I have a Specialized Stumpjumper MX2 that I purchased NEW in late 2001.

Last year I tried to rebuilt the front shock and downloaded the appropriate manual. Nothing I found in that manual matched the shock on my bike. I eventually determined the front shock was a version that came only on the 1999 model. Further research found other components that were not used on Specialized Stumpjumpers after 2000.

It appears that the year in which you purchase a Specialized bike does not tell you the year in which is was manufactured or at least assembled.