Hi all! I would like to share my accumulated knowledge of Specialized’s M2 (Metal Matrix) frame lineup from 1991 to 2000. I will also include a serial registry here to help me (and others) better understand date and color differences between years and trims that may not be entirely obvious. The serial number format I will list below. The M2 frames are relatively common, but there were many differences over the 10-year production run, and I would like to help others ID their M2 bikes more easily, as it is not always obvious when referencing the available catalogs.
1991
The only models offered for 1991 were the Stumpjumper M2 and Stumpjumper M2 Team. The base model was equipped with Deore DX, and the Team model was the same frame equipped with SunTour XC Pro. Both are rare, with the Team being virtually nonexistent. I only have four pictures of 1991 Team’s, including one catalog picture. The base model was metallic pink with red and yellow decals, and the Team had the same color decals with metallic champagne paint.
1992
The only models available in 1992 were the S-Works M2 bikes. This included the S-Works M2 (black with gray/red decals), the S-Works M2 Pro (metallic pink “Purple Haze” with pink and yellow decals), and the limited run of 500 Team Red frames built in honor of Ned Overend’s race-winning bike. The difference between a 1992 and 1993 Team is in the frame’s seat collar — the 1993 collar is rounded in shape, the 1992 collar has squared off edges.
1993
For 1993 the S-Works name was dropped (except for the red Team) and the models offered were the base Stumpjumper M2 (tba) and the Stumpjumper M2 FS (purple/dark green metallic with yellow decals).
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Known one-offs: 1995 tri bike, 1996 S-Works M2 base, 1996 S-Works M2 single-speed
Special editions: 1991 Zola, 1996 Olympic, 1998 Bart Brentjens
Seatpost size varied among frames. 1991 to 1993? frames take a 26.8mm seatpost, 1994 frames take a 27.2mm seatpost and frames made from 1995 to 2000 are made for 30.9mm seatposts.
Headset size also varied. Until 1994, all M2 frames had 1” headtubes. The 1994 S-Works rigid model (and the base M2?) retained the 1” headtube, but the other models had switched to 1 1/8”. By 1995 the 1” size was gone from the lineup.
Frames made from 1991 to 1994 used straight-gauge M2 tubing. 1994 S-Works models introduced butted M2X tubing and double-butted M2XX was first used in 1996 on S-Works models.
I will update this post frequently as I dig through my images archive and see what I can add.
The first two digits of the serial number denote the year of manufacture (e.g. 96 = 1996). There seem to be some discrepancies (my 1991 bike is stamped 90), but it is mostly consistent with the model year. The letter indicates model. A similar format was used on FSR models of the time period. From what I can gather, S means Stumpjumper and SW means S-Works. The last several digits seem to indicate the production number.
Feel free to post your bike and I will add the serial to the list. If not posting pics, include the original color scheme (if possible) and frame size. For privacy reasons, only post frames or bikes you own or have previously owned, unless it is a noteworthy contribution, like a unique crossover year model or a one-off.
Serials:
1991 Stumpjumper M2 Zola Team, 20”? — 90T00074
1991 Stumpjumper M2, 18” — 90T00651
1992 S-Works M2 Pro, 21” — ?
1992 S-Works M2 Team, 18”? — 92T1744-6 L
1992 S-Works M2 Team, 18” — 92T2735-6 J
1995 S-Works M2 Road, ?” — 95?
1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 18” —
1996 Stumpjumper M2 Comp FS, 17” — ?
1996 S-Works M2 (one-off) — 96S?
1996? S-Works M2 single-speed (one-off), turquoise — ?
1997 Stumpjumper M2 — 97S?
1998 Stumpjumper M2 Comp, 15.5” — 98S4M14332 L
