Resurrecting Retro/Vintage Bikes

[@billromano5844]

Well timed. Because this old “dad” that you like to poke fun at from time to time, is on the cusp of converting his old bike. Seriously. These vlogs are great encouragement. Thanks.

[@adammackenzie]

cool,,ride on !

[@mikebellamy8263]

Thanks for the final (hopefully not) sorta update on your 1993 purple and yellow Rockhopper Sport. I have the exact same bike that I bought new in 93. I was shocked when I ran across it on your channel and it was the reason I subscribed. After 27 years, and having never replaced anything other than the grips, it still runs like a champ! You've given me the inspiration I needed to update it to a 1x system. Thanks!

[@michaelmann6482]

As someone who has resurrected a lot of 80s/90s bikes, I like this and agree with your comments about these bikes being pretty resilient/forgiving. I tell people it’s not rocket science, it’s just a f’n bicycle. I have a couple other tips. Lots of folks toss perfectly decent 7-8 speed podshifters because they “don’t work.” They probably don’t work cuz the grease is 30 years old. Flushing them with triflow usually does the trick. Unless they’re Suntour Accushift pods. Then yea, toss them. I hate those. Same with grip shifts; in the trash. Also, old sticky cantilevers can be helped by taking steel wool or emery cloth to the posts and even the inside of the brass bushings. A little grease and so smooth.

[@Pazalino]

You have found the key to happiness. Btw, I found this channel 2 days ago and now I'm obsessed. I wish you all the best with this channel a hoping to see more content on Retro mtb gravel conversions in the future. 🍻

[@wallicefreak]

I just converted an old 98 mongoose to a dropbar gravel bike, and an old trek 820 same thing dropbar gravel bike. Both turned out great

[@adammackenzie]

what happened to the mongoose brand? when i was young it was a top notch bike company ! ..

[@notsogreatmatt]

Love the video. Did this exact thing with 2 different 90s trek mtbs. One turned into drop bar gravel, one got a new old fork to be a dedicated trail bike. Both bikes, degreaser then lube on appropriate components 100% worked, those old components still work great. And it's a good feeling to use things that would otherwise be thrown out.

[@sunesnigel]

Love that you're pointing on the importance of cables and housing!

[@the1andonly]

I keep resurrecting old bikes because I enjoy them. That includes riding them and fixing them. Your channel is full of great info and you've inspired me a great deal when creating my own.

[@essehindeed]

Do you have a reco on updated canti brakes

[@Hoosier_]

All of my vintage rebuilds typically go single speed 😀

[@andyheilmann1656]

I only have one vintage rebuild, so I guess all mine are too

[@DrShades2011]

Mine always start as single speed but generally end up gearee

[@TiredFlyerFPV]

Just about the same here. Just easier that way, TBH.

[@Metal-Possum]

I always plan mine as "I'll just make it a cheap build using the spare parts I have in my stash" to "Oh look, Dia Compe 980 cantilevers for a little under $200"

[@newttella1043]

Great tips on old bike assessment. As long as the frame is not warped, cheap parts can be hung off of them for many years of commuting and even mountain biking. Picking up old bikes just for the parts is another way to get period compatible parts really cheap.

[@Summitperry]

I keep telling my old lady “that bike is just for parts”. I think she doesn’t believe me. Lol.

[@adammackenzie]

i love to see a bike repaired,fixed,upgraded ..ride safe !

[@sagehiker]

Love it. I am big on deep cleaning, soap and water. I agree on cables, and then chain. The whole “oily rag” restoration thing is the shizzz.

[@kossmanneault683]

I seem to have trouble picking the right sized old mtbs, Can you tell me the seat tube length on the Rock Hopper? Thanks

[@benjaminswanson9092]

Great video, so happy to see a good title to go along with your content. I want to see this channel grow, please don't worry about clicking or whatever, its just part of the medium. Plus you always deliver anyway.

[@marmorslott16]

i struggle to find drop bar levers, they seem so rare, what i mean is that i only find a few options.

[@KateandJohnMark]

This is the checklist I've been waiting for.

