Project Sworks: my little 95 Specialized Sworks FSR

[jimjim2012]

I guess these are quite a popular choice on here and rightly so. There are some stunning builds of these around...but mine isn't going to be one of them.

Started off like this - the one without paint.

So far in ss mode but changing it to 1x6/8 mode as it will probably be easier on my knees going up hills.

Frame: 95 S works FSR witha fox rp3 shock

Fork: Specialized FS. rebadge mag21 i think

Headset: WTB momentum
Stem: Bontrager
Handlebar: some swept bar but changing to a riser
Grips: sunline
Barends: n/a

Brakes: deore lx
Brake Pads: shimano
Brake Cables: unknown white number
Cantilever cable hangers: some natty little number from clarks
Brake Levers: deore lx

Shifters: n/a
Front Derailleur: n/a
Rear Derailleur: soon to be xtr m952
Derailleur Cables: unknown
Cassette: hmmmm either 6 or 8 speed shimano unit
Chain: kmc
Cranks: currently White Ind. but may swap them to xtr m952
Crank Bolts: shimano
Chainrings: suntour 32t
Chainring bolts: green number
Bottom Bracket: shimano un72
Pedals: unknown

Hub Skewers: shimano
Rims: look like mavic
Hubs: gt/stx but these will change soon
Nipples: unknown
Spokes: unknown
Tyres: wtb set
Tubes: unknown

Saddle: wtb silverado
Seatpost: cheapy 27.2 with 29.4 shim
Seatpost Binder: green bolt

Weight: probably 24/5lb or so...

 

[Rio]

Did you buy 2 frames/bikes and build one? Nice job. What size is that?

 

[jimjim2012]

cheers mate. it's a work in progress. it's my daily rider so won't be anything fancy yet.
i bought the parts off member beepbeep. the stripped frame was in better condition so built that one up and sold the repaired frame to another member for some beer money.
the shocks weren't in great condition so sold them on as spares/repairs bits and got a fox rp3 shock. the original fox alps shocks were 145mm i2i and you can get rp3, rp23 in that size. only mod is fitting a gonzo valve. propedal is pretty good when mashing the pedals.

 

[Rio]

Can imagine the Propedal is a nice upgrade. How does it handle compared to modern day fullies? I owned a '98 FSR BITD, and I remember the rear suspension was really nice. Then again, that's the only fully I ever owned... Still would like to know what size your FSR is

 

[beepbeep]

Good job Jim!

I was wondering what you had in mind for the FSR, looks fresh with new paint. Looking forward to seeing what happens in the future...

Rio - As Jim said this was once my frame, the ride was sublime, even when compared to newer full suspension bikes

 

[Rio]

Rio - As Jim said this was once my frame, the ride was sublime, even when compared to newer full suspension bikes

as I suspected! Maybee the salesman was being onest to me back in '98. "Specialized really developes something before putting it on the market". That was when I bought an FSR. Still miss that bike sometimes. If I had a bigger shed I would buy one again!

 

[jimjim2012]

cheers beepbeep - came to a good home.

rio - oh yes, the size. sorry. it measures 19" from bb to top of seat tube. (16" from bb to the toptube) Probably classed as a medium?

standover height is 29.5" at the moment which is fine for me. i'm usually a 17/18" frame person for xc stuff though i prefer 15" frames on the whole.

rides great and glad i got the rp3 shock. no bobbing at all though i guess it is only a couple of inches travel anyway. With the new shock, servicing is a breeze and it's easier to get parts etc... the shocks that came with it weren't in the best of nick anyway. i do like the look of the risse shocks.

i really like it and it's defo a keeper. currently sleeps next to me but once i've floored the loft it will go up there when i'm away as this is not going in the shed. will put up better pics as it progresses. have some riser bars and a shorter stem on the way. and the wheels and brakes will be swapped before summer.

 

[Rio]

aha, that's my size. Too bad you already mentioned it's going to be a keeper...
It's always nice to have a bike you just know that you're going to enjoy it so much!

 

[jimjim2012]

Yeah, i've been through a few frames over the years and this one fits me right. it's like finding a good pair of jeans imo.

As full-suss goes it's more of a soft-tail to take the sting out of the bumps and is kind of similar to a cannondale scalpel i had. Though the scalpel was lighter and faster this one looks better and just feels better to me.

there are plenty of fsr's floating about here n there so you are bound to get one and i do recommend one.

 

[Rio]

there are plenty of fsr's floating about here n there so you are bound to get one and i do recommend one.

yep, now I know for sure, I do have to move. After my next project, al the space is taken. And if I run in to an FSR in the right size, I probably can't resist...