1998 Rigid Stumpjumper

[jonty]

I'll soon have to change the chainset on my Stumpjumper.
The bike is in good condition and it is probably my favourite bike. It has been ridded on roads and tracks.
Most of the stuff on it is original with the exception of the shifters, cranks, chainrings and of course chain and cassette.
The cranks (Powerpro) are OK but the wrong colour (blue) and the chainrings have limited life left in them
As it is such a nice bike (and increasingly collectable) I though I would upgrade to something good and "originalist".
I think the original chainset was Deore LX in silver which really looked the business.
What do posters recommend I put on it?
The silver Middleburn stuff looks good. I don't mind paying the price.
Also my bike is presently 8 speed but I seem to recall that is was originally 9 speed. Perhaps I've got this around my neck.
Can anyone tell me what it was originally.
In conclusion any suggestions on replacing the chainset and info on whether it was originally 9 speed would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
jonty

 

[firedfromthecircus]

A '98 would have been 8 speed. 9 speed came out in '99.
You can check the spec of your bike here. http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Bike ... pecialized

Just click on the specific model you think you have.

And Middleburn cranks are awesome. I have three bikes adorned with them right now.

 

[jonty]

Very helpful. Thank you.

 

[rosstheboss]

Have a look for Strongarm or Son of Strongarm cranks too, not as blingy as Middleburn but period and manufacturer correct (my 98 Stumpy has a set!)

 

[jonty]

Are Strongarm or Son of Strongarm still made/available? If I could find them I would probably go with them to get it back to original but I'd be reasonably happy if I got something which was similar to what was on originally, that is good quality, silvery and 22/32/44 or 42.
Another possibility is Spa Cycles XD-2 "Touring" Triple Chainset based on Sugino XD2 and TA rings.
I'm finding it difficult to find out about Middleburn. They don't seem to answer the phone or emails but I appreciate that they are a small company.
My frame number is M7HH32442. I'm surprised it says M7 rather than M2.
I bought it in 1998 so it must be an M2.
Some years ago I touched it up using a Stumpjumper pencil paint supplied by the bike shop.
It looked nothing like the original which I would describe as a bronze colour, quite light.
I'll go over the scratches again possibly using nail varnish which I think will give a better finish.
I've lavished quite a bit of care and attention on my other bikes but apart from cleaning and maintenance the Stumpy has been taken for granted.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Is it the mango colour?

Stumpjumper1990s thread here. viewtopic.php?t=221433

 

[jonty]

Thank you.
If it isn't the same colour it's very similar. To my eye the colour looks slightly lighter but it could be the same.
It doesn't have suspension of course.
Just found the receipt with the Bicycle Owner's Handbook pack - bought 8/6/98 Specialized Stumpjumper, 18 inch, £799.
They were quite an expensive bike in their day.
My LBS owner always remarks on the drop-outs. Apparently he has only seen two bikes with similar drop-outs and he has the other one.
According to him they are small, neat and well designed.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Have you got any photos Jonty?

That price doesn't sound right for a Stumpy unless it was sale of the century stuff. My M2 cost £1099.99 which was bought 370 days before yours!

 

[jonty]

Must have been sale of the century. Bought in John Machin Cycles Melton Mowbray unfortunately no longer there.
I've seen one just like it on this Forum but I can't relocate it. It's in better condition than mine in that it seems to have the original saddle and chainset.
I can't see any guidance on how to post photos.

 

[fagin]

Must have been sale of the century. Bought in John Machin Cycles Melton Mowbray unfortunately no longer there.
I've seen one just like it on this Forum but I can't relocate it. It's in better condition than mine in that it seems to have the original saddle and chainset.
I can't see any guidance on how to post photos.

FAQs at the top of the forum

faq.php