VelopediaBicycle Archive · Specification report

1998 Balance FS 550

Velopedia Archive ID 76099

Overview

Model year1998
BrandBalance
ModelFS 550
Bicycle typeMountain bike, front & rear suspension
Archive ID76099
Original MSRP$2,593.00
ColorsBall-burnished to olive fade
Sizes14", 16", 17.5", 19", 20.5"

Frameset

Frame constructionTIG-welded
Frame material7005 aluminum, butted
ForkRock Shox Indy SL
Fork materialAluminum/magnesium, triple-clamp crown
Rear shockDyna-mount, 3.5" travel

Drivetrain

Component groupMountain Mix
ShiftersShimano Deore LX RapidFire SL
Front derailleurShimano Deore LX top-swing
Rear derailleurShimano Deore XT SGS
CranksetShimano Deore LX, 22/32/42 teeth
Bottom bracketShimano BB-UN52
Rear cogs7-speed
ChainShimano CN-IG51, 1/2 x 3/32"
PedalsBalance clipless

Brakes

BrakesShimano Deore LX V-Brake brakes, Tektro RBP-376AG levers

Cockpit & contact points

Headset1 1/8" threadless Aheadset
HandlebarBalance RID
Handlebar extensionsNot included
StemBalance RID
SaddleBalance
SeatpostBalance RID, 30.0mm diameter

Wheels & tires

HubsShimano Deore XT
RimsMavic 220S, 32-hole
SpokesSteel, 2.0mm straight gauge
Spoke nipplesAlloy nipples
Front tire26 x 2.10" WTB VelociRaptor
Wheel size26" wheels

Geometry · Legacy reference

Top tube589.3 mm
Head-tube angle71°
Seat-tube angle73.5°
Chainstay / rear center419.1 mm
Wheelbase1059.2 mm
Fork offset / rake40.6 mm

Manufacturer-published archive data. Confirm exact standards and dimensions before ordering parts or performing service. Generated by Velopedia on October 19, 2026.