Building A Specialized Hardrock Commuter - restored mod retro bike build vintage MTB restoration

I build a lot of commuters but this one should last me the winter season.
It's a specialized Hardrock I picked up from FB market place super cheap.
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[@MonkeyShred]

Some of the older BBs were backwards for some reason. I've encountered a few before. That teal and purple just SCREAMS 90s btw. They were the colours.

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

TEAL! I kept thinking there’s a better way to describe it! Yeah that BB nearly did me. Glad to know it was some what normal to be backwards, probably threw me!

[@Gallywomack]

For a couple of years in the late noughties I commuted about 8 miles each way into central London on a Hardrock I'd had since my teens in the mid 90s. My build for this super commuter consisted of putting some slick 26er tyres on it. What a fantastic bike it was, and bloody rapid really. Didn't properly appreciate it at the time and eventually got rid when I got a road bike to commute on. Which I obviously now regret

[@JackB-v2z]

The bottom bracket part ??-- Thankfully ! I know a skilled repair shop , who is fair priced .Special tools or repair costs ? I diy up to my skill and tool levels . Knowing skilled people hit those brick walls is also incouraging.

[@squaretapercrank]

Lovely build! I like that you left the patina exactly how it is. With regard to the BCD of the crankset, if the back of the arm says FC-M560 then it's 110, if it says FC-M563 then it's 94.

[@elwynanderson9947]

Recently discovered your channel. Very impressive. Like minded you and I. Save old bikes is my theme. Regret I didn’t find you sooner. You have created some wicked stickers. Your builds rock as well. We are in parallel universes. No drop bars for me. Prefer upright bars. Carry on sir! Love your creativity.

[@TeeLichtet]

I really enjoy your builds! For a commuter, wouldn't you wanna get a set of fenders and maybe a rack?

[@REEFHOLIDAY-rc2us]

I’m glad I’m not the only weirdo that likes/collects 90’s MTB’s. That teal colorway is one of my favourites.

[@sertaoexpedicoes]

Definetely you are not alone. I have two already and planning to get more.

[@edwardallan197]

No, you got company. My old teal Hardrock came with great Shimano gears & shifters. It is my choice for rugged cross town missions and shitty weather. Heavy.... but rides good and bullet-proof.

[@Cordoloinar]

whole build is just 'it'll do'

[@matthewmeredith297]

A little penetrating oil goes a long way my friend. Especially if your throwing out the bb because it will eat grease.

[@shaundell4630]

I think your explanation on setting up the derailleur was spot on especially as I always wondered how 😅

[@petertreadway]

I like when the BB first starts to come loose and the sun rays burst through, almost you were getting diving intervention! Also, regards the hammer on the stick side of the BB, I’m a big believer in ‘if in doubt, give a clout’ 😂 Great build vid. 👌🏻

[@originalchristianvogt]

according to Stallone in over the top you should not only wear the hat, you need to turn it around to flip the switch and unlock your power.

[@hohnline]

No fenders on a winter commuter?

[@Petit-Jose]

Great video! How do you make sure the bottom bracket is the right size for the chain alignment?

[@johnsmithers284]

soon there will be no untouched hardrocks... all must be bmx bar slick 1x meme builds.. imagine the reddit karma :O

[@RogerRabbitt]

How'd you know what my build looks like

[@adamkoontz2914]

I have a relatively unmolested Hard Rock. Changed handlebars and seat post. It’s the bike that won’t die.

[@benjamincasebolt2959]

Lol 650b fixed gear hardrock with dremeled out dropouts and literally zero original parts checking in

[@hermittranslator]

Not just hardrocks, but any 90s 26" MTB

[@jaketaylor797]

Cry baby…

[@myvicariouslife4012]

What's your method for extremely stuck aluminum seat post in a steel frame?

[@johnharrington2400]

the bar and stem look BMX and weird and the 1x just doesn't go with a 80s or 90s mountain bike...and....the pink housing looks utterly ridiculous, oh and, the saddle pointed down?

