7-Speed Restoration - Wide-Range Mod Bike Build

1990 Gary Fisher HK-II Restoration and 1x7 setup with a wide-range cassette and modern stem and handlebars.
Get all your parts for your next bike restoration from Jenson USA and help support more content like this by using this affiliate link:
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Also check out my other partners:
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Spray.Bike - If you are considering repainting a bike you will not regret using Spray.Bike. bit.ly/SprayBik...
New Parts List for this Build:
7-Speed Shimano Shifter - bit.ly/3BKbMoo
Wolf Tooth Roadlink - bit.ly/3BKpTKm
Generic 8-speed 11-42 cassette (converted to 7 using the old 12T cog)
Race Face 110 BCD 5 arm 38T front chainring - bit.ly/3kSS2Ip
Foundation Pedals - hbit.ly/3jKtamP
Maxxis Minion DHF 26" Tires - bit.ly/3h6aHj4
Foundation Tubes - hbit.ly/3n3UlLr
Oury Grips (glow-in-the-dark) - bit.ly/3h4u5N7
Kool Stop Brake Pads - bit.ly/3jJ4JpS
Used Parts List for this Build:
1990 Gary Fisher HK-II
780mm Handlebar
Specialized Stem
Ritchey Logic Cantilever Brakes
Kona Cantilever Brake Levers
For more content on my builds follow Oldshovel on Instagram and Facebook.
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Music from Epidemic Sound bit.ly/30pwbOZ
Into Pieces - by Amos Noah
#oldshovel
#GaryFisher
#BikeRestoration

[@GavinCowardswym4lyphe]

That stem mod to maintain the threaded headset was crazy smart! Also I like the call on keeping the original paint, the new build up certainly does it justice!

[@MrJonas2255]

Keep in mind it only worked because it is a 1 1/4" quill, which are fairly rare. You'd have to shim a regular 1"

[@diamondmine67]

I have one of these exact gf bikes. Brilliant!

[@oldshovel]

Spot on.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. It only worked because of the 1 1/4” headset size.

[@Streetkunt]

I like how the dork disc literally crumbled to bits in your hand.

[@closedframe]

I own a very old EMMELLE mountain bike for over 20years, i ride it with my friends from downtown Beijing to suburb servial times and it remain me a lot of good memories. Now the bike had stayed in my storroom for over 15 years. Your video give me courages to rebuild it.

[@tommyb2129]

The overall tone of your video creations is very soothing and relaxing. You do a great job drawing viewers in and holding their attention. You have a gift sir.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@eddyg1794]

I was thinking the same thing! I felt my blood pressure drop watching this video. Perfect

[@shakedydogshake]

I’m officially addicted, to old bike restoration build videos! This channel, being at the head of the pack! Talk about serious binge watching…..sheeesh! Love love love, them 80s/90s all Chro-mo mountain bikes!!!

[@Derekforeal]

I have 3 Gary fisher/Trek bike. 1999, 2003, and a 2007 full suspension. Great bikes. I enjoyed the build. Keep them coming Oldshovel.

[@gariepyf]

This channels brings me back to my teenage years. I would disassemble my 1992 Rocky Mountain Altitude completely during the winter, disassemble the bearings and everything. Clean everything and build it back again. Good times!

[@PariahSojourner]

Ahhhh, nothing like a cup o' Joe, a bowl or three of some tastee buds, and an Old Shovel vid to start the day off right!!! Nice!!!

[@theshamanarchist5441]

I watched it at 4.20 PM GMT(U.K.) ha ha.

[@chrismatheson2561]

I’m so glad you don’t have music playing or talking throughout. I love the sounds - the cable cutters cutting the tyres seating on the rim the brake and gear leavers sliding on to the handle bars. All very relaxing and just just you. Thank you

[@ronwhite8503]

What about the "music" at the beginning? Watched it on mute as it depressed the shite out of me!

[@chrismatheson2561]

@@ronwhite8503 I suggest you find another channel. You obviously don’t “get” Old Shovel

[@judechandler5102]

The music by Amos Noah is beautiful. Reminds me of a friend of mine with chronic fatigue syndrome. Such a debilitating illness. It was so sad to see her go from a straight A student and semi-professional gymnast to almost bed-ridden in a wheelchair unable to see anyone or do anything. I shared this song with her and it's made her day just that little bit better. Now she says it's her theme tune. Much love for bringing this tune into our lives. I'm surprised you were able to get crisp shifts with that 7/8 speed cassette hack, but looks good to me.

