The early 90s offered a plethora of bikes that would last for ages and Toby’s 1993 Specialized Rockhopper Expert is just another example of a bike that will probably last another 30 years. Let’s take a look in today’s edition of Readers’ Rides!

When building this bike I had set out to build a bike that would get me excited about cycling the way my BMX bike did when I was younger. Once I paired the frame with some neat riser bars I knew I was on the right track. Most of the remaining parts were sourced from two local bike shops that specialize in used parts; 2nd Cycle in Tacoma, and Recycled Cycles in Seattle, both of which are staffed by friendly and knowledgeable mechanics who helped me out a lot.

The finishing touch was a gift. I reached out on a local MTB Facebook group to see if anyone had a 26” rear wheel that I could buy. A really cool dude I have never met said “Meet me at my place, I have a set of Chris King wheels that you can have.” What a legend!! They elevated the build to a whole new level.

I feel like I achieved exactly what I set out to do; build an interesting, stylish old bike that I am stoked to ride, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of Washington’s incredible cycling community.

Specs:
Frame / Fork: 1993 Specialized Rockhopper Expert
Headset: Ritchey Logic
Bars: Leader TrickStar
Stem: Unknown, drilled for cable routing.
Saddle: Brooks B17
Seatpost: Ritchey Comp
Cranks: FSA
Derailleur / Shifter: Sram X7
Brakes: NOS Deore Cantilevers
Wheels: Mavic X517 SUP x Chris King
Tires: Maxxis Holy Roller
Vintage saddle bag
Sick scorpion decal!

We’d like to thank all of you who have submitted Readers Rides builds to be shared over here. The response has been incredible and we have so many to share over the next few months. Feel free to submit your bike, listing details, components, and other information. You can also include a portrait of yourself with your bike and your Instagram account! Please, shoot landscape-orientation photos, not portrait. Thanks!