[@Eklisarov]

Hey @2ND LIFE BIKES. Amazing video, really love your stuff. I am going to build my first commuter a Giant Cadex CFM-3. Wanted to ask you, what lubes and grease and degreaser would you use to build the entire bike ( lube BBs, headset etc.) Thanks a lot. Keep it up, love it!

[@tonypotter9578]

That’s a great commuter build! 👍

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

Thanks mate! It’s been loads of fun!!!

[@tonypotter9578]

@@2NDLIFEBIKES I’m picking up a 95 kona lava dome next weekend. 18” in dark blue. All pretty original and in good shape. Looking forward to getting stuck into it!

[@stephenshenenigan3572]

I have the same issue with a Giant I-Guana. Bottom bracket put in the wrong way with the flange on the non drive side. I gave up since I don't have a big enough lever to get it loose. Just have to live with a mediocre bb then

[@sweatcap2131]

I found a 1993 Giant Rincon at a scrap yard it's stock 26" tires, can I change parts on it like you did?

[@mattsteels7877]

Love this build and working on updates to my dads old Rockhopper so this is PERFECT! Quick one on the Sram x3 shifter - i can only see the 7 speed shifter, does it do 8 speed too? thanks

[@nicolasuter4317]

love it! i just got a prime condition kona kula to make it a commuter..maybe someone can help me: how do i find out for example, which bb size i need, which cranks will fit etc.? thanks for the vid

[@colincampbell4261]

No rear rack, no mudgaurds, no lights and a useless bell - hardly a commuter bike.

[@KevinJarrett]

Loved the video! Wanted to share a check that I use when setting up the rear derailleur. I adjust the limit screws before installing the chain. That allows me to move the mech to both extremes and visually align the center of the pulley with the appropriate cog. I then adjust again once the chain is on. Just thought I’d share! Keep up the great work.

[@Cous1nJack]

I thought we all did that?

[@tobysmith5242]

Good build, do remember my old Hardrock with the Quill stem. Good choice on the brakes, have a 2001 Zaskar converted to a 1x and with Avid BB7 disc brakes yet retaining the Speed Dial 7 levers and they are more powerful than the hydraulic Codes I have on the newer Rocky Mountain. Great video and you have created a bomb-proof bike - not sure about the bars though😒!

[@garyclifton2180]

IV got a old Diamondback had for over 20 years but needs new spokes Ur wheels just carnt part with it but having two others it's what to do

[@samuelwilliams3130]

Consider giving G3 polish a try, works just like TCut but it breaks down as you polish and gets finer and finer. Gives a much nicer finish in the end

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

You know what, I think I’ve used it before and now you mention it it did work way better!! 😂 maybe I’ll do a comparison.

[@steelisreal4313]

For snitz and giggles I used baking soda on a glossy white frame. Totally worked a treat and removed all the scuffs. @@2NDLIFEBIKES

[@steelisreal4313]

@3:33 I need that breaker bar but with some sort of retention thingy. Anyone make or manufacture that sort of thing?

[@bdc9165]

How reliable is the quick release on non vertical drop outs?

[@ji3946]

penetrant? heat? the other side is open, spray some penetrant in there, WTF?

[@CutlerVisual]

Mateeee I found you channel last week and have absolutely binged your videos! I love them, I love your builds and I love you attitude. They're a real pleasure to watch so thank you, keep doing them and just being you, doing what you enjoy! Will be buying some stickers. You've inspired me to finish my 26 restomod and have a bought a me a charge spoon to try! Been trying to find those Maxxis tho and can't find the black 2.15s anywhere?

[@joeymacme]

Craig is indeed a fairly chill dude. I don't know him (or you, if your reading this Craig). I only came across this channel a while ago too (maybe 6 months ago). I find the chilled out and down to earth vibe very enjoyable. I like Craig's bodge-it/have-a-go approach to difficult resto situations as I feel it's realistic and it's just what I did when I was younger. As in, I didn't have the tools so I just had to figure it out. To this day, even having some great tools, it's still all about figuring it out when it comes to old bikes, especially when working on stubborn bottom brackets!

