RETRO 26" MTB Conversion // 1993 Specialized Hardrock Ultra

[@werminator372]

I was literally given one of these bikes by a buddy last week and now that I have seen this video I am headed down a rabbit hole.

[@timtetrault]

Seeing these bikes, from a unique era of design, marketshare, and technical intentionality getting second and third lives is so awesome.

[@lh3428]

I have my beautiful and original Hardrock to my son-in-law seven years ago because I had moved where I never expected to ride it. Now my wife and I moved because of her health, so I’m buying another Hardrock tomorrow. I love these bikes.

[@seraphan6]

You mentioned Oldshovel (USA) and Spindatt (CAN). I think you need to add MonkeyShred (UK) and Toasty Rides (NZ). All those chaps are grand. Enjoyed your video.

[@imstillhereileft7530]

Agree

[@MrJayRetrogaming]

Thanks I really like old shovel, I definitely check all of them 🤟

[@gerryedwards9738]

Aaaaaaand don't forget Cool Bike Projects.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yes! I enjoy all of your suggestions

[@MitchAnthrope]

Gary’s Projects and Sydney Retro MTB’s is building some JMC Specialized’s

[@coltonwolf1576]

Great video! I do believe this is the first Hardrock Ultra ever put to production 💯💪💪💪 I purchased one in ‘93 from my local dealer. Subsequently road it into the ground. It was epic!

[@another3997]

Upgrading and refurbishing an old bike is a good idea. Old bikes can be a lot of fun, especially relatively simple ones. But I'd argue half the work done to this bike was overkill. Changing the headset, then going from 3x to 1x on the front and a huge cassette on the back aren't adding anything substantial to a bike like this. Whereas changing bars, saddle, tyres and brakes make a big difference. At least the bike is being ridden again.👍

[@Korina42]

Ya gotta love YT's algorithm; a step through '93 HardRock Ultra will be winging its way to me next week! 1. Maxxis DTH are very popular on vintage mtbs. My '92 RockHopper is sporting the gumwall version, and I love them. a) That's *violet* to cranberry. (I'm provisionally calling the new one "Miss Beauregard".) i. What a great build! Well done; I hope your friend enjoys it for many years. (I'm going to go look for that rack; it's pretty cool.)

[@TheBikeSauce]

I know you from Russ' channel! Thanks for the feedback and great find on your new old bike - great name. The DTH's are also more available right now than many of the other popular 26" options.

[@Korina42]

@@TheBikeSauce Golly, I'm famous! 😁 It's good, then, that the DTH's are great tires.

[@Griefter]

unless you really hate bikes big time, I don't really get why someone would dislike this vid. well, to each his own I guess. Awesome build by the way, my friends and I have been doing retro conversions for most of the pandemic as well, and we sure love every moment of building up and riding them old-new bikes. keep it up!

[@janeblogs324]

Maybe its the way he butchered the Latin word deore or the roman sandals

[@TheBikeSauce]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Parkyy16]

Another Hardrock Ultra! I have a 93' Hardrock Ultra in Grey and Yellow colorway. Bought it back in 2018 with all original components except tires. Swapped out brake pads, added a fender, and used it as a commuter until this year. Converted it to a single speed and still using it for commuting 50 miles per week. This one looks better than mine!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice!! Sounds like an awesome rig

[@zapcodeknock4503]

What did you pay for it? I have a chance to pickup a blk n yellow 92 or 94 (best guess) hardrock. The seller is asking 200.00 though. I may go see it soon.

[@Parkyy16]

@@zapcodeknock4503 Back in 2018? I paid $60 for the whole bike. Now? I'd be expecting somewhere in $150-$200 for one in decent condition. I got in an accident since I wrote this comment. The fork is a bit busted, but I don't want to spend money on this thing. The fenders came off during the crash, so no more fenders. The fork is wider than it should be at the drop outs and out of alignment, but not so bad that I can't tighten down the fork ends with the quick release lever and get the wheel to spin relatively in line. Replaced the front wheel with one my friend had in his garage for a decade. It's still my commuter with the busted fork, torn saddle, and it's now fender-less. I do worry that the fork might cause some issues in the near future, but I have a backup commuter in mind(soma smoothie). For $200, I wouldn't buy one of these. The Hardrocks are the base model, straight gauge tubing, heavy, not as nice as the Rockhoppers/RockCombos/etc. of the same era. It rides very stiff compared to my other steel bikes, but it's also the bike I don't mind if it ever falls over, or if it ever gets stolen. I leave it outside all day, only lube the chain, top off the air in the tires. I'd be sad about the lock and the light mount that's on the bike rather than the bike itself if it was ever stolen. Maybe look for a Giant, Novara, ibis, kona, or etc. Most of these are not as hyped up as 90s Specialized bikes right now.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Paul picked it up for $60 I think

[@zapcodeknock4503]

I didn't buy it, i came across something unusual from the 50-70's, which i thought was Raleigh. Well i got something made in england heavy and sturdy for now. It's got class alright, and i'm giving it some TLC. Paint looks peppermint and lots of chrome. Haven't tested it out much yet. A Phillips.

