A Netflix build special… (JMC 1995 Specialized M2)

[Joe*Pro]

Whilst we're on this topic can I mention frame size?
That was what originally put a stop to my non-starter JMC project when I had the forks, could find the right size and didn't want a big frame.

Totally agree, the problem is it was this frame or nothing in the 5 years I’ve been looking. The 3 others since were the same size or bigger.

The other option as per the M2XX example at start of the thread, is a smaller frame but from different years, but that just seemed way further from the mark than the correct year with correct black TEAM logo and ‘95 S’ frame stamp, all be it 2 inches out.

The other option was to find correct 15” frame size stumpy from 95 and re spray it or re sticker it as a fake. That felt like cheating as well.

The other thing is I want to ride it generally across the next decade or two. And as much as I love doing just the tricks around the garage that isn’t enough. At 6’ this frame size suits me a treat. Although I think JMC was also 6’, I don’t want broken knees myself just yet.

I also like the fleet generaly to try have no 2 bikes/parts the same, I currently have frame sizes from 16” to 20”, so if friends come I have a size for all. Whilst I ride all the upper size frames and the Mrs rides all the lower size frames. A 15” would be nice to add for when the toddler gets bigger !!

If a smaller one ever comes up I’ll def consider swapping to it, but it’s likely to then become more of a wall ornament. I’d prob still keep this Inverness frame with it’s original patina given the journey we have been on. This one can then be stock catalogue and the midget frame can be the JMC trickster.

C2C this one is 16.5” whilst I think that technically is deemed a 17” ?

For example reference, the 1995 Stumpy M2 came in frame size options of: 13.5” 15.5” 17” 18” 19” 20.5”.

Also does anyone know how to interpret the serial numbers ?

 

[Joe*Pro]

Thanks for posting that video it brought back so many happy memories as a teenager!

Regarding the replica build… did I spot a point in the video where the left hand grip shift was black?

Yes, for the left side I have both black shark tooth & black Gripshift original rubber options as it’s difficult to tell which he had on the cover of dirt.

Shark tooth seems more symmetrical to me despite the different colours.

Which do you think it should be ?

@Spudly pics in the link from the Malverns of the JMC original are better to judge from:

Post in thread '1995 Specialized S-Works JMC replica'
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/1995-specialized-s-works-jmc-replica.371254/post-2873929

 

[Antwack]

Thanks for posting that video it brought back so many happy memories as a teenager!

Regarding the replica build… did I spot a point in the video where the left hand grip shift was black?

Oh, and it has a great soundtrack too!

 

[Dr Dremel]

Glad I did not cancel my Netflx subscription, I´m loving the dedication and being able to watch you go down the rabbit hole

 

[Joe*Pro]

Year 5

Finally the home stretch maybe, the end is in sight. But what’s left and what could get better…

Well stickering up, the X-ray 800 stickers had been tricky, Gil and I had a few conversations and a few attempts as best he could and he is as good as it gets, as you all well know. The problem is the printers aren’t great at black edging on lumo yellow font, I think Or something like that.

This is what we were aiming for as per the original pic zoomed in.

in the end, I chose to use the best we could make, but put them on the smoked x-rays for now rather than the clears I had (yes cracked as standard) just in case we worked out a different solution.

I put the growing toddler to work with my best close up pic to try line them up correct to the originals:

 

[Joe*Pro]

And then there were 3…

She was titanium and from Yreka, California at £27 !! Does what it says on the tin, yreka by name, yreka by nature.

Not great leather or logo condition, but she was real. But what to do, recondition or maybe even attempt swapping the leather from one to the other, tbc

Maybe just send her to @Peachy! for one of his refurbishments !

so if you’re wondering who’s got all the grey leather saddles, it’s now me and @Repacker !

 

[Joe*Pro]

By now I had also learnt from someone who told someone that all of JMCs bikes had type Q 12-28 M900 CS, not the 12-32 type P that I had already aquired. The rear spider of them is slightly different as well. And since I wanted to make the consumable parts last another decade, I had a rummage for a spare that was 12-28 and thanks to some convincing from @Matttymm this piece of box fresh glass cabinet jewellery turned up ‘as an investment not for initial use’ you understand I mean it’s gotta be better than Bitcoin right

An unboxing for you then:

 

[Matttymm]

Probably doubled in price by now as well mate.

 

[Joe*Pro]

What else…

A bunch of Finish line lubes to match the chain stay sponsor sticker were acquired ready for the final re-build and i realised the almost identical Lee-Chi rear cable hanger I got from Taiwan, should have been a Dia-Comp version, which they still make new I think:

 

[Joe*Pro]

That left me with now needing…

1) More accurate hubs maybe
2) The Wheelsmith spokes, the company went bust a few years ago, but seemed cheeky to label the rim and then fake the spokes
3) A more accurate seat quick release, just can’t bring myself to buy those NOS XT one’s for silly money
4) The rudy bottom bracket, I think it should be DirectDrive Ti like the catalogue really.
5) oh and the right chain, shimano cn-7401 M900. But remind me why they are like £200
6) Some 1995 air for the inner tubes of course.

The spoke lengths for anyone doing 36h Mavic 121 ceramics onto XTR M900 hubs:

Front
264mm 14gauge DB x36 spokes

Rear
263mm 14gauge DB x18 spokes
261mm 14gauge DB x18 spokes

14 gauge should be: 2.0mm/1.8mm/2.0mm

2mm nipples

Typically they come in:
12g thicker
14g as 2.0mm ends
15g as 1.8mm ends