Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29: The Stumpy FSR Comp 29 is built from an M5 aluminum frame with 130mm of rear wheel travel, a custom Fox Triad II shock with AUTOSAG, Fox Evolution F130 RL air-sprung fork, and a custom...
Strengths: This bike does everything great, I was reluctant to get this machine because of the 29 inch wheels, fortunately my local shop had a demo, and they let me take it out on 4 separate rides. And on the 2nd ride I got the suspension dialed in and the bike descended like a tall DH bike, a flip to the ProPedal position and climbing technical terrain (see Dakota ridge Denver and Halls Ranch Lyons) was incredible, experienced no touching down of the cranks at all perfect. I seen some people complaining of not being able to wheelie drop or even ride wheelies, BS if you cant ride a wheelie on this bike you should hang up riding all together.
Strengths: It's a decent all-mountain bike. It comes with a very good fork.
Weaknesses: BB Height is STUPID low. If you never intend to try to pedal uphill on a slanted surface, perhaps it's not a problem. But I found that the pedal crashes while climbing in rock gardens where even proper timing couldn't save an awkward situation was DANGEROUS. Wheels are inadequate and inappropriate for an AM bike. They are very flexy--much more of an XC wheelset. The Fox Triad is A) a crappy shock, and B) on this bike a proprietary part that cannot be upgraded, unless you want to upgrade to the brain setup that comes with the Expert. The 5+ inches of rear travel is impractical to actually use. Sag is too low and the suspension too soft if set up with the right amount of air to get full travel. I found that when it carried enough air pressure to ride properly, only about 4" of travel ever came out of it.
Bottom Line:
This is a full-on FR/AM bike in semi-XC clothing. If you are primarily a shuttle DHer who sometimes does a little climbing on a tame doubletrack, it will work very well for you. However, if you intend to do technical climbs you will find that it is far too mushy and far too low to be a good performer. The proprietary shock mounting is really a bummer once you realize how crappy a shock the Fox Triad really is. The wheels are a joke for this type of bike. It has 130mm rear travel, but you will only get that travel regularly if you set it up so soft in the back that it climbs poorly and bottoms out on huge hits.
Strengths: A Versatile Smooth Rolling Beast! 29's + Pro-Pedal will get you over the technical climbs with ease. Open up suspension for the smoothest downhill over any terrain. Very agile and responsive for a 29'er with 130mm of travel.
Weaknesses: Saddle and grips
Bottom Line:
If you were stuck in a backwoods canyon with only 1 bike to get you out and back to civilization, you wouldn't want any other ride. Big all-around confidence booster that clears all types of terrain on the Ups and Downs without much sacrifice in weight. 3 decades worth of improving on the original Stumpy and this 2012 model keeps the lineage looking as healthy as ever!
Similar Products Used: Demo'ed a Rumblefish, Niner WFO, Santa Cruz Tall Boy.
Bike Setup: Stock except Command seatpost, tubeless tires, Gore Ride-on cables.
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Submitted by
xr70
a All Mountain Rider
from Sunland, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2012
Strengths: 2012 Stuntjumper Comp 29er - great all mountain mountain bike. looks good, lots of new mountain bike technology, auto sag option on the shock, 15mm axles, 10-2 gearing, Shram X9 derailer, smooth shifting, good tires, Fox fork is plush
Weaknesses: The only real problem that I have had is with the brakes. From the beginning, the brakes were shattering and grabbing and making alot of noise. I was hoping that it would break in and be ok, but that didn't happen. I had to take it to the bike shop for warranty repair. They didn't have a solution so I told them to replace the brake pads with semi metalic pads instead of organic and so far so good. Unfortunately the warranty didn't cover the brake pads and I had to pay for them, so was a little bummed about that. Didn't really like the seat - really uncomfortable. Replaced it with another brand. Kind of cheesey handlebars - way too cross country straight bars. Replaced it with Easton bar. The rims went out of true pretty quickly - pretty soft rims seems like.