[@oldshovel]

Jude, you made my day. Thank you deeply for sharing your experience. I love that things like this happen from my videos. Thank you.

[@WalkerBikes]

Wow! It didn't ever occur to me that the stem modification/adapter you made could work! Super cool idea, saves from buying a stem adapter haha. Great video!!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. It only worked because of the 1 1/4” headset size.

[@WalkerBikes]

@@oldshovel yeah I realized that at the end! I was about to start doing it with all my old stems! I have used quite a few quill to clamp stem adapters for the normal steerer tubes and they work great for old bike. Love the channel! Great inspiration 👍

[@brentirvine2336]

Though I didn't do anywhere near as much work, I recently cleaned up a similar-era bike. A 1990 Fisher Paragon. It was from the family of an elderly neighbour who had died a few years ago, but the bike was slightly too big for me or my son. Through a cycling website I was able to get it to someone for who this bike was his nostalgia bike - the one he'd had 30-ish years ago and wanted to have again.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@jongrant5736]

I loved how you adapted the quill stem. Genius idea.

[@davidclayton1803]

I love that you even cut electrical tape with care.

[@xNeeLx]

One of the most beautiful bike resto I’ve seen lately,

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@nickledimez4012]

I wanted a brand new bike. Then I found this. Thank you for the videos and giving those old things another go.

[@bum_doubt]

pro tip from engine building: when installing press fit bearings, drop them in the freezer for a couple hours so they contract. You can also hit the bearing saddles with your heat gun to expand.

[@KyleHenselthejumpingbean]

That's totally the way to help it out if they don't fit super well. I've never had a problem installing bearings on bikes though. Tolerances are usually tighter than general automotive application in my experience

[@oldshovel]

Thanks for the tip

[@infinitydrifter]

So many of your vids inspire me to attempt a restoration/conversion, but this one is right in my wheelhouse. I have an old '94 Diamondback Topanga that is just crying out for this exact treatment, plus a repaint. I've been dying to set up a 1x drivetrain and you've shown me the way. Making a parts list and jumping on this immediately!

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@dyeph104]

All of your video are music to my ears..Love from Philippines!👌

[@davidarielcolodrero7519]

Nothing better than old school frame to ride and feel the ground... its amazing!!! Congratulations from Argentina!!!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@tempviewr12345]

What a STEEL for $25!

[@oldshovel]

Agreed

[@michaelhughes3302]

@@oldshovel Oh snap, I thought that was the original price tag for a replacement stem. Wowsers, what an incredible find.

[@chipsandsalsa2520]

Thank you for the relaxing video, I've been sat on hold with the IRS for ages and its made the time fly by

[@ninoelcastro2905]

its so fun restoring them and upgrading them. giving another miles to use with.

[@fireteammichael1777]

This is great! I don't feel like such an outcast for doing this kind of thing, both to breathe new life into mtn bikes I started riding over 20 years ago, and as equally important, to learn and get the hands on experience and knowledge of how all these systems work. I worked on cars for a job but just rode bikes and never had to do much beyond maintenance.. until not too long ago, had urge to rebuild, refinish old frames, and restore!!! Judging by the countless comments, I'm not alone in this little "passion" of mine! And auto repair background sure made it little easier, but still learned via taking on many headaches I wasn't even prepared for, but now am fully confident, possibly capable (even if not all of my tools are..) lol.

[@josef.david.mushpile]

Thanks for your boundless positive energy, the world needs it right now!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@johnjohannesjuan]

I cried a little when you mounted the short stem/long handlebar combination. I like the nimble feel of classic MTB's short handlebar+long stem.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Recently purchased a 90 Fisher Celerity. Left it stock. It came with Schwalbe Marathon Plus 1.50s as the owner had been using it to commute. He threw in a set of 2.1 Maxxis w/Continental Tubes. It had bar extensions. A real ol' skool rig. I cleaned it up, oiled the pivot points, repacked all the bearings washed and oiled the chain. Touched up the frame where needed. It's only used off road as the tires are so soft. It's a great, fun, classic vintage ride.

