Specialized Stumpjumper Epic 1988 - the rebuild

[SgS]

So this has arrived at my door. The years have made the swan into somewhat of an ugly duckling. The bones are still good though and it still has some original parts it seems. I’m open to suggestions as I am not sure whether to restore it back to period (late 80’s early 90’s) as not sure if catalog finish won’t break my bank What do you guys think?

 

[RetroDavy]

That looks great. Excellent find.

I'd just strip, check and clean, change a few bits (stem, front brakes, rear derailleur? and consumables if knackered) and use it.

Then maybe do more as you feel like it.

Each to their own. I love to see catalogue correct rebuilds on any bike but don't have the patience myself and also like the individuality of using parts that 'seem' right.

 

[SgS]

That looks great. Excellent find.

I'd just strip, check and clean, change a few bits (stem, front brakes, rear derailleur? and consumables if knackered) and use it.

Then maybe do more as you feel like it.

Each to their own. I love to see catalogue correct rebuilds on any bike but don't have the patience myself and also like the individuality of using parts that 'seem' right.

Thanks, I just couldn’t resist it when I saw it… been looking for a nice stumpy around this period. The stem will definitely be one of the first things to go. I have a extra XT rear derailleur so that’s another definite. Agree the catalogue finish will be awesome but maybe something for the future. Just want to get it back to something more period correct and running well. will post more photos as I discover what lies beneath. Would be great to put a set of Stumpjumper decals back on.

By the way, do you know if the what cranks these are? And any thoughts on the WTB rims?

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[RetroDavy]

No idea on the cranks. Am guessing they were a budget replacement but are those standard sized replaceable rings on the crank arms that could be swapped onto Deore crank arms ? I can't make it out.

The catalogue for 1989 Stumpjumper seems to show grey anodised rims so the colours look appropriate. I can't see what the hubs are. It would be fun to make a list of priority parts to replace if they come up at the right price, here or on eBay.

Gil at Retrodecals did a great set of decals for my 1988 Specialized Hardrock.

 

[SgS]

No idea on the cranks. Am guessing they were a budget replacement but are those standard sized replaceable rings on the crank arms that could be swapped onto Deore crank arms ? I can't make it out.

The catalogue for 1989 Stumpjumper seems to show grey anodised rims so the colours look appropriate. I can't see what the hubs are. It would be fun to make a list of priority parts to replace if they come up at the right price, here or on eBay.

Gil at Retrodecals did a great set of decals for my 1988 Specialized Hardrock.

I’m going to do a complete strip down in the coming weeks amongst my other builds and go through the parts and see what needs to be replaced. I want to try get it back closer to the original spec but with my own custom touches. By the way the stem was annoying me so much I changed it out this morning…will do until I source an original. Also changed the bars and grips to a set of Ritchey’s I had lying in a box. Bit more acceptable I think

 

[1988_Ben]

Are you sure about the model and year? It's got a rear u-brake so it must be 1988 or maybe 87.
Also, I've not come across an 'Epic' before, only Team, Comp or standard Stumpjumper.

 

[SgS]

Are you sure about the model and year? It's got a rear u-brake so it must be 1988 or maybe 87.
Also, I've not come across an 'Epic' before, only Team, Comp or standard Stumpjumper.

Yes that is correct, well spottedit is the same spec as the 1988 minus a few components

 

[1988_Ben]

Yes that is correct, well spottedit is the same spec as the 1988 minus a few components View attachment 566296

Thanks, sorry, I hadn't realised its the carbon version. It's possible it was sold in both 88 and 89 with the same spec? Either way, it must be very rare

 

[narcotitlan]

Very cool. Looks great with the new stem, cranks are Cooks Quality Products I think, deffo not cheapies...

I'm all for customisation personally, imao it was the age of customisation after all so why bother going factory spec!

 

[SgS]

Very cool. Looks great with the new stem, cranks are Cooks Quality Products I think, deffo not cheapies...

I'm all for customisation personally, imao it was the age of customisation after all so why bother going factory spec!

Thanks, I scratched up an old stem similar to this one I changed it to which has the cable integrated through the top so I will use that instead - amazing what one can dig up at the bottom of the box. I need to finish my Lava Dome project before I can really get to focus on this one. Though this one is very exciting. I will post photos as I go through the rebuild using this same thread. Also want to check the serial number - might just do that sooner than later - as maybe I’m lucky and found a piece of personalised ex-race bike history…oh and yes I agree, I will customise and replace where necessary and restore the good stuff.