Why is the Specialized Stumpjumper, the forerunner of all trail bikes or all mountain bikes, whatever you prefer, is still so popular?
This is the question we asked ourselves when the bike came to the test, in particular one Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 2020.
Although trail bikes and enduro MTBs have to deal with the unstoppable advance of their “electric cousins”, a bike like the Stumpjumper is still an object that attracts many glances.
Because?
Because the Expert Carbon 29, with a set-up that winks at the enduro world, does well (if not very well) on very, let’s say, complicated terrain, without ever giving up its proverbial versatility.
Let’s try to analyze together the characteristics and peculiarities of a trail bike icon.
Press play and then continue reading …
1 – FRAME TECHNICAL DETAILS
– Geometry: 9.0
The geometries are not the most modern, with angles and lengths not for super aggressive bikes.
If you are thinking that this is an “old” bike, stop now, because although it is a slightly more compact bike, the Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 still manages to be extremely easy to ride.
With geometries of this type (column and steering angles of 74.5 ° and 66.5 ° respectively), the fun starts already at low speeds, without the need to push it to the limit.
In size M, that is the one used in the test, we find a reach of 425 mm.
The wagon is not very short, 437 mm, but it is a detail that, however, is appreciated later in use.
Below you will find the graph with the complete geometries, with sizes ranging from S to XL.
– Position in the saddle: 9.0
The riding position is really well distributed, comfortable even after many hours of use.
We typically say Specialized.
Uphill I have always had excellent control of the front, even in the steepest sections.
With the flipchip in the Low position (photo below), you have the feeling of being slightly too far back (compared to other bikes in the category).
Moving on to the descent, the more collected geometries require a more active driving which, incidentally, is not to be considered as a limit, but rather as a peculiarity of the Stumpjumper.
– Constructive care: 9.5
The quality that the Specialized brand offers is truly high.
Attention to detail and clean lines give the bike an aesthetic that improves from generation to generation.
At its presentation, the “wavy” chain guard was introduced (photo below), which also inspired other bike brands.
This seemingly insignificant detail makes the bike really much quieter.
Iridescent and always fashionable paints increase the score in the judging phase.
I would have preferred a wagon bolts with the above mentioned tightening force in Nm.
Small detail much appreciated by mechanics and users who love do-it-yourself.
– Shock absorber tuning: 8.5
The tank is “held at bay” by a Fox Float DPX2 Performance.
The 140mm of rear travel actually feels like more.
In low-speed driving, the linearity of the suspension helps to have a very sensitive suspension.
The situation changes if we enter the bike park where the more sustained gaits force us to compensate for this linearity by inflating the shock absorber more.
On those occasions I would have preferred more progressivity.
– Shock absorber positioning: 9.5
The shock of the Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 is positioned horizontally and asymmetrically within the front triangle.
It was Stumpjumper that introduced the SideArm design of the front triangle, which was also used on other Specialized models.
I had no problems with knee and suspension interference, which some users have complained about using the Stumpjumper.
In reality, a lot depends on the position in the saddle (and on the style of the biker in the saddle) and on which shock absorber is mounted.
The horizontal position leaves ample space for a bottle, even a large one.
Furthermore, the “handle” on the right side, next to the suspension, proved to be very useful in the portage phases.
– Frame and / or bike weight: 9.0
The bike, in size M, without pedals and with tires that I have transformed into tubeless, comes to weigh 13,46 kg.
Considering the set-up not really devoted to lightness and the capabilities of the frame and components, it seems to us a more than good result.
– Frame and / or bike price: 8.5
The Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 is sold at a price of 5899 €.
We are certainly not talking about the lowest price ever, but quality and an “intelligent” set-up and emblem of the brand (and model) justify the price.
We also consider the presence of Roval wheels with carbon fiber rim.
– Frame warranty: 9.5
From 1 July 2018 Specialized frames are guaranteed for life for structural or workmanship defects.
Roval wheels, fitted as standard, are also guaranteed for life.
Paint and graphics are covered by a two-year warranty.
For more details visit the Specialized website
Final grade (from 1 to 10): 9.0
2 – BEHAVIOR ON HILLS: 9.0
The Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 we tested has a set-up that undeniably winks at the descent.
Despite this, on all the climbs we have faced during these months of testing, the Stumpjumper has defended itself very well.
As you will have understood a lot depends on the assembly.
The tires, of generous section at the front, and both well clawed (Specialized Butcher 2.6 and Eliminator 2.3) did not facilitate smoothness on compact surfaces.
On the contrary, in the presence of loose and perhaps damp funds, they have proved to be an important ally.
In the most bumpy uphill phases, in addition to taking advantage of the good grip given by the tires, I preferred to leave the shock absorber in an intermediate position.
This measure as well as guaranteeing even more traction, helps to have excellent comfort.
If, on the other hand, the climb is of medium incline and perhaps with a compact bottom, the bike lets itself be relaunched with pleasure, also thanks to the Roval Traverse carbon.
To conclude the uphill judgment we can say that:
The Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 is a good climber, which with a few tricks in the assembly can give a hard time to many Trail Bikes.
To get an idea of where and how the test was conducted, we invite you to watch this video:
3 – DESCENT BEHAVIOR: 9.0
The thing that surprised me most when riding the Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 downhill is the ease with which it lets itself be led.
Easy, agile and always at ease in all conditions.
If the descent is typically “trail” perhaps with tight curves to ride, this bike proves to be the perfect weapon.
In this condition, the “collected” geometries help and make you really enjoyable.
If the descent we are faced with becomes demanding due to the slope and bottom, the situation changes.
In this situation, the shorter bike forces you to move more with the body, to compensate for the slope.
I’m sure that with a 160mm travel fork (instead of the stock 150mm one) that would change.
In fact, it is not rare to find exemplary trails with “oversized” forks, as did Jared Graves a few years ago.
Even downhill, the bike proved to be an excellent companion for adventures, making me have fun in all conditions.
Here too it all depends on the assembly.
I would like to point out that, unfortunately, the Sram Code R brakes with 200-180 mm discs did not always prove to be up to the bike: not very constant in their performance, as happened and also reported in other tests we conducted (see the test of the “cousin” Turbo Levo SL)
4 – BEHAVIOR ON THE PEDAL: 9.0
In the mixed this bike manages to assert its talents as a “handyman”.
Re-launching it or making it regain speed is easy and pleasant, thanks to a rigid and performing frame, which combined with the carbon wheels becomes really reactive.
Perhaps in the mixed, too much linearity of the rear suspension is accused, sometimes forcing us to set the shock absorber in an intermediate position, but nothing that can disturb a very well blended whole.
OVERALL VOTE (from 1 to 10): 9.0
In conclusion…
The Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29 proved to be a very high level all-rounder.
Versatile and usable in any situation, it inherits this philosophy from the numerous previous versions that have been constantly populating the Specialized catalog since 1981 (below the very first Stumpjumper).
To adapt it to different needs, just vary the assembly to make it worse or more pedalable.
It is no coincidence that Specialized offers it with different configurations.
If you are looking for a bike with which you can tackle everything in front of you then the Stumpjumper could be for you.
Here all the others tests and articles on Specialized.
Here is the range of accessories proposed by Specialized for your bike
For information, visit Specialized.com
