1998 Specialized Ground Control FSR 19" mirror blue

Full-suspension mountain bike with distinctively futuristic frame design and mesmerizing ‘cosmic/mirror blue’ appearance. 

Best for 5’8”-6’2” riders. Superlight (28lbs!) Specialized A1 aluminum alloy frame, 24-speed Shimano STX-RC and LX components, RockShox Manitou Answer front shocks, RockShox Deluxe rear shock. Take a look at the Extra Large version of the same bike I restored earlier.  I decided not to repaint cosmetic  imperfections on the headset tube and the right side of the frame nearby – it is a mountain bike, not a garage queen! Here is this bike’s page in 1998 Specialized Catalog. It is the last Specialized bike with indestructible steel coil rear shock. I’m riding a 1996 version of this bike; its rear shock is simple, reliable, and needs no maintenance. In case you didn’t know, most modern day rear shocks have to be serviced every 50 hours or 300 miles. MSRP (1998): $1,100.

This is Jeremy’s bike now. 

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Before/After & Restoration

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New & upgraded components

  • Shifters: Shimano STX-RC 8×3 speed
  • Cables and housings: Shimano/Jagwire red
  • Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-UN54 sealed
  • Chain: Shimano 8-speed 1/2×3/32” silver/blue
  • Tires and: Kenda 26×1.95” mountain
  • Inner tubes: CST
  • Brake levers: Tektro
  • Brake pads: Shimano
  • Grips: Tarlec Kraton
  • Pedals: Mzyrh sealed composite platform red
  • Saddle: SonicWorks racing red

Original components

  • Frame: Specialized full A1 heat-treated welded alloy, handmade in Taiwan
  • Fork: Manitou Answer SX Pro 80mm travel
  • Wheels: 26”, Mavic 138 rims, Specialized/Shimano hubs, stainless spokes, brass nipples
  • Front tire: Specialized Team Control Comp 26×2.0”
  • Rear tire: Specialized Team Master Comp 26×1.9”
  • Rear shock: RockShox Coupe Deluxe
  • Headset: 1-1/8” threadless Ritchey Logic
  • Stem: Specialized forged alloy 10 degree raise Ahead
  • Handlebar: Ritchey Forcelite alloy
  • Grips: Specialized Kraton dual density
  • Brakes: Dia-Compe alloy Vc757
  • Brake levers: Dia-compe DP-7N
  • Front derailleur: Shimano STX-RC
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano LX
  • Shift Levers: GripShift SRT-600
  • Cassette: Shimano 8-speed, 11-30 teeth
  • Chain: Sachs, 1/2×3/32”
  • Crankset: Specialized Strong Arm Comp 22/32/42 teeth
  • Bottom Bracket: Specialized sealed bearing cartridge 73mm
  • Seatpost: Ritchey Expert, 30.9mm diameter alloy micro adjust
  • Pedals: Ritchey Logic clipless
  • Saddle: Specialized Prolong Revolution Carbotech w/kevlar edge