[@sethheijermans3605]

I'm less than 2 mins in, and the music already has this as one of my favorite build videos of yours. 👍🏻 Oh, and that 90's paint! 😍

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks

[@chrisoliveira2038]

Press fit BB on a vintage bike. That's different! Unique original paint ad well. Great job all around on this one as usual.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@peterjv8748]

@@oldshovel I've never seen a press fit square taper bb before. Neato.

[@petesmitt]

@@peterjv8748 there's a good reason for that.. threaded BB's so much easier.

[@HansensUniverseT-A]

That stem mod you did is genius! I'll try that myself, never thought of that, 7 and 8 speeds is typically what i use, affordable, robust and with the right cassette it gives you the ability to climb like any other expensive drivetrain.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. The stem mod only worked because of the 1 1/4” headset size.

[@petesmitt]

@@oldshovel that looks like a 1 1/8" or 28.6mm quill stem; there are 1 1/8" threadless stems so the same mod can be done with 1 1/8" quill stems; for some reason, I see Fisher quill stems on ebay described as 1 1/4" with photo's clearly showing 28.6 stamped on the quill tube.

[@marcossapporo3317]

I restored an old Wheeler with Exage 300 LX + Tange CrMo and a handcrafted MTB with the first Deore LX. How nice to see these videos! Thanks and ciao from Italy!

[@joebeez84]

TY for not killN the OG paint! 😊👌

[@karlovuja]

The earliest ive been on an oldshovel video. Clicked instantly.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@elektronikastudiomjbl8360]

Reminds me of the gary fisher hybrid from 1989 I restored recently. I always idolize you and your work. Keep inspiring us and spreading knowledge. God bless 🙏

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@MasonDelapp]

Wow, such a great video. About to restore a 95’ Rockhopper, and this video gave me so much psyche. Thanks for this relaxing video. Hope I can support you in the future somehow. :)

[@monkist]

This is it! This is what we love watching you for! THIS is “giving those old things new life!” Inspired me to do something like this to my old ‘91 Scott Boulder... Keep it up!

[@josephawatson]

clever mod on the quill stem. i just put a wide range 8 speed cassette with one of those road link extenders. I had to fiddle with it but got it working. it went from 11-34 to 11-40. I was pretty amazed how immaculate the paint on your bike was for how old the bike is. great work again.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. It only worked because of the 1 1/4” headset size. And yes that paint was awesome

[@matthorn9670]

The threadless stem conversion was so cool!!! Your expert-level knowledge of bike mechanics is so apparent in every video, keep up the great work! :)

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. It only worked because of the 1 1/4 “ stem.

[@matthorn9670]

@@oldshovel Good to know 👍

[@auggieabraci3491]

Your videos make me wanna ride an old full rigid bike

[@sterby1]

I'm just watching these videos in 2021 where bike parts just magically appear and hope there will be times where bike parts be a'plenty Cheers, excellent build, love the bike even though I'm a firm believer of 2x drives

[@pandhubhagaskara8185]

Always do a great job when lying your hands on old steel mtb, love the way you customize the stem. Always an inspiration 👍🏼👍🏼🙏🏼

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@event4216]

My Gary Fisher Tassajara sends greetings to your ride buddy. I kept everything stock, just replaced wood hard GripShift grips with flat-tip ones and added bar ends. Now my ulnar nerves don't argue about straight bars.

[@MrRideczech]

Great idea with the ahead stem convertor.... stealing that one ...

[@stevecrump1375]

Nice..love the song....👍

[@oldshovel]

I agree. It’s a good one.

[@rehpotsirhc123]

I was going to have to fly to Utah and have words with you personally if you started using a knife on the decals and then sanding the paint off this one.

[@evilmrx5837]

Fortunately we all think alike on this build. Love the use of chrome cable ends instead of black for the HK-2.

[@oldshovel]

Some need to stay as they are. I’m glad my viewer are passionate about vintage bikes. 😁

[@evilmrx5837]

oldshovel Sure are. This one inspired me. I haven't done a resto in 4 years... but there is a HooKooEeeKoo in mint green 3 hours away for sale that is REALLY tempting as a new project. Keep going OS... we love what you are doing

[@sagehiker]

I picked up a ten dollar Diamondback Topanga for dark winter project. I am going Dutch bike with it, three speed IH, and Alfine BB and crank. The headset, will see. Great video that helped me make some choices.

[@nickmassey9104]

Bike building is therapeutic .Great quill conversion .I've 2 1980s Raleighs in the loft one definitely getting the conversion .brilliant video

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. It only worked because of the 1 1/4” headset size.

