1999 Specialized Hardrock Restoration and Upgrades

[@doztacos8913]

Building and tinkering with bikes is therapeutic. I have built 3 and each time I highly enjoy it.

[@wolfgangweber9924]

"How many bikes do you need?"-------"One----------more!". Nicely done and I feel the same satisfaction when working on my bikes.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

"Define need". :)

[@jonjon9135]

I don’t collect bikes anymore, I save them 😂 got 17 in the stable at present.

[@connar8764]

Hey, I have one of these exact bikes! saved it from the junkyard so it was a donation, I guess. So happy to see another one!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Awesome! I still trail ride mine a lot.

[@frogadelicresearchgroup2521]

I just scored this same bike from the thrift store for $19! It was dirty, grimy, and greasy with all the original parts. Just needed to replace the tire liners and tubes. Cleaned up nicely. Super happy with the bike. Feeling blessed.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

That's amazing! I think they didn't know what they had!

[@Alexakamathieu]

Sick old hardrock like this one bring me back to better days

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

I have the same bike, only in the bright yellow that they made that year. I bought it new, and haven't ridden it nearly as much as I have wanted to over the years. I'm considering upgrading some parts, now that gas has reached an insane price and is still climbing. Yuck!! The twist grip shifters are a pain, and Specialized put pretty low end parts on the crank set and derailleurs. Heck, I'm even toying with the idea of an electric conversion. I live about 10 miles from my work, but it's rural, and speed would be a bonus for getting to work quickly. I can 100% relate to your thoughts on rebuilding stuff. I enjoy the satisfaction of restoring things that someone else may consider junk. And mechanical items are a thing of beauty!!! Thank you for the video, and I have sub'd!!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks. I'd be interested in seeing what you do with your bike.

[@brosettastone7520]

just scored a 1998 muscle car yellow Hard Rock. I am in love with it already, its in mint condition, completely original even the tires and saddle everything...Youre right about something just being cool about these older bikes, I really like how the logos are real paint and not just some cheap decal

[@johnmcmahon5967]

I will echo the introductory comments - bicycle repair work is very therapeutic!

[@jacksharmonoquinn572]

Nice older bike, great job, the scratches give it character.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks. I tend to agree but there are a couple spots that will need to be addressed at some point. :)

[@cezrok5405]

great bike i restored a blue 99 hardrock these are awesome bikes - people dont realise how good these bikes are.!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I completely agree!

[@ronchech3919]

Nice ,every weekend I look forward to see your next video !

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thank you so much!

[@jbbyjabby]

Very nice video. Enjoyed it. Just rode my own Specialized Hard Rock today on the DTE Waterloo Trails of MI. The bike is over two decades old and goin strong! Heavy but strong and reliable.

[@kevinvanhoy8259]

I vote leave the paint as is! I’m digging that burnt orange red color

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

That's what I decided. I figure all the imperfections tell the bike's story.

[@jp93309]

Looks great! I own a mostly original 87 Hardrock in teal. Thought about converting to 1x but the original components were in such great shape that I decided to keep it looking stock. Did recently convert a beat up full sus Stumpjumper from 3x7 flatbar to 1x10 dropbar that allowed me to get my wrenching fix. Fun project.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Those both sound pretty cool!

[@erikkjerting4174]

How did you turn it into a 1 x 10? Did you have to build a new rear wheel? I currently have an old, 90's Hardrock 21 speed I want to convert to a 1 x but the original hub won't allow me to change out the cassette to someting with a few more gears.

[@bltbiking7448]

Great work! Just found your channel for the Weekend Mountain Biker shout-out video. I look forward to checking out more!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks!

[@randomwithreno55]

I just purchased this exact bike for $100 on offer up. At 51, I'm intimidated to do this but - you bike came out wonderful ! I'd like to paint my bike also and change the neck and handlebars - guess I've gotta do the research - thanks for the video

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

It is a good solid platform. Don't let age impede you, I turned 61 a couple weeks ago. Just take your time, and take lots of pictures before changing anything so you can go back if needed. I also recommend Park Tools and RJ the Bike Guy channels. That's where I did most of my learning.

[@randomwithreno55]

How much was this bike new ? I looked at countless bicycles and was told the names to stay away from and the brands to consider - I'm assuming the hype was big for this model in 99 but was this just an entry level specialized ?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I'm unsure but around $300 would not surprise me. I believe the Hardrock was a step up from the Rockhopper.

[@jackp332]

What a great video! Thank you.

[@VirtualBikeKitchen]

This is Great, just found your channel good job!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thank you!

[@mahaloppa9616]

The paint is fine. No need for now until there is a significant amount of damage to the paint. As for now, she's a beauty.

[@M3garage1]

Awesome build

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thank you!

[@handyndn1]

I love bikes. Your making me tear up dude.

[@illustrioustexts5060]

WOW

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

😁

[@TrafficTravelDelight]

I just found on of these also except mine is 98. Thanks for the content!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Congrats, and thank you!

[@TrafficTravelDelight]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder thank you very much. I think the $50 I paid was a great price point to ensure I get plenty of smiles per mile.

[@25inspector]

Nice project.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks!

[@joeljamescubillas6332]

I have the same bike. But with a stuck seatpost. I want to restore it too but i can't start unless the seatpost is loose. Great videos!

[@monzadh]

I have the same issue as i am bringing the same bike back to life. For some reason Specialized spec'd a 30.4 seat post for the CroMo frame and a 30.9 for the alloy. So what some did was to hammer a readily available 30.9 into the frame.....not fun.. good luck

[@thomasdodds3541]

Great vid! My dad had the exact same bike which I've just found. Looking to give it a restore.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks! I love riding this bike. Good luck with yours!

