I fully upgraded a 2002 S-Works. Ep. 4

In the final episode of the S-Works series, I spare no expense and fully upgrade the 2002 S-Works FSR XC Pro mountain bike, but how will it ride? Did I waste my time and money?
Flo Motorsports Pro 120 Lever Blades:
flomotorsports...
Links to products seen in the video (Affiliate Links):
Maxima 10 wt fork oil - amzn.to/3rxf0rW
Fox F100 RL service kit - amzn.to/3IfSvhU
PNW Bars - bit.ly/3IfSSci
PNW Dropper - bit.ly/3KqB8Ni
PNW Lever - bit.ly/33sbx6c
Chris King Headset - amzn.to/3fGctX6
Panaracer Tires - amzn.to/3rFPFMK
Jagwire Cable Kit - amzn.to/3KtQW1K
2K Clear Coat - amzn.to/3nH4Fsy
2K Primer - amzn.to/3rCiN7t
For business inquiries: [e-mail]
To buy me a cup of coffee & support the channel: www.buymeacoff...
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Evan's MTB Saga
PO Box 6498
Goodyear, AZ 85338
Some music provided by Karl Casey @White Bat Audio

[@garyanger3141]

Beautiful build. I know you had some issues along the way, but I swear these early 2000's Specialized FSR bikes were way ahead of their time. On flat trails and climbs, these bikes are super agile, fast, snappy, and truly hard to beat, even against modern bikes (in my opinion). Downhills? Well..... modern bikes have them beat. I'm glad you didn't give up on this legendary icon of XC race bikes. 👍

[@rainerbowden2714]

I think the red striped tires look good with the frame!

[@rainerbowden2714]

Big fam from australia

[@Sebfish]

100%

[@nordal69]

And with levers

[@rainerbowden2714]

@@nordal69 aswell!

[@naafey1862]

i agree

[@blast5586]

the tyres look extremely good, you should keep them in my opinion

[@pierceskidmore9806]

This channel is so underrated, I love the detail you go into with your repairs!!

[@The_RC_Dude]

Wow, what a bike Evan! First a full custom paint job, then a tuning, and now a complete overhaul! This bike really is now a modern 26 inch "retro" full squish!

[@ian.thompson]

Evan your videos are top quality! I’ve been watching for almost 1.5 years since the beginning, your videos have always been great but you’ve progressed to a whole new level! Keep it up!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah Ian I appreciate the support. I've been dabbling in special effects lately and it's been so fun

[@blaccteezy]

@@EvansMTBSaga hey bro what clear are you using? I think you should really look into “Spraymax 2k in a Spray”. It’s a 2 part clear in a single can. Actual automotive paint in a can. Dries hard as a rock and holds up beautifully. Those normal paints in a can suck.

[@RickPfeister]

Agreed, been watching for awhile now and am impressed with the consistent quality videos and content. Keep up the good work! 👍🏼

[@cancer8343]

Been watching you for ages and realised hadn't subbed yet, now am :)

[@oliviapedersen8008]

I think the tires look great! also love that you are not like the other bike KZbinrs who would say the bike is "Too Old" like I have a 2009 gt and it's great! I love that part of this channel.

[@strider714]

I'm so glad you got to finish this build! It looks awesome (Wheels and all!) and it sounds to me like it performs just the way you wanted it to! I've been waiting for this build to finish up ever since you released your last Polygon video and I saw you pull the drive train. I just wrapped up my own rebuild, including lacing my wheels myself with red and black spokes, and I couldn't be happier! Cheers to finished builds!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Wow that's awesome red and black spokes. Lacing wheels is fun and so rewarding. Glad you did it. Now you know why the S-Works took so long cuz I had to strategically gather all the parts together haha

[@tinkerbike2510]

Use a flexible V brake Noodle for the cable entry on the bottom of the dropper post. I did basically this same build and that helped keep the cable housing from cracking.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yeah good idea! Thanks that'll be a big help. I plan on riding this bike a lot

[@red_dread]

I subscribed just for this bike! My own channel has a gaping hole in it from my own missing '02 S-Works, which died for a reason I ought to tell you about: this M5 frame was the first generation to be both canti and disc brake compatible, and in retrospect the seatstay disc brake mounts were probably under-engineered for the rotational stresses, especially for big-diameter rotors like you're running. Mine finally developed hairline cracks after many years, and thankfully I got lifetime frame warranty replacement - but you might not be so lucky if you're not its first owner. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, please keep a close eye on that brake mount.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks for the tip! The brake mounts definitely dont look engineered haha. If I have the frame crack, maybe it'll give me the excuse to learn to weld!