[@_film_flashback]

As someone who grew up in the 90's on department store hardtails it saddens me to see where the sport has gone and that videos like this that highlight someone enjoying their bike even though it didn't cost thousands of dollars are rare and far between. Glad the "just get a 90's mtb" craze is here.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Modern bike tech is remarkable, but to some degree a bike is a bike 🤘

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Nice conversion. Playing with my 90s mtb and this is good inspiration.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha you’re not keeping the threeagle?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@TheBikeSauce def keeping the threeagle, but may do more moto style bars.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice. Excited to see how it turns out!

[@philipcarmack9321]

I just finished my vintage frame build: 1995 Gary Fisher (perfect blue teal paint) Absolute black oval chainring (42t) Race face cranks and bb Sram gx eagle Rear Derailleur and chain Sunrace 11-50t cassette Deore hubs with rhino lite rims Rene herse rat trap pass tires (2.3'!) Jones double butted bars (with rise) Ergon grips and cork blend bar tape Avid v-brake set Brooks c-17 special saddle Love the Build! just subbed

[@wheels.3239]

i just pulled my Giant Iguana out from the back of the garage. Its on, Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TheBikeSauce]

🤘🤘🤘

[@johnnydoe66]

I am sitting here recovering from a major sinus infection and binge watching build videos of 90's era mtb's. Your friend needs to rebuild that Schwinn S20 URT frame into a softtail gravel bike. I took my 1998 Barracuda XC URT frame and built it up as a softtail gravel rig using a suspension corrected steel rigid fork. It works great, complete with a wide range 1 x 7 gear setup.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Not a bad idea

[@glennromabiles7772]

I just bought this Hard Rock Ultra in this exact colorway on FB Marketplace!

[@noisepuppet]

A few years ago, a bike mechanic rehabbed one of these and flipped it to me for a shockingly low price. Best urban commuter ever.

[@MrSFSTUDIOS]

I bought one just like that back in 1994. I still own it and ride it often. I put a Chris King headset on mine and a lighter Coda front crank set. I just stripped the frame and painted it black. Nice to see those old Miami-Vice era colors still on yours.

[@robotmuseum]

This video was so much fun to watch. recently converted an old 90s Marin Palisades Trail that my neighbour left on the street. It is a fun ride. I needed a new rack so the rack suggestion is perfect. Thanks

[@bicross87]

You're wrong ! That video is actually great ! :) The build is sweet as heck, i do LOVE that kind of converted/modernized project !

[@TheBikeSauce]

New to it, but had a good time with it

[@thetogtube2]

YEHAW ... HAVE FUN... Ride bikes... I just picked up a simple StumpJumper. Stoked!

[@ptk421]

I literally just bought my first bike in 31 years, in part because my old bike (which I still have and ride) is a Specialized Hard Rock. That thing is a beast.

[@DilbertMuc]

Damned! I had the very same bike and sold it. Didn't know what to do with it after 15 years sitting in the heating cellar but the paint job was just too nice. Good to see that folks know each other, who you mentioned in your videos... Spindatt, OldShovel, Party Pace (Path less Pedaled),... :)

[@MarcS4R]

i am a fan of these old specialized bikes. they are a blast ride

[@TheBikeSauce]

For sure!

[@bigwheelsturning]

I just did that to a 1991 Costco MTB (Giant) that came with all Deore XT components. Top of the line at that time. There was noting better. All Chrome Molly, and beautiful TIG welds. Added new stem, swept back Shurly handlebars, and other new stuff. Just finished lacing in a N380 CVT hub, and it was a great add. looking at some lights and a front rack. It's my daily driver, and I put over a 100 miles a month on it. "They don't makem like they used too".

[@nancysilbergphd]

I loved this video. I still have my hardrock ultra in the same color. It got me back on a bike after a total hip replacement in Feb 2020, when I wasn’t ready to ride my road bike.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Very nice! What a cool color scheme. Wish I could’ve kept this one 😆

[@Kevin-tl4zw]

i have the same bike, is it from '93 or '92? i searched for some specialized catalogs online it has the same decal style from '92

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yea others have said 92, but I also searched 93 and came up with the same bike

[@nancysilbergphd]

@@Kevin-tl4zw it could have been 92 or 93. I don’t remember.and I don't have original documents. Sorry.

