There's no arguing that I'm a dyed-in-the-wool roadie. But I've been thinking about narrow, muddy trails ever since I borrowed my son's Gary Fisher Wahoo for a few rides a couple of years ago.
The more places that I discovered here in the Pacific Northwest where I couldn't take my road bike, the more I thought about getting a mountain bike.
Last week, I stumbled across this hardtail for sale at Craigslist and, after some light haggling, bought this Specialized RockHopper. The guy was the second owner, so this bike has been around, but it's in pretty decent shape. I'd put the year at 1991.
Condition
Most important, the frame is in good shape with no cracks or rust and only a couple of light scratches. The rubber on the tires has some light cracks, like it's been sitting around for a long time and got dried out, but I was expecting to replace the tires.
The rear wheel is a little out of round, and the pedals feel a little loose. Probably could use a new chain. Otherwise it's in great shape with tight braking and well-adjusted Shimano thumb-shifters.
Because of only a few minor flaws, I took it out for a spin on Monday and got it a little muddy from some trails over in Newcastle. I've been asking around for some other good trails for riding. Of course what I find is that bikes are prohibited from many potentially great riding trails.
The plan
So the plan is to ride it on some not-too technical trails. My 16-year-old son says he'll come along because it sounds like fun; probably more fun that plowing ahead on mile after mile of road, I guess.
I'd also like to do some upgrades to the seat, handlebars and probably the wheels to get it road-worthy for some bike touring. Install fenders. If I can't get my racks mounted, I always have my single-wheel Yakima trailer.
I think it would be the perfect bike for something like the C&O Canal and Great Allegheny Passage in Maryland and Pennsylvania and the John Wayne Trail across the Cascades in Washington state.
Here's more about the Specialized RockHopper, circa 1991.
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