ameybrook":2l91nki3 said:
scant":2l91nki3 said:
in the very early 90s the epic ultimate was pretty popular, the specialized anniversary book states around 1500-2000.
mombat states 170 for the 92 year
http://mombat.org/1992_Specialized_Ultimate.htm
older merlin frame numbers are normally stamped into the inside face of the drive side dropout. it might be hidden under the paint.
I think you're wrong!
Sure they made 1500-2000 Epics, but no way did they make that many with ti lugs. I'm sticking with 500... but I'll check that book later.
They sure made a lot more "basic" Epics than Ultimates. Mind you, the 1st Gen Epic was around already in the latter part of the 80s. They were all crmo lugged ones and the portion of carbon was way less compared to the later models.
The 2nd Gen model with ti lugs was first used by Spesh riders in 1990 Worlds and Ned had a special one with super light tubing. The first production models were sold in 1991. Stumpjumper Epic was the crmo lugged one and Stumpjumper Epic Ultimate was the ti lugged version.
With the introduction of S-Works line, the models were renamed as S-Works Carbon and S-Works Ultimate. The frames were the same, only decals and lug & tube coloring was differing between 1991 and 1995.
Here's the rundown of Ultimates:
1991: Stumpjumper Epic Ultimate: black hued tubes, black lugs (painted)
1992: S-Works Ultimate: green or red hued tubes (or combo), black lugs
1993: S-Works Ultimate: similar to 1993
1994: S-Works Ultimate: black hued tubes, silver lugs (painted)
1995: S-Works Ultimate: similar to 1994, limited to 60 pieces, each with number plate
Mine's 1991 Ultimate and its serial is #3441.