[@joeandrewmartinez4446]

What did you use on the paint to bring out the shine? Bike looks great!

[@grumpy9478]

imagine had you pre-treated the BB w/ penetrating oil?

[@ashpunting]

Another bike saved nice one, I really enjoyed that video 😊👍🏽

[@847lifestyle]

dumb question, what kind of socket bit is that?

[@JOHNGIBS]

Same bottom bracket 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@zanecatterall6783]

Heart a protip, you can use a roundfile or something metal and narrow to hammer out the old wedge from the bottom👍🏾

[@tomodonnell7325]

Bro your videos are so relatable over all the fake social media pro build videos, just randomly stumbled across you after deciding that my 1992 Univega needed to be 1x10 😂.. keep it up pal 🙌🏼

[@max_mittler]

Working on a univega right now. Would love to hear some of the parts you chose and upgrades you made

[@jorgearnold612]

What gooseneck stem are you using?

[@vjasonp11]

On the top tube why did you zip tie the cable?

[@Elderbury]

Where do you get all your charge spoons from?! I agree they’re the best saddles but can only find them for silly money or in clashing colour schemes

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

Tredz.co.uk usually have them. If not I also find a lot of new old stock on eBay. I’m pretty sure they aren’t made anymore.

[@Elderbury]

@@2NDLIFEBIKES what’s your eBay user link? I’ll keep an eye out

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175350899743?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=cMbZKcBeRyK&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=9KqFCMcfSSq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY This one’s pretty solid but they change all the time.

[@1969Rake]

There are a lot of bike build channels on YT, I have 3 I'm subscribed to. Yours is by far my favorite, and I never miss a vid. But, if I want the technical instructions on derailleur set up, I'll go to Park Tools or similar. Keep those builds coming! I would like to see a new commuting vod from you tho, just for something different occasionally.

[@andrewcorden7429]

Yeah Calvin from Park Tools is a bike tech guru

[@philact3]

HI! @2NDLIFEBIKES can you share the parts list for this project? I've the same bikes, and I want to make it like yours!

[@philact3]

@2NDLIFEBIKES can you share the parts list for this project please? I can share a bottle of Prosecco if u like it!

[@hectormiguelgarrido6654]

List of all the new parts ? Thanks

[@FL-PHILLIP]

Great build. I too am a fan of the Charge Spoon. Have two…one is the gray digital camouflage you used on another build. I now have the bug for rebuilding older bikes after I rebuilt a mid-90s Nashbar hybrid into my touring bike. Awesome tange infinity chrome frame. Great learning experience for sure. Love watching your channel, Cheers!

[@jerefoxleycba]

Great build, like always!! That BB if I'm not mistaken is an old Shimano BB-UN26, very similar to the ones I found in some old 90s bikes I took apart (GT talera 93, Trek 830 mountain track), tended to be like you shown in the video, kinda like inverted, the cartridge was in the left side and the plastic cup was on the right side

[@comfortableshoesstudio]

I had one of these in my 94 Gary Fisher I just rebuilt.

[@matthewbourne659]

I'm in the process of rebuilding a 1995 specialized rock hopper. The bottom bracket is a cartridge one 73 X 110mm. It's been put in back to front so the right hand drive side is on the left and the left hand support part is on the right. When I removed it I noticed the threads are opposite to a normal cartridge one. Is this normal ? Can I get a replacement as the bearings are knackered.

[@jerefoxleycba]

@@matthewbourne659 sweet!! I hope some day I can get my hands in one of those, love the colors and design. Regarding your question about the BB, yes, its like I said in the other comment, old shimano BBs that came installed with those 90s frames for some reason I don't know tended to be inverted. In my particular experience, in both cases when I took apart a GT Talera '93 and a Trek 830 '95 BB I ended up swapping the factory installed Shimano BB with generic chinese 34,7mm 73 X 120mm BB with no problem whatsoever

[@m4rc10]

Nice build!! What is the tire size?

