I really like riding my bike. Riding the 15 miles each way to work is a new adventure. At first, I think I’m going to ride a few times a month. I didn’t really like riding my road bike or my fixed gear to work. So, I decided to buy a used mountain bike and create a commuter. I have enjoyed having a project like this. I decided to buy an older mountain bike with a steel frame and cro-mo fork. I found 1995 Specialized Hardrock in excellent shape on Craigslist for $25. No before hand pics.
I decided to take my time making it the way I want it. The first thing was to replace the knobby tires with Specialized Nimbus tires and buy a lock. (You will notice all the parts I used were Specialized. Open Road Bicycles, my fav shop, is a Specialized dealer so many of the parts I have used are Specialized.) Probably the best addition is a locking front skewer. Comfort, cost, security and functionality will be behind all the changes.
The next step was to replace the seat the seat and grips. I added a Specialized BG2 Sport Saddle and BG Comfort Locking Short Grips. This added the comfort I was looking for.
Pedals were the next part of the project. I thought since my round trip commute is 30 miles, I would need some clipless pedals. I also plan to use this bike on weekends so platforms would be in order. I bought Shimano M-324s for the best of both worlds.
That brings me up to date. I plan on adding a rack on the back, fenders and a headlight. Other small items will also be added, such as a cargo net, rear light and a pannier. These pics are before adding the pedals. So far, it rides really great and is the perfect bike for weekend errands. I like the one less car symbol. More updates will follow as they occur.
I decided to take my time making it the way I want it. The first thing was to replace the knobby tires with Specialized Nimbus tires and buy a lock. (You will notice all the parts I used were Specialized. Open Road Bicycles, my fav shop, is a Specialized dealer so many of the parts I have used are Specialized.) Probably the best addition is a locking front skewer. Comfort, cost, security and functionality will be behind all the changes.
The next step was to replace the seat the seat and grips. I added a Specialized BG2 Sport Saddle and BG Comfort Locking Short Grips. This added the comfort I was looking for.
Pedals were the next part of the project. I thought since my round trip commute is 30 miles, I would need some clipless pedals. I also plan to use this bike on weekends so platforms would be in order. I bought Shimano M-324s for the best of both worlds.
That brings me up to date. I plan on adding a rack on the back, fenders and a headlight. Other small items will also be added, such as a cargo net, rear light and a pannier. These pics are before adding the pedals. So far, it rides really great and is the perfect bike for weekend errands. I like the one less car symbol. More updates will follow as they occur.
2 comments:
i have the same bike but silver. you have inspired me to do the same with it.
Cool...hope you enjoy the casual riding as much as I do.
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