23) 1996 Specialized Stumpjumper A1 FS

4/11/2021

23) 1996 Specialized Stumpjumper A1 FS

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SPECS

Status: Sold
Handmade in USA
Size: 18"/46cm
Frame: Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum
Fork: RockShox Quadra 21R
Derailleurs: Shimano Deore XT rear and LX front with Grip shift SRT 800 X-ray shifters
Brakes: Shimano Deore LX brakes with Dia-Comp 7 levers
Wheelset: Mavic 221 UB Control rims on Shimano Deore LX Parallax hubs with Maxxis Pace 26x2.1 Tires

BEFORE

I know. You're wondering, "Why did I buy an aluminum bike?" Look at it. How could I resist? Except for the pedals, it's completely stock and almost looks like it's NOS. I'll replace the pedals, repack all the bearings and clean everything up and it will be like new.

AFTER

This Stumpjumper was obviously ridden very little and in excellent condition, making it a joy to rebuild. The groupset polished up with ease. There is hardly a scratch on them. The crank arms look new with the S decal still intact. This is usually one of the first things to wear off. I replaced the pedals with a nice set of Well-Gos from the 90s and painted the cage yellow to match the bike. I had a set of Kool Stop brake pads in yellow and put those on as well. The bearings were in excellent condition and all repacked with ease. The forks had a few scrapes on them and they were dull but they polished up nicely and every scratch and mark disappeared. The seat as the "Designed in California" decal, another thing that usually gets worn off soon after a few rides. The grips are the original S Works grips and in 'like new' condition. There was no need to replace them. I was tempted to keep the original tires on it since they still looked like new and had the nibs on them but there was some dry rot around the beads. I am so glad I went with a brand new set of Maxxis Pace X-C tires. The yellow Maxxis logo matches the bike perfectly. In the end, I replaced the pedals, brake pads, cables, tires and tubes. Everything else is original. Buying this bike will be almost like buying NOS.

4 Comments

William Neil Mathers link

7/31/2021 02:57:50 am

That's a great-looking bike you have there, in original condition, many thank for posting up the detailed "before and after" pics. These have been especially useful with my latest project!
So I've recently acquired a similar 1996 Stumpjumper in the UK, mostly in original condition, although mine comes into the well-used category!😀 It's a 19" frame.
I've attached some pics which I've posted up to Flickr. Sadly the original seatpost has gone AWOL.
Although the model was only released for the one year, I've noticed a few differences in spec between the 2 bikes, the main ones being the forks and the wheels (which look original to the bike?) What are your own thoughts on this, and other aspects of the project?
Thanks, Neil.

Mike

7/31/2021 08:09:38 am

Thanks for checking out my site, Neil. I've noticed a couple things about specs. Some bikes are sold with different specs than what is in the manufacturer's catalogue and I've some bikes are sold with different specs depending on the location where they were sold. As well, a friend who used to own a bike shop said that sometimes shops would get the bikes in and swap things on them to either sell them separately or to appeal to their local buyers. BTW, I can't see your pics. -Mike

Neil Mathers link

7/31/2021 12:52:58 pm

Hi Mike thanks for the reply, and also the insight into how some bike retailers operate. This probably explains the differences in my bike from the catalogue spec e.g. the Mavic 517 rims and the Rockshox Judy suspension forks, both readily available around the mid 90's.

I've uploaded 14 pics to Flickr, and included a fresh link to access them. If no luck, you're welcome to email me direct to my hotmail account, and I can send you the 14 pics via email (approx 10 MB).

I'll need to track down an original seatpost - is it a Specialized 30.9mm item on your own bike? Also what are your thoughts on the "Pro Bike" decals attached to my bike - have you seen these or similar decals before? Neil.

Sinosoul

3/10/2022 02:19:14 pm

My A1 ended up having the weirdest mix of groupsets / wheelsets as well, and it doesn't seem to be explaineable by the bike shop installing their own groupset either.

My (now my kid's) A1 came w/ 3x7 Shimano LX combo rapidfire levers (which makes sense considering it's a 96), and specialized rims laced to Shimano parallax hubs. Otherwise, all the stem/handlebar/seats/front Quadra matches the one here.