[@Tvigness]

That my friend was an absolute gem of a watch. The attention to detail, even the logos matched on the headstock 👍👍

[@brohoodzone]

Wow. I am loving the new format OldShovel! That cassette. Wow

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@deantaylor4991]

Love the use of wrenches as parallels for the drill press lol

[@kevkevikev]

Awesome! Planning a similar drivetrain upgrade build with 7 speed Tourney STI and max 40T rear sprocket from an 8 speed cassette. Glad I came accross your video. This gives me confidence that it's gonna work. Thanks for this!

[@CJ3B1]

That's the ONE bike I'll ever need. Thank you for such wonderful & inspirational content.

[@komoonkh]

I love the stem tuning, that was pretty cool. Also the BB was interesting to see

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. It only worked because of the 1 1/4” headset size.

[@fchang1201]

This video calmed my anxiety for 22:37 :) . Awesome restoration

[@billbaker637]

Wish we could give our parents new life and our GRAND PARENTS.

[@oldshovel]

Lol yep

[@SeymourSunshine]

Speaking as one who's getting a bit older, I don't want new life. I'm perfectly happy with my old one. I've raised good kids and when the time comes, I hope I'll go with good grace having lead a good life.

[@marccarter1350]

Amazing town bike for someone now. It will last another 30 years will a yearly service. Love the 1x7. Stright forward and easy!

[@richardcunningham5540]

This one is an absolute beauty! Hope the rims arent too worn from 30+ years of brake shoe wear.

[@lukej557]

i never thought of that, might be dangerous to ride on worn rims

[@the_nondrive_side]

Face so far. My Gary Fisher love runs deep still.

[@deathbyzergling]

Jenson's legit, I used them before I got a dealership license.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@robertwrightphoto]

my first mountain bike was the original hookoo e koo in caribbean green, 1987, had traditional quill stem and cup and cone bb and that terrible U brake. It is rare to see them now I think they've all gone for scrap. Lusted after the procaliber. Went Calgary to LA on that bike one summer.

[@locoeditbreakdown5427]

Wonderful music..... memories....

[@timshanemelton]

I'm just here comparing my bicycle mechanical failures to his experience & his sure handed movements. He's like an artist, dentist or even a chiropractor and I'm over here like a toddler hammering away on my toy wondering why I can't make stuff fit

[@JoshuaYoungsma]

looks like a fun build and a fun bike to ride in the end!

[@danflores2346]

You make a lot of work look easy.

[@fadeaway6136]

What an amazing bike

[@daily_dose_of_nothingness]

thank god you kept the paint

[@oldshovel]

Lol everyone gets scared 😱 if the paint is awesome

[@djkenny1202]

Just watched you being interviewed with Russ. I got a little teases at a shop doing sales for my love of old MTBs. Everything has an Albatross bar and is some kind of late 80’s to 90’s MTB or 700c MTB in steel (just bought my first steel hardtail brand new Fox Fork MTB.. its a new world! It IS Reynolds Steel, though! Next an MB-1, with “needs”. Might go with Velo Klunker bars.. its sitting position is aggro AF!

[@blipsnchips4492]

I remember growing up in the 90s. And if you didnt have a sweet bmx bike in my town you werent cool. I was so much taller than other kids I had to ride a mountain bike. I always wanted a gary fisher mountain bike at that age but had to settle for a mongoose that was still sweet. Wish I could remember the model. I rode the hell out of it and did all the same jumps as the other kids and got more air cause I had higher speeds and I could outrun any of the bullies that tried chasing me on my mountain bike cause I was so much faster than them lol. This video is like asmr or something relaxing.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. Awesome story

[@jonathanpywell1716]

Love that you saved the crank arm caps.

[@sadbrains262]

TIME OUT, You made your own threadless stem adapter!?!?! Thanks for the lesson!

[@545future6]

incredible

[@aaronbehindbars]

I have been breathing new life into old bikes for about 17 years now. My favorites are 80's mountain bikes, but any older bike of quality I will undertake. Currently, I have a very original, unmolested 1981 Trek 716 road bike ready to be refurbished once I get a couple of items from the shop. I would love to find an old mid-high level mountain bike in my size (22-23") which seems to always be scarce. The one I really regret selling was the '83 Stumpjumper that was in near mint condition. I tend to do that, though. I buy, refurb, and move them along to make room for the next one. In hindsight, that one was of keeper quality. They get harder and harder to find. The days of picking bikes like these up at the local thrift shops for $20 are over because they are hip to what bikes are worth, even before the bike shortage brought on by the pandemic.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks for sharing your experience. I totally get that several are of the keeping variety... my problem is I have too many of these. 😁

[@jjonsolomon]

I love the use of the wrenches in the drill vice!

