1989 Specialized Hardrock Gravel Bike Conversion/Restoration

This unrideable 1989 Specialized Hardrock gets an overhaul restoration during its Gravel Bike conversion. Enjoy! Subscribe, Like, and Share! Keep on riding, have fun, and drink water.
Follow me on Instagram for more updates! --- @Cowboytomi
Tools Used:
Park Tool Threeway Hex Wrench - amzn.to/3qOixln
Park Tool Chain Breaker - amzn.to/3JLOVxK
Park Tool Grease Gun - amzn.to/3ERBd8M
Park Tool Pedal Wrench - amzn.to/33ahtAg
Park Tool Crank Puller (Splined) - amzn.to/3HTFzhN
Park Tool Threeway Wrench - amzn.to/3HuG01I
Music:
Home Sweet Home - Nashville Guitars
Bike Parts List:
Easton Bar Tape
ProMax Handlebars
26" WheelMaster Rims
9 Speed Shimano Acera Derailleur
FSA 34T 1x Chainring
Profile Design Threadless Stem Adaptor
Specialized Stem
Schwalbe Rapid Rob 26"x2.1" Tires
Selle Italia Gel Sport Saddle
Tektro Wide Cantilever Brakes
Sugino Crank Set
Tange Japan Seiki Falcon Headset
Microshift 2x9 Shifters
Microshift 11-42T Cassette

[@richardblazek4780]

Finally, a little talking and lots of fixing. I'm thrilled to watch you work, gives an old man reason to dive in himself.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@patricktaylor4997]

Nice job! Your paint process was fun to watch. You really captured the late '80s/early '90s spirit with the color fade in the lettering and the splatter paint. Your dedication to making this as much a restoration as a conversion is admirable. I would've been lazy and replaced the BB with a cartridge unit. This was inspiring!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you so much! This was such a fun one that went to a great owner.

[@fanzybikes]

I'm actually impressed how good the paintjob looks! Great job, keep it up!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@fishyfool]

Makes me crazy watching cowboys cut perfectly good grips off.

[@CowboyTomi]

You and me both!

[@bennettturk3206]

Me too man

[@cycloneranger5354]

Love how you say "enjoy the sounds of bike maintenance" , so many content creators don't have a clue what video aesthetics are, funny how you can find it on a bike channel.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@andalboyvlogs8211]

Im watching from Davao City, Philippines

[@CowboyTomi]

that’s amazing!

[@jamesalexander7540]

I recall selling those when they were new.

[@CowboyTomi]

Amazing!

[@fbiker79]

That looked like Seaward Park. Turned out good.

[@CowboyTomi]

Volunteer Park. Thank you!!

[@XianEricXPROD]

Nice. Although I thought I was watching a shovel video till about half way through. That’s a good thing. Good job

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@anguscampbell2007]

insane paint job

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! I like your Santa Cruz profile pic!

[@sammyvo1142]

dang the sounds of bike maintenance struggles

[@CowboyTomi]

all sounds 🤠

[@NightDentist]

Good bike ! I live in Russia and have not old specialised and others old bike. Only old USSR and after 2000 year bikes. Thank you !

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!! Cheers.

[@phillipcowan1444]

26 ain't dead! haha.

[@CowboyTomi]

it sure ain’t!

[@telemachin]

Killing the 26", is a conspiracy from big bike business.

[@jnmonster1384]

It sure is still alive.

[@wnv-RawRow]

You know what would help me out is that sticker process. A how to would be greatly appreciated 👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Possibly!

[@craigpierce1208]

Love this video. Thank you for the generous share.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@meatballspear]

That paint job is so stinking cool. Great build!!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@lgarcia67]

Great job! Looks awesome! I did something similar with my old Trek MTB. Ended up with a very nice gravel bike with front suspension for $300. I changed all train components, drop handle bar, and new shifters.

[@samchan8405]

When I did the same to my old Kona fire mountain 2 years ago, the cantilever brakes didn't work well with the dropbar brake levers. Problem solved by the addition of travel agents. Rides a dream lol!

[@CowboyTomi]

Nice!!!

[@trailhead743]

My old Rocky Mountain has been sitting for years as it’s hard to part with. Now I know what to do with it. Thanks for the vid, great retoration

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Good luck with the build.

[@kevinborovsky3558]

Wow you nailed this one. The bike looks fantastic, paint looks great, and decal replacement is spot on. This bike should give you years of fun. Cheers

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@WalkerBikes]

I have basically the same bike sitting in my basement right now! Silver with red decals. This definitely swings me towards going the gravel conversion route! Great video

[@CowboyTomi]

You should!

[@DonylynKnives]

That paint job came out beautifully! Well done! Looks like it would be a blast to ride!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! It was!!

[@TheParsifal1]

Ma sei serio??? tutte quelle sbavature e colature di colore le chiami ''lavoro di verniciatura venuto benissimo'' ???

[@danieldotter6077]

Pain job looks amazing bravo

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@jacekkaczorowski]

Great job. Im about to do same with my Peugeot Orygin XL from 90's

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! Hell yeah!

