1994 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR rebuild

vilcoyotte90

Dirt Disciple
Hi All,

I've kept my first real bike for years after numerous years of abuse.

I got it in 2000 with already a few mods and probably abuse.

Here is the only pic I have after a few additional mods:
- Magura HS22 were changed for Magura Louise disc at front and HS33 rear
- Made rockers with bearings and integrated bearing on the lower pivot

After its retirement I was able to purchase a bushing kit but unfortunately, axles were not available.

I now have a lathe an was able to manufacture the axles and now the frame is back to life, except for the shock which is worn (inside of body damaged)

During the years, I accumulated lots nice of parts to rebuild it.

I have the following parts:
- AMP F3 XC fork fully reconditioned
- Shimano LX M563 cranks
- Original specialized stem
- Seat post
- Grey specialized saddle 94
- Syncros Cattlepod stem
- Race face turbine forged black 175 cranks

- Pace RC36 EVO III
- NOS XTR M952 hubs 36h
- 3x Shimano XTR M952 rear derailleur
- 2x Shimano XTR M960 cassette
- NOS XMavic X517 32h rims
- Syncros Cattlehead stem
- Pair of black Magura HS33
- NOS carbon Answer protaper rise bar 25.4
- Race face next LP carbon grey cranks

I'm now hesitating on the direction to give to my build:
- Closest as possible to 1994 components (xtr M900, XT M737, LX M560-563), rims? bar?
- Upgraded to end 90's components (XTR M950-952, XT, LX) would love spinergy wheels...

If not respecting the original build, I'd like to have a bit of exotic parts...

This bike is not new and will be ridden and budget is not infinite.
Can you help me and give your ideas?
 

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Such cool bikes, I've just managed to get finally get one in the green to add to my collection.

What's the big sticker on your down tube?
 
Re:

The black sticker is from the original French dealer
The aluminium one is an aeronautic label I made for fun after the mod with bearing rockets.
 
Here we go again!

After long search and long delay to get it after buying it (2 years), I now have a shock (fox RP2, sole shock I found in correct condition and size) and was able to machine the last axle and bushings.

It is now assembled!
IMG_20220721_131846.jpg
IMG_20220721_131855.jpg IMG_20220721_131913.jpg

I also found wheels with ceramic coated rims. I have the following choice:
- Crossmax ceramic 1st gen laced to cross land hubs
- Crossmax SL Vbrake (aluminum grey)

For the drivetrain, I found XTR M952 9s shifters,

And for the fork, As the shock hydraulic is pretty modern to AMP F3 XC, I'd have loved to go for the pace but I'm still missing the rim brake adapters and a good service.

I have in stock:
- 2006 SID team (basically same than 2002 models...)
- 2006 F80RL
- 2001 Psylo Race (gold, 9mm, my preference)

In the mean time, I found a 1997 Judy DH, yellow (... I'll come back on it but seller insisted he had it since new and has never been repainted or resticked), 80mm, which I thought will suit the look at frame decals are yellow and red (hence, I'll certainly have a set of hutchinson gold tires and yello italia genuine gel saddle)

I started dismantling this Judy but that was a tough job due to corrosion and oil/water mix inside (I first though to a head gasket failure ;))
IMG_20220721_132031.jpg IMG_20220721_133057.jpg

I dismantles everything and that is here my mind wrapped... I don't have the second compression cartridge :mad:

IMG_20220721_132917.jpg

But after investigation it appears the fork has all of the DH attributes:
- Stickers (they look original and used, not brand new)
- 80mm of travel verified on compression cartridge
- Compression cartridge adjuster cannot get out like on SL's, this is typical from DH
- Both screws under the legs are bored for adjustments.

I think that during its life, the rebound cartridge has been replaced for any reason but I've never seen any Judy DH in yellow and it seems that under the yellow, there is some red, but yellow paint looks so much like original paint in colour and texture...

Please help me to get this sorted!

And if you have an idea how to clean the stanchion or find spares, I'm in!

See you for the next chapter!
 
Looking forward to seeing your progress on this! I bought the identical frame NOS in about '97 and it was my introduction to full suspension - I've had a few FSRs of that era since.

I really like the look of it with the dual crown Manitou in your first post. My vote is for the crossmax SL's and the Psylo to raise the front end and make it more comfortable.
 
Here it is as a first approach
Fork is set at 100 and not rebuilt
I forgot I had a HS33 Olympia front that will suit perfectly! I definitely need a rear one to complete!
IMG_20220722_092957.jpg IMG_20220722_093626.jpg
 
Some updates, it looks more like what it should looks like!

Specialized straight black bar arriving, looking for yellow italia gel flow (flite if possible) and fork will get a dismantling with oil change (and seals if needed)

Hope you like it, even if i is not a show bike full of NOS parts and fully matching to stock assembly...

IMG_20220824_161933.jpg
 
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