“New Year, New Me” seems to be the motto of the new Specialized Stumpjumper 15. With the new, streamlined frame silhouette without the signature asymmetric cross-brace and a single model featuring 150/145 mm of travel, Specialized are taking a clear and very focused approach. But how does this new direction perform on the trail? We put it to the test.
13.6 kg in size S4 | € 13,000 | Manufacturer’s website
The Specialized Stumpjumper is an evergreen in the portfolio of the Californian manufacturer, and was one of the first bikes the company ever released. With the latest iteration of the Stumpy, Specialized not only cleaned up the bike’s design but also trimmed the entire model range. In other words, the old short-travel Stumpjumper (140/130 mm) and the more aggressive Stumpjumper EVO (160/150 mm) have been merged into a single model with 150/140 mm of travel, aiming to combine the best of both worlds.
Weighing in at just 13.6 kg, it’s one of the lightest bikes in this test, only slightly heavier than the Trek Top Fuel, which tips the scales at 13.5 kg. The carbon frame comes standard with 29″ wheels but can be converted to a mullet bike. As expected from Specialized, our tested S-Works version comes with an eye-watering price tag, retailing at €13,000 – which makes it by far the most expensive bike in this test. But does the hefty price tag translate to real-world performance? We put it to the test to find out and to see whether the new Stumpjumper lives up to its legendary reputation.
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 in detail
The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 features a sleek carbon frame with a low-slung top tube and clean, elegant lines that immediately catch the eye. The black paint finish with gold speckles adds a touch of class, giving the bike a premium look that feels both modern and timeless. The most noticeable difference from its predecessor is the absence of an asymmetric cross brace between the seat tube and top tube on the drivetrain side, which ensures an even more minimalist design.
The frame details are well thought out. The cables are routed internally and disappear into the frame just behind the headset. They aren’t clamped at the ports, but secured tight enough to prevent any rattling noises. There are only two cable ports for the brake and dropper post, as the bike is designed exclusively for electronic drivetrains – ensuring an ultra-clean look. However, the aluminum version of the Stumpjumper is compatible with cable-operated drivetrains.
A standout feature remains the SWAT Box, which is already well-known from previous models, and continues to impress. It can be opened easily even with a bottle in the cage, and comes standard with a pouch and a hydration bladder. Additionally, a SWAT tool is hidden inside the headset, so it’s always within reach.
A generously sized chainstay protector prevents chain slap, ensuring an exceptionally quiet ride on descents. A downtube protector in the bottom bracket area shields the high-end frame against stray rocks and nasty impacts.
The spec of the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15
The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 comes with a top-tier spec, just as you’d expect from an S-Works model. The suspension consists of a 150 mm FOX 36 Factory fork with the new GRIP X2 damper, which offers even better trail performance than its GRIP2 predecessor. At the same time, it still provides countless adjustment options for high- and low-speed compression and rebound, allowing for a precise setup.
At the rear, a FOX FLOAT GENIE Factory shock, which was developed specifically for the Stumpjumper, controls 140 mm of travel at the rear. The unique air chamber system is designed to combine a supple initial response with high progression. However, the three-position compression adjustment offers fewer fine-tuning options than comparable shocks.
The wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post operates reliably as usual butonly offers 170 mm of travel, falling short of the 197 mm average in this test, and slightly limiting freedom of movement on the bike. It’s controlled via the new SRAM Pods, which feature two buttons – though only one is needed for the dropper, leaving the second unused.
Braking is handled by the powerful SRAM MAVEN Ultimate brakes with 200 mm rotors front and rear. They deliver huge braking torque, which takes some getting used to on flatter trails, as the brakefeel is extremely sharp and requires careful modulation.
The 12-speed SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and delivers precise shifting even under load. Compared to the X0 version, it’s slightly lighter, which helps keep down the overall system weight.
The cockpit consists of a 35mm Deity stem and Roval Traverse SL carbon handlebars. The Roval Traverse SL II carbon wheelset is paired with Specialized’s in-house tires, with a Butcher in the soft T9 rubber compound up front and an Eliminator in the harder T7 compound at the rear. This combination ensures good traction and control, particularly with the softer compound at the front. The GRID Trail casing is comparable to MAXXIS EXO+, which makes it a well-suited option for trail bikes like the Stumpjumper.
Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15
€ 13,000
Specifications
Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP X2 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT GENIE Factory 145 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 170 mm
Brakes SRAM MAVEN Ultimate 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX Eagle Transmission 1x12
Stem DEITY 35 mm
Handlebar Roval Traverse SL Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset Roval Traverse SL II 29"
Tires Specialized Butcher, T9, GRID Trail/ Specialized Eliminator, T7, GRID Trail 2.3"/2.3"
Technical Data
Size S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6
Weight 13.6 kg
Specific Features
Storage compartment
Tool
Flip Chip
Tuning Tip:
– Long-travel dropper post
The geometry of the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15
The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 is available in six sizes, S1 to S6. Our test bike in size S4 features 475 mm reach, which is relatively short compared to other bikes in this test. However, in combination with the short seat tube across all sizes, this makes it possible to size up for increased composure and freedom of movement – provided the dropper post is long enough.
