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1991 Specialized Stumpjumper M2

Beginning in 1991, the debut of the Stumpjumper M2 was a big departure for Specialized as their first bike with a frame that wasn't at least partially made of steel, as had been the case for 10 years prior.  With M2 standing for Metal Matrix composite, it was an aluminum alloy (a metal) combined with a mixture of aluminum oxide (a ceramic).  Aluminum oxide is a form of sapphire and an extremely hard and abrasive substance, as used in sandpaper.  Rather than using metal saws to miter the tubes, which would have worn out quickly, the manufacturer needed to grind them to fit.  Although the end result looked a lot like many other aluminum frames with fat welds, the extra strength of the material allowed them to use less of it to save weight.  The Team build with Suntour XC Pro was the top of the line, but its silver paint was no match for the Shimano Deore XT bike one step below with pearlescent violet paint.  The example shown here was custom built up a year later with a Shimano XTR M900 group and a host of aftermarket parts with violet anodizing.  Although some of the parts were manufactured a bit later, it was almost as if the frame was mean to be built up this way with an overload of purple.  It should come as no surprise to many that the Ringle Moby seatpost split open with almost no use.  The later Team Edition saddle was a collaboration with WTB, and the plastic body pedals with titanium spindles were a later product of the S-Works program.  As shown, the bike weighs a touch under 24 pounds.

The Build

Year: 1991
S/N: 91T03706
Frame: Specialized Stumpjumper M2
Fork: Specialized Direct Drive
Stem: Answer ATAC
Headset: Shimano Deore XT M736
Bottom Bracket: Shimano XTR M900
Handlebar: Answer Hyperlite
Shifters: Shimano XTR M900
Front Derailleur: Shimano XTR M900
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR M900
Brake Levers: Shimano XTR M900
Front Brake: Shimano XTR M900
Rear Brake: Shimano XTR M900
Crankset: Shimano XTR M900
Chainrings: Shimano XTR M900 26-36-46
Pedals: Specialized S-Works Titanium
Hubs: Shimano XTR M900
Rims: Specialized X23
Tires: Specialized Ground Control 1.95
          Specialized Ground Control Extreme 1.95

Wheel QR: Ringle Ti-Stix
Seatpost: Ringle Moby
Saddle: WTB/Specialized Team Edition
Seatpost QR: Ringle Ti-Stix
Grips: Grab-On MTN-2
Cogs: Shimano XTR M900
Chain: Shimano HG
Bottle Cages: Ringle H2O
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