Bottom Line:
I like this bike better than the 26er. Seems like when you are going up the hill, I can pull a harder gear. I can also clear technical sections uphill easier. More traction down the fire roads in high speeds, single track technical section is easier. The 26er is probably more stable at higher speeds on the rough single track. Also found one good thing today....it seems to be harder to go over the bars on the 29er than on the 26er! LOL Overall, I think I will not be going back to the 26er. If you guys are trying to decide between the 26er and 29er options as I was, I can tell you that I am glad I got the 29er. I think this bike is great for more mature older riders -riders that like cross country and all mountain combined.
Favorite Trail: El Prieto (Angeles Crest - all trails)
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At: Montrose Bike Shop
Similar Products Used: Giant Rain 2 Specialized 26 incher, Specialized Endruo Pro - 26 incher
Bike Setup: Specialized Command Post Black Light, Easton Proride Handlebars, Italia Saddle
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Submitted by
HereWeGo
a All Mountain Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2012
Strengths: Rolls over anything, makes me a better rider, easy to set sag, nice attention to detail on paint.
Weaknesses: rims went out of true after a few rides, terrible rear hub, rim got dinged easily, lack of detail on assembly,
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike though I have had some problems with it. The bike will roll over anything and climbs as good as my old 26er. The auto sag is easy to use. I have no idea of the bike weight, but it feels light on the trail and that is all that matters to me. I do have some problems with the bike though. The rims seem like they are made out butter and get out of true if you just look at them funny. The rear hub is trash and sounds like it is lubed with sand. I don't want to deal with the shop to warranty the rear hub and will upgrade when I have the funds. The rear caliper started leaking fluid around the piston as soon as I got the bike home, and the bottom bracket was loose when I got the bike also (though this could be from a sloppy build at the shop). If this bike came with a good wheelset it would be close to perfect.
Submitted by
Odii
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2012
Strengths: This bike is a beast, a sexy, mountain devouring, goat climbing, panty dropping, machine.
Smooth 130mm suspension front and rear.
Tubeless ready.
Weaknesses: So amazing I keep getting stopped during my rides to tell people about it.
$3k is out of the range for a lot of people, but the bike is ready to ride out the gate (minus pedals)
Seat is way different than my old bike's seat. Will take some getting used to...
Bottom Line:
I was iffy on the whole 29er thing, I'm a weird size, I'm 5'8' with a 28 inseam, but the Medium suits me really well, took a little bit off of the seatpost so I can lower it for descents, but the thing fits like a glove.
I have been stopped more time in the past few days due to my bike than I have ever, even while lying on the ground bleeding on my old bike.
I took this baby out to F.I.N.S. in Goodyear, AZ yesterday to put it through its paces, I couldn't make it do anything I didn't like. Goes up like a goat, goes down like a carebear cloudcar --- SMOOTH.
As it turns out, I had the rear suspension locked out, and yet still, it was a smooth ride. Today taking out back out to F.I.N.S. got the rear susp working and I honestly feel like I am cheating, that or I magically became awesome overnight.
I'm not exactly sure if this bike actually makes me look like an awesome movie star, but it sure as heck makes me feel like a badass.
Completely revolutionized my riding. This bike is a dream.
Bike Setup: Stock - Will go tubeless shortly, comes tubeless ready.
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Submitted by
Jrsandiego
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, Ca.
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2011
Strengths: The versatility of this bike is amazing...it is truly a "if you could only own one bike what would it be??" this bike is it...
Weaknesses: Bottom Bracket....it didn't hold up well...replaced it with a Chris King set-up for ease of maintenance...
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for a person who likes to ride a little bit of everything...no real discipline specific...pedals great going up and great going down...pedals great on flats...and the FSR suspension is easy to dial in for your style of riding....the geometry of this bike also gives you the confidence to tackle stuff that you normally wouldn't..