[@red_dread]

@@EvansMTBSaga Now that I would love to watch! I'd say welding is a step too far for me, I barely even bother painting on my projects. But if you do attempt it, I wonder how much all those proprietary M5 secret ingredients would complicate things. I'm no metallurgist but if there's things like ceramics and herbs and spices in there then how would they react to heat? Looking forward to your next instalment.

[@coalaturkey9210]

Mad respect for spending more than $2000 on a 20 year old bike, keep up the good work!

[@GreenandGold]

The last time I was on a bike was with my s works in 2004. I saved and saved for that thing as a teenager. Then some scumbag stole it and ive not been on a bike since. Only now I have started taking an interest as it's something I believe will help keep me active. Love the video, beautiful bike.

[@TonersR6]

One of the most underrated KZbin channels. Love watching your videos!

[@Madbusop718]

As always another great video. I had a docs appointment today and I'm going to need surgery for my torn rotator cuff so watching your videos as well as others keeps my dreams off riding again soon. MTB looks great and always continue to stay blessed and safe.

[@davidamora2565]

this channel is so underrated

[@justsomeone9876]

this bike is a work of art the fox fork is an ultimate upgrade dude

[@Cannibeasty]

Love the video! Last year I bought a 2006 Specialized Demo 9 Pro, and upgraded it with a bunch of new parts to turn it from a strictly downhill bike into more of an Enduro. Downduro? Either way I can appreciate what you did to keep this old bike running better than new. I'll never get the money I spent on my bike back, but I love it anyway! My MTB friends made fun of me for buying such an old bike as my first, but it makes me smile every time I ride it so I'm happy. You look happy on your bike too.

[@christopherbartleson8918]

I've always thought those Demo 9s look so sick, I'd love to have one myself.

[@bikeaddict4075]

Came across your channel a few days ago and I kept watching all your videos. I like the way you show all stuff you deal with, and that you ride and test normal stuff. I also still ride the first bike I got myself in 2012, upgraded it completely and now only frame is there from the beginning. Keep up posting!

[@Bazerca]

That was a very interesting build! About a year ago, I decided to get rid of my old GT iDrive as the cost of upgrades I worked out would cost the same as a new bike! You have confirmed it for me! Funny enough, I bought a Polygon D7...which I love by the way! Love your vids, keep up the great work!

[@joey0077d]

Nice build. I just rebuilt a 94 GT Zasker. 3x9. XTR back derailer and brakes. Chris King head and bottom set. XT cranks. I still need to replace some parts once I have the cash. lol Enjoy your ride. 👍🏼

[@caseys_cozy_garage]

Woo those tires look Soo good. Your videos are so quality, concise informative, and fun! Please get more famous!

[@barchetta06]

great 4 episode story, thanks. I have that bike with the Hope discs. unfortunately a garage queen now but a real retro work of art from Specialized.

[@janataman9196]

Great work! A little extra pro-tipp: Install an angle headset to slacken the headangle and offset-bushings to lower the BB. I´ve done this to my ´05 Stevens Fully, and it works perfectly, especially on the DH. Best upgrade ever!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I would've loved to do an angle headset but the head tube is too small

[@janataman9196]

@@EvansMTBSaga You´re sure? Work components have a 1.0 Degree EC34-EC34 Angle Headset.