[@nancysilbergphd]

@@TheBikeSauce ironically, I have the same specialized diverge that u have. I’m thinking about upgrading the wheels. I saw your video on the Hunt Carbon 35s. I live in N.E. So I don’t mind using wide tires (38) but I would like a wheel set that might perform better while climbing. I ride a combination of paved and unpaved roads. No trails. Do you think I would be better off with the Hunt Carbon 30s vs 35s?

[@seriouslycoolful]

I really appreciate the extra info on cassette/hub compatibility

[@RidingBikesinSanDiego]

I just scored a mid-90s Trek 930, and am waiting on a few parts to get my Clydesdale on it! this video was super inspiring! I only wish my frame had that color palette!

[@MeNtAlmil]

Re-built an old 1988 Schwinn Impact in the same style recently, urban/tourer/fun build. By far puts a bigger smile on my face than any of my other bikes, and was a fraction of the cost. Everyone needs to try this out, great video!

[@jbirdperez6003]

Dude ...great and beautiful outstandin Video . good to see a perfectly story about bikers who do the exact thing. Keep them comin you made my day . been ridin since the 80's honestly since i was a kid from the 70's . i'm now 60 and still rollin six days a week to and from work on classic .

[@jdillon8360]

It was great! You don't need to apologize for anything.

[@FrederickAgustin]

What a beautiful story. ❤ It’s really not the cost of the bike but the simple joy of building and riding that old gem with friends ☕️

[@guandasin3099]

Been watching your videos as of late. This made me swap out my MTB converted gravel bike to have a flat bar/swallow handle bar set up. Top tupe is quite long even though its a 26er frame, and because of the weight and geometry, its just sluggish on getting faster speed. Now it's a chill ride, afternoon snacks type of bike now. Thank you for your hard work my dude!

[@droidzoid]

I got the same Hardrock! Been slowly been changing the parts here and there so its a fun process!

[@superandy89]

Inspiring! Great way to pass a rainy weekend day!

[@91722854]

this bike is kid-approved, always good to have the CEO to inspect the mechanics

[@arrosconpollo1]

This is a GREAT video! The explanation on Shimano hub was super helpful!

[@sandrochiavaroBeerCircles]

Great video dude! I bet Russ is endorsing that visual definition. Bravo

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ha! It’s what I imagine partypace looks like

[@michaelmann6482]

I just ran across this video AFTER completing a very similar build on the same model/color 93 HardRock. I went with a 1x9 Microshift Advent drivetrain with 11-46 cassette and Soma Clarence bars I picked up for $5 at a swap meet last summer. I also ran yellow cable housing to match the yellow graphics, blue VP Vice pedals, pink bmx brake levers, and the pink & blue "Punky Brewster" ESI grips Russ sold on the Path Less Pedaled site.

[@jeffreychase7623]

What cranks did you use?

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

In fact I think this is a great vlog-style video: great build and great fun with the build. Savoring these experiences is what it’s all about, IMO, not going fast :)

[@TheBikeSauce]

Refreshing reminder!

[@marcdenlinger5282]

Fun build and ride. As the old saying goes, "The best bike is the bike you ride".

[@fredtroutman2252]

I do the same with my old finds, really enjoy my time in my shop refurbishing and converting them into my touring machines, i usually get around $150 to $200 in a bike and it feels as good as a $1,500 bike I really enjoyed the video!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx, Fred! Thanks for watching

[@davedelarosa319]

Party pace 26ers are my preferred jam. I have a drop bar Raleigh M40 on semi-slick Kenda Krisps and a city bar Bianchi Lynx on Bontrager 1.5 smoothies. Both ride a dream and offer no pretense of anything other than just getting out and enjoying the ride.

[@TheBikeSauce]

The lack of pretense is perhaps the best part

[@Conversationpace87]

LOVE those pedals. I have a pair on my 26er and a ridged mtb.

[@petesmitt]

rigid..

[@reckon6493]

This is a GREAT video! And I just got bit by the retro bike bug and picked up a 95 Univega. You've given me some ideas!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice!

[@Bradonomous]

This was a superb video. Totally reminds us what it’s all about!!!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx for checking it out!

[@michaelscott7706]

Yes I've done 3 builds. 2001 Cannondale F500, 1994 Cannondale M300 and 1992 Specialized Hardrock.

