PRESERVATION BICYCLE # 7: The 1985 Specialized Stump Jumper Sport
This is a 1985 Specialized Stump Jumper Sport in black (the Team edition comes in purple, the standard in red). So this one definitely needs some love, but it will be sooooo worth it when you’re done. I actually think some of that grease and dirt is protecting the chrome (see my refection in the photo of the headset below). These early Stump Jumpers couldn’t be built any stronger. They actually use motorcycle components on ‘em. Check out this sweet article on the history of Stump Jumpers here. https://mbaction.com/the-history-of-the-stumpjumper/
This one was made in Japan with lugged (the sleeves the tubes fit into) Double Butted ChroMolly Steel. Look at the lugs on the fork! And those cable hangers on the rear chain stay! And that “S” forged into joint by the seat collar! Amazing! While this classic mountain bike is more than capable of hitting the trails, it’s going serve you better as a daily commuter, long distance tourer, or bike camper. Take good care of it, and you can give it your grandkid on their 16th birthday. Kids don’t want cars anymore.
PRESERVATION BICYCLE NUMBER #7
MAKE: Specialized
MODEL: Stump Jumper Sport
YEAR/AGE: 1985
SIZE: 20’’ 5’3 - 5’7 ( CLOSER TO 5’5 IS BETTER)
ADOPTION FEE: $100 (Please Please Please! Don’t part this bike out)
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
BASIC: Ok… tires (used are fine), new tubes, and maybe a different front wheel (it’s not the worst, but we’ll have a better used one in shop for cheap). The chain is gonzo for sure. Probably all new cables, but save the oldschool motorcycle brake housing. A different saddle, unless you want to repair, because it’s awesome. Lots and lots of degreasing and regreasing. Maybe soaking small parts in some solvent. All can be done at the shop for under $100, and it will take you 4-8 hours total (break it up into increments and it will be easy as pie).
Pie in the Sky Deluxe Head Turner: It already has some of the best shifters, brake levers, stem, handlebars, cranks, and “deer head” derailleurs ever made. So don’t ditch those (maybe the handlebar if you want something more swept back). Find the biggest tannest wall slick tires you can find. Take a look at some of our staff bikes to see what they’re running. Slap a Soma front rack on with a Wald basket (made in the USA). Replace that front wheel with something double walled, heck we might have an original specialized wheel hanging in the shop. And find some sweet pedals, maybe bear traps or something big and metal. Now we’re talking about $300 of upgrades + the $100 adoption fee, which equals the best $400 you’ve ever spent.
BICYCLE HISTORY:
This was donated by the original owner who lives here in Boise. He pioneered some of the Boise Foothill trails on this bike back when half the trails were BLM fire roads. The frame and most of the components were made in Japan, but I think we can still call it “Boise born and raised.”