[@rickymyers]

Sick build, love seeing the vintage come back to life.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@kubiaxk]

26 aint dead \m/ awesome bike dude

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@dullbrass]

Props for the artwork. Nice bike.

[@TamBikeOnHotToo]

Gravel bike best type/kind of bike for us gravel cyclist 😎🚲 I upgraded mine to monster gravel best convertion for me 💎🦋👍💯

[@CowboyTomi]

It is always worth the time and effort to convert any bike to a gravel bike. 👍🏽

[@ChadNeal71]

I have an old 1992 Haro extreme I want to convert. Thanks for this! Lots of ideas!

[@CowboyTomi]

amaziing! thank you!

[@bikermonster8354]

Really amazing transformation. To give old bikes new life. Stay well and best regards from germany

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank yoU!

[@sergevallee6516]

Always nice to watched video like that. Thank you!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@insomna_king6548]

dude, just the paint job alone was sick as hell. Nice video

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@octaviodottori7072]

When I saw the 2 x 8 set up I was sad, but you did the right thing after haha. Nice work!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! A lot of trial and error with this one haha

[@londonpickering8675]

Oddly satisfying! Glad you saved it.....

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks!

[@kimkrimson]

The paint job is so sweet

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you!!

[@jorgechavira7729]

That paintjob is awesome! Very nice conversion!

[@CowboyTomi]

THank you!

[@paullydca]

Brilliant use of cricut to make decals. I love how you've done this. Overall awesome restoration just. Makes me need to find a old chromo bike to do this. :)

[@deaterk]

Really nice work! Inspiring me to resurrect my early ‘90s Cannondale in a similar fashion! Thank you for posting.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you so much! Sounds like a fun build!

[@selder03]

Bro! Great build! Love the CRX in the driveway.. had two in 1997

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Thats amazing!

[@djkenny1202]

Surprised they wanted to charge you. That should be Free considering everything it needs. I had a 91 same color that I won from a car dealership. Wish I had not Sold before Moving. Just bought an 87 in teal with the U brake under frame in near mint shape yesterday for $90. Thumbies!

[@jeromefilkin533]

Was stressing hard when you were cutting those grips lol.

[@CowboyTomi]

Aaha! Thank you for the concern, pretty dangerous! Don't try this at home!!!

[@kbc163]

I've got an early 90s Mongoose Rockadile 26 incher that's about to get the same treatment. Keep that old Cro-mo alive. 👍

[@federnais2000]

It looks great... Beautiful design! I love the retro style mix with good care of the bike it's eternal!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@marcopanzeri4772]

GRAZIE davvero, mi hai cambiato la giornata!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@PRH123]

Looks great...! Reminds me of my old 88 stumpjumper. That's the great thing about these old frames, no trouble to find and replace parts, as back then there was really only 1 bottom bracket standard, 1 headset standard, etc., not the variety of sizes and standards nowadays.... Interesting the approach you took to the paint, instead of taking it down to bare metal as people usually do. I like that you resisted the urge to make it a 1-by, 2x is much more useful on a gravel bike...

[@bryndukes2279]

Living for that paint job. Great video man keep em coming!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! More to come!

[@noisepuppet]

It's wizardry

[@khoujams]

nicely done...would love to have heard more of your thoughts as you are working...you have a great voice..

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@allenfiel2951]

I hope i have a bike like that.

[@CowboyTomi]

you will!

[@ianlocke794]

Thanks for the ride, man! Lovin it!

[@CowboyTomi]

Yes!!! Glad it worked out! 👍🏽 Enjoy!

[@FireFox-eu1hq]

Love the build man thanks for sharing it

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you!

[@VinJapanGuitarShop]

nice build. awesome paint!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@lonerbikes]

GREAT PAINT JOB

[@CowboyTomi]

THANK YOU

[@carinabarnes4611]

makes me wanna ride! 🚴

[@Amar-ut3of]

Thanks for sharing, it's inspiring a beginner in France ! Salam a'leykoum

[@CowboyTomi]

You are welcome! Glad you found it helpful!

[@layspeed]

First time viewer as I came here to watch a bike build. Got excited about the TGP CRX Si! I still have a '91. Anyhow the bike came out amazing dude. White/blue/orange are my favorite bike colors. I just picked up a Gary Fisher Paragon and and I've been going back and forth about converting it to drops but I already have a Marin Lombard for that purpose. Also I can see/hear the the Old Shovel style like others have mentioned as I watched a lot of his stuff since last year. Subscribed. Peace from another Southeast Asian 😃

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Those are both amazing bikes! Much love!

[@yardsalecycles]

nice build I like the paint you did

[@CowboyTomi]

thanks!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Damn...makes own vinyl letters too.

[@Rlim02]

Nice restoration and upgrade Sir! 😀

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@StreetFlys]

Love peace and happiness to you as well. Nice build good job

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Much love.

[@АндрейИванов-ч4у8к]

Its so impressive👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@mikeholland4450]

Great Video!!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@fairlyfunctional2236]

great video bro. next time you have a seized crank arm,try heating it with a propane torch for a few minutes. it works for me almost everytime. i have a medium '89 hardrock myself with a 1x drivetrain. keep building man.