[@desmond5593]

I truly enjoy your video every time. I am rebuilding my Specialized Hardrock of 20 years ! Just waiting for my tools and parts to arrive. Thank you so much. Happy riding

[@VirtualBikeKitchen]

That was a fun build! We are fans of partypace riding. Glad we found your channel.

[@davidhollinger2987]

Plan to do something similar to a Craigslist $50 93 Univega Via DeOro which is an amazing shade of purple fading to black. Watching your video provoked new thinking on my build. Thanks for the great video.

[@paultrevino81]

Definitely liked this video it straight to the point not too technical and got down to the grassroots of bikes. The fun and excitement.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx for checking it out!

[@tta360]

Great video!! I’m gearing up to restore an ‘85 Hard Rock, so this overview and parts list helps out tremendously

[@lewf5685]

BAMM!!! Thanks for the video. Inspiring. Might play with my 98 Moab one of these weekends!

[@M3LTUP]

Good video. I have a 90s GT MTB. I made some updates as well. I use it for urban cruising.

[@davebrydon9954]

Actually bought the 24" version for my daughter for $50. Ended up getting it powder coated because it was in rough shape. Such a sweet retro bike!

[@user-st205blmvz]

フルレストアも良いですね。 物を大切に使う事はとても素敵な事ですね。 私もコレと同じ車体を今も現役で使ってます。 各部の部品は経年劣化でオーバーホールしてオリジナル部分はフレームとステムとカンチブレーキのみですが、大好きな車体です。 近々リアディレイラー とシフターを8速化して40-11Tスプロケにアップデートします❤

[@normawingo5116]

So fun, loved seeing your next generation bike lover helping out. I’ve got a great specialized frame out there too.

[@rodcosta2345]

Glad I found the channel! Cool vids!

[@igabodclarke7220]

I had that exact bike back in the nineties!!! Great job, wish it was mine!!😎

[@danlewis7678]

Legit the bike that most people need.

[@sgtcortesusmc]

I just picked up a 1997 Trek Singletrack 930. The original owner even had the manual that came with the bike. Gonna upgrade to a 1x10 soon.

[@sgtcortesusmc]

@AlanBrando-s6y extremely dumb... but already done lol.

[@necrodefecator]

Your video just popped out on my YT feed while I just achieved a 1995 Kona build with the same parts on it! I used the same handlebars (also cutted), stem and a 3X10 mix of XT and SLX parts and a retro WTB saddle. Front rack will also come in the near future and the bike is attented to tackle the winter in my corner of the planet. Needless to say it feels absolutely great, I was a bit surprised by the Kyote at first but they're really nice.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ha very nice! Yes. The yt algorithm is scary like that. Thanks for checking it out

[@sepultubob]

"With no socks !" haha. Very nice conversion.

[@antoniiocaluso1071]

Buddy...you should have a show on a major network! Great job thru-out. Tanx

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ha! too kind

[@scottgriffith7967]

I admire your perseverance!

[@5thAve_Ricky]

I have some inspiration for my specialized cross road build. This is something very similar I had in mind when I got the complete bike for $50

[@MrJayRetrogaming]

Picking up the exactly same bike 🚴 from the marketplace 🤟

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Thank you thank you thank you… for definitively clearing up what cassette will fit on an 8 speed hub. I’ve got early 90s mountain bike (remember Univega Boralyn???) with an AMP front fork that I want to extend its life in exactly the same manner. It’s got good componentary but these days the crux is finding a high-end shifter in a 3-speed chain ring combo. I pull a trailer and really want to keep the narrow spaced wide range gearing.

[@petesmitt]

4:48 he said any Shimano HG mtb freehub will fit different size cassettes, which is incorrect; 7 speed Shimano HG freehubs will only fit 7 speed cassettes; yes, 8 speed freehubs will take more speeds.

[@TheBikeSauce]

But an 8 sp freehub will take a 7 sp with a spacer. ‘Shimano HG freehub’ most certainly implies 8/9/10/11 sp in 2022.

[@petesmitt]

​@@TheBikeSauce 8-speed freehub will also take a single cog with spacers but that's not the point; Shimano still make 7 speed HG freehubs, FH-RM30-7; you might like to ignore their existence in 2022 but others may like to be aware.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yea man, not really sure what your point was. You’re right, 7 sp freehubs do exist

[@kevinborovsky3558]

Great video and very enjoyable. So true what you said “don’t have to spend a lot to have fun on a bike”. A parts list would be helpful also. Cheer’s

[@TheMetabolicMadness]

What an awesome video! Repurposing, savouring the (build) process, savouring the ride - pace and bling be damned! These vintage mtb are making a resurgence for good reason - you can build them up (relatively) cheap, they're a great reminder of how little you need (suspension, bling) to have a HEAP OF FUN! great vid, thanks for Sharing!

