Minh’s Corner: Specialized Hardrock Longtail

For those of you that don’t know,  I am REALLY big on brand loyalty. There are certain brands that I will buy and many brands that aren’t even worth my time.  When it comes to welding equipment, it’s hands down Miller! When it comes to hand tools, it’s hands down Craftsmen (only because I can’t afford the better stuff). When it comes to power tools, it’s hands down Makita. And when it comes to bikes, Specialized is my brand of choice. In the short time that we’ve been riding, we have already owned 11 different Specialized bikes (HRXC, Big Hit SPEC, P2, Hardrock (2), S-Works HT, Stumpjumper HT, Era, Allez, Dolce, Tricross).

When I was in the market for an urban/commuter bike, I naturally looked at the Specialized lineup. I needed something that could carry stuff and be fun at the same time. The globe line of bikes were pretty cool but I wasn’t thrilled with them (although I still want one). Utility bikes have always sparked an interest in me so I decided to build one myself based on… you guess it, a Specialized frame.

Using my “old” 2008 Specialized Hardrock Pro as a “donor bike”, I picked up an Xtracycle FreeRadical base frame, FreeLoaders, and FlightDeck. I built the bike with left over parts that we had laying around… it just so happens we have some nice parts laying around the garage.

This is the end product…

Specs:

FRAME: 2008 Medium (17”) Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc

FORK: Ritchey WCS Carbon MTB Disc Fork with Carbon Steertube

HEADSET: 1-1/8 Chris King Threadless

STEM: RaceFace Dues XC

HANDLEBARS: Ritchey Logic Carbon Flat Bar

GRIPS: RaceFace Lock-on Grips

FRONT BRAKE: Avid BB7 – 6” Rotor

REAR BRAKE: Avid BB7 – 8” Rotor

BRAKE LEVERS: Avid Speed Dial 7 Levers

FRONT DERAILLEUR: None – Raceface Bash and Third Eye Chain Watcher

REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM X9 Long Cage

SHIFT LEVERS: SRAM X9

CASSETTE: SRAM PG-970 11-34 9-Speed

CHAIN: Shimano XTR CN-7701 9-Speed

CRANKSET: Custom Shimano 170mm FC-M762, 2pc

CHAINRINGS: Single RaceFace 34t with Bash

BOTTOM BRACKET: Custom Shimano, integrated outboard bearing

PEDALS: Crampon Pedals from Canfield Brothers

WHEELS: Specialized Enduro

FRONT TIRE: Specialized Fast Trak LK Armadillo Elite Tire – 26×2.0

REAR TIRE: Specialized Fast Trak LK Armadillo Elite Tire – 26×2.0

INNER TUBES: Ultralight presta valve

SADDLE: Selle San Marco Ponza Saddle

SEAT BINDER: Salsa Clamp

NOTES: Custom Gusset Chain Tensioner, Custom Kick Stand, Planet Bike Freddy Rear Fender, Ulock+Mount