[@mitchcoulter9681]

“The Neck Method”, is revolutionary to me. Wow 😂

[@pedur]

Its the one thing that really stuck to me

[@stijnw8626]

I'm sharing this immediately with friends who are looking to buy / find a vintage bike! It gives a perfect checklist to go over when looking for a bike! Seatposts (weird sizes, seat posts who got stuck over the years...) can also be a pain in the ass... 😁

[@ek8507]

rockhopper gang! i popped on some oldschool mtb bullhons and a 700c fixed wheel on my 96 rockhopper road brake calipers can totally be mounted on the fender mounting holes on the seatstay bridge and fork dropouts were interestingly semi horizontal with enough room to tension the wheel.

[@Sergio_Math]

I transformed my dad's old Giant ATX 770 into an amazing neo-retro gravel muncher and couldn't be happier. I'm drawn to it a lot more than my "main" bikes and it cost me a fraction of what any of those cost!

[@briansrcadventures1316]

My old 2008 Dawes Horizon is still running nicely! A few years ago I changed the STIs & canti brakes for drop bar v-brake levers, v-brakes and bar end shifters :-)

[@dpell3543]

Been upgrading my late eighties DB for about a year now. Ready for new wheels. Rides better than most of my newer bikes. Could go on and wreck it but think the rusty spokes are not a good bet at this point. Thanks for the vid on this. A good reminder for next oldie. A three speed green schwinn.

[@csobering3108]

Another great video. One thing I wished you talked a bit more about is the techniques for resurrecting sticky trigger shifters and brifters. I've had good success getting old gummed up 8 speed trigger shifters functional after a good cleaning and lube. I'm hoping to do a drop bar 26 er conversion like your rock hopper when I can scrape together the $.

[@Mclovinthedank]

It would be cool if you could do giveaways on bikes you build up. Like car KZbinrs do, where ppl buy your merch as entries for the giveaway.

[@CanItAlready]

I dusted off my old 10 speed with friction shifters, cleaned it up, put new tubes on it, gave the handlebars a new wrap, lubed the chain, tightened up one or two things, added a mirror and started riding it again. It weighs a ton by today's standards but it still works.

[@mathguy829]

Great video. Sweet bike! Just curious, what new/replaced components did you install on the Rockhopper?

[@Galactico42]

A couple of months ago I found a '92 (I think) Stumpjumper for 100 USD. Thought I'd have to completely overhaul it, but all I've swapped out were the rear wheel (for lower gearing), tires, grips, and cables. Now it's back on single track for probably the first time this century.

[@anthonyharris483]

I have an NOS Columbus EL-OS steel mountain bike frame and want to convert it to a dropped bar/gravel bike. Would I need a shorter stem for it because of the further reach of the dropped bar?

[@MMazz-dx2id]

Hey, I’m building up this same frame. What size rubber fits?

[@wk4max]

ive.just .bought a 92 rockhopper from my old 90s mountan biking buddy i noticed it on his wall..when i paid him a long.overdue visit.and all ive done is change the tyres.for gravel style amd its amazing, more fun than my EMTB or my Cannondale CAD 10 andit only cost me £40UK. the tyres cost £80!!!..twicethe price!!!

[@mackturtle82]

I would like to revive an old hybrid with a drop bar like this, but how do you know it will fit? a hybrid with a flat bar should have a much longer top tube than a bike designed with a drop bar in mind.

[@SiopaoSauc3]

What do you think of that Shimano gravel bartape you got on the rockhopper?

[@jlmagandelcerro2415]

"Bikes rare pretty resilient machines". That's a coute to spread. Something about stem length and handlebar reach when converting would be nice.

[@darkjord5823]

did you just use a threadless stem adapter or did you change the whole fork?

[@paultaylorbikes]

Got a ‘92 Paramount PDG 50 series, it’s gonna be a gravel convert

[@spitt0110]

wonderful!!! well thought out, 10/10!

[@SneakerKoenig]

I recently had a bad crash on gravel when a bunny suddenly jumped into my bike. In my downtime i want to buy a old MTB and slap a dropbar on it. How do i check for right size? Should i go for same toptube/Seat to crown lenght as my Gravelbike?

[@pgcracka]

I had a cat run me into a curb a few weeks ago. Sent me over the handlebar and I fractured my elbow. So here I am spending time on youtube bike channels. What's wrong with us? Lol. Anyway, I don't have any build advice for you, but I hope you heal up soon.

