The Bottom Line
We tested the Specialized Stumpjumper in all sorts of riding conditions and terrain and found little to complain about. It's not a cheap bike but you do get what you pay for.
Pros
- Good comfortable geometry
- FSR (Horst Link) rear suspension
- Lightweight with good amount of travel
- Good reliable fork
- Nice component spec
Cons
- Limited seat post height adjustment
- Derailleur Knock
Description
- Trailbike Travel: 120mm rear, 130mm front
- Custom valved three position Fox Triad rear shock with optional ProPedal setting
- Fox Talus RL Fork with adjustable travel, rebound, and lockout
- High performance FSR (Horst Link) rear suspension
- Avid Juicy Seven disc brakes
- Shimano LX/XTR drivetrain
- Mavic 317 rims, mixed Specialized Stout/Shimano hubs
- Secialized Resolution Dual Compound tires
Guide Review - Specialized Stumpjumper Review
We tested the Specialized Stumpjumper on some awesome rides in Fruita, Co as well as some local XC trails here in Utah. The conditions ran from mud to hardpack to sand, and even some snow.Our test bike was a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert. Basically it rocked! We tested the Specialized Stumpjumper along with several other test bikes at the same, nobody ever complained about having to ride the Stumpy.
The Specialized Stumpjumper has been around for many years in many incarnations. No doubt, several of them have been our favorites list over the years. This version, for the '06 model year, is in our opinion, the best yet.
Riding the Specialized Stumpjumper is a pleasure. With great natural feeling geometry and a healthy amount of squish (120mm rear, 130mm front) the bike is just plain fun. The Specialized Stumpjumper fees great in corners and can launch airs with little effort. The bike inspires confidence in rough sections and is tough enough for some hard hits.
We have been using the Fox Talus RL fork for years now. Great performance and great durability.
For those concerned with efficiency, the three position Fox Triad rear shock worked well in the ProPedal position creating an effective platform. Downhills were quite nice in the open position.
Component spec on the Specialized Stumpjumper Expert is both lightweight and durable. Although we like to see SRAM rear derailleurs on FSR designs to reduce knock, It's hard to complain about XTR.