1989 Specialized Stumpjumper Epic

[trailwright]

My component gathering is coming to a head after several months so I've set out what's been accumulated. Some has kindly come via members on here and others from the selling sites.

Although I did say I'm impatient to get on with things, I'm paradoxically quite able to play the long game to try and get bang for my buck. This has paid dividends in that I've managed to bag some NOS at very good prices. Thus, the chain set, seatpost, sharkfin, u-brake, and brake levers are all unsullied, with the rest in very good nick.

I've in stock already a Specialized stem, but this is buried in my stuff pending relocation to the new shed in due course. I also can't remember if I've still got period Specialized handlebars but this will be the next on the list to find if not.

 

[27motorhead]

Some proper shiny retro bits there!

 

[trailwright]

Well I'm pleased to say that now that I've finally got a decent space to carry on with this build, and a bit more time to do so. Easy stuff first then - fit the NOS and cleaned components to the frame.

 

[trailwright]

I have an original Specialized stem too, but it has required some tlc. A gentle rub down and then it's out with the rattle-can black and lacquer. (I've to take a pic of the finished item still!)

 

[trailwright]

The next, and worst job to do, are the wheels. I've managed to source two sets of XT hubbed BX23 rims, but in wanting keep with the '89 spec labelling where I can, only one of these sets has the BX23 on the correct blue label. Fortunately, these are also the slightly smoother hubs but I'm taking it all apart anyway to re-grease. The one discovery on the Epic frame of this year is that Specialized have tried to cater for the at the time cross over between the outgoing 130mm mountain bike axled hubs and the incoming 135mm width. This means the frame gap between rear dropouts is a 'hedging your bets' 132mm. And what a difference those 2mm make.

Those wheels I'm going with, yep they have a 135mm spacing, but causes just a bit too much grinding of paintwork for my liking. The other rims for some reason are 130mm despite being the newer build, very odd. Therefore my plan is to swap over the axles and add in a 1-2mm washer to close the gap down. While I possibly have an option just to take a washer out off the existing longer axle, my measurements show that this will be just a fraction too long for the dropouts as a whole. The things we retro builders have to worry about eh!

Anyway. the wheels are a total mess, so first job is a deep degrease: