Stumpjumper - What year ?

[basketcase]

So, I've arranged to buy this Stumpy (pretty cheap), but I haven't seen it in person, yet.
The seller does not know, so, any guesses as to the year and subspecies?

I can't see the mechs clearly, but it has an LX crankset with black arms, cantilever brakes, and that Manitou Three fork.
Hard to believe the fork is original, but who knows?
I'm guessing it's later than '94, because of the steerer, but I bow to the superior knowledge here, as to exact year

 

[Once A Hero]

Not an original fork.

Black LX crank would suggest it's a '93 model - in 'Plum Burgundy'
Front end of a '93 would have been threaded headset and rigid fork, but that could easily have been changed.

There's a chance it could be the '94 model in the optional 'Blood Red', which had a threadless rigid front end - but then the crank arms should be silver.

 

[basketcase]

Thank you!
Of course, once you gave me the clue, I found loads of '93 photos, in that color - It was the fork that confused.
Did the "93 have a threaded 1 1/8" steerer?
I think I'd like to keep the fork, as I do ride these bikes, and the lumpy, rooty single track here is easier on my old body with a little cushion.
Obviously the fork needs rebuilding, as it looks to be completely collapsed - I cringe to think what the elastomers must look like.
Thanks again

 

[vtwinvince]

I'd guess around '95 with that parts spec. Throw a spring kit in the fork, those early Manitous are fairly easy to work on.

 

[Once A Hero]

Thank you!
Of course, once you gave me the clue, I found loads of '93 photos, in that color - It was the fork that confused.
Did the "93 have a threaded 1 1/8" steerer?
I think I'd like to keep the fork, as I do ride these bikes, and the lumpy, rooty single track here is easier on my old body with a little cushion.
Obviously the fork needs rebuilding, as it looks to be completely collapsed - I cringe to think what the elastomers must look like.
Thanks again

Definitely threaded in '93 - but might be 1".
I have the 'FS' version but can't remember the headset size.
You'll soon know once you've got it