cobrabyte

I'll be tackling a new build this weekend (I've got idle hands from looking at NAHBS coverage, lol). More of a tune-up/conversion, really, since most parts will remain original. I've been in posession of a nice early Specialized Rockhopper from 1984 for a few months. I toyed around with a few ideas for it, and finally settled on a sort of all-rounder/dirt road exploring bike. I believe this is the first model year for the Rockhopper; this is what the original owner told me. He bought it new in 1984 and travelled around the country in the early MTB days; Michigan, Colorado, Alabama, etc. The bike is in great shape, but he let it go for a very fair price because it was in need of a good tune up. Loose headset, old cables, brakes out of whack, etc...
Below is the original sales ad: incredibly I reached out two days after the post and it was still available...at $50!


1984 Specialized Rockhopper C-List Ad-original by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

This is the size of the photo I was working with, so I was hopefull but tried not to be too excited:


1984 Specialized Rockhopper C-List Ad by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

and pleasantly surprised to meet the seller and see this waiting for me:


1984 Specialized Rockhopper by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

Here's a list of the bike specs as purchased:

Frame-Special Series Touring Cro-Moly double butted
Fork-Cro-Moly Unicrown
Rims-Saturae X28 26 x 1.75"
Hubs-Specialized sealed
Spokes-Stainless Steel
Tires-Bontranger 26x2.0 (not original)
Pedals-Shimano PD-MX15
Crank-Specialized ST-2
Chain-Sedis
Rear Cogs-SuntoFalcon 5 speed (not original?)
Bottom Bracket-Tange
Front Derailleur-Shimano Deore XT Deerhead
Rear Derailleur-Shimano Deore XT Deerhead
Shifters-Shimano XT friction thumb
Handlebars-Steel rise
Stem-Specialized "putter" style
Headset-Specialized steel headset
Brake set-Shimano Deore XT MC70
Brake levers-Shimano XT 4 finger
Saddle-Specialized
Seat Post-Strong
Color-Red
Size-56cm ST x 58cm TT (measured c-c)

In my next post I will go over the 'build plan'

Orrery

Wow, nice catch there! I was looking for thumb shifters a while back and it seems like those alone could cover much of your buying price. Excited to see what you do with it.

Kanegon

Looks damn fine, I've been mulling between one of those and a Trek 930. Any idea how much it weighs?

Bianchigirll 

Between the wheelbase, those balloon tires and the 30+lbs GVW that thing must ride like an old Cadillac

cobrabyte

Thanks! Yep Bianchigirll is right, it's a 30lb bike or so. If it is less than that I would be surprised, but it does ride great...bumps do not exist

cobrabyte

Much appreciated! I'll shoot you a PM if these thumbies are looking for a new home after my build...if your still in the market that is. I'm going to be doing a drop bar conversion and the shifters clamps won't work, so I plan to go with barcons.

cobrabyte

So here is the bike as it sits today: (no changes, just a better photo, really. I have adjusted a few things and it's riding ok, but needs an overhaul:


1984 Specialized Rockhopper by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

Because of the great price I decided to do a budget build and keep it under $300.

After some thought, I decided on a drop bar conversion and to keep most of the original parts to save $$. I'm a big fan of unique handlebars and have always liked the design of dirt drop bars so the search was on.

So far, my biggest splurge has been a set of original WTB dirtdrop handlebars ($95 with shipping...ouch! eBay and a few cold drinks is a bad combo) I probably could have taken my time and waited for a better deal to come along but hey, I'm glad to have them.


WTB Dirt Drop by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

WTB Dirt Drop by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

I knew I wanted to go with some type of aero brake levers, and was keeping an eye out for the right set. Due to the vintage of most of the parts, I wanted something that wasn't too modern. Unfortunately I wasn't having much luck until I went to a swap meet a few weeks back and picked these up for $10:


Shimano aero brake levers by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

I was also able to score a nice set of skinny off road tires at the same swap meet, also for $10. This made me feel much better about the crazy $$ I spent on the handlebars:


Continental Cross Country tires by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

Continental Cross Country tires by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

To be honest I have a few other projects lined up and the Rockhopper was 3rd or 4th in line; until a few days ago when I was organizing my inventory and realized: "well, I have everything I need to build this one, so why not"

I've also got a Brooks Flyer saddle looking for a new home since I sold the bike it was on, and I think it will be a great match for this bike: I'm going to consider this a "freebie" since I've already had it for a couple years.


