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:
Jenson USA - bit.ly/JensonUSA_os
Also check out my other partners:
Club Ride - Great Riding apparel that you can wear every day - even in the shop. bit.ly/ClubRide_os Use the discount code oldshovel20 to get 20% off your order at checkout.
Park Tool - Check out and subscribe to their channel at bit.ly/ParkTool-YT-OSL
Spray.Bike - If you are considering repainting a bike you will not regret using Spray.Bike. bit.ly/SprayBike-OSL
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.
bit.ly/oldshovelofficialFacebook
bit.ly/OldshovelInstagram
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Music from Epidemic Sound bit.ly/30pwbOZ
Into Pieces - by Amos Noah
#oldshovel
#GaryFisher
#BikeRestoration

[@nanogonzalezdj3388]

Your job is the perfect example of not always spend so much money buying a new bike, but learning how to put love restoring some classic stuff.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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 👍

[@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

[@nickledimez4012]

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

[@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

[@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

[@patrickberkery8854]

This is a great reference for those of us with Gary Fisher Evolution-equipped bikes. Great stuff, but short-lived. Love your work!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@supaschwamal]

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.

[@jongrant5736]

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

[@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. :)

[@josef.david.mushpile]

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

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@davidarielcolodrero7519]

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

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@xNeeLx]

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

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@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

[@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.

[@karlovuja5034]

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

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@michaelhughes3302]

This has got to be one of your favourites as it is mine. It all came together so nicely. The pre Gary, Fisher frame paint is very reminiscent of what you are doing today and that's Awesome! I absolutely love everything about this bike. So simple, so right. Cheers, Michael in Toronto.

[@carlospires5173]

Love your work and how you give a new life to old rides!

[@shannonkeller8003]

That is so beautiful and the incredibly tasteful updates are spot on! Strong work! Thank you!

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@franzroger6064]

Lehrgang für mein nächstes Projekt! Vielen Dank!

[@TheHadzihajdarevic]

I absolutely loved it. Thanks for this build.

[@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!

[@szymonkowalski1059]

Easily one of my favourite builds of yours. You're doing a great job saving those bikes! I love your channel.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@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!

[@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.

[@samblenkharn8099]

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

[@jdzasta]

This was just awesome. I love seeing these old bikes get a new life. I have a similar old bike that I’d love to do this to.

[@CJ3B1]

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

[@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

[@AydinProductionsLtd]

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

[@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

[@dropview7013]

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

[@Backwater-wanderer]

Another great video! I love seeing these old mountain bikes, still perfectly capable on the trail. God bless

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@Tvigness]

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

[@realalbertan]

The stem modification was great. 👍👍👍

[@gregmerner3632]

Amazing. Just watched the Bob Ross dad bike build too. Love these old mountain bikes turned into commuters. Great work, thank you for the content :)

[@purpleRider05]

These videos are really inspiring for me, once I'm old enough to get a job and can afford it I want to start restoring bikes. Love the work as always

[@321bytor]

What a splendid piece of work, thank you for sharing 👍

[@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.

[@brohoodzone]

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

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@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. 😁

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@doit8012]

I love all your restored bikes. How I wish I could ride one. Lots of love from the Philippines.

[@ninoelcastro2905]

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

[@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

[@ManuelRodriguez001]

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

[@dyeph104]

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

[@deantaylor4991]

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

[@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 :) )

[@RunBikeMike]

Love this build. I am building up a 1999 huffy currently and it is fun

[@juanbanos5750]

I'm just in love with this one ❤️🙌🏻

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@nic.frasca]

Awesome. Love that paint

[@marccarter1350]

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

[@finnmollison6613]

Massive fan of your videos man!! I've started learning about bike restoration thanks to you. This was my favourite one so far!

[@davidmoskovitz]

I had a 1988/89 Hoo-Koo E-Koo, the "Mexican edition," frame made in Mexico, painted green, white, and red. So good. A casualty of my divorce. No press-fit BB though... loose balls all the way. Thanks for the reminiscence.

[@vpcogworks]

Awesome! Never seen a press-fit square taper bottom bracket before. Fantastic job on the build as usual, your stem solution is smart, and I'm thankful you didn't respray this one haha!

[@CarlitosSimon]

Es relajante verle trabajar tan ordenado,limpio, profesional y por supuesto con relax music. Thanks

[@diegolusares326]

uff es lo que menos me gusta de sus videos, soy un gran fan de sus proyectos pero su musica mas aburrida no puede ser, normalmente lo pongo en mute

[@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

[@thecaptain5990]

Much love from the UK. Great work

[@DanielCruz-tp9og]

Always a relief watching your videos on this times of pandemic

[@shawnmcelhiney8246]

Incredible idea using a brake line elbow for the top of the front brake.. Great Build!

[@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

[@meltedcubetv9379]

Love this build. Supercool bike…

[@bigmikeshooter]

Greetings from Greece...Thanks for this videos....

[@richbikelife]

Wow, love this build!

[@joebeez84]

TY for not killN the OG paint! 😊👌

[@jrbechthold]

That quill stem adaptation was awesome! 👍🏻

[@avalonbikeshop8422]

Excelent diy 11/8 adapter! 🙌👏👏👏

[@paulofrancisco5603]

Parabéns muito linda bike. Reforma sensacional.

[@diariodagiovanna8887]

Congratulations! Good work!

[@zamphzibaha]

Lovely video, thanks for sharing the process. What a great bike.

[@liverqiconstraint]

I have a 1991 Gary Fisher Supercaliber that I want restore but have been pondering the stem delimma. I have thought of doing something like you did. Thank you for showing that it can be done!

[@jullyanoaf]

Parabéns! O seu trabalho é fantástico. 👏🏼🇧🇷

[@Jenrofra123]

This is Art!

[@profharveyherrera]

This was so satisfying to watch! Thank you

[@daviddecourcy5644]

As always a wicked video. I just converted a 2007 trek sl 1000 road bike to a single speed with much inspiration from your channel. Keep it up.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@MeNtAlmil]

Love the paint on this one!

[@oldshovel]

Dido