yep, but remember in '96 was introduced only the 2 top groups - Xt and XTRNeilM":3f3657e8 said:Late 90's if the V brakes are original, as Shimano released theirs in 96.
That's the only clue I can offer.
next two (lx and stx rc) was having Vbrakes from 97
This bike isn't a top range, so I don't suppose that frame could be Vbrake ready in 1996...