One of my earliest childhood memories was waking up on Christmas morning to a brand new Hot Wheels branded bike when I was five years old.
My world revolved around that bike, putting playing cards in between the spokes to pretend I was on a motorcycle, riding around in a circle a hundred times over until I fell over from dizziness–it never got old.
It was the first “vehicle” I owned, and the first time I started to take things apart, put them back together, and ‘tinker’. I’d beg my parents to buy new parts like cool translucent dice that doubled as the stem caps on your wheels, new ODI handlebar grips that were bright orange to match the Hot Wheels decals, the list goes on.
Unbeknownst to me, this was the start of the rabbit hole of becoming a cycling and car enthusiast. I couldn’t have picked two more expensive hobbies if I tried, and this is why I don’t try my hand at golf.
Fast forward through countless years of sports and dedicated off-season training glued to my road bike, building a drift-trike in high school, converting an old school Miyata frame into a fixie, buying a junkyard ‘79 Jeep CJ5 before I had my driver’s license, the projects have never stopped.
My latest obsession has been the discovery of vintage mountain bike conversations and the evergrowing popularity of the segment. In the late 80s and early 90s, mountain biking was still evolving, with many riders pushing the envelope on the capabilities of the then new steel or aluminum frames.
Designed to withstand heavy use, these bikes were built tough and heavy, gradually evolving alongside the demands of more aggressive riding styles. Retro mountain bike conversions highlight these distinctive features while paving the way for creative customization and affordability.
Communities that embrace individual artistry and expression across various mediums—particularly where BMX influence and adventure riding intersect—are fueling the rise of rat bike-style vintage MTBs. Incorporating BMX components, known for their strength and simplicity, these rat bike builds are an excellent alternative to dropping thousands on a high-end adventure bike.
For a minimal investment, and a mix between new and second-hand parts, this could be a perfect project to start ahead of the summer months. Even if you have never rebuilt a bike before, these vintage frames are extremely approachable.
Here are a few vintage mountain bike frames to keep an eye out for on the resell market:
- GT Karakoram
- Specialized Rockhopper
- Specialized Stumpjumper
- Kona Explosif
- Trek 800 / 900 Series
- Diamondback Apex
- Bridgestone MB-1 / MB-2
After a couple months of scouring Facebook Marketplace, I found a rust-free 1992 Specialized Hardrock Ultra in black with the vintage yellow decals still intact for $100–a steal. The plan is to revamp the bike with a complete transformation and document the process.
First on the agenda will be changing the rear wheel hub to accept a 1x10 drivetrain, replace the outdated cantilever brakes with Shimano V-brakes, and swap in a Ritchey Comp Threadless headset and Origin 8 stem with a 4-bolt face clamp. The build wouldn’t be complete without wider bars and the Surly Sunrise handlebars fit the bill.
With the growth of the gravel segment over the last decade, breathing life into a retro do-it-all bike with no frills for less than $500 seems like the perfect adventure companion and extension of any overlanding rig. Stay tuned for updates in the following weeks as I hunt down the parts list.
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