[@larryisaak6431]

It’s so cool to see how far you have come it’s crazy to think you were under 500 subs when I first stumbled on your channel.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah Larry you're a super OG, those early videos were rough and boring, glad you stuck around

[@larryisaak6431]

@@EvansMTBSaga I thought they were pretty good lol

[@ESPonMe]

I ran one of those stump jumpers for 3 years until I bought my new one. Loved every second of it. I ran a manitou black fork upfront from the stock fork too

[@YoYosAmusement]

I love those old stumpys! Your editing def kept me entertained

[@dimimtb]

Really well done and the bike looks amazing. I have a soft spot for old Stumpys. if you were to do over a couple of suggestions to save some $$ IMO would be use the Markhor which comes in a 26" straight steerer (have one on my 99 Stumpy) and a droper post with an external actuator which is at the top of the post like the brand-x one I put on the same Stumpy.

[@Raymondstu]

I got a 04 fsr comp for my first bike that essentially has this bikes frame. What do you think I should get for a budget rear float and brake/derailer? Got a dropper already installed, thanks!

[@paodepota8373]

The red stripe paired with the Crossmax looks awesome! It has a modern feel, but a retro look!

[@mariozamorajr167]

I like you bring older bikes back and making them more lively to ride great video❤

[@frankdelatank8454]

The old school Serfas saddle and Fire XC take me back 20+ years!

[@khmermann]

My 10 year old who's getting into mountain biking would love this bike!

[@Dillonpickle]

Man that was an almost perfect timepiece I would have left it as is. Sids and xtr v brakes are so nice

[@brendanhamill]

I just picked up, and will leave it as is. Sweet bike

[@XCBen]

Awesome video. I don't watch many mtb youtubers much these days. I did watch the whole video on this one . Awesome upgrade!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh heck yeah thanks Benduro. I don't watch that many either, I wish there was more creators pumping out content

[@davidbeauchemin2834]

I recommend offset bushings for these old bikes, cheap upgrade that really modernizes geo

[@T800-p7p]

that red stripes look cool!. not ugly. and this channel is growing so fast man

[@jack23carter]

Loved all the videos of this bike great to see that a old bike can be bought back to 2022

[@techjeeper8800]

Building up older 26” is fun, definitely makes you appreciate the modern parts though. Looks like a fun bike. What’s it weigh?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I forgot to weigh the final result. It started out at 24.8 lbs and it still feels super light

[@owenissimo]

@@EvansMTBSaga that’s super light even for today bikes

[@leart78]

@@owenissimo that's my Specialized Epic Pro from 2004 and without tubeless tires. today's bikes weights even more since they are mostly 29 inches and have disc brakes

[@leart78]

@@owenissimo kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmXWkqGIiKeLgK8

[@owenissimo]

@@leart78 very true

[@siamrahman3807]

It's very fun to watch. Retro bikes becoming a beast 😍😍😍

[@brianwalker9793]

I built up a 26er Ellsworth Truth like this, no corners cut and agreed you will never get the money back but still worth doing! I think we associate 26 with the clunky and noodly suspension and skinnier tubes, long stems and skinny bars available of the era. With the upgrades I had a nimble, fast accelerating and light XC machine. I traded it to a family with a kid shredder for a Niner RIP 9 - technically an upgrade but I never smile quite as much at end of a loop the way I did with that Ellsworth. Someone please make affordable straight high quality 26er forks again!

[@pasha_houston]

Good job !!! I had a 2010 specialized pitch that I had since it was brand new. Finally parted ways with it last year and got a YT Jeffsy, YT is alright but somehow I miss my specialized pitch so much ! It was definitely ahead of it's time, coming w 20mm thru axel front. And beefy suspension and 200mm rotors. Although it was mostly frame original, with some parts changed several times throughout the years, but it was still I killer on modern trails

[@_rainbowbiker_]

Wow you revive this legandary S-WORKS that give my bikerheart a good feel❤🚲

[@eroldemirbas2350]

i watched this video 5 times already this is just too good

[@denseljosephs9500]

My favourite video yet keep em coming . Much respect from the UK.

[@SekritKomrade]

One missed opportunity for this build to "modernize" it... Consider adding a Cane Creek 1.5 Angle-set Headset to bring that front wheel outa bit. Also, consider making this a 27.5 mullet. Great vid man, keep em up!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh man the steer tube is the really skinny one that can't accommodate an angle headset

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I believe it's 33mm

[@johndef5075]

Some of us actually learned to ride with steep head angles. The one bike I have that has a flip chip I keep in the high position.

