I restored my 20 y/o S-Works mountain bike. - Episode 3

I restored my 2002 Specialized S-Works FSR XC Pro, but can it handle today's trails? Was this a waste of time?

US Affiliate links:

If you'd like to send me something for a future video idea:
Evan's MTB Saga
PO Box 6498
Goodyear, AZ 85338

[oldshovel]

Looks like a solid build my friend. It was fun seeing you at the Sedona bike festival.

[johnnydoe]

It's funny listening to you at the beginning of this making it sound like this S-Works is completely obsolete. It worked 20 yrs ago, so it would still work now. You're just use to more modern bikes that have improved the experience of riding trails.
I have been riding mtn bikes for 30 yrs and rode my 1998 Barracuda XC up until 3 yrs ago. Yeah, my 2020 plus hardtail is a major upgrade in the handling department, but I still miss the old bike at times. It drew alot of looks and newer riders were keen to ask questions about it.
BTW I have a friend who has a 2001 Stumpjumper FSR w/ full XTR and Fox suspension front and rear. He swapped out the front to a 1x and still shreds on it

[jclshea]

After over 3 years of watching Seth, I just discovered your channel, Both my dad and I love watching your videos and love the old bike restorations. Before my dad got his new bike last year he was riding a trek 1997 carbon hardtail, so this brings back the memories of us upgrading his bike.

[maddoxmcpherson]

A hack we use at the shop I work at is when a shifter isn’t engaging we blast it out with white lighting degreaser. The pawls usually get stuck in place from the old grease and that will free it up.

[samwebb]

"will these rim brakes even stop me?!"

Well, all of us who used to ride rim brakes survived to see them replaced by discs, so I'd say that was a bit sensationalist.

Other than that, really liked the build. Reminds me of my old XC Pro!

[strider]

The people complaining about the bike don't seem to understand the purpose of this build at all. This isn't just for a low budget bike build, this is a test to see how an older but very high end bike of it's time compares to today's modern standards. And currently as it sits, the original setup just doesn't cut it for Evan's riding style.
It's not that it's a bad system, this was the leading edge when it was new. But there have been massive improvements in today's cycling standards since then.
As someone who's loving and building up an older bike myself, I can appreciate the love you obviously have for this bike.
You don't just completely repaint a bike from scratch that you're not planning on going the full distance with.
I for one, am highly excited where you're planning to go from here. I'm seeing atleast a new rear shock, a 1x drivetrain and maybe even a dropper. You change those up and your going to rock that trail!
Can't wait for the next episode!

[SteveKimbo]

That bike was my wet dream when I was a kid 😍

I actually had the same S-Works frame years ago in a metal flake gold colour. I'd ride that round all day. Love it.

[ToKyoRush]

Soooo I have the same bike (except with disc brakes) Sat in a basement for 15+ years. Literally every step you’re having trouble with, I can confirm and been there. Things I found:

1. Even after rebuilding the fork, it was shot. This had to be replaced. 100mm fork made the head angle better too. The original Duke XC flexed a ton too.
2. The rear float shock was a PITA to rebuild and they are very specific in regards to weight and fluid. Anything lower than 80W would get past the seals. Now it’s great.
3. Bite the bullet and purchase a dropper; The bike cannot be ridden without one as the seat post cannot be lowered more than an inch. Biggest flaw of this frame. Use the front derailleurs routing and ditch the front mech.
4. I upgraded to 1x9. Even with a clutched rear mech, the slap is horrendous. Wrap the back linkage with bar tape and use felt tape to quiet the chatter from the chain and cables. Makes it much better.
5. Frame bearings were shot from age; these needed to be replaced for the rear to track right.
6. You can’t fit a tire larger than 2.2, I’ve tried. Skinny for today’s standard, but thats all the frame can except.

After all that and standard maintenance (headset, new BB, brake fluid flush, hub rebuild, tubeless conversion, indexing) it’s solid, I sling rollers and drops and no one even realizes I’m on a 20 year old bike! But a LOT has to go into these older bikes to make them huckable! Also, best to pick up a “lightly used” one as many of these were ridden hard and fatigue strength of the aluminum can be detrimental; the right chain stay is prone to crack over time! Hope this helps anyone wanting to pick one of these up!

[LordHolley]

I restored my old Felt Virtue One last year. I absolutely love the bike, and there is something satisfying about throwing a leg over an old 26er every now and then.

[DilbertMuc]

With that bike you should go into the next Specialed Concept Store and ask for an appropriate bottle holder. Watch the faces of the sales guys in disbelieve while the new intern frantically checks the computer for that new S-Works model... which he can't find in the database. Pure gold! :D))))

[setherichardson]

The paint is unbelievable! Great build!

[fishrideandski]

we should call this series Evan's house customs or something like that

[Patbike]

That's actually a quite good looking bike, even by todays standards. Awesome paintjob! Just needs a bit more travel upfront, dropper post and a 1x drivetrain. Sure it's not economically sound, but where's the fun in that ;)

[The_RC_Dude]

Yay, new video! Man, that thumbnail is so good Evan!

[FranRos]

Preciosa bici y hermoso trabajo de restauración y pintura mis felicitaciones.
A disfrutar con su belleza 😍

[Deckzwabber]

I ride a vintage Sid with 28 mm stanchions. They do flex too much! But I'm a very light guy and ride cross country mostly. The ultra light weight makes it super fun and agile on narrow turns It's just about doable in heavier terrain.

Glad you went for v brakes!

[alexmatiaslostak]

I was waiting for this video for so long and it is worth it. This Specialized build series is what brought me to your channel and since then I watched almost all of your video. SO happpy for every new you make. Its a bit sad, that the bike doesnt work very well, I hoped it'll be a xc machine. Still super video

[TheAntoine]

I have that bike and still use it at my parents home from time to time. Your wheel is probably not flexing but slipping in the dropout that's why it touch. You should use a strong QR and crank it a lot. Riding without dropper is defentely not a really fun experience anymore so i use one. You have to find a small travel one because not much is exposed. It's still not meant to be ridden aggressively but it makes for a pleasant casual ride. The orginal main pivot bolt are super fragile and will snap. I use something standard in strong steel and it just work.

[WBOS]

Excellent video. This brings back memories of my first mountain bike. Subscribed. Thank you.

[tomrichards]

I've got a similar bike. 2000 S Works M4. Flat black anodized. Full XTR. I've run it with disc brakes and V brakes. They offered a kinda funky rear disc adapter, it bolted to the brake boss. Also got the carbon fiber e plate derailleur mount. And the Risse long travel rocker linkage. Judy SL fork. It was and still is a fun bike on tight windy single track.
Outdated yes. But still fun. 23 pounds with v brakes and just under 25 with disc brakes.
Contrary to popular belief people could actually still mountain bike back then. Prior to all the ever changing standards of today.
I can't deny that modern bikes are superior in virtually every aspect.
But old bikes are still alot of fun.
I got my first mountain bike back in 1986.