If you were me......

[kevtoon2905]

Ok, So I picked up an early to mid-90s Specialized Hardrock off Ebay for 30 quid. Wasn't going to but kinda fell in love with it. Its the kind of bike that has been left in someones back yard for quite some time. At first I thought it was in pretty bad nick, but to be honest, most of it is cosmetic.
Ive had it out for a quick test, and I think the chain could do with replacing, but Ive left that soaking in oil to see if it will come to life. Tyres are pretty cracked so will need replacing, but stay inflated so inner tube must be ok. Cantileaver breaks which currently take a week and a half to stop the breaks, and a couple of screws that have been rounded off(especially on the seat so can't get it off the seat pole so that will be a new one of them). As the chain is a bit on the old side havent get a chance to test the gears just yet. I was going to turn this into a single speed, but now Ive inspected it and given some parts a clean, I want to use this as my full time bike.
However, I am somewhat of a newbie when It comes to bike restoration, so basically I will put it to the floor and to the experts....what would you do? Before I go out and spend a fortune on parts that either dont fit or are pointless.
Please find some pictures attached.

Cheers in advance

 

[Jussa]

Re:

I Like this kinda thread, simple bike, not high end but yet can be as much fun and with a few additions and improvments will make a great budget hack. Canti upgrade and new blocks will make a massive improvment, there has been a few sets of Canti's on here recently el cheapo.

Tyres, how about some Retro style Charge Splashbacks? currently retailing for £20 a pair on ebay? Chains too can be picked up pretty cheap too keep an eye on the 'Cycling Bargains' section of the forum, that pointed me to Tescos who were selling Shimano Chains for £4 a shot!!!! and best of all put an ad in the wanted section too, plenty of people will come to your aid often for the price of postage for parts and always loads of free advice, which makes this site a one stop shop for all your retro needs

Simples..........

Go for it bud, its got loads of life left in it

 

[kevtoon2905]

Thanks for the reply. Naturally I would want to save as much on the bike as possible, so will see tomorrow if the chain has loosened up tomorrow. At first I wasnt to hot on the Charge Splashbacks...but looking/reading abit more...They are so mine!

I look forward to taking her onto a trail in a week or so

 

[hamster]

Clean it all up, new cables and brake blocks, then ride, ride, ride!

It's all sturdy kit and the frame is not worth many upgrades, but it is the sort of honest bike that will give thousands of miles and hours of pleasure.

 

[kevtoon2905]

Thats the plan

 

[wookiee]

Re:

You will find people on here will be able to help with replacement parts etc...for starters I have a brand new 7 speed chain that is surplus to my requirements you could have for the price of the postage?

 

[wookiee]

Re:

Also have loads of seatposts you could have for postage what size is it? Probably have a set of canti's too STX or similar!

 

[kevtoon2905]

Not only do you have a cool avatar...but I think I may also love you too. Ill let you know the size of the seat post tomorrow(bikes in Garage and its cold outside ha!) But according to the Sheldon Brown website say a 94ish Hard rock seat post is 26mm

 

[wookiee]

Not only do you have a cool avatar...but I think I may also love you too. Ill let you know the size of the seat post tomorrow(bikes in Garage and its cold outside ha!) But according to the Sheldon Brown website say a 94ish Hard rock seat post is 26mm

Wookiee by name Wookiee by nature! Let me know if there is anything else you need...might have a freebee saddle too! Loads of people on this site have helped me out over the years and its good to keep that vibe going!

 

[kevtoon2905]

Re: Re:

..... Tyres, how about some Retro style Charge Splashbacks? currently retailing for £20 a pair on ebay? ..........

£15.99

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Charge-Splash ... 1e88b2e0fa