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you! Yes, I wished i had a torch during this moment, but did not 👎🏽

[@vermonthillsumc]

Impressive. Great job.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@georgeraines734]

So cool man! Can’t wait to try converting my own.

[@alissonrosin]

I'm from Brazil, I'm following you, I loved the transformation of the speclzd, I want to see more bikes on the channel

[@richardfabrizio8998]

Just like i woulda built it came out nice. Built a few in my time too

[@savioprado9664]

Wonderful job. Congrats. I'm a rider from Brasil.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

Very nice.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@Osteoandyogi]

Amazing

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@ratoneJR]

nice job

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@Wannaridebikes]

Very nice build. I have a steel gt frame I’m doing the same way but leaving the paint the way it is since it looks good. Like it been used.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Sounds like a fun build! I also have a Gt that needs some TLC, possibly the next video ;)

[@Wannaridebikes]

@@CowboyTomi sub me back please

[@poiuytrewdfghjksa]

Sick apron

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Ben Davis stuff is tuff

[@StoccTube]

Art

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you!

[@cjvilleneuve1566]

nice job !!!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@kamalasstinkycunt5775]

GOOD JOB

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank yoU!

[@GelMibson-u2y]

Sweet paint job

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@luisbeltran7843]

Good job bro, I really love it 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@bendunbar8334]

Great painting techniques, looks amazing 👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you so much 😀

[@davidziolkowski9815]

Nice build ! Keep up the good work.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!!

[@robertoroo6082]

Quedó exelente , tengo una de ruta, pero voy a dejar así mi 26 😎🤙🏻

[@crazyjoedavola9002]

Considering the age, well maintained bike. I've had a Specialized gravel bike for a maintenance, few years old with grease and lube only in traces.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! sounds like a cool bike!

[@budimanwibowo9689]

Nice bike...i like vintage mtb too

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@paultaylorbikes]

Ahhh Seattle, the home of everything hipster

[@CowboyTomi]

I hope you're talking about Capitol Hill 😹

[@paultaylorbikes]

@@CowboyTomi and Fremont! 🤪

[@CowboyTomi]

@@paultaylorbikes Yes 😂

[@MarcoAntonioGuterres]

Awesome work! You got me inspired to do my on bike, thanks!!

[@CowboyTomi]

yes, go for it!!! Thank you!

[@harrisp584]

First time watching your vid, loved the build! Jealous of your tools and also stoked on that paint!!! On the test ride I shouted out Laurelhurst!! Lol looks smooth and fun!

[@CowboyTomi]

haha Thanks!!!

[@wellstanner3216]

incredible job dude!! it turned out great!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!!

[@robertminato2706]

Great job. Great build loved it!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@dannyeaton14]

Incredible! Really nice job

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@bwinmaine]

I did that years ago, probably a decade before gravel bikes started to be a thing, to an "Offroad" brand mountain bike made with quality components but instead of using knobby tires I used 26 by two-inch street tires and it was an awesome ride. To this day I have never seen anything quite like it but this build sure comes close.

[@CowboyTomi]

Amazing, you were well ahead of the bike build game then! Sounds like a fun bike!

[@rifqirafiq1725]

this was soooooo sick!!!!!!!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!!!!

[@dolorismachina2]

This was so relaxing to watch. Great job with the paint.

[@TheParsifal1]

non posso credere che in tanti pensiate che quel lavoro di verniciatura sia buono. Pieno di colature e sbavature!! BAAAAD!!

[@KoTBHaType]

Мне нравился больше стоковый руль, покраска конечно удивила, красота 😎😍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@galootlovestools]

You should always torque the cranks on with a torque wrench. People really underestimate the torque necessary for a square taper bottom bracket crank installation.

[@CowboyTomi]

Yes, thanks for the heads up!

[@javi.AkA.afeitader]

Great work

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@jayclark1551]

Hell yeah! Love the rebuild. Long time no see hope you’re well homie.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks bro! Likewise.

[@markc17]

Very impressive job on the decals. Shame it’s not possible to put larger wheels on that frame but you really made the most of what you got there.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Yeah I feel the same way about the wheels. Then again, it rides so nice and feels like you can really whip it around with the 26” wheels.

[@brendachan1511]

Ooo this makes me want to get a bike!! Great job 👏🏼

[@CowboyTomi]

haha let’s ride when y’all are in town!

[@brendachan1511]

@@CowboyTomi Down!!

[@Azaleaalin]

Clasic itu asikk 👍👍👍👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@jenooariyborisevich3005]

тормозные колодки целей чем у меня )))) каретку всё же лучше бы было заменить )) я всё понимаю оригинальная запчасть и всё такое но ходовые качества и надёжность важней ) ну а так по проделанной работе моё почтение и уважение снимаю шляпу ) классно вышло!

[@dijevanja5039]

I love hou you strggeled with the ds crank. in most vids they just cut that out..lol...you should get a bearing puller 3 jaw for that stuf..it just pops them off

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! and thanks for the tip!