[@xdi1733]

Nice Job Jim. I have a 2010 Hardrock I am considering restoring. Needs new lines for the the brakes and derailleurs. A new caliper in the rear. And a bunch of clean up etc. Not sure if the bike is even worth the investment. Decisions decisions lol.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I guess worth and value are different things, at least on some of the bikes I've restored. :)

[@kevinborovsky3558]

Nice job the end product looks great. I would leave it as is, and enjoy. I know exactly how you feel about fixing up a bike and making it rideable again. Cheers

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks. I think I am going to touch up a few really bad spots and then clear coat it, blemishes and all.

[@kevinborovsky3558]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder I like your idea on the paint. How do you find the drive line with the 1x7. I just picked up an old Giant with a 3x9; and would like to go to 1x9 and use the cassette that came with the bike as it in good shape. What do you suggest thx.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi. Well, I'm optimistic about the 1x7 but since it is winter in Maine, the trails are only rideable on fat bikes. That said, I am going to take the vintage wheel to my local bike shop to have an 8/9 speed freehub installed for a 1x9 upgrade. I'm also in the process of restomodding my 1994 Approach mtb to 1x9. I think a 1x9 on the Giant is a good idea. I recommend a chainring smaller than the low gear on the cassette if you can, for climbing. Check out my video on my Diamondback Response where I did something similar with a 1x8.

[@kevinborovsky3558]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Thanks again for getting back. Yes winter here in Canada also just outside Toronto. The bike is a 2007,2008 Giant Iguana. She is 3x9 currently so I`ve ordered 30T NW chainring. Cheers keep the video coming they are great.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks!

[@nelsonfamily6791]

Love it!!!!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks!

[@racketyjack7621]

You did a wonderful job restoring that old bike, well done! I have a 1994 hardrock in the shop right now. But I'm thinking about taking it apart for a good clean. If I may ask, what kind of grease did you use for the peddles hub and the handle bar hub?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks! I use all purpose marine grease, no special reason except that is what my late father used.

[@mentaikofurikake]

Hi, I managed to get one of this, my seatpost is in such a bad condition I could only make out the first 2 numbers, 30.X, would you be able to share what size diameter is the seatpost?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I just set the calipers on it, and I got 30.4mm.

[@mentaikofurikake]

Thank you so much! @@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder

[@metroaviator]

Why didn't you service the bearings in the headset and bottom bracket?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi! Good question. While the fork was off, I did repack the headset caged bearings. However, the camera was off, while I thought it was on. The bottom bracket is a sealed square taper unit so it's not serviceable, but it spun freely so I did not replace it

[@irvsstella]

I've recently rebuilt a Specialized Hardrock Comp, 96 or 98, I'm not sure. It's got full XT M739 brakes and shifters/ mechs, Strongarm crankset with Syncros rings, original saddle, stem and bars. Tyres are DART/ SMOKE with green slime tubes. Still original paint, despite the 20plus years scratches and scuffs. Used as my daily commute now. Will be swapping out the tyres for some Tioga cityslickers 2.10 shortly.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

This sounds like a sweet ride!

[@irvsstella]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder just getting back into biking after a long hiatus, this bike has been needed to be built since I got it in 2008. Now riding it daily, wishing I'd built it earlier...

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

"The best time to plant a tree is 5 years ago. The next best time is today." :)

[@irvsstella]

Update! The strong arm cranks are off, M739 XT cranks on, m737/738 XT hubs on Mavic M400 rims with DT Spokes and gold nipples(hehe) Tioga City Slickers 2.10 are rolling rubber for commuting.

[@johnmills837]

Might want to center the bars in that stem...LOL 8:31

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

LOL, there was some post video fine tuning.

[@carloscardenas3837]

Is it worth it to put disc brakes on this bike?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I rather doubt it. You could replace the fork with one with disc mounts, but you would have to weld a disc mount to the rear triangle.

[@Korina42]

It doesn't need disc brakes; cantis and V's will stop the bike.

[@garik.crezyrussian.7937]

🚲🔥👏👏👏👍😍

[@B.E.C.K.]

I’m searching for a 17”-20”, 1997-2001 Stumpjumper M2 or an S-works frame if anyone has one or a lead on one please let me know. My rockhopper frame just started to get hairline cracks so unfortunately need to replace it, figured I’d see if I can get lucky and find a stumpy or Sworks. Even if you’re reading this in a few years from now, I’ll always be interested. Just drop a reply comment and I’ll see it in my notifications and get back to you. Thanks! Love the retro MTB community- you all are great!

[@Bikeops2021]

Probably be better with a larger toothed chain ring, unless you live in a very hilly part of the world.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Actually, I do. I live in Maine. :)

[@crayolarizona]

size?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

It has no size label but I'd guess it's around a medium by current standards.

[@david4903]

I feel I have the same disorder 😕

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

We need a support group!

[@mauricioorantes9809]

Wait, ummm all was good until you put a beautiful Turbo saddle on a bike not worthy. Don’t get me wrong the overhaul was great and the bike is decent but a Turbo saddle is reserved for top racing machines not mid range Hardrocks! Whoever inherits or is gifted this bike hopes he/she knows that saddle is special.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Conversely, I don't mind splurging, and my backside certainly appreciated it.

[@stephenrasmussen8160]

Leave the paint alone, no one cares if it's perfect or not. It's an old bike, it should look used to some extent. imho, haha!

[@DukeFame88]

Thank for the video. I have the same bike. Can I just use the stock 7 speed cassette with any new chain ring? I want to make a 1x7 drive train. Or do I need to mess with a new cassette for chain alignment?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi, I don't see why not. I'm presently running a 1 x 7 on a Schwinn AL Comp. :)