I have an old 1993 Specialized Hardrock that is in reasonable shape, but am deciding if I should fix it or not. The front shifter (3x) just broke, and the headset needs adjustment badly. The brakes route thru the stem, would there be a way to change that easily so the brake housing isn't in the way? Is this even worth bothering with or should I get a hard tail?

Dave

You can buy a set of shifters/brakes for $35 and change to v brakes for another $15. If your headset can be saved, is it worth $50 to you?

I'd do it. All simple fixes

I'd fix it in a heartbeat. Others wouldn't. It comes down to how you want to play it - could go either way.

It's probably easier to fix it than to convince my wife to let me upgrade a 4th bike LOL. Is there some sort of adapter needed for the cable stop on the front brake?

Dave

If it has been ridden long enough with a loose headset that the cups are loose in the frame, it's dead. Otherwise, go for it. I'd start with the headset just to make sure it is ok before tackling anything else.

On the other hand, if you are looking to specifically use it as a mountain bike, then you will likely get a better result with a more modern hardtail.

If you go to a v brake it will be a direct housing to the noodle.
https://www.amazon.com/Hmseng-Universal-Complete-Replacement-Levers-Black/dp/B0BTXZ7SR9/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=189241584441&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oLqtUrxyfmdUahHudYMh4bZZ0GFMHdDSinStV6neTQbe0SF IazjBOlY_eP-U11TdSL2-20a7uvmYv5B8tvmhcnUyleQTe2c5zbfDeA6yFGWHZHbbPnPvLzT_x7ePX7hPrBuUORsul0i8gnNK8gV5cBvUClaszB4rNsJST4Vi 44BP3Ppbyg7vW2nkGXspQiRDdEJqo-jC2L2ZfDz_lUhatw.v5jX7AzFao9vvtQEgsXZSTRmm6B78etzVpi-GTv4QAc&dib_tag=se&hvadid=774924095237&hvdev=m&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9032028&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=17265073 297612035930--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17265073297612035930&hvtargid=kwd-301104592070&hydadcr=28552_14917247&keywords=complete+v+brake+set&mcid=df7f3c52cf7e353aa7051dcc53fec e64&qid=1763337156&sr=8-3

https://youtu.be/PMyVtWzeuBA?si=YO3wxL4Z9gZ5NFU-

Remember. If swapping from canti to V-Brakes you need to change the brake levers.

https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-ST-EF...3339882&sr=8-1

Thanks all. Might have to get it to a stop to see if the headset can be adjusted. I don't have the tools to get a good adjustment on a threaded headset. From there will have to decide what to do next. That bike is good for rougher trails when I don't want to ride a gravel bike. Been looking for budget 29er hardtail frames, any recommendations there?

That brake cable change is the only thing NOT needed. LOL.
Otherwise you have a FRAME with obsolete rims. Junk it.

The cable stop is in the stem. Adjusting the HS is a five minute job unless you work slowly. If there's a coop in your area, try them. I'd fix it.

The front brake on my Bianchi Maxx was like that. I went with V brakes, which does not require stem incorporated cable stop. Additionally you get brakes that are much easier to adjust and work on.

For an around town bike, yes fix it. Headset, cables, tires and tubes. I would just set it up as a single front ring and not worry bout the front shifter. As a mountain bike, no. Newer bikes have better geometry and clear fatter tires.

OP should have done a poll on this one

Curious what crankset you would use? I have a square taper bb.

Something out of my parts bin or a cheap no name $25 one off ebay.

You may be able to fit longer screws for the endpoint adjusters on your front derailer to use it as a chainguide to keep from dropping the chain. I actually did on that year of Hardrock many moons ago.

I wouldn't touch it. Those bikes are never more than $200 used, usually a lot less. Some of them have been recently tuned and freshened up. The price I usually see for that is $80. Someone needs the garage space.

Saves you a ton of money. Add up what it'll cost you to get this thing on the road. Unless you've got a killer spare parts bin, it's going to be more than buying a similar aged bike in better shape.

Btw, even though this is technically a mountain bike, in reality it's a commuter, grocery getter, ride around the park with kids, and cruise the campground type of bike. That's not a problem but you need to be clear about what it can do.

Being a little older, it was an adventure riding rigids down single track. Tires were thinner and brakes kind of worked. Hard riding usually meant bent or broken parts. So collecting tools and mechanics was a necessity. I have a hard time with the thought of it not being worth it. If you are paying someone to do the repairs then, yes, it might not be worth it. At least you don't need to learn how to rebuild a shock, lol.