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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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