Hopefully the final attempt here, as finished. Last picture is the before. ~ 1984 Ross Mt Whitney (guess)

Inspired by Go Mango's camping machine.

3speedslow

Chrome and white tires. Pulling out all the stops on this one aren't we!

Well done. When is the shove off ? Coffee camping first ?

BigSung

Awesome build. Loving the combination.

Taysherm

Here is my Specialized Hardrock conversion. This thread has been a real inspiration. I think the bike is a 1995 model, but I would love if someone could clarify that for me. The frame was in great shape when I picked it up from Craigslist for $50.The rest of the parts came mostly from my parts bin. I did put about $100 into it. It’s a sweet ride for $150. I will replace the wheels with something fit for touring/commuting once I have some more money to put into the project. I just need to decide if I’m going to run a dynamo and lights before acquiring a wheelset.

Thank you to all that have inspired me and helped me determine what I wanted to do with this project. I’m sure it will continue to be a work in progress as I get more miles on it.

The before and after pictures make it look like a different bike. It was just too dark when I shot the after pictures this evening.

BigSung

I was planning to pick up the 31.8mm Midge, but shipping alone is $30 Hmmm, this is not going to help on the budget if I do decide to go this route.

wrk101

To date any bike, start with the date codes on the components you believe are original. Most parts will have codes: brake calipers, stem, seat post, crank arms, wheel hubs, cassette, list goes on and on. Google will get you more information.

On a modern bike (1993) head over to bikepedia and compare your bike to the models listed: colors, components, etc. You should be able to narrow it down to a year or two. Unfortunately, bikepedia is spotty, I rarely look at it anymore.

I consider determining exact year of my bikes to be a time suck, so I no longer do it. Of course, with 100+ bikes right now, thats a lot of checking and researching. Exact year on a model like this has absolutely no factor on value, and its not like you can go to a Specialized dealer and ask for parts for a 1995 Hard Rock. Bikes are not like cars. All the parts came from others, even the frame was probably not made by Specialized either. So no dealer can go to a parts list and find official Specialized parts. And Specialized does not maintain some warehouse full of "OEM" parts for their bikes. Its just a totally different business model.

arex

I hate tearing bar tape when I'm installing it.

cooperryder

wrk101, Your Mt Whitney looks super.
I am a sucker for chrome frames and the contrast of bar wrap and tire color like you have chosen looks really nice.

Perhaps a honey colored Brooks as well in the future?
By the way this economical tan saddle is a similar width to a B17 and it has been suitably comfortable for me up to 50 miles
in case anyone is interested.
Comfort Saddle Men?s 279 x 170mm 390g Brown Bicycle Saddle Seat | eBay

I had a chrome Univega Rover for a while I built up similarly that is pictured on this thread but I finally sold it
as it was a pretty heavy straight gauge frame. I sure liked how it looked though.

I hope you enjoy your beautiful bike.

All of us fans of using these these vintage mt bikes as palettes for these types of conversions owe you a debt of gratitude for starting this thread and inspiring us to follow in your foot steps.
Since seeing this thread years back inspired me and I have enjoyed this process with at least 14 or perhaps more of these mtbs.

I have also helped a few folks with these conversions locally.
It makes for a fun to ride bike without spending big bucks.

I love taking on these types of projects although I admit a few of my recent ones have Nitto Albatross or similar style upright bars
rather than road bars.
Is it acceptable to share these types of mtb conversions or perhaps there is a thread highlighting vintage mtb's with upright bars.

My next mtb project is repainting or powdercoating a Trek 7000 mtb.

jstar1000

Update on my Specialized Hardrock conversion. Just need to put a Brooks on it and a few other minor things but it sure rides much sweeter then I expected and may be my favorite bike of all, only time will tell.

Lascauxcaveman 

^ What a clean bike! Did the frame come to you in such perfect condition or did you repaint it? Those tires look great on there. I'd just add a Brooks, like you said.

jstar1000

Yeah I snagged this frame, fork, headset which I swapped out with the 600, seat post, binder bolt and bottom bracket for $30 if you can believe that. The guy had it listed on CL several times for like $60 which was a deal but I thought it was a cheap frame, Once it hit $30 I ran and picked it up and am totally impressed with the quality of the frame not to mention how good of shape its in. Pretty much no miles on it apparently.

09box

What Maxxis tires are those?

Clang

They look to be Maxxis DTH 26"x2.15"

BigSung

Loving the conversion on that Trek 950. Can you let me know the frame size and top tube length? Also if you could let me know your height, I would greatly appreciate it. I am on the look out for either 970 or 950, but I seem to have a bit of dilemma on the sizing. I seem to be in between size, 16.5" vs. 18". On commuters, I would go with 18", but in order to work with drop bar conversion, I might need the smaller frame.

arex

Yes, the left bar remains unwrapped. I tore the tape a couple nights ago in my zeal to get a good tight wrap, forgetting my frothing idiot strength...more tape (Deda Elementi Leather Brown) is on the way.

BigSung

Liking it. Did you consider silver stem and silver seatpost by any chance? Silver bits might blend in really well.

arex

I just used what I had on hand. The seatpost I've had for years, and while I have a silver stem, it's got too long a reach, and this black one gave me the best fit.

erichevy

My 950 is an 18" frame with a top tube length of approx 22.5". I am 5'10 on a good day


Hope that helps.


Erich

John Lockland

Kona Cinder Cone 1992, now in use as a wintertime city bike. I wanted some colours and had the "duck" saddle at hand. It gives a kind of silly look to it that I like, but its not a very good saddle for riding. So i guess i will replace it with a modern road saddle soon.