[@budulududu1]

You forgot to mention checking if the seatpost moves, old steal frames can have stuck aluminum seatpost that are next to impossible to move. Oh and check if the chainrings are bolted on or attached with rivets.

[@Dogomax96]

Hi! I watched a lot of your Videos the last few days and i like them really much! I also do have some questions ... I own a Giant Team World Cup Atlanta from 1997 and want to build something nice with a drop bar out of it haha. It will be my first retro bike build (or any bike build :D). I do ask myself what about the compatibility and what parts to buy? Maybe use the 3x7 that it already has or switch to something like 1x12? What cantilever brakes to buy, what shifters? Most interesting question for me is what will actually fit? Sadly I dont have any friends that are so much into that stuff like me ... Greetings from Germany and have a nice week! Keep up your nice work! :)

[@anthonylipira3376]

How is the sram braking power with the canti system ?

[@FakeGoogleName]

Have been working on my new Schwinn Criss Cross - great bike. Needed a new cassette, cleaned up derailleur, new brake pads and some adjustments, but for $120 I'm pretty pleased

[@Summitperry]

I have one of Schwinn cross something frames in basement. Definitely on the todo list for me to. Cool bikes

[@frankieboie]

Spray some oil in the frame like the chain stay holes

[@sirmixalot3332]

Anybody out there with a mid 90’s Nishiki MTB? Mine is still going but overdue for some love. I ride it still and it hasnt had a proper tuneup since the 90’s but I keep it indoors. Thinking of going 1x and planning a full strip down/repaint and a slightly modified rebuild. Collecting parts atm. Keeping rim brakes but I’d like suggestions on a good set up for new 26" wheels. I typically use 2.1” tires

[@Bi6M4C]

are these mtb frames or road racer frames?

[@M3LTUP]

Good job saving those steel bikes from the scrap heap. Reborn as gravel bikes or urban cruisers.

[@CosgroveNotts]

As a commercial vehicle mechanic, this is a pinching money job

[@alexkerslake4613]

I’ve just bought a red/white rockhopper the one with the S logo on the seat tube. It’s currently a 3x7 and I want to make it either a 2x8 or 1x8 I was thinking Claris shifters and put a 8speed mtb cassette and like a sram derailleur on the back. My issue is the front. I don’t understand how I check the size of the bb to choose a crank etc, 1x look sick but wouldn’t mind having more gears tbh. Anyone with any ideas or any other upgrade things I should do then tell me! :)

[@davidcallahan2539]

It's your fault sir!!!! I just made a 1x9 gravel bike out of an old HARO VECTOR!!!!!! Advent X with road shifters. I blame you and love your channel!! My wife thinks I'm crazy to put $500 into an old bike. It came out awesome!

[@verdadchabibullah2797]

What number of teeth do you use on the crank?

[@Spindatt]

42

[@WalkerBikes]

Nice video man, only think holding me back for a build like this is finding cheap brifters. Got any suggestions for something that won't break (but will also brake) that isn't too expensive?

[@kevinjfeeney77]

I'm currently running MicroNEW on my drop bar MTB.....and my 1976 mixte. 3x7 and 2x8 respectively. But I'm upgrading the drop bar'd mtb to 3x9...so new brifters are on it's way, a long with a Deore RD-M591. Had the first set on the monster cross for over a year...still works properly. Will be moving them to another drop bar conversion because I wanna see how a hardtail feels as a drop bar conversion....lol

[@kevinjfeeney77]

There's also Microshift and even Sensah, but I have been seeing more negative comments about Sensah.

[@WalkerBikes]

@@kevinjfeeney77 cool thanks! Do you have a good source for them?

[@kevinjfeeney77]

I usually get mine from Amazon. I did see that performancebike.com and nashbar.com has the Microshift brands too, but at considerably higher prices....so I stick to Amazon for MicroNEW. MicroNEW, Microshift and Sensah can all be found on Amazon and eBay. I prefer Amazon for locker delivery. I've had too many packages stolen

[@kevinjfeeney77]

The MicroNEW brifters I've purchased ranged from $65 to 75.

[@michaeltillman886]

I do plan on changing the whole group set.

