Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon 29 Review

Fast and flowing, steep and stony, dust-covered or ravaged with roots, constant switchbacks, tearing along a ridge, or in the deepest, darkest jungle of trees – waterlogged or bone dry – the trails of this world are almost as limitless as the universe, and that’s exactly why we mountain bikers love them. This group test set out to determine the perfect bike for all of these challenges that any ride might encounter – and the results are in! Check out ENDURO issue #016 for the full grouptest and all results!

The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR could be compared to the VW Golf of the bike world: a true classic that literally everybody recognises. In this group test, the inexpensive carbon frame stepped up to prove itself alongside its competitors.

The guys at Specialized are still just as enamoured as ever with 29“ wheels, and this is glaringly obvious once you’re on the trail with the Stumpjumper. No need for pleasantries with this one – hop on and you’ll be more than at home. Unfortunately, as the most inexpensive bike in our test troop, its inability to match the accelerative skills of the others was unmistakable, primarily due to the low-cost, heavy wheels. When it comes to 29ers, your best bet is to upgrade to lighter and better quality wheels – the difference will be vast. In the case of this Stumpjumper, you should have enough budget in reserve too.

But back to the trails, where the Stumpjumper delivers impressively balanced handling on descents. Once in motion, the excess weight is barely noticeable and the bike changes direction swiftly, mastering a variety of terrain. As a rider, you’re nicely incorporated between the two burly wheels, a sort of king of the trails if you like.

The potent suspension comes into force here, which thanks to the Autosag feature on the damper is very easy to tune.
Our testers would have preferred more compression damping on steep ground, as the front suspension tended to excessively dive – an additional token (volume spacer) could be of use here. Specialized opted to make two adjustments before testing, and this included adding the Specialized Command post and the optional SWAT kit, which comprises a multitool on the bottle holder and a chain tool inside the head tube. Both of these features are unquestionably valuable and mean you can leave your backpack at home on short rides. On this bike you’re bound to enjoy long rides, as the pedal positioning is particularly comfortable.

Conclusion:

The inexpensive Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29 convinced our test riders with its great handling and long-ride capabilities. Unfortunately, given certain weaknesses in its spec, these positive characteristics don’t always come to the surface – lighter wheels are certainly a worthwhile investment.

Strengths:

• High-quality carbon frame
• Balanced handling
• Clever details
• Autosag valve

Weaknesses:

• Heavy wheels
• Cheap spec

Spec:

• Fork: Rock Shox Revelation RCT
• Shock: Fox Float Evolution Autosag
• Drivetrain: Shimano Xt / SLX / SRAM X7
• Brakes: Shimano Deore
• Seatpost: Specialized Alloy Command Post
• Stem: Specialized XC 55
• Bars: Specialized XC 720
• Tires: Specialized Slaughter / Butcher
• Wheelset: Specialized Roval 29
• Weight: 13,55 kg
• Price: 3.598 €

All bikes from the test: Cannondale Trigger Carbon 2 | CUBE Stereo 140 Super HPC RACE 27.5 | Giant Trance Advanced 1 | ROSE ROOT MILLER 3 | ROTWILD R.Q1 FS 27.5 | SCOTT Genius 710 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon 29

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