1997 Specialized Rockhopper South Downs ride

Cicli8

Dirt Disciple
I always wanted to try South Downs Way on a bike and had this Rockhopper bought earlier for £50. Just wondered if the bike or me will crack first . Also you don’t see them a lot used as MTB.
Upgraded the handlebar to an adventure one, added rear rack and changed tyres to slightly wider Nobbly Nics. The rest is pretty much original but the new chain and braking pads for safety.

The bike had done spectacularly well with no issues on the trail and we’ve done 75 miles in two days including 8000 feet elevation gain. Predictably I cracked first and could not manage all the way to Eastbourne calling it a day in Lewes. The mud was spectacular, but that’s just my excuse I suppose.
 

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Looks like a good ride—a grubby ride, but a good ride. That's a 1999 RockHopper, by the way, not 1997. All the same, it's a good choice for the ride you did. They ride well.
 
Not muddy then. I like those rockhoppers a lot, in fact I just picked one up last a couple of weeks ago. It's not in as nice condition as yours though

And congrats on doing the south downs way rigid!
 
Rockhoppers seem good for this type of riding, because they're not exactly mountain bikes. I've always found the 'hoppers to be all arounders, really suitable for long days that don't get too xxxtreeeem. I think as we retro bikers age, bikes like this will enjoy a boom, everyone wants to make relaxed cruisers.
 
Hey Cicli8,

Thanks a nice looking bike, I really like the colour it pops.

Looks like you're really getting to enjoy it 😄.


Singhsan
 
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