[@jimroriguez6269]

Hello there I've two questions cuz I just purchase an old specialized Hard Rock. I was wondering what breaks what do you recommend to place the Y brakes also what 7 Shimano speed cassette can you recommend with a little more get up and go gearing. I know I said I only had two questions but last one can I put a 26 by 2.0 Tire instead of 1.95 on my bike rim?

[@davidobrien8438]

I've never seen a Hard Rock / Rock Hopper that wouldn't take a 2.0 inch wide tire, so "Yes". I'm sure I'll get lots of disagreements; but my favorite 7-sp cassette for such bikes is the Shimano "Mega-Range" 13-34 freewheel. The first 6 cogs are 13-24 for the flatland and rolling hills, then the big jump to 34T for climbing. These are now really hard to find, so you have to either go 14-34T or use SunRace instead of Shimano. If you're really lucky you can find an old 11-34T Mega-Range in someones parts bin. Sheldon Brown was a fan of these setups sheldonbrown.com/mega7/ "At first glance, many people look at the sprocket numbers 11-13-15-18-21-24-34 and wonder what Shimano's engineers were smoking when they came up with that setup, with a 10 tooth jump between the bottom two sprockets! In practice, this is actually a very nice arrangement, because the big jump to the 34 allows the jumps in the cruising range to be much more reasonable. ... This type of freewheel, sometimes known as an "alpine" design, is intended to provide comfortable cruising, with the super-low gear for the tough hills. It works a lot better on the road than it looks on paper!

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Friction shifting is great with a 10 speed cassette. Back in the day, we upgraded the components to the latest, so why stop now

[@hollycow123445]

Hard disagree to the old cantis being worse than new cantis. I love working on old dia comp cantis (usually the ones paired with big metal moto looking levers) Cantis out of the mid or early 80s were the shit. Going into the 90s they got kinda shitty.

[@michaeltillman886]

A friend of mine has a Diamondback Ascent he wants to sell for 250 bucks. Should I get it. I want to put some drop- bars on it. What do you think?

[@RuezgaDaniel]

That's pretty expensive. I'm not sure where you live, but where I live, old rigid MTBs from the 80s and 90s sell for between $20 - $80.

[@michaeltillman886]

@@RuezgaDaniel Thanks my friend for the tip. I'll just go on line and buy brand new. I've seen bikes new going for 400 maybe 500 US, so thanks a lot. Peace my friend.

[@sirmixalot3332]

Michael Tillman check out Nishiki Colorado. My 95’ is still going and solid. If the new ones are anything like the old ones it is a great bike and even better value. No longer the original company as it went defunct and the name was purchased and used by another company. My best ever bicycle purchase for roi.

[@darkjord5823]

dude what brakes did you use?

[@jamesbunda806]

This is awesome

[@JimJamDaMan]

Is it weird that I hear your voice in my head narrating my bike rides for me as if I was making a video.

[@sirmixalot3332]

Yeah but for all the right reasons. Nothing wrong with a little weird now’n again.

[@davidcrooks1752]

On the up side you didn't threaten to "crush our balls with stone pebbles" 🥺 good vid 👍👍

[@billoneill6114]

Great advice man!

[@warrenzausa3145]

What is the tire width of the specialized bike sir? ☺️

[@filipwalicki3304]

Panaracer Garvelking SK

[@warrenzausa3145]

@@filipwalicki3304 tire width not the brand ☺️

[@kevinjfeeney77]

I think the 26er size only came in one width... 2.1"...

[@warrenzausa3145]

@@kevinjfeeney77 thanks sir ☺️

[@kevinjfeeney77]

@@warrenzausa3145 you're welcome

[@ShutUpBubi]

Boutta restore my dads early 90s Giant ATX 770

[@michaelcannon128]

Great Info👍😃

[@michaelmann6482]

Also you said “just a hybrid” 😳 careful with the OG 29ers 😉

[@renealeksandrovietz7371]

What is The wheel size on the rockhopper 26 Inc.? Or have you made it from a hybrid citybike 700c? IT is very cool

[@kevinjfeeney77]

26....

[@catdogfishcake]

I enjoy resurrecting bikes for a pastime, so I kinda knew all this already. Still really enjoyed the video anyways. all good/useful information.