[@slmn____xb]

I’m just waiting for your channel to blow up it is only a matter of time with this good quality entertaining content!!

[@unknownuser39999]

I am like you. I spent too much money to fix my 2010 specialized pitch with 26 wheels. Is really fun to have an old bike with modern parts

[@amountainbiker2654]

crazy to think your almost at 70k now great work evan

[@fullerblacksmithing7954]

Sick video as always! Keep it up man. Really good inclusion of what was different, and the ride characteristics!

[@eugene44569]

This video was worth waiting 2+ weeks for

[@adreiangheliu3675]

I really appreciate your work!!

[@SaberFTW]

I was literally wondering what it would take to modernize an old bike like this! Nice job on the dropper and shock combo

[@nl3712]

That build looks AWESOME

[@fry9256]

Nice man! I just picked up a 2000 Stumpjumper fsr! It’s not much but I had a plan for it and have way more inspiration now!

[@briancrumpacker]

Great job Evan. I ran the Fire XC tires when they first hit the market, and the 2.1 size was huge back then in '98. They performed well enough in all conditions, so I ignored the red. Later years brought different colors and I think that they even had an all black version at some point.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

They still seem pretty big! Idk how good they are because sealant is coming through various places on the tire, like all over, before riding

[@shaneweldon]

Doubled your subscribers in 6 months! Well done! Over 40k now! 👍🏼

[@y3s815]

May I have your liver?

[@Alfie.Doddie]

I have a 12 speed on my 29 that looks massive and i can't imagine how big that 11 speed will look on a 26

[@chrisregister8021]

I did almost the exact same thing except I did not rebuild the fork, mine has the exact same rear shock after I rebuilt it, it seemed to work fine, I replaced the drive with a 1x10 train rebuilt the brakes put tubeless tires on it and I had about $900 into it with the dropper post. 😊 That was on a 2004 specialized enduro, I want to put a 1500 W CYC mid drive motor on next. Mine is blue they would look so dope next to each other. ❤

[@TheRoyalSh0t]

Hell yea i was waiting for an update on this one! Im building up an older stumpy (a 2004 i think) for my girlfriend and what you have done is just beautiful!

[@bigwave_dave8468]

Sweet Build! -- I faced a similar fork replacement choice but found a Marzocchi Bomber 32/straight steering tube unit in excellent condition for about the same money you paid. The original Fox Vanilla 123 was under-sprung and I found it impossible to source a heavier coil spring. You may have some issues with that dropper post cable impacting the shock body. At the limit of travel, the seat tube can reach the shock..or at least on my frame it did as there were impact marks on the shock when I got it. Luckily for me, the 1x and disk brake conversion's were done already.

[@ForEverMTB]

Man you did a work of art, looks great

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks man!! Glad you liked it

[@hoopman05]

Evan the msster builder. Great work once again. Another masterpiece 💯💯💯💯💯

[@Ferrari255GTO]

I kinda liked more the Malbro-esque paint, feels more classic and it always looks great

[@neilk22]

I was wandering when you were going to do this video 👏

[@chestdaybestday2572]

Can’t wait till you get to 20k subs. Keep up the grind!

[@joelankeny6277]

I've subscribed since the last video you made about those levers. I went back and watched it and will definitely be getting a set for my SLX 7100 brakes. I just bent the left lever ever so slightly the other day (but didn't snap it off thankfully) so this video was perfectly timed!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh dang you've been around for a while then. That lever once bent will snap off any day now! 😂

[@vr4042]

Try throwing a 29" fork/wheel/tire on the front! 26" bites. I upgraded 3 1996 Trek carbon Y frames (1 a rigid single speed, 1 a full sus single speed, and 1 an AXS full sus) with 100-120mm travel 29" forks, and of course modern hydro brakes. Awesome XC rigs.

[@1Life_FITS]

Longer forks, shorter stem, wider bars = more fun and stability. Just saying ...I liked the red tires too buddy. Good work loving your videos. New to your content but I'm hooked!

