Specialized Rockhopper Comp 1989 (sold), one in the 1992 flavour arrived

Recently acquired this Specialized Rockhopper from 1989 and thought I make a thread to document and collect my ideas for the build.

The condition is well used, but no dents or other major issues.

My initial idea was a Rock Combo inspired build, but finding this style of dirt drop bars in 25,4mm seem to be a project in itself. Might go for a Randonneur style bar in decent width. Soma Portola seems to fit the bill, but would need to find new stem with 26mm clamp.

Another option would be a 1" to 1 1/8" conversion to get a wider selection of both bars and stems. However I would hope to keep it with quill stem for style points.

The (obvious?) route would be to re-build closer to stock with a wide riser bar, as I have all of the components already available.

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Awesome!

However I would hope to keep it with quill stem.

Yes. Get a Velo Orange quill stem with removable face plate if you really want a 31.8mm bar.

Cheers, yes this seems a sensible option!
I really would hope to keep it 1" 25,4/26mm but the options are a bit limited.

Actually been eyeing your awesome Muddy Fox and might end up with something similar as well, I think the size/geo of the frame might fit me well paired with the tall stem and more traditional drop bars.

Love the colour!

Don't know your budget for this - but Nitto has a dirt drop option in 25.4 mm

The pangs of lust from a 14yr old me have just done a flip in my stomach.

Just open up the 25.4 stem with a screwdriver and pop a 26.0mm bar in there...Itll be absolutely fine :)

Also Bibs frameset if you ever sell !

Open up the stem is probably fine. The stem seems quite robust, but I would be more comfortable doing this on a steel stem. :)

In the meantime I did some heroic photoshop work in the built in picture preview program in Mac OS. The proportions/scaling is not right.

@MisterMikkel cheers, this is a nice option. Unfortunately I´m based in Germany so shipping and taxes adds on to the cost.. Everything Nitto seem a bit short in stock here at the moment.

Regarding the handlebar situation, Im leaning to getting a cheapo flared drop bar and temporary set it up with a 1" to 1 1/8" adapter and a-head stem to see how I like it up before getting something nicer.

Even better - Bike-components usually have a lot of Nitto in stock

edit:
but trying the setup with an adaptor seems like a reasonable plan to me.

Found a bit time to get the handlebars test fitted, ended up with a Ritchey Classic VentureMax in 31.8mm clamp.

The stem situation is temporary, once I figure out a decent fit I plan to replace with a Velo Orange quill stem:

Tire clearance seems great, the Conti RaceKing is 26 2.2 and there is lots of room left.

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Looking good

This is good. Strangely don't dislike the bars.

There's a nickel VO stem floating around on here somewhere. 80mm if I remember correctly.

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/385819/#comment16951088

Cheers!
I think the bars works, the shape seems really great when it comes to ergonomics.
Decided to move a way from a more period correct setup, the bike was quite far away from catalogue specs in the first place.

@cheekysnaker thanks for the tip, seem to be "dibed" but I sent a message.

It's rolling!
I like it so far and fits me really well as it sits now.

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That looks really good!

Looks decent, well done

Banging

So the yellow one got sold, and I kind of regretted this..

This showed up nearby, so here we are. Brought from the original owner and apart from the stem the specs are as from the factory.

Probably end up with a build similar to the previous one.

There is a bit of a weird thing with the seat stays, only the drive side has the dimple to accommodate larger tires. Still clears 50mm-ish tires so not the biggest of issues.

Damn, that looks pretty mint.

It's in quite nice condition yes, it seems "gunk and dirt" is quite good conserver of bikes. After a quick clean up it is surprisingly sparkly.

No U-brake - an upgrade!!

The tyres look great in that frame.