Mountain Biking - Help ID this Rockhopper

Crossposted (sorry) from the Clydesdale forum. After thinking about it I should have probably posted the question here first since it would probably get more views.

I am trying to get a definite ID on a Rockhopper since the seller isn't 100% sure of the exact age. Bikepedia isn't giving me the exact age of the bike with the listed options.

It has the factory Rock Shox, blue, 21 speed, 18", and Shimano STX components. That's what's throwing me off because it seems per bikepedia this combination wasn't part of the Rockhopper lineup.

Here's the CL post with some not-too-great pictures: http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/bik/1274154649.html

I went digging into some older models of the Rockhopper and did find a 1997 Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp FS (http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=1997&Brand=Specialized&Model=Rockhopper+A1+Comp+FS&Type=bike) which DOES come in 18" with Rock Shox, Shimano grip shift and in a 21 speed (but didn't come in blue).

Any help in making sure I know what year/model I am getting?

How about the '96 version?
http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=1996&Brand=Specialized&Model=Rockhopper+Comp+A1+FS&Type=bike

Came in dark blue, was STX/STX/GripShift and had a Quadra. I resampled the poor pics up and couldn't peg it as a Quadra for sure but looks like it very well could be one.

1996 is a really good guess. It could be a 1995 too.

In 1997, Rock Shox dropped the Quadra line of forks and replaced them with the Indy. Also, center pull cantilevers were rapidly disappearing in favor of V-brakes.