Metallic gold Specialized Stumpjumper 1998 nitanium. Query!

[CassidyAce]

Nitanium RockHoppers in 1998 and 1999, not 1997, although the 1998 model would have gone on sale in late 1997. (1999 models have the 'flash' behind the logo.) Nitanium Stumpies in 1998. There was also a nitanium HardRock.

 

[Lostcause]

Hi folks many thanks for your feedback.
Had a look through some of the late 90’s Specialized catalogues on RB, and the Ritchey nitanium frames are first mentioned in the 1998 catalogue under Stumpjumper, and Rockhopper comp FS. That was the last year of the steel Stumpies, however the Rockhopper may have continued the nitanium frame into 1999 (although I’ve not been able to find a 1999 Specialized catalogue).
I’m stumped by the frame number under the bottom bracket M7IH83738, anyone on RB with a Specialized nitanium frame they could post up their frame number, for comparison?

I have a couple of Nitanium Rockhoppers, a 1998 and a 1999. I'll edit this with the frame numbers as soon as I get chance to get in the shed...
It would be good to be able to decode the frame numbers...

Blue 1998 Nitanium PN844673
Silver 1999 Nitanium PW816700

 

[Craigmount]

M7IH83738
PN844673
PW816700

Hey many thanks for posting up your nitanium frame numbers, much appreciated. Must admit I can’t make head or tail of the above list, guess we need the Bletchley guys for this.
Possibly Ritchey allocated these frame id’s using their own internal manufacturing process, completely separate from the Specialized numbering system?

 

[Lostcause]

Anyone had a brushed finish Nitanium? I think they are one of the prettiest frames I’ve ever seen. Does any one know if they are raw or lacquered? The 3 Nitanium Hoppers I’ve got are all rust free so I wonder if this tubing is quite corrosion resistant? Definitely more so than the steel Konas I have experienced although it could be down to the way they were looked after….

 

[mmmtb]

I recently acquired this steel 1998 Specialized Stumpjumper from a local seller, who’d owned it from new. He’d bought it from Dales, long-established bike retailer in Glasgow. The seller explained that these days he’s into road and trail cycling, it wasn’t being used, so it had to go! An 18” frame.
He explained it’s barely been used during his entire ownership and the only thing he’s replaced are the tyres - originals had perished. Also provided the original handbooks and paperwork.

I found the frame number M7IH83738 under the bottom bracket, but don’t know how to decipher it … can anyone throw any light on what the letters and number mean? I’ve checked the original paperwork which indicates Jan 1998.

The rear wheel is a black LX Parallax hub and Shimano LX skewer attached to a Mavic 221 eyelet rim. The front is a silver Specialized Stout hub and Specialized skewer attached to a Mavic 221 non-eyelet rim. So all matching there then!!

Does anyone on RB have a Specialized catalogue or detailed spec for the 1998 Nitanium Stumpjumper that they could post up? I keep getting “warning keep away” messages when I approach Bikepedia!
Would be interesting to compare the official Specialized specification with what was supplied by the retailer Dales back-in-the-day.

Any thoughts or comments or help on the above much appreciated.

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Had one of those and regretted selling it! If you think about selling it, please let me know thanks

 

[Craigmount]

Hi thanks for your message.
Yep the nitanium Stumpie is a great bike. In particular I find the V brakes and the rapid-fire changer just superb, and the bike has become my regular 2-wheel transport.
I bought it off the local gumtree round here, if another one comes up for sale locally I’ll give you a shout.