New Brooks Day by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

My goal was to mount the Shimano thumb shifters at the top of the drops (near the clamp area) and shift from there...until I realized drop bars and riser bars are not usually the same diameter. I havent measured with my calipers yet, but have a plan B in case the thumbies won't work: These came from a BF member and were $70 after shipping if I remember correctly


Suntour Barcons by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

I'm off to the LBS for a new tube of Phil bearing grease, inner tubes, and some cables. I'm still under budget so I may find a nice accessory or two while I'm there.

WNG

For $50, you did well, she's in excellent condition for an '84. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

JReade

Damn you, I saw that on CL but couldn't make it out. I wanted that to build a city bike for a friend.

cobrabyte

Picked up the last few items


Essentials by (cobrabyte), on Flickr


1984 Specilaized Rockhopper v.1 by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

SumoMuffin

Wow, killer bike and deal. As a reference I just easily sold a Hardrock Sport of the same era in similar condition for $150, and that's a good many steps below the Rockhopper in terms of performance. Looks like you have a good build planned too, I'm eager to see how this one turns out. Keep us posted.

The Specialized mountain bikes from that era were really great rides, despite the somewhat stretched out frame dimensions. The Hardrock Sport I had was surprisingly nimble. The Suntour drivetrain seriously sucked, though.

raverson

Here is a picture of a Hard Rock Sport I recently converted. The OE Shimano Altus thumb shifters fit the larger road bars and the shifting is very much like conventional bar ends.

cobrabyte

Teardown is done




1984 Specialized Rockhopper by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

cobrabyte

I just tried the thumb shifters won't work, so barcons it is.

QStorm

Man, this build looks like it is going to be amazing. I can't wait to see it all together! Just out of curiosity, why didn't you go for a tire with a little less tread (less of a mtb tire; more of a road with enough tread to handle some dirt and gravel)?

fuji86

That's what I love about the Fuji MX-200 atb I have. Sports Authority bike bought new, rides smooth, finally had to replace the rear hub late last summer/early fall or so. Was another $ 42 into it, so it wasn't a big deal. Solid ride and I'll keep it and replace parts as required until I can't ride a bike in my old age.

hxzero

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think those are the tires that the previous owner had mounted. Anyway, love builds like these. I'm thinking of doing the very same thing with my Fuji. Same bright red and I think similar geometry.

cobrabyte

I think the tires QStorm is referring to are the Continental tires I plan to mount to replace the current Bontragers. They are fairly knobby...if they turn out to be too agressive for the street, I have a set of CST tires that were on another ATB of mine: the CST's were cheap, but they are a great all around tire.

1984 Renegade MTB by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

I do plan to run the Continentals first though. There are a few singletrack trails I want to visit after the build is complete.

PHT

I have nothing to add but ... SWEEET. Your other vintage MTBs look great too!

cobrabyte

Cleaned the parts today. I replaced the bb spindle with one I had from a past build that I wasn't able to use then. Everything is stamped with Specialized, that's pretty cool.

QStorm

Knobby tires for the single track, eh? Sounds like fun! This is looking great so far. You're making me wish I had some wrenching skills to do a first rate, bottom up build. Lol. I hope you keep the updates coming (with pics of course)...

cobrabyte

Made some progress today. Started assembling this evening.


Specialized by (cobrabyte), on Flickr

ish

As the owner of two of the first Stumpjumpers and someone who is looking for a first year Rockhopper to go along with them, I'm a bit heartbroken to see it deviating from original.

That said, I do approve of the build, and it looks like you are going to do a stellar job with it.

Bikedued

Looking good! Heck of a find!I am working on an 83 Stumpy deal as I type this. I hope it works out, as I have wanted one ever since I saw the fork crowns on them. I will have to break down and get a T/A crank though. The one I am looking at is the "sport".,,,,BD

Bill Kapaun

I's a 1986, which is the first year they made them.
Look for a Shimano date code on the FD or brake caliper.

I actually paid $50 for mine also about 7-8 years ago.
Mine has taken the grocery getter route with rack, baskets, fenders & 3x9 drivetrain.

(It's my current profile picture on facebook)