When it comes to heritage, prestige and experience, the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert rules supreme. From the very beginning it defined every generation of innovation, changing from hardtail to full suspension, and stood as the yardstick by which all were measured. But after 35 years is the Stumpjumper FSR Expert still ‘the bike’?
Last year Specialized surprised us all with their new SWAT system with integrated storage. It was so beautifully simple we were all left asking why it had taken so long. Fitting harmoniously into the frame, it looks like it has always been there, and that defines the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert – harmonious. Everything works very well: the 150 mm Pike RC Solo Air fork gives the Stumpjumper FSR Expert a powerful front end, and is well matched to the custom FOX Float CTD Autosag rear shock. The Specialized Roval Traverse alloy rims with a 29 mm internal width are a revelation. Accurate and compliant, they provide an exceptionally smooth and controlled ride and extract every last morsel of grip from the Specialized Purgatory and Butcher Control tires. The SRAM X1 drivetrain and Shimano XT brakes (older and better model fitted) do not make us giddy with excitement, but do work really well. We did not like the 70 mm stem and high rise bars, which made the cockpit feel dated.
On the trails the new Stumpjumper FSR Expert rides like a Stumpjumper always has – very well indeed! Intermediate level riders will love this bike: the autosag creates an almost perfect suspension setup within seconds that will suit all but the most aggressive riders. The resultant tune is sublimely balanced, gliding down the trail with poise and control it eats up small bumps without fuss. It’s a very easy bike to ride fast, the short 420 mm chainstays ensure cornering is nimble, and the FSR suspension has that distinct light and bottomless feel that gives a magic carpet ride over small to medium hits. However, when the hits get bigger the FSR rear end gives up its travel a little too easily in the mid stroke.
Specifications of the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 650B
Fork: RockShox Pike RC 150 mm
Rear Shock: FOX Float Factory AutoSag
Brakes: Shimano XT
Drivetrain: SRAM X1/X01
Seatpost: Command Post IRCC
Stem: Specialized XC
Handlebar: Specialized 7050 Alu
Wheelset: Roval Traverse
Tires: Specialized Buther/Purgatory
Weight: 12.85 kg
Price: € 5,999
Aggressive riders will find the top tube a little cramped, but the compact and central riding position allows you to weight the wheels without any big body shifts, driving the bike through turns with minimal effort. It’s only when the hits get bigger or on really steep terrain that the compact frame and long 70 mm stem make their presence felt, wagging a discouraging finger and telling you that it’s time to slow down, but just a bit.
Conclusion
The Stumpjumper is still the bike that defines the trail bike category. If it were a car it would be a BMW M5: comfortable, fast and exceptionally easy to exploit to its fullest. If you like your riding effortlessly fun and balanced then you will love the Stumpjumper. For aggressive riders, the outdated cockpit and soft tune make it a little tame.
+ Very balanced suspension
+ Easy to ride fast
– Old fashioned cockpit
– Less midstroke support
For further information head to the Specialized website.
[/emaillocker]For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Battle of the super powers: 9 of the best trail bikes in comparison
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX | Cube Stereo 140 C:62 SL | Giant Trance Advanced 1 | Radon Slide Carbon 140 10.0 | Ibis Mojo 3 XT 1x | SCOTT Genius 710 Plus | Whyte T130 C | Yeti SB 4.5c X01
We’ve had the Stumpjumper in our long-term test fleet. Check out our Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 650B long-term review. Don’t miss our comparison between the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 650b and the 6Fattie
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