Help with a specialized s works enduro 2004

[ishaw]

I've just acquired one of these after missing out on something else. Realised I had enough bits to build an equivalent to what I missed minus the frame (of sorts anyway).

I've not had what can be considered a modern full susser (the rts and sts are the closest I've got), and whilst this is not that new, research suggests it's a pretty good frame.

So what's to know about these things then? I've not got it in hand yet but it looked to be in good shape.

It's got the brain shock going on with a float r rear shock. Can I replace the float r with any other fox shock or am I stuck with this? Is the brain system any good or would a standard rear shock be just as good? What's the i2i on the shock? I've a few kicking about from fox I was going to sell, but if they will work with the frame I should probably hang on to them.

The frame doesn't have a rear mech hanger so I need to source one. Anyone know where I can get one/what one looks like?

Any info about the frame, setting it up, things to watch out for etc gratefully received.

What travel forks would suit?

I have a spare rock shop reba or two, but my ocd doesn't enjoy mixing brands for front forks and rear shocks.. Should I just get over this or would it be best to pair a fox up front with the rear?

Thanks all.

 

[ishaw]

Little bump. Stock image of frame added until I get my hands on the actual item.

 

[ishaw]

It arrived today and sadly it has a few issues I hope the good rb folk can help with.

Issue 1. I can't get the cranks off. The crank bolts are well sized and won't budge. Any tips on getting them out as the crank is a tidy race Face.

Issue 2. Bb is shot. Can't replace yet, see issue 1.

Issue 3. A little play I'm the rear linkage. It's not huge bit I'd like to sort it. Once I get the crank off I can inspect further to discover which pivot(s) need replacing. Anyone know what I'd need and where to source the right parts?

Issue 4. The brain shock arrangement. No idea if it is fully functional or not. Anyone know how to confirm it is working or not as just a frame? I'm oncludikg the shock in this, it seems OK visually but is it working? If either or both are not functioning, what are my options as I've read specialized and fox won't service these anymore.

Issue 5. No mech hanger. Fortunately nothing isss broken or missing in the drop out area so I need to find one. Not seen one to know what to look for, if anyone knows the part number or area good source for mech hangers, let me know.

Issue 6. Not a huge deal but it's sufferred source one additional scratches in transit due to the shit packaging. It will touch up I'm sure but annoying nontheless.

Issue 7. My ocd. With a fox shock at the rear it seems wrong not to have a fox fork. Should I forget this notion and use something from the stash (I've a couple of reba forks going spare at the moment), or source a fox fork? Annoyingly I sold a talas fork a week ago which would have been ideal. I do have a float 100 rlc with v mounts. Again the ocd is kicking in and saying as I'm running discs (or will be), get a disc only set of forks. I could just remove the v bosses and blank them. Damn that ocd.

All in all, I think this will be additional nice bike once built up. I just need to know ehst I'm in for regarding the issues before I decide whether to keep it or not.

Any help or advice gratefully received.

 

[ishaw]

Issues 1 and 2 sorted now thankfully. Help on the others gratefully received.

 

[ishaw]

Progress made on issue 3. I've removed all but one bolt, which I can't get out as a previous owner has rounded the allen key fitting. So first up I need a way of getting this off.

Once it's off ill need to replace it. My lbs is a specialised dealer and spesh are out of stock. Anyone know where I can get one?

Issue 4. I have a fox rp3 with the same i2i as the float r/brain arrangement. As I've no way if verifying if the brain is working, plus the rebound dial on the attached float is stuck, would I be better off bolting on the rp3? It will save weight but will I miss whatever the brain does?

Issue 5. Still need to source one of these.

I still have ocd.

 

[cherrybomb]

Re:

I'll get some photos of the Fox fork I have this evening- and measure the steerer tube.

 

[cherrybomb]

Re:

As promised......

Steerer is 183mm. I'd forgotten how nice there were.

 

[ishaw]

Cheers. Dropped you a PM.

Back to the issues. I've now got the rounded off allen key bolt out. I went with the torx head hammered into the soft cheese allen head and hey presto. The reason it was stuck was that the bolt had fused to the bearing and this actually came out with it - one less to pull out, but still need to find a replacement bolt. Any ideas?

 

[OllieJones]

I would imagine you can probably still order the bolt kits via Specialized, might be worth speaking with a dealer? They'll just need to know year and model.

If you wanted to fit a different shock there is nothing to stop you if you have the correct eye to eye and stroke shock. The Brain set-up is just what specialized promoted/ sold at the time. Shock tech is fast moving and many years have past. A modern-ish shock could make a good frame like this feel incredible.

 

[ishaw]

Cheers. I've been to my lbs who is a specialized dealer and they can't get them. I've contacted specialized directly and am waiting to hear back from them.

I'll probably fit the rp3 I have to start with and see how that works out ad it has the same i2i as the float. I may try the brain at some point, might have a play and see it if I can fix the rebound adjuster (I've actually got another in the same boat so if I can fix one....).