[jhodde]

Hi all,

I have a 95 Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp with all original components - a couple of weeks back I tried to upgrade the fork and we did a warranty replacement on the frame since it was cracked. I'm happy to say that I now have a brand new 2010 Rockhopper 26 frame that I'm getting! I'm stoked!

But, now what? I would like a better than average fork (http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=96754 or http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK264A05-Rock+Shox+Tora+302+Solo+Air+Fork+Oe.aspx).

But, should I even attempt to have the mechanic at the store salvage what I had with my bike or what components should I work on upgrading?

I'm looking to spend max $400 for the fork/maintenance/components. I'd like disc brakes, and if I have to I'll wait on the shock. Pretty funny that I could probably buy a brand new 29er for less than rebuilding the bike...

Suggestions? I'd really appreciate it!

 

[LyNx]

Buy the new 29er :skep: No seriously, do it Sell the RH frame and put that towards the purchase :thumbsup: I can't say that I'd be wanting to ride parts that are over 15 years old and most likely worn out and need changing, everything has come, leaps and bounds since '95, Leaps!

 

[zebrahum]

If you stick with the current fork the front end of the bike will be pretty low as the current crop of RHs come with [what I assume to be] 80mm travel forks. Your '95 was not intended to be run with such a tall fork so the geometry was designed around the lower axle to crown height of a fork of that time. Putting that low fork on your bike will make your geometry very steep, probably making the bike handle pretty sketchy.

I would start shopping for a fork for your new frame. My guess is that some other things may or may not fit like the headset, front derailleur, seat post, seat clamp, and perhaps even your brakes. There's plenty of things to keep your eyes out for, the shop can assist you a lot in figuring out what you'll need to pick up.

 

[brent878]

couple of things to consider. if your new fork is disc only (or frame for that matter) you will need new wheels to convert over to disc as well as the disc them selves so that is going to cut into your $400 budget. You will probably need a new front derailer too, possible seat post.

 

[CharacterZero]

Yeah, sell the frame and take your upgrade monies and put it all on a new build. Yes, really.

 

[trailville]

I'm happy to say that I now have a brand new 2010 Rockhopper 26 frame that I'm getting! I'm stoked!

Are you still stoked?
As I think you're starting to realize, it's going to get expensive to build that up. You will at least need fork, wheels, and disc brakes. Those are the most expensive components, and each of them may cost you more than the value of that frame. You may also need a new FD, seatpost, and seatclamp because the ones from your old bike may not fit. Then you need to look at how worn the other drive train components on your old bike are.
And since you've mentioned a 29er, you need to think real hard about that before buying a new 26er fork and new 26" wheels.
Unfortunately you're probably not going to get much selling that frame either. There's really nothing special about a modern Rockhopper frame.

 

[jpeters]

upgrade

 

[jpeters]

If you can get something like this group set for the mtb and this fork you can get the wheels and brakes later .

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Shimano-Deo...Accessories&hash=item3f05ff6439#ht_2881wt_989

http://cgi.ebay.com/RockShox-Recon-...Accessories&hash=item5d2d3cd4b5#ht_1193wt_856

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fulcrum-Red-Met..._Accessories&hash=item335f76ae64#ht_500wt_949

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Shimano-Deo..._Accessories&hash=item2a0dc416b7#ht_500wt_715

http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCK-SHOX-RockS...Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d2d99b197

http://cgi.ebay.com/BICYCLE-BIKE-16...Accessories&hash=item4ceda80c12#ht_1192wt_702

If you get all of this stuff it will be a pretty good entry level bike but still will cost more then
400

Will the frame take disk brakes?

I think you are looking at around 600 to 800 to upgrade but if you do you will be hard pressed to find a better bike for the same price.

The deore group is good the deore brakes are good the recon fork is good the fulcrum wheels are good. All you will need is maby a stem and a seat post and you can get that for not so much.

Deore group with a Recon fork and Fulcrum wheel set is a good bike.

 

[mnigro]

what size is the hopper frame?

 

[jhodde]

Update

Well, it turns out that the frame that I did get happened to be a 17 (or 17.5) Hard Rock frame (person on the phone was wrong, but it looks to be comparable to that 15 year old bike I used to have.) Oh well; I ended up working with a local bike shop to work on something that will become a commuter/half time mountain bike for around $400.

I'm getting new v brakes/tires/grip shifts/chain as well as a Tora shock for V brakes and some other things on the bike. I probably could have went in for something decent for around $800, but I want to save up using the money I'm not paying for gas with this commuter and then go in for anice 29er. Considering what people spen a week for lunch, I'll be in good shape in no time!

I'll post a pic as soon as I get it all setup.

 

[jpeters]

Thats cool post some pics the tora is not a bad fork at all. Make sure you get your money worth for the parts bike stores can be a little high on the prices.

 

[jhodde]

Got my bike!

Well, after about $400 bucks and a few days of waiting I got my bike back! I'm really happy with it as I took it out for a stroll all around town. So, overall I got a new headset, a Tora TK fork with lockout, new grips, chain, some pretty slick Avid v brakes, warranty frame (Hard Rock, I know I know ), gripshifts, and a few other things. I'm really stoked!

At the very least, this will keep me going for a while :thumbsup: until I decide to move to the next thing (brand new 29er?!?).

 

[Operandi]

Not bad for $400!

 

[jhodde]

Thanks!

I'm very pleased with http://www.cambriabike.com . Good deals and great in-house service. I'm blessed to live right around the corner from their San Luis Obispo location!