[@jeffreychase7623]

Just picked up a 90s Gary Fisher. Can’t wait to get it out to CHSP for some coffee also.

[@Locojoe]

Sweet bike and transformation.

[@bugeyesprite119]

Very nice video, thanks!

[@automat8]

I’m inspired. Thanks!

[@chrisingram9681]

great build. i'm about to start another retro conversion that will include getting disc brakes on the frame...its going to be fun

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice! Welding brackets, etc?

[@aaronwermers4160]

Great video!! Always love a fun, enjoyable bike.

[@leradicideglialberi]

Super nice bike in the end! Inspiring!

[@davidleal7133]

I just got a medium one same color for my sister and it’s getting a 1x7 30t 11-34 and a set of new pads and tires.

[@tonygenovese6239]

Great build congrats and fun is we’re it’s at 👍👍🚴🏼‍♂️🚴🏼‍♂️

[@TheTrakker]

Great video and a very awesome build! I've been doing some 1990s restorations as well as a couple of early 2000s this year. Having to work a full time job really gets in the way of good times like this! Happy trails!🤙

[@TheBikeSauce]

Pesky work..

[@TheTrakker]

@@TheBikeSauce Indeed!

[@justdude8115]

As someone who uses vintage mtb as the main bike I have to say they are awesome. Mine is MBK Tracker Hi-Tech 1989, stock brakes (cantilever XT in front, U-brake under chainstay), I put vintage wheelset from 1991 (xtr hubs, FIR rims), billy bonkers tires, deore 2x10 groupset and Jones H-bar with custom made handlebar bag. This thing just awesome. To have somewhat powerfull braking I put jagwire compressionless housing and koolstop pads so brakes, despite it's age, work pretty damn good. My only complaint is that rims are narrow for 2.1" tires - only 16.5mm. I have to build a new wheelset. Also I want to convert it into drop bar bike.

[@vermonthillsumc]

Great job.

[@faizaltajul6527]

Nice vid bro.... I'm inspired. Don't have to spend much to have fun riding... just go out there and ride....

[@sandrochiavaroBeerCircles]

That was phenomenal dude! Well done guys. I bet Russ is enforcing that visual definition 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dougnevitt2257]

Very cool!

[@joelungaidon]

Toasty Rides and Gary's Projects are awesome retro builders too, and of course Monkeyshred. Definitely worth a look

[@TheBikeSauce]

Subbed to toasty rides, will check out the others. Thx!

[@freedomwon2004]

Hi. Cool new old ride. I just watched this video. First time I've heard about your KZbin channel. Just subscribed and hit the bell. Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks, Jeff! Welcome!

[@zaanders]

That was awesome!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha thx

[@outbackwack368]

I ran the Fire XC Pro's on my Kona Big Kahuna full sus with SRAM X9 carbon and Avid BB7, Put a Cloud 9 shock on it and rode that until 2018 when I bought a REAL modern carbon full sus ...

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha ‘real’

[@domcrotty5784]

You are a cool dude! Thanks.

[@mono635]

Nice video, love it, thank you!

[@KM-689]

Nice job 😉

[@shannonparker7404]

No socks! Perish the thought! :-)

[@benzibu]

loved it. great build

[@peterbaskind9872]

That bike is darn-near perfect. I have been looking for a frame for just such a build. So far, no luck (being 6' 4" narrows the universe of acceptable examples). But I have collected many of the parts, including a new set of Deore V brakes I found just last night and a Shimano Zee drivetrain (which will limit me to a 36T in the rear).

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice! If it helps, sometimes the hunt is part of the fun; enjoy the pursuit!

[@nathan.4130]

I've been looking for a bike for a similar build too, except I'm 5'-5", so every frame is too big for me. But I do have a nice set of wheels and some other parts waiting to go.

[@fedearbelaez4912]

@@nathan.4130 I found a frame just like the one in the video here in Mexico City, but it's too small for me 🥲

[@letoilelopes]

More please!!! Loved this

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha, I have something similar in the works.

[@stephenfeeney1869]

Very cool Bike - love it!!

[@davidcrowson4745]

Amazing job 💯

[@pedromaia9321]

Perfect! Old school transformation at the end a great bike. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Portugal.

[@SeanKWhite-lk5zf]

Awesomeness

[@Thomas-bu1vk]

Very good video, it really warms up the heart to see postivie footages like these ! Keep up the good work ! ;)