Originally Posted by Velocivixen

Hi. Here's a link to mombat.org that might help you figure it out by component, that is if the components are original to the bike.

Specialized Specs

You can look for date codes on the back of the Shimano derailleurs and perhaps narrow the year if they're original. Here's info on that. Click on Shimano & it will tell you how to interpret the date codes.

Date of Manufacture of Bicycle Components can be used to date a bike: component dating

I've got a 1992 Specialized Hardrock that came stock with 200GS everything - black & super heavy. Changed everything out to Deore XT (735 era stuff).

I've got an all original 1988 Rockhopper with Shimano SIS 6 speed also. Both fun rides.