The Specialized Stumpjumper redefines trail bike performance – playful, fun, and yet perfectly controlled.
A key part of the Stumpjumper’s design are the extensive adjustability options. You can change the head angle between 63°, 64.5°, and 65° using the headset cups, while a flip chip in the chainstays allows you to raise the bottom bracket by 7 mm, which automatically reduces the BB-drop from 38 mm to 31 mm. If you prefer to run a mixed wheel size setup, you can purchase the optional shock yoke to convert the Stumpjumper to a mullet bike. Only sizes S1 and S2 come standard with a mullet wheel setup, while all other sizes roll out of the factory on 29” wheels.
We primarily tested the bike in the middle head angle setting and low bottom bracket position. The chainstay length grows with the frame size to ensure consistent handling and ensure a well-rounded ride feel across all sizes.
| Size | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 385 mm | 385 mm | 405 mm | 425 mm | 445 mm | 465 mm |
| Top Tube | 541 mm | 573 mm | 595 mm | 624 mm | 647 mm | 677 mm |
| Head Tube | 95 mm | 100 mm | 110 mm | 125 mm | 140 mm | 155 mm |
| Head Angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° |
| Seat Angle | 78° | 77° | 77° | 76.5° | 76.5° | 76.5° |
| Chainstay | 430 mm | 432 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| BB Drop | 41 mm | 38 mm | 38 mm | 38 mm | 38 mm | 38 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1149 mm | 1181 mm | 1213 mm | 1244 mm | 1285 mm | 1322 mm |
| Reach | 400 mm | 425 mm | 450 mm | 475 mm | 500 mm | 530 mm |
| Stack | 608 mm | 618 mm | 627 mm | 640 mm | 654 mm | 667 mm |
The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 on the trail
Riding uphill, the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 places you in a compact, centered pedalling position. The suspension bobs slightly but remains comfortable, even on longer rides. With uneven pedaling cadences, the climb switch comes in handy, firming up the rear end and thus ensuring a more efficient climbing performance.
On descents, the Stumpjumper impresses above all with outstanding balance, integrating you nicely between the wheels without the suspension sinking too deep into the travel, thus ensuring a confident-inspiring, natural riding position. Handling is incredibly intuitive, making you feel at ease from the get go and allowing you to shred hard from the very first ride, without having to go through a lengthy familiarisation process.
Agility is the Stumpjumper’s biggest strength. No other bike in this test field is as gloriously flickable, and that’s despite the big 29” wheels. It makes it easy to lean the bike from corner into the next, turning every trail into a massive playground. If you’re looking for even more responsiveness, you can unlock additional playfulness by switching to a mullet setup.
Despite the compact riding position and lively ride character, the Stumpjumper remains remarkably stable at speed, matching the outstanding composure of bikes like the YT Jeffsy and Santa Cruz Bronson. This makes it extremely versatile, excelling on both flowy trails and technical descents.
With its highly capable suspension, the Stumpjumper is equally at home on flow trails and technical singletracks.
The suspension is top-notch, on par with the Atherton S.150 and Ibis Ripmo, though with a distinct ride feel. It’s tuned rather firmly, providing excellent support and encouraging an active riding style focused on pumping and generating speed. Fast flow trails and berms feel just as natural on this bike as rough natural trails. Despite its firm setup, the suspension generates excellent traction and effectively absorbs impacts. It clearly punches above its weight class but, due to its slightly shorter travel, reaches its limits on bigger hits sooner than the Atherton or Ibis.
With its playful character, the Stumpjumper proves to be a thoroughbred trail bike that constantly encourages a dynamic riding style, begging you to pop off natural kickers and to blast down flow trails at full pelt. It’s the ultimate fun machine, and delivers shed-loads of stoke with its agile character.
Who should take a closer look at the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15?
The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 is a perfect match for anyone looking for a trail bike that truly feels like a trail bike – playful, easy to ride, and tons of fun, without overlapping too much with the enduro category.
However, we strongly recommend to pick the Pro model over the S-Works version, which we had originally ordered for this test. Since it wasn’t available in time for our comparison test, we made the effort to test it separately – and in terms of trail performance, there’s no downside compared to the S-Works model.
The Pro variant comes with an almost identical spec, the same suspension, and a longer 185 mm dropper post, which ensures slightly better freedom of movement. Best of all, it costs €3,500 less – still far from a bargain, but a much more reasonable option for the same level of performance.
Conclusions about the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15
The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 is an elegant yet outrageously fun trail bike that strikes an optimal balance between agility, control, and riding fun. It’s exceptionally responsive and at the same time reassuringly composed, asserting itself as the ultimate fun machine in this test. With its firm, highly capable suspension and precise yet forgiving handling, it encourages you to play with the trail, begging you to pump, jump, and carve through corners with a loud shralping noise echoing through the forest. A true trail bike in every sense, and without a doubt, the best trail bike of 2025!
Tops
- 100% true trailbike felling
- Pure joy to ride
- Exceptionally capable, firm suspension
- Maximum agility
Flops
- Dropper post too short
- S-Works model not the most sensible spec choice
For more info head to specialized.com.
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