[@kevbrown7137]

You stole the spirit and soul of this build.... Flying by the seat of your pants was what early bikes were about.... #justsayin

[@tomshigoka4386]

Turned out awesome man! Thanks for all the rad videos

[@brv002]

Looks so good man, well done! Tires definitely look good too 👍

[@hmartinezr]

I have a 2010 26'' s-works stumpjumper, I did a fork and wheels upgrade, now it's a 27.5, it's a good option. the rear tire doesn't hit the frame. - Fork Rock Shox SID 100 mm, 27.5 - Mavic Crossride 27.5 tubeless wheelset - Mavic Crossride Pulse 27.5 x 2.1 tires

[@CoachLo3]

Nice build! Love all the red! Even the tires! Looking forward to more videos!

[@noaarmada]

Thank you Evan, this video has been super cool.

[@robertmason245]

The red tires look great with the frame color

[@navilhossain6212]

Awesome editing and video production. Have a sub, you deserve it.

[@funxify7848]

The thing you have put into the rear wheel, is that an adapter from through axle to quick release?

[@normancunliffe4861]

Yes defo the red tires was the right choice, Beautiful.

[@Sebfish]

Yoooooo I’ve been eating so long for this!so rad!

[@jorgechavira7729]

Red stripe tires and other details in anidized red look good on the bike!

[@andrewhill3717]

good work 🚵💪. The bike looks SICKKKK. Keep it up.

[@joshlepoer8416]

the red stripe goes really good with you frame

[@Digital_Gangster]

Another entertaining video. I was confused about the orange fork decals then when it was showed in the sun it looks totally different & red lol.

[@joaquinsanchez7857]

I love your channel and this is one of your coolest videos yet, LETS HIT 20K

[@EvansMTBSaga]

20k achieved! Thanks Joaquin

[@SandyBandy868]

Bro took upgraded to a whole new level

[@cocodog1]

nice to know those brakes, my two friends and i was just casually riding on our bikes to school. There was this tricky , small and steep hill that was 4 inches wide and 6 feet long, we loved to ride it but my friend (walther) rode down the hill and fell, he was last one to ride down it. Me and my other friend noticed so we ran over to him. My friend tried to pull up the bike but there came a massive stream of blood. It came from the right brake and little did we know, it was stuck in his leg. If we hadnt called for help he wouldve died from bloodloss, the whole brake was in his leg. If he had those brakes he wouldve been unharmed. BTW it didnt hit any nerves, bloodclots neither bones, lucky him. Eventually he had to move schools because he had to live in copenhagen in a mansion.

[@ryansteiger6960]

You did a great job with that one! Also really cool video.

[@temetykki]

That looks sick! Keep up the good work man.

[@lowpowermods8969]

Have fire xc pros on my 2001 Moab, great tires for how cheap you can get them/vintage look. They came factory on my bike so I just keep changing for the same ones when needed.

[@wescates1070]

That was a rad build! Thanks for the awesome content

[@careycummings9999]

Those Panaracer tires are my favorites on my 1997 Scott Endorphin. The red stripe looks great against the red frame. Mine are blue stripe on a blue/black frame. Specialized also made an Enduro frame, that would probably be a better fit than the XC frame IMO. The finished bike looks great.

[@GokkunGuru]

Really looking fwd to the Chromag build.

[@dimitargeorgiev1293]

Can't wait to watch it to the end

[@fpeter01]

Man, you are crazy enough, you won my subscription. :-)

[@alejandrobrownloucity1783]

Love the intro! You got really creative.

[@ken1727]

Great video man. That thang looks great.

[@CharlesCo918]

It's cool to see an old bike maxed out. Let's see a 90s bike with some XX1? haha Can't hurt!

[@nathanconcerto2482]

man i wish i had this bike. keep up the great vids.

[@DAZLIN6]

The red stripe on the tyres looks sick...... 👌 🔥

[@IliaFomin-k2s]

Isn't this shock too long for this Frame?.. looks like geometry is ruined

[@EvansMTBSaga]

The rear shock is identical and the fork is 20mm more than stock (from 80 to 100). Geometry is spot on, especially with that stem

[@zubayrbhyat8077]

I love the tyres! The bike looks class.

[@crimescene25]

Does the ancient queen and tiny baby overlord allow you to mtn bike without kissing their anus?