[@pk93cov]

With the forks tske them out turn them upside down out a screwdriver through the hooe andntap wedge out with a hammer literslly couldnt be any simpler

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

Maybe I didn’t make it clear in the video, the wedge is seized. It’s not that I hadn’t thought of putting a long thing in it.

[@khaledal-zhrani5319]

Wb40 spray before you start to work with metal , it's like magic 🪄

[@marting5130]

this is the exact bike almozt everyone who isnt a racer or super serious needs. jumps curbs, gets bitches

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

Best comment yet!

[@iamMi]

I like your channel..

[@Maxbici1982]

Like this channel❤❤❤❤

[@intervladiq]

Bro use wd sometimes:)

[@jenkinsdale5]

As a grown man, a stuck bottom bracket once nearly made me cry. 😭

[@johangmeyer12]

I feel your pain

[@oheso]

If it's not working very well then probably something is not quite right. Cheers, Bud. We don't watch you because you're Park Tool. It's all good. Keep it up.

[@HerikHernandez-b1q]

Great video 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@tomhorton152]

Subscribed from NZ, just picked up a 90’s GT Talera which needs some serious love. Lots on inspiration here! Cheers

[@ErtsenPlayGames]

2:05 I need to work on my one too few days ago... And oh damn ... 226Nm impact driver (not wrench...average impact driver in my case from Parkside (LIDL brand) works awesome , few seconds and it was out PS Pro tip 50/50% mix of acetone and ATF (automatic transmission fluid) works great for stuck stuff like this (way better than wd40 etc) + some heat after that if still wont work

[@jamiejohnston7183]

Just found your channel and iam in, I've a question about bike iam building,I've an old knackered mountain bike frame,I'd like to change the front fork from suspension to rigid,how do I find out which fork Eil work snd not fuck up the geometry

[@nathangates5232]

I measure for chain length way differently, I put the front in small ring, rear in small ring, (cross shift) then cut the chain so it just flexes the rear derailleur enough to not rub the chain/pulleys together. This gives you the maximum amount of operation range for derailleur.

[@pentiuman]

I recently got back into bikes, and bought a ~1999 Specialized Hard Rock Comp - silver in color - aluminum A-1 frame, for just $50, here in the States. It "needed" an innertube and a shifter. After that, I put on the following new parts, as I got them free from Amazon: seat, stem, pedals, brake pads, lights, oil slick colored water bottle, and a bike bag, or two. The only part I've had to buy was the shifter and the grips, so I'm under $100 "invested".

[@the_nondrive_side]

slapping some Pit bike bars on a 97 giant sedona soon. has the rockshox indy fork and I ordered the 28.6-22.2 BMX clamp to convert and some cable housings from a donor bike. bike rides great as is just a secondary to an Indie4 with a Surly troll fork and DEORE build ATM

[@aceprater5397]

I am about to build a 90s homegrown. I have a wrench like that its my fav crescent wrench. It also has the YUGE maxxis Hookworms I love them for town cruising.

[@MrSFSTUDIOS]

I've built several hard Rocks. I love them. They came with 195x26 tires. I'm amazed you could fit a 2.2 on it without rubbing. Origin 8 makes a nice headset for these old bikes that works great.

[@JOB1925pk]

PB Blaster

[@mojojojo6852]

BB fights are the best. And the worst. But afterwards the best. I mean, I'm lucky I've always won - so far.

[@MauriceSalvo]

Lovely find! Great job unsticking the BB ^_^

[@bvgaragebvgarage4763]

Does anyone know the Bottom bracket size for this bike? Getting mixed answers on Reddit! Great Video, love the content!

[@jamalcouch]

Thank you posting this video, I never knew this community existed 😅 I’m immediately obsessed with these, just bought a black n yellow frame and I want to do this same exact build, you should do a list of parts! Really regretting buying that $800 Giant escape 😢

[@andrescen7577]

Believe it or not I have this exact same specialized hard rock, the same colors and everything for my daily commuter.

