1985 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport

1985 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport

I've really gotten into single speeds in the last year or so. The first one I built up was a Paramount Mtn bike. It got to the point where I was riding that bike more than any other. I live within a mile of some pretty fun single-track and downhill riding so I was really giving the Paramount a good workout every day. I really came to appreciate the simplicity and little-to-no maintenance that it required. However, the Paramount is set up as a downhill, off road bike. Not very comfy for tooling around town.

So, I built up my X0-1 as a single speed. The bike is too small, but I enjoyed the X0-1 as a single speed more than I did in any other configuration. Enter the Stumpjumper.

Ever since I was around 12 I wanted a Stumpjumper. I remember when a kid up the street, in about 1985 got one. Actually, his dad got it, and they shared it. I'd kind of forgotten about the early Stumpjumper for many years until I started seeing them on the First Flight website.

With the super-long chain stays, slack geometry, and low bottom brackets, they're nothing like the mountain bikes that are sold today. (not to mention the obvious: made of steel with lugs). But as a all-rounder/city cruiser, it works great. For single-speed, it's super easy because it has horizontal dropouts.

I really enjoy riding this bike. I intend to do some 24 hour overnighters this summer with this bike. I'm getting better at grinding up the hills, so hopefully by mid-summer or so, I'll be able to power up the local mountains with a small load on this bike.

Components:


johnspeare@gmail.com

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