| When it comes to choosing a mountain bike there are far more choices than ever for you to consider. It used to be that you just bought a decent brand for a price that you could afford and rode it. Now there are so many models from each manufacturer with different components and geometries designed for different types of riding. There used to be just mountain biking but now its cross country (XC), all mountain, free ride, downhill and so on. Once you figure out what type of riding you are going to do then you can start your bike shopping. If you do a like little of everything without going to extremes then you may want to consider one of the longest running bike models in mountain bike history, the Specialized Stumpjumper. Specialized has been around for many years and the Stumpjumper itself first debuted in 1981 but has drastically changed since then. Now it’s an all-around mountain full suspension bike that takes on all but the most extreme kinds of riding. |
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The Stumpjumper comes in a variety of styles including the standard Stumpjumper hardtail that comes in S-Works, Expert, Evo and Comp trim with an aluminum or carbon frame. For 2013 all standard Stumpjumpers are 29 inch models. If you really want to get down to business you can go for the Stumpjumper FSR models which come in Evo, Expert, Elite and Comp trim in 26 or 29 inch version in aluminum or carbon fiber. The FSR versions have been around since 1993 and FSR refers to Specialized’s proven suspension system that allows for easy pedaling uphill and a controlled experience on the downhill runs.
If you like to get a little more extreme on your riding then you will want to check out the Evo version of the Stumpjumper which is geared more towards the rider who likes to tackle steeper downhills, rocky terrain and some jumps here and there. The Evo models come in 26 and 29 inch versions and have features that make them more suitable for more extreme riding. Features include:
- A lower bottom bracket for better cornering
- Slacker headtube angle for steeper downhills and obstacles
- Different link that allows for more travel on the suspension
- Stronger wheels
- Wider tires
- Wider handlebars
- Command Post automatic seat height adjuster
- 150mm (6 inches) of travel on the 26 inch version
- 140mm (5.5 inches) of travel on the 29 inch version
Here is the breakdown for the suspension components for the Stumpjumper Evo 26 inch version:
- Fork - RockShox Revelation RC3 with 3-position compression, rebound adjustment and a 20mm Maxle Lite through axle.
- Rear shock - Custom FoxFloat CTD Evolution with the Autosag feature that sets your sag for you with a push of a button. It also comes with Climb, Trail and Descend settings as well as rebound adjustment.
Here is the breakdown for the suspension components for the Stumpjumper Evo 29 inch version:
- Fork - RockShox Revelation 29 RC3 with 3-position compression, rebound adjustment and a 20mm Maxle Lite through axle. On the rear you get the same shock as on the 26 inch version.
- Rear shock - Custom FoxFloat CTD Evolution with the Autosag feature that sets your sag for you with a push of a button. It also comes with Climb, Trail and Descend settings as well as rebound adjustment.
Now for the riding part of the review. We tested the 26 inch version of the Stumpjumper Comp Evo and it’s a great handling all around bike. It corners great and with the wider bars it makes you feel like you are in total control. The Butcher and Purgatory Control tires handle great and give you great traction.
The suspension does very well but there are times where you can still feel like you are getting rocked around on the rougher rockier stuff. It doesn’t quite have the same plush feel as a coil suspension bike would have though. The bike is pretty light too which helps you whip it around corners and climb up some pretty steep trails without having to walk it. The Climb setting on the rear shock does a good job of keeping you from bobbing up and down while trying to ride uphill.
When coming downhill you do feel like you have control and with the large brake rotors and organic pads, stopping is not a problem. You will get some of that famous Avid brake squeal you hear so much about but nearly as much as you would if you had metallic pads. And if you plan on riding downhill a lot and using the brakes more than an average person would, prepare on replacing the pads often. If you are strictly a downhiller or plan on doing huge drops then the suspension most likely will not be enough to take on that kind of abuse.
Overall the Stumpjumper is a bike you can ride all day long without feeling like you are working at riding it. The seat on the other hand make take its toll on you after a long ride since it doesn’t offer much padding but other than that it’s a comfortable ride. The Command Post is great and lets you adjust seat height without having to get off the bike. It has 3 settings that can be adjusted by how far up or down you have the seat post in the frame.
At $3300 the Evo is not the cheapest bike in the world but is far from the most expensive bike you can buy. Since it does everything well it’s the bike to get for the do a little of everything rider.
