Review

Enduro Race Bike Group Test: Specialized SJ FSR Expert Evo 29

09.01.2014
by



The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Evo Expert Carbon 29 has been on the circuit for a while now and is not new for 2014; however, after the bike had been raced successfully all over the world by American Red Bull athlete Curtis Keene, we knew we would have to test this bike too.

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PRICE: 5.299 EUR | WEIGHT: 12,05 KG | WHEEL SIZE: 29″ | TRAVEL: 140/35 MM

Said and done. The 29er immediately convinces with total feel-good geometry, with even the most ardent 29er-skeptics in agreement. The seating position is high but still integrated within the bike, well-balanced, and rather compact. It is by far the lightest bike in the test (12.05 kg), managing to rule all its competitors on uphills thanks to superb grip and efficiency.

Just as good on downhills, the large wheels willingly take on any hurdle, flatten bumps, and are plush on the ground. Because of the large wheels, the Specialized offers very secure and smooth riding characteristics, but maintains a nice balance, keeping its friskiness. The short stem (60 mm) in combination with the 760 mm handlebar all contribute to the controlled and engaging ride. The very (!) long chainstays with a length of 455 mm are surprisingly inconspicuous – no problems there!

The 135 mm of rear suspension travel reaches its limits on jumps and in very rough terrain, and could do with a little more end-stroke progression! The only thing we did not really approve of was the in-house Command Post Vario seat post. While Rockshox’s Reverb and the KS LEV are infinitely variable, the Command Post offers only three positions (down, middle, up), which have to lock mechanically; sometimes it takes little while to find the middle position and to lock it – a time devourer!

Liebe zum Detail: Integriertes Minitool im Flaschenhalter, Auto-SAG-Setuphilfe am Dämpfer, wartungs freundliche Zugverlegung - das Stumpjumper kann mit vielen durchdachten Detaillösungen punkten.
Love for detail: integrated mini-tool inside the bottle cage, Auto-Sag setup support on the shock, maintenance-friendly and clean cable routing on the downtube – the Stumpjumper scores with many brilliant features.
Bergziege: Mit geringem Gewicht, treteffizienter Sitzposition und gut rollenden und traktionsstarken 29-Zoll Laufrädern macht das Specialized bergauf eine gute Figur. Auch bergab profitiert das Stumpi von seinen großen Laufrädern in Bezug auf Überrollverhalten und Traktion.
Mountain goat: with its lightweight, pedaling-efficient seating position and fast-rolling and traction seeking 29-inch wheels, the Specialized cuts a fine figure on the uphills. On the downhills, the Stumpy benefits from its large wheels in terms of rollover properties and traction.
Die Specialized Butcher Reifen in 2.3 haben mit ihrem sehr regelmäßigen Profil einen harten, relativ plötzlichen Grenzbereich.
With a regular tread, the Specialized Butcher tires in 2.3” have a very abrupt and sudden grip threshold.
Erste Hilfe für den Antrieb: Im Steuerrohr ist Platz für Kettenschloss und -nieter. Clever!
First aid for the propulsion: the steerer tube offers room for a chain lock and tool. Smart!

Fact is: The Stumpjumper is an excellent all-rounder, and is a damn favorite for racing down trails – extremely light, fleet-footed, fast, and potent. Thoughtful features like the integrated mini-tool and chain tool (S.W.A.T.) mark Specialized’s love for detail and allow us to go on rides without a backpack every now and then.

Go back to the article: “Tested: Six Fast Enduro Racing Bikes”

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