1982 Specialized Stumpjumper

The Specialized Stumpjumper is one of the first production mountain bikes to be manufactured. Both the Specialized and the Univega Alpina Pro were introduced in September 1981, and became available in 1982. The Stumpjumper sold for $850 and the Univega for $695; both were significantly less expensive than a Ritchey (one of the few other choices at the time), which sold for about $1400.

This bike is one of the first series of Stumpjumper produced - there were approximately 500 bikes in the first year, and only a couple hundred in the first batch (from October 1981). The first generation bikes were tig-welded, and are identifiable by the fairly plain fork crown - later models had a sand cast double-plate fork crown (similar to the one on my Diamond Back) - and a different font used on the decals - the later bikes used the more famous "Stumpjumper" script.

I purchased this bike from the original owner in 2003. He must not have liked biking much as the bike is in beautiful condition for a new bike, much less for a 20 year old bike. The saddle, seat post, rear derailer and chain appear to be the only non-original parts - even the original Stumpjumper brand tires are on the bike and in good condition! I found a "correct" seat post and I'm currently looking for the derailer and saddle.

Close ups of many of he components and additional pictures of the bike can be found at www.oldmountainbikes.com.

Additional information on early StumpJumper can be found on First Flight Bike's StumpJumper page.

- el