1996 Specialized Ground Control A1 Comp 21.5" (Large)

A piece of mountain biking history – a competition version of one of the first dual suspension bikes. Large 20.5″ frame, best for 5’10”-6’7″ riders.  Active Independent Mechanism (AIM) rear suspension. Original price $1,500. 

The M sticker on the seatpost tube looks original and indicates the riders’ inseam 80cm-84cm (31″-33″); however, the distance between the bottom brocket center and the end of the seatpost tube is 21.5″ – this frame is Extra Large. Perhaps this mislabeled M sticker confused the original owned and was the reason this bike was kept in immaculate shape for all these years…

This is David’s bike now.

NEW COMPONENTS

  • Inner tubes: Specialized
  • Cables and cable housing: Shimano SIS
  • Chain: Shimano CN-IG51, 1/2×3/32” silver
  • Pedals: HTI A-62 aluminum cage with reflectors and slots for straps
  • Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry BG4B43
  • Tarlec silicone protectors in all places where cables housing touch the frame

ORIGINAL COMPONENTS

  • Frame: Specialized Premium A1 welded aluminum
  • Fork: RockShox Quadra 21R Magnesium, triple-clamp crown
  • Rear Shock: RST/Specialized, 1.25” travel
  • Wheels: 26” Mavic 221 rims (France), Shimano Deore hubs, DT Competition stainless 2.0mm spokes, brass nipples
  • Front tire: 26×1.95” Specialized Ground Control II
  • Rear tire: 26×1.95” Specialized Ground Master
  • Brakeset: Shimano Deore LX M-System brakes, Avid SD-2.0 levers
  • Shift Levers: Grip Shift SRT-800 X-Ray
  • Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore LX top-swing, top-pull
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT SGS
  • Crankset: Specialized Son of Strongarm, 22/32/42 teeth
  • Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-UN52, 107 mm spindle, 73mm English BB Shell Width
  • Rear Cogs: 8-speed, 11-28 teeth
  • Seatpost: Specialized DD, 30.9 mm diameter
  • Handlebars: Specialized Easton “Team”
  • Handlebar Stem: Specialized A1, cold forged
  • Headset: 1-1/8″ threadless Aheadset Dia-Compe

Below are the photos of an identical bike I restored at the beginning of 2021. All original except tires. It is Lorenzo’s bike now.