1997 Specialized C-3 FSR
Following the success of the Stumpjumper FSR design based on the patented Horst Leitner active dropout pivot, Specialized went about increasing the cool factor by introducing composites to the front half of the bike. At the time companies like GT Bicycles and Mantis Bicycle Company had invested heavily in the use of thermoplastics, in which the raw composite materials are laid in a mold and the application of heat causes them to fuse together. The new thermoplastic C-3 FSR bike was introduced with a splash, making the cover of the June 1997 issue of Mountain Bike Action. However, just months later Specialized ceased production and issued a recall after some riveted seat towers and headtubes were found to fail. Just like that the bike disappeared and was forgotten. This ultra-rare, surviving example escaped the fate of being cut up by a bandsaw at Specialized when it was taken home by an employee. As shown, the bike has been built back up to match the magazine cover, and continues to turn heads on the trail with it's unconventional shape.
The Build
Year: 1997
SN: D114198 Frame: Specialized C-3 FSR Fork: Manitou Bulge FS Titanium Spring Shock: Fox Vanilla Rx Stem: Specialized Metal Matrix Composite M2 Headset: Dia Compe USA Aheadset Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-72 Handlebar: Specialized Thermoplastic Shifters: Shimano Deore XT M739 Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M739 Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR M950 Brake Levers: Shimano Deore XT M739 Front Brake: Shimano Deore XT M739 Rear Brake: Shimano Deore XT M739 Crankset: Specialized S-Works by Sugino Chainrings: Sugino CSSIII 22-32-42 Pedals: Shimano M747 Hubs: Specialized Stout/Shimano Deore XT M737 Rims: Mavic 217 Sunset Tires: Specialized Ground Master Team Edition Wheel QR: Specialized Stout/Shimano Deore XT Seatpost: Ritchey Alloy Saddle: Specialized Kevlar Reinforced Grips: Specialized Logo Cogs: Shimano Deore XT M737 Chain: Shimano HG |
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