Back Issue | Group Test: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
The Stumpjumper can look back to a very long history at Specialized.
After all, their very first bike bore this name. Compared to what we have now, the 1981 edition wouldn’t have much in common other than the name.
A solid 130mm of travel, 29″ wheels, and Specialized’s own Brain damping system at the rear end — all ingredients that should promise a great deal of off-road fun.
How does it pan out?
This review is part of a Group Test. View the main article here. Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29 | Scott Genius 910 | Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL | Trek Fuel EX 9 29 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite 29 | Giant Trance Advanced | Mondraker Factor XR
For € 3,699 the Stumpjumper offers some interesting, typically Specialized
features. The main highlights of note are the house-brand dropper Command Post (which unfortunately doesn’t have an internal cable actuation) and the rear suspension’s Brain system. First used in 2003 and refined constantly since then, the special inertia valve system can differentiate between forces generated by the rider and those from ground impacts. It can adapt the suspension to the riding situation instantly and independently.
The rest of the parts are nothing to sneeze at: solid Shimano SLX brakes, nice Roval wheels, and a Fox 34 Float fork all leave a decent impression. But the wild mix of drivetrain components didn’t really make sense to us: the drivetrain is made up of Shimano SLX shifters, a SRAM carbon crankset, a high end Shimano XTR rear mech, and a value-oriented SRAM X7 front derailleur. At least the functionality didn’t suffer from the parts potpourri.
Due to the seatpost layback, we decided to push the saddle as far forward as possible to avoid a rearward-biased pedalling position. Combined with the short 60mm stem, the Stumpjumper has a comfortable yet slightly stretched position, perfect for long rides.
The intensity of the Brain system can be adjusted with four different clicks. After just one click the suspension was already noticeably subdued, so we left the adjustment at that as it offered the best compromise of trail traction and forward propulsion.
Speaking of traction, the suspension really let the Stumpjumper stick to the ground.
It absorbs the smallest of impacts, offers plenty of travel early enough, and has a smooth end-progression. During normal riding the suspension never bottoms out, but this did sometimes happen when we really gave the bike a hard workout and explored the limits of the 130mm travel.
The comfortable Fox 34 fork with the Evolution damping cartridge fits the bike perfectly, offering a plush ride and plenty of stiffness. For really precision handling the testers would have preferred a bit more compression damping.
In spite of the long 450mm chainstays, the Stumpjumper couldn’t be described as lethargic; in fact, we found the ride to be balanced and well-rounded. The mix of stability and agility was convincing, as were the Specialized house-brand tyres, which had plenty of grip and gave the rider full control, even on demanding trails.
All under control – The Specialized chainguide, fitted directed below the chainstay, keeps the chain where it belongs — on the chainrings.
Overdone – We couldn’t figure out the point of a Shimano XTR rear mech combined with the budget Shimano SLX triggers. OK, the rear mech is a showpiece on the shop floor, but on the trail the performance gain is only marginal.
Sound – We couldn’t find any reason to fault the ergonomics or performance of the Shimano SLX brakes, but would still recommend you get the dealer to swap the 160mm discs for 180mm versions.
Comfort-wonder – That Specialized accepted the weight gain of the Fox 34 over the Fox 32 really paid off. The fork has great comfort, plenty of reserves in all situations, and is a decisive part of the overall bike performance.
Thinks too – The Fox shock with Brain technology really does think….the expansion chamber fitted above the rear axle can recognise whether forces come from the rider or from the ground and automatically adjusts the damping to suit.
Conclusion
Get on and feel at home: the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite 29 is a bike for every eventuality. Sweet handling, a mostly coherent spec, and an attractive price secure the bike our converted ‘best-buy’ nod.
Price: € 3,699 €
Weight: 13.5 kg
Specifications
- Fork: Fox 34 Float CTD Evolution
- Rear Shock: Fox / Specialized Brain
- Drivetrain: Shimano XTR/SLX , SRAM X7
- Brakes: Shimano SLX
- Handlebars: Specialized XC Mini-Riser, 720 mm
- Stem: Specialized Trail, 60 mm
- Tires: Specialized Purgatory Control / Ground Control
- Wheels: Roval 29
- Seatpost: Specialized Command Post, 125 mm
Geometry
Size: S / M (tested) / L / XL / XXL | Top Tube Horizontal:596mm | Seat Tube Angle: 74.5°| Chainstay Length:450mm | Head Tube Angle: 69°| Wheelbase: 1148mm Reach: 424mm | Stack:624mm | Wheelsize: 29″
This review is part of a Group Test. View the main article here. Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29 | Scott Genius 910 | Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL | Trek Fuel EX 9 29 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite 29 | Giant Trance Advanced | Mondraker Factor XR
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