[@gameboyprototype5046]

C😎😎L ride 👍

[@Oliver-xz9km]

Impact Driver was the only thing that worked on one of my project bikes bottom bracket…

[@kbc163]

Ah, yes, the stuck bottom bracket wars! Twas in the autumn of '22 that I wrestled with such a beast on a 1991 Mongoose Rockadile! Many swear words were spoken and dodgy solutions were attempted before patience and penetrating oil ultimately won the day. Nice build! Although I can't stand "patina" so I stripped and painted mine. 👍

[@esna9505]

Wd40 helpt to

[@Donovangulya]

Craig if you respond to my comment I’ll buy a sticker rn 🫡

[@luisisidro9329]

What kind/size of quill and stem did you use? I have the same bike and I’m planning to do something this as well. Thanks!

[@ISOSAILING]

got 2 off them both alu frames with suspention forks the pro one i got new about 20 odd years ago and is my workhorse for getting fire wood!! as got a trailer on it and a rack, was looking into going electric with it, the other one i got out the skip at work it has v brakes on it at some point i'll sort it out!! for my nephue as i also have a carbon s works stumpjumper and a full carbon kona kilauea wich are both awesome and older than my hard rock lol and i can see why you like billy bonkers got a set on the kona and my god its a rocket ship!! i run out off gears on it now lol

[@philipmansfield9951]

great build, what size hard rock would I need I'm 5foot 10 ? thank you

[@TurfMode]

Sometimes a tiny bit of heat will help break loose stuck fasteners, but Id hate to BBQ that green.

[@rll4634]

Craig, because of this vid. I have bought two Hardrocks; 1 restored the other modded to a a 1x7 for my son! Love the vids! Hails from N. Virginia, USA

[@55whiplash]

Fun channel, over the decades of restoring oldies I rely on penetrating oil and long pipes to put over my braker bar. The stuck stem would be a fun problem.

[@ricecom]

Hello and thank you for your videos! Which foam did you use to clean the chain and which lube do you use after it? Thank you!

[@jorgmegens]

My BB removal tool always keeps on slipping out when trying to remove stuck BBs

[@kenlang6672]

Lovin' me sum Hardrock! I found one set out at the curb, fixed it up and had to give it to a good home. It was just too tall for me. I could ride it well enough but climbing on/off was a nightmare. You've given me sum ideas if I ever find one that fits. BTW cool grips. Who did them?

[@mooseracer6109]

In regards to the breaker bar in the fork, I’ve had my breaker wrapped with some scrap bar tape for that specific purpose for a while now with no issues

[@pokeypaul78]

How did you keep the socket from falling off the BB when you put on that much torque? I had to use a clamp to hold the socket in while turning!

[@michangusotzw]

after everything is said and done, how much does a whole rebuild like this cost?

[@peteryouds5634]

I thought your repair stand would fail when you were removing the BB!

[@junkbonds01]

PB Blaster will do you wonders on a stuck BB in the future. Little PB on your BB, then give it a crank.

[@BruceChastain]

I can really dig it

[@MoonerMadness]

Very nice build. I just picked up a hardrock and am waiting for some parts to arrive 🤙🏻

[@colincampbell4261]

Why did a green bike become blue? 7:00

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

It’s just the lighting. I hadn’t noticed that before

[@ReCycledCycler]

BB is normal for that era, I’ve come across many, often stuck through no grease used in manufacturing

[@AARON-eu1pi]

New happy viewer. Loving the vibe of your vids dude 👍

[@johna6968]

Frame on the floor and heat on the BB shell works every time. I was whincing with the stand flex

[@74lefanu]

It's incredible. So many of these bike restoration guys look alike.

[@IMJOHNBATAN]

wow

[@ericwarburton]

When a BB is stuck like that, I clamp the BB tool in the bench vise and turn the frame.

[@polthedestroyer]

Love a good Hard Rock build! How are those DTHs gonna deal with winter-wet roads?