Specialized M2 Info Thread/Serial Registry

[thegreasedmonkey]

think that’s S4PO8192 15.5 inch from new it’s been lovely.

 

[thegreasedmonkey]

View attachment 878919think that’s S4PO8192 15.5 inch from new it’s been lovely.

So the hole covered the first 2 digits this actually S4P03192 it’s a 98 so presume they are the 2 not visible

 

[Neko]

Recently picked up this 1996 M2 SWork Hardtail frame and fork. The color appears to be Norris Blue found on Stumpjumper FS Comp's of the same year, but I've never seen an S-Works in this color. I've also not seen an S-Works after 94/95 that doesn't have the "Specialized" decal on the top tube that usually indicates an S-Works frame. There is absolutely no sign one ever existed there. Would love to know if this is legit and/or if there are others out there in this color. Serial number begins with 96S4. Thanks!

Holy one-off! 1996 seems to be the prime custom and unknown color year. It is a pre-“taillift” 1996 as it has the older style dropouts with squared off edges. I feel like the top tube decal was there at some point. The hourglass bridge, top tube gusset and decal placement is consistent with a real 1996 S-Works.

 

[Neko]

Hi,
I have been given this 94(?) M2 S-Works from my father (he specced + bought it new for commuting) but it is too large for me - I’d be looking to sell it for a smaller bike but not sure what its worth, would be great if anyone could give me a rough idea of its value
I have the original saddle, its just not currently fitted - everything else on it seems to be original, but i don’t know much about these bikes (and bikes in general honestly) so feel free to correct me
thanks, Alex View attachment 874395View attachment 874396View attachment 874398View attachment 874400

It highly depends on market. M2 Road models are notoriously stiff, but well made and light. It’s indeed a 1994 S-Works M2 Road and I’d value it at $350-400 USD with that build kit. Good luck with sale! The Roads are not very common.

 

[Neko]

Great thread, thanks - and greetings from Bavaria…View attachment 872729
So my Comp is a 98 model. Never knew where the serial no was. Thank you for this info.
I also never knew that the m2 models were such special things. To me it seemed that’s what Specialized called their aluminium frames.
And while I gravitate more towards older steel frames I have to say this thing rides beautifully. It’s just a little bit on the small side for me.

Specialized’s aluminum lineup started with M2 in 1990, which was a little more special than aluminum, but they only got the material wicked light by ‘96. A lesser known fact is that the conventional A1 (as far as I know) debuted on the 1992 Deja Two tandem, a rare, even mythical bird. A1 only gained traction in 1994, being the debut year for A1 Rockhoppers, and later on in Hardrocks. M2 was largely replaced by the radically different M4 in 1999, which gave way to M5 shortly thereafter. All of the materials are good, but try to go easy on the early A1 Rockhoppers as I found one with two enormous cracks in the headtube.

 

[Neko]

Sorry for the inactivity! I’ll update the info on my first post soon. Been busy with non-M2 stuff

 

[antiqueman]

Hi
I’ve just picked this frame up . Wondering if anyone could help with identifying what model M2 , what year it could be ?
Serial number is 1990 . Does that make it a 1991 or could it be later?

My thoughts are it’s been repainted, repair to the dropout is later . Fork possibly not original?

Any thoughts on this gratefully received.
Thanks

 

[Neko]

Hi
I’ve just picked this frame up . Wondering if anyone could help with identifying what model M2 , what year it could be ?
Serial number is 1990 . Does that make it a 1991 or could it be later?

My thoughts are it’s been repainted, repair to the dropout is later . Fork possibly not original?

Any thoughts on this gratefully received.
Thanks

It’s a 1991 M2. It’s been repainted, the fork isn’t original and someone has replaced the downtube cable stop plate.
Dropout repair is interesting. These didn’t have removable hangers, so it doesn’t seem unlikely that it would break off or strip despite the dropouts being a good 6mm thick.
Nice find!

 

[antiqueman]

Thanks for your reply and info .
Yes the dropout repair is odd , I assumed it had broken off but perhaps the thread got stripped ?

I’ve tried to find evidence of original paint but it seems it was well prepped before it’s re spray .

Do you know what colour it would have been originally? Looking at the old catalogues it looks like it could only have been purple ?

I think I’ll keep it red and just apply new decals .

Thank again

 

[Neko]

Thanks for your reply and info .
Yes the dropout repair is odd , I assumed it had broken off but perhaps the thread got stripped ?

I’ve tried to find evidence of original paint but it seems it was well prepped before it’s re spray .

Do you know what colour it would have been originally? Looking at the old catalogues it looks like it could only have been purple ?

I think I’ll keep it red and just apply new decals .

Thank again

The 1991 could have been Team Red (for the 500 Team Red models in the ad), champagne (for the 1991 Team) and magenta (for the base model 1991). Magenta ones are the most common. If going red I’d say try to find the correct decals, there should be a couple 1991 bikes in this thread for reference. They changed them up slightly pretty much every year.