Case and point, I saw this gem locked up at the USGS office when I got to school.
It's welded, the '82 was lugged. The downtube decal says 'Specialized'. The later years said 'Stumpjumper'.
I would apologize for the crappy cellphone pictures, but I'm not sorry, I was in a hurry.
I'll see if it's there again tomorrow and perhaps see if I can figure out a few more details.
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The red Raleigh on the left belongs to a former classmate of mine, I plan on asking if he knows the owner of that vintage steed. Oh, and for those of you into fat bikes, that is in fact a Surly Moonlander just creeping into the lower right corner of the picture. Size small frame I believe.
In other news, Tarik let me into his club. Got this excellent postcard in the mail:
Tarik, if there is a way to procure a small stack of those, apparently custom made, postcards let me know. I'd love to mail them far and wide.
While I am admittedly proud to be the only member in Alaska, I'd like to see that distinction changed to 'first'. There are some fine folks up here who would make great club members.
I suppose I'll weigh in as a relative old-timer and say that the bike sure looks like an '81 Stumpjumper to me. It has all the proper looking bits to the frame and fork, and at least a few apparently original components. I love those brake levers. It appears to have had a few equipment changes over the years, but that should be expected as the bike looks like a well used survivor, instead of a museum piece.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to find an old bike in pristine condition, but it's even better to see one that has been ridden and appreciated. As I'm sure you know, an '81 Stumpjumper is a hot item in certain circles and people would pay a lot of money for one that looks as nice as this one.
Excellent spotting, and let us know if you find out any more info.
Pristine bikes, new or old make me kind of sad. I'd rather see a bike that has lived and experienced many miles than one that was pretty enough for the Smithsonian.
ReplyDeleteSeeing this one out, with studs on, when the AM temps were in the single digits definitely made me happy.
The thumbshifters have been upgraded, and the nokian studs are seasonally appropriate, but at a glance lot of it still looked original: Mafac brakes, original levers, rear wheel etc. . .
My inside guy at USGS recognized the bike, but didn't know who the owner was off the top of his head. He said he'd ask around.
I hate to say it, but if the price was half way reasonable I'd seriously consider trying to own this piece of history.
Welcome to the club, glad you liked the cards. No current plans for cards, but I will let you know if I do them up. They were a surprise present from my wife last year. I think I am going to do some stickers next. We shall see...
ReplyDeleteT,
ReplyDeletethe photo on the front is great, I'm curious where the forks photo is from. Extra cool points for your wife on a great gift idea, glad I was fortunate enough to receive one.
Might have to look into some custom postcards for myself.
I wasn't born until about four years later, which is to say that I think you are right. Looks like an 81 from here.
ReplyDeletenicholas