[@jjonsolomon]

And that quill mod is brilliant!

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂 thanks. They worked perfectly 😁

[@01FozzyS]

That year when GF had all the weird sized tubing and stem/steerer size. I had a '90 Fisher Advance with similar paint job.

[@GrAYvTrAnE]

I am by no means the talent that you are, but i thoroughly enjoy finding/buying old bikes and give them just enough TLC to make them rideable again.

[@nic.frasca]

Awesome. Love that paint

[@secretdaisy6484]

Wow! A Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. I don't know where you live that you can get all those great used bikes. I need to move there. I'm sick of going in the Goodwill & seeing crumby kids bikes with plastic wheels. That came out great. The paint job is awesome. Like the tires too. I still have an old Gary Fisher full suspension non disk in my storage locker. I never ride it but I don't want to get rid of it. I suppose it's collectible. 👍☮️🌞🚲

[@meltedcubetv9379]

Love this build. Supercool bike…

[@dominichui8280]

Awesome paint on a great bike👍

[@ManuelRodriguez001]

Awesome video. I am restoring my father in law 90’s giant rincon, and this is great inspiration. Thank you!

[@kevincosnerfacebook8348]

CLASSIC!! CLASSIC!! AMAZING

[@ivanaraque]

I didn't know you did Gary FIsher's, old shovel, thanks, I'm a big fan of Gary's bikes and would love to share my rehashing of a 1996 GF hardtail with you :)

[@kevinthomson6324]

That bottom bracket surprised me too. I’ve never seen one like that before. Can’t see that lasting long in wet environments

[@necrodefecator]

Good that you left the original paint, it screams the 90's and reminds me of my old 24" mtb who had the same paint job (a Peugeot, since I grew up in France :) )

[@avalonbikeshop8422]

Excelent diy 11/8 adapter! 🙌👏👏👏

[@AydinProductionsLtd]

I remember my 91 Procaliber and the press fit BB was a pain, but loved that bike

[@jayf44]

Awesome rebuild. Love that you kept that original paint job and the upgrades are sweet. As always great work and inspiration.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend

[@jeremydiols532]

I still have the same groupset on my bike which is a Bridgestone mb-3, and it does really feels brandnew and very nostalgic when riden.

[@jp93309]

Awesome build! The extra work to fabricate a threadless stem adapter was genius. I usually just buy one but if I had the right tools I’d probably try it too. And keeping the original paint is always my goal. That’s what attracts me most about vintage bikes in the first place.

[@chrishayes121]

Love the build. But the music just blew me away. It now in my KZbin favourites. Great choice thank for sharing.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@jrbechthold]

That quill stem adaptation was awesome! 👍🏻

[@mountainsmoore3657]

I may have found a new addiction...you are like the Bob Ross of bike restoration, only without all of the talking. I love it! Going on to the next one, now!

[@samblenkharn8099]

That's a tidy bit of work. Glad you kept the paintjob.

[@dropview7013]

Watching this restoration bike mod was very relaxing. Big Respect to you and your workshop skills 👍🏾

[@kattskrall]

Why did I never think about making a DIY stem adapter. Genius

[@jasongudgen5210]

Those 7-speed Deore LX, DX, and XT derailleurs are bulletproof and indestructible.

[@martinslennon]

Brilliant renovation and I very much appreciated the stem modification, something I will try myself. Thanks

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. Please note, the stem modification only worked because it was a 1 1/4” quill stem.

[@mountaintruth1deeds533]

Love the dork disc, still passing youngsters uphill and down on a hardtail 3x7, gets me a lot of free beers and cheeseburgers at 57 .

[@solarheat9016]

I like that bottom bracket. Huge beefy bearings.

[@benspeedschannel888]

What a lovely bike and that paint is beautiful 😍😍😍😍

[@oldshovel]

Agreed. The paint is awesome.

[@Jinedan]

I like your builds WAY more than Gee Miller’s Dream Builds … I must be old 😀

[@oldshovel]

lol 😂 me too