This is a 1989 Specialized RockCombo, a precursor to the Bridgestone XO series. Like the XOs, the Combo was way ahead of its time, and a total sales flop. It came with the Specialized version of the WTB Dirt Drop handlebar, with Suntour Bar-Cons and an all-Suntour parts group.
You can see a complete one here.
I actually got the frame and fork from a fellow in the Netherlands. I looked for one, around here, for quite a while, starting not long after I for the XO. I figured I might as well have another tig-welded, vintage all-rounder in the stable. I seem to have a thing for them...
Triple-butted tubes, but still no lightweight.
The paint needs a bit of touching-up, but the decals are in good shspe.
This so 1980s:
Designed In the USA
Made in Taiwan
Between the parts I already have, plus a couple of trades with Brad and Mark, I have pretty much everything I need to build it up. All I am missing is a Dirt Drop handlebar. I'm thinking I might just use a Gary bar, like I have on the XO-2.
I don't intend to restore it to anything near stock. While I appreciate Suntour parts as much as the next guy, I'll go with period-appropriate Shimano and Specialized parts since Shimano-compatible 7-speed cogsets, etc, are much easier to come up with.
More, later, as the build progresses.
x
Yup. There it is, another hole in the head. However, I have no room to talk. Here's my new project. Mostly just clean and lube. http://getinlost.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/new-addition-to-the-harem/
ReplyDelete^^^YEA!!! The RSW folder!! I had one of those for years. Jon and I would take singletrack rides, him on his boneshaker, and me on the RSW. Jumps, drops, roots, rocks, you name I hit it. That thing never missed a beat. Mine looked EXACTLY like yours, I even had the same knobbys on it. Surprisingly the stock "grip shift" worked flawless. I put a bunch of miles on that stupid thing, and I am really bummed I gave it up.
ReplyDeleteBe careful of the hinge...that thing will take a finger off like the french took heads. It's like it was made for chopping things.
GREAT FIND, hang on to it.
Hmmm? I thought they were all painted teal in the back, never saw an all white one.
ReplyDeleteThey listed both in the catalog. I think more of the half-teal ones were shipped, though. The 80s, y'know...
ReplyDelete