Teaser Issue #016 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon
Efficient, versatile and fun; they’re the culmination of these terms. Even once you think they’re at their limit in terms of capabilities; they’ve got more in reserve. So why are they still overshadowed by enduro bikes? We’re talking trail bikes, the true workhorses of the mountain bike world. Whether it’s for a quick blast after work or back-to-back hard days crossing the Alps, the spectrum for these bikes is huge and that’s exactly why they’re often the go-to bike for people looking for the perfect all-rounder. We took eight of the most exciting trail bikes for 2015 to France and put them through their paces under the beating hot sun. You can find the results in issue #016 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine, but first here’s a sneak preview of our trip, the tests and the first impressions of the Specialized Stumjumper FSR Comp Carbon.
When it comes to mass-produced mountain bikes then the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR is a genuine classic. And while today’s model has little in common with its forefathers, it’s certainly a bike that needs to be included in any valid group test. We put their most affordable carbon-framed model through the wringer in this group test, wanting to see how it could hold its own against the competition. Coming with a very purposeful spec, the stunning carbon frame has a 2×10 drivetrain that’s a mix of Shimano XT and SLX parts and a SRAM X.7 derailleur. For suspension you’ve got the RockShox Revelation RC forks at the front and a FOX Float CTD Evolution auto-sag shock at the rear. The cockpit, wheelset and seat post are all stock Specialized components, which renders this carbon frame a more affordable purchase.
With a reach of 455mm for the medium sized frame and a chainstay of 450mm, the Stumpjumper FSR definitely measures up as one of the longer bikes in the group test. Given the prominent head angle of 69°, the wheelbase remains pretty standard, while the steep 74.5° seat angle should make climbing that bit more pleasurable.
So just how is this carbon fibre bike from Morgan Hill going to fare against the tough competition in this group test? Find out in issue #016 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine..
Facts:
Price: 3.598 € | Weight: 13,55 kg | Wheel size: 29” | Frame size: M
Travel f/r: 130/130 mm | Top tube effective: 622 mm | Wheelbase: 1.175 mm
Head angle: 69° | Seat angle: 74,5° | Reach: 445 mm | Stack: 638 mm
The Test
These are exactly the sorts of bikes we’ve tested in this group test. And just like the previous group test, we chose not to order specific bikes from the manufacturers. Instead, we gave them the test criteria and left the decision up to them.
“In this group test we want get to grips with the real workhorses of the riding world. The bike should be as versatile as possible, guaranteeing a fun ride on virtually any type of trail, whether it’s the post-work blast or a multi-day Alpine ride,”, was the message given in the briefing.
For the travel, we settled on between 120 and 150 mm, and we opted for a price range of €3,500–4,500. To improve their bike’s performance, companies had the freedom to alter the spec – this was restricted to small(ish) details that any dealer could adjust for the customer before they buy the bike. This included, but wasn’t limited to: the cockpit, the wheels and the option of a dropper seatpost.
The Bikes:
Cannondale Trigger Carbon 2 | Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX | CUBE Stereo 140 Super HPC Race | GIANT Trance Advanced 1 | Scott Genius 710 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon | Rose Root Miller 3 | Rotwild R.Q1 FS
As we mentioned earlier, we’d chosen bikes that were all-rounders, ones that would be regularly confronted with diverse terrain on which it would have to continuously prove its worth. These eight candidates accompanied us to Provence, France. It wasn’t just long rides on the agenda either – we’d also scouted out a secret spot with some pretty demanding jumps. This is where their limits would be pushed. But, it should be mentioned that not every bike is primed for such tasks – if in doubt, check the manufacturer’s authorisation.
Over the coming weeks we’ll introduce you in more detail to the individual bikes on our website. However, the results will only be revealed in issue #016 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine, which is available digitally at no cost for tablets, iPhones and on our online viewer.
Text: Christoph Bayer, Martin Stöckl Bilder: Christoph Bayer
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