Specialized Stumpjumper Review

The new Stumpjumper takes on a new look compared to previous models. The sidearm design directly connects the front and rear shock mounts. Specialized developed this single-sided design to improve stiffness, especially when the shock is in full compression. Longer than last years bikes, the reach has been increased by 13 – 27mm depending on frame size. This is combined with a slacker head angle – 65.5 degrees on the 27.5” wheel bike, 66.5 on the 29er – to give the Stumpy a thoroughly modern trail bike feel.

All the carbon bikes get a full carbon frame for 2019. This is made from the very highest-quality FACT 11m carbon fibre. This was previously reserved for the S-Works bikes. The SWAT door allows you to store your ride essentials in the downtube, and now features a simple design with a larger opening. The alloy bikes don’t get this extra storage capacity, but the ride characteristics are very much the same. The women’s bikes get female specific frame geometry, shock tunes and touch points.

The suspension travel numbers are much the same as last years bikes – 150mm front and rear on the 27.5” wheeled bikes, 150mm front and 140mm rear on the 29er. The ride feel is very different though thanks to the improves kinematics. There is more mid-stroke support from the rear shock. This means you can pump through the trail and climb more efficiently without loosing any small bump sensitivity. The single-sided design leaves plenty of room for the modern breed of shocks with extra-large negative spring chambers. Off-the-shelf shock mounts make upgrading nice and easy.

Both the Comp Alloy and Comp Carbon get the capable performance of a Fox Float Rhythm 34 fork with a Fox DPX Performance shock. The Expert gets high-end RockShox with a Pike RC Debonair fork and a Deluxe RT3 rear shock. At the top of the range the S-Works Stumpjumper features Fox Factory suspension. With the bigger hitting ability of a 36 fork up front and a DPX2 the S-Works is even more capable on challenging terrain.

The new Stumpjumper is perfectly set up for attacking those rowdy trails. Wide handle bars, short stems and longer stroke dropper posts are just what you need on challenging terrain. An interesting new feature is the chainstay protector with its row of raised nubs. These act to dampen chain-slap and are surprisingly effective. On test rides, Tredz staff have commented that this the quietest bike they’ve every ridden! Making life more convenient on the trail all the carbon bikes get an integrated multi-tool.

You get a one-by drivetrain on every Stumpjumper. The both the Comp models get a Shimano XT/SLX 1x11 speed drivetrain with a wide range cassette. The other bikes all get the massive 500% gear range of SRAM Eagle 1x12 speed. GX Eagle is fitted to the Expert while the S-Works get top-of-the-range XX1 Eagle. All bikes get hydraulic disc brakes with large 200mm rotors up front for more powerful stopping. Another nice touch on the carbon bikes are the full tubes that allow hassle free cable replacement.

You get the choice of either 27.5” or 29” wheels on every model specification level. Wide 2.6” tyres are fitted on both wheel sizes. This is another much praised feature of the new Stumpy. You get a huge tyre footprint, especially on the 29er. With the deep tread of the Specialized Butcher front tyre, you get masses of grip with predictable handling on all sorts of terrain.

The Roval Traverse wheels on each bike are quality offerings with wide rims. These offer great support for the tyres, so they don’t roll even when running low pressures. The Carbon rims on the Expert and S-Works bikes combine lightweight with a slightly wider rim for even better tyre support. All the wheels are ready taped and supplied with valves, so you can set the bike up tubeless straight out of the box.