First of all big props to Erikv (bmxmuseum) for going and getting this from his LBS and sending it my way...He didn't need to do it, but hooked me up big time! This is my first S&M and I didn't think I was ever going to find one in the condition that I wanted (I wanted one with OG paint and minty decals, I'd say this one qualifies!)...Now I am wondering if I should build it or keep it NOS, what do you guys think?

go for it, build it BIG!

No S&M trailer queens please. Build it and ride it.

nice score...i'm very jealous.
i'd say build it as per original spec.

I've got some NOS S&M jealousy right about now!

I don't really have an opinion on whether to build it or not. I ride pretty much every bike I own. Heck, my current ride is a Neal Wood. I probably shouldn't be riding it but I just can't help myself.

Build it bro!

I may have a line on another non-NOS one and I will build that one and do it big!



If I don't build it, it won't be a trailer/carpet queen, just a NOS frame...I have a NOS haro monocoque frame too that I won't build...I know that's what bikes are for, to be ridden, but a S&M in this condition are few and far between...



I have a few parts to do start to do that (S&M racing stem, it's not a challenger stem, I know...lol...challenger forks, and some pads) I wouldn't build it any other way...It just takes me a while to get all the parts!



I know man...I ride all of my completes and I know some people wouldn't...My theory is once it's been ridden once, the cherry is popped and it's on! lol...But it's only NOS once...



It will be very hard not to!

Build it and enjoy I have CXLKU9B0466 & CXLKU8K0546 both still being rode hard greatest frame I have ever had.

If you build it, they will cumm

jd

Here is my 2000 S&M Challenger Pro. I believe this is the last year they made them. I switched out the Challenger stickers for a frame set that was for a RV cruiser a few years later. I bought this fresh off the shelf & raced it to 2 national wins. The 1st one I had a pitchfork on it! I raced it for about 3 years & tucked it away for a lighter weight Staats. I recently went back to S&M with a 09' 38. Special.
I always loved my S&M's, Iv'e owned 2 but I had issues with the weight bitd, now, not anymore & I'm a lifer.
I also have 3 sets of these style Challenger sticker paks still in the bag.

Put it together, ride it at the track once then show it off, great all-around bikes. You could probebly still find a RV race fork to go along with that, then some Profiles.....then some Slam bars......then some.......



b.

Wow, sweet bike and awesome story to go along with it! I think I am going to keep this bike NOS since I just sealed the deal on the same year, color, stickers challenger with 990 brakes and matching slam bars! I am thinking about going with a gray/black theme and using some black profiles to build it up...What would be some recomended wheelsets for a 990 challenger? 48 hole super 7x's? Peregrine madd max 48 hole hub/rim combo? I am up for suggestions...

Hey guys, I've got a polished Challenger stem that I'm willing to part with if any of you could use if on your rides. Let me know! Got some black Butler bars too to go with it!

Just plain sickness. Build it!!!! Quick question, I'm kind of new on the S&M bandwagon and love'em but I thought XLs were only w/ the 990 mounts? Can't wait to build mine....

I don't have the S&M knowledge like some of the others on this site, but it is a XL...I sealed the deal on the XL with 990's as well, it's on the way to my house...

Same here on the knowledge about S&Ms. Please post some pics on your other pick up as well....please!?!?! Can't wait to see them both built if you decide to build them.

Mike you never struck me as the kind of guy who would keep an NOS frame around just because its NOS, but to each his own my friend. Nice score bro!

I just got the 990 challenger today and I will post pics soon! The 990 will be getting built, the nos with cantis is going to stay NOS...



J,

If I happen to find a NOS frame that is semi-desireable (to me at least) I look at it more as a time capsule of things they way they were BITD...My outlook on NOS is that it's only NOS once...But believe me, if the frame has already been built, I'm gonna build it no matter how nice it is...Here is another one that I will keep NOS as long as it's in my posession...

I had 2 XL's, 1 with v-brake mounts and 1 with 990 mounts.

My 990 mount frame had serial number SMXL0187 and I still regret selling it to this day.

You guys should also keep in mind that S&M had made many special request frames throughout the years with different kinds of brake mounts - Dirt Bikes with v-brake mounts, race frames with 990s, etc. You can't tell those by the serial numbers, but there are quite a few out there.

I had a black early RV cruiser with my name as the serial number. I'd sold that one to a friend years ago and would love to get it back. So, if you come across a 24" S&M with "Mike" as the serial number, please let me know!

Its all good Mike, I was'nt bashing you brutha. It just thought you were a build it no matter what kinda guy. The monocoque Haro is a thing of beauty, you are a better man than me because there is NO WAY I could keep that pretty lady in a closet somewhere thats for sure.