[@Armin_27]

If it only wasn´t so much FUN throwing new components on a sexy old Steel Bike...😏🙈

[@rodolfouribe5186]

Lotsa people just are going into 1 by X, just for the looks, first I suggest to try them as it is 3 by X, and ride them till then cannot give any more, then change as really needs it

[@danielduran2523]

Bike advice wanted: I have this old Giant Iguana I got for free, 26 in wheels, lower profile road tires, 3x7 (but shifters wont go past 3rd gear) and flat bar with sti shimano shifters. I wanna ride fast and mostly on road/gravel. My goal is bigger wheels, drop bars and a working drivetrain but I'd like to have a cleaner cockpit too. I'm debating a 1x but idk.. its confusing hearing "its good/its bad", also if I wanna change wheels (I have decent clearance all around) I'm hearing that I have to worry about chain line and spacing could get messy. THEN if I wanna do drop bars i think i have to do an all around brake pad and mechanism conversion because "Pull ratios" of drop bar brakes cant work with my current v brakes.. 😭😭😭 my head hurts

[@RuezgaDaniel]

If you go with drop bars you will also have to get road brifters and derailleurs.

[@danielduran2523]

@@RuezgaDaniel I've heard of road shifters but I didnt know deraileurs were shifter specific.. 🤔 ok

[@kevinjfeeney77]

There are v-brake specific drop bar brake levers, but you'll need to run bar end, stem or downtube shifters....or Gevenalle's audax system...but those are $200.

[@danielduran2523]

@@kevinjfeeney77 there are downtube shifters!?? Thanks for the info 👍🏽

[@RuezgaDaniel]

@@danielduran2523 MTB shifters and road shifters often can't communicate with each other.

[@jimmyjazz7901]

This is so true tho a bike can feel like a totay different machine just from simply nringing it home after you het it and kinda just pull it sleighy apart clean it up grease it up and just give it a proper once over grease the bearimg possiblt het a chain cuz mast people for some reason peaple selling bikes either sell them with a rusted up and somme how super tight piece of rust thats the equivalent of using a coathanger at a chain

[@leopozzo09]

what does it take to move from cantilever brakes to vbrakes...to me they are the best option for old bikes like mine

[@kevinjfeeney77]

Depends... if you're going to do a drop bar conversion, you'll need mini v-brakes that will work with the brifters....but that might limit tire size.....or run mtb v-brakes with cable pull adapters like the Problem Solvers Travel Agents.... If you don't plan on using brifters, you can run stem, downtube or even bar end shifters and then install v-brake specific drop bar levers.

[@leopozzo09]

@@kevinjfeeney77 thanks for the answer...yeah it seems like you are running into much more complications that way ...now i understand the choice of keeping with the cantilevers

[@kevinjfeeney77]

Let's say you have flat bars....and staying flat bars. Even this change requires the levers to be changed or the cable pull adapter.

[@leopozzo09]

@@kevinjfeeney77 yeah exactly it happens that i just watched an rj the bike guy video about this topic and you have to change the levers even if u have flat bars like me or the pull adapter...so u need to expend a lil more on time and money with that option but still a good one...

[@pentiuman]

Empty Subscription Threats are not usually believed.

[@michaeltillman886]

Dude, keep the drop-bars; please!

[@jamescarson4507]

👍👍👍👍

[@willk4036]

please leave my ball bearings alone

[@randyhale4181]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😁

[@bobwilson7464]

Post brakes suck balls to adjust. I also hate them

[@Pummelpuffpuff]

What is missing are sensible lists of all installed parts and all work carried out. You notice that a lot more brain goes into monetization, but less into the quality of the content. Unfortunately typically KZbin (er) ... Self-presentation and monetization are the intrinsic motivation, less the love of the topic or the media skills. Skip, next ...

[@joshuagutierrez7050]

Please build me a bike

[@chrisdavis837]

This was - imho - your best video and most unwatchable. Lots and lots of information to sort thru compressed in a very small window of time. Does youtube give you more cash when people watch the same video over and over to get a quick refresher on what you said?

[@sethh3605]

Second 😁

[@tacticalbanana5198]

third

[@emmetfoster7430]

First