Bike Setup: Stock except for carbon Easton Bars and Chris King bottom bracket
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Submitted by
bikestok
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2011
Strengths: 2012 29" XL Model - weighs about 29 lbs with tubeless - This is a great bike. I have put about 50 hours on it in two months. Love how stiff and responsive it is. My average speeds on trails have gone up by about 2 or 3 mph over my ride. Great suspension (I keep it in full with some flat climbs and road in pro pedal mode). Really nice range to the suspension. Clearing stuff i never cleared before on technical climbs and downhills. Love the 2x10 drive train - great shifting, always seem to be finding the right gear. Ground control rear tire is fantastic, purgatory front holds well. Large bottom bracket (with much better clearance than my old bikes), large head tube, 142+ rear and 15mm front and overall stiffness just make this bike go where I point it. I am a big climber and I have been able to clear much more 'stuff' than on my 29 HT or old 26. Doing bigger drops as well. Love how it corners. Super quiet (tires, chain guide, stiffness). The geometry off this bike just seems right. I am a big rider (6’5” and 260 lbs) that rides hard and it seems to be holding up.
Weaknesses: Cables on bottom giving me trouble (movement, length, cracking of one cable at rear derailleur).
Had to replace rear hub twice in first week (on the stock Roval Control wheels). Specialized and SMC (LBS) changed to the Roval Traverse with DT Swiss internals hub and now no issue.
Broke one Henge seat, but I LOVE this seat. They warrantied it out.
Brakes are both squealing. I have done all the steps (alcohol wipe, re-center per avid guide, re-center the pistons but no luck ... going to switch to organics. Brakes seem week on extended down hills - my just be my massive (260 lb) weight.
Bottom Line:
Love this bike. Really has gotten me re-addicted to riding. Great value for the price. Much improved over 2011 (PF30 BB, tapered head tube, 142+x12 rear axel, 15QR front axel, 2x10 shifting, chain guide, new good grip, low rolling resistance ground control rear tire, new much better dust seals on front and rear shocks, auto sag shock feature, and sealed suspension bearing (not sure if sealed on 2011). Love the Pivot 429, but it has some catching up to do now. Would strongly consider the EVO of this bike, but more costly. Would not consider the Camber or Epic - this bike is so flexible and does well on the flats (XC), technical, climbs and even down hills on trails like national. I would even go so far as to say some XC racers should consider this bike. I had written off specialized bikes over the last 5 years thinking they were not keeping up. I sure was wrong. And I love how they stand behind their product! If you are going to ride a tall boy, trek rumble fish, pivot 429, Specialized epic or camber or if you are a hard tailer that has not tried a full suspension this year, you owe it to yourself to demo this bike.
Bike Setup: No need to change anything.
Changed to tubeless with Stans. Dialed in fit - seat hight and for-aft position. Moved shifters and brakes inward per SRAM setup guide (about 2 in).
Would like to add a set post dropper, but have not.
Wheels/hubs swapped out from Roval Control to Roval Traverse due to hub issue (see Weaknesses).
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Submitted by
hotairpilot
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2011
Strengths: Great suspension, easy to setup. 2x10 gearing is great for uphill climbing. Shifters are quick to change gears. Can handle downhill over hard rocks and loose terrain great.
Weaknesses: Suspension is a little noisy, not impressed with the grips as they seem to tear pretty easy.
Bottom Line:
Went from a 26' HT to the FSR 29. Huge difference. The 2x10 gearing climbs so easy. Goes downhill great and the suspension soaks everything up. This bike rolls over anything with ease and the suspension is pretty easy to setup, even for someone who has never done it before, like me. I have not had any issues with the components. The shifting is fast and precise. Turning isn't quite as snappy as a 26, but that would go for any 29er I think. But now that I'm used to it, I don't even notice. The Phenom Saddle is very comfortable, can ride for hours on it with no pain.
The only draw back is the suspension is a little noisy, but that doesn't seem to affect performance, it's just more of an annoyance. The grips tear easy, when I wear those out I'll get better ones.
Similar Products Used: None, went from a HT 26 to a FSR 29.
Bike Setup: Black/Red Stock Stumpy FSR 29 Comp except I changed the saddle to the Specialized Phenom. Shimano M520 pedals
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Submitted by
brazosbound
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, US
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2011
Strengths: The bike has great stability and balance. It tracks real good in the drought ridden loose slop and dust of Central TX.
Weaknesses: A little heavy, but I'm not a racer so it doesn't bother me much, tires, and flat sc bars.
Bottom Line:
Looked at only 2 bikes 2011 Trek Rumblefish and the 2011 Spec FSR Comp 29er. I love riding the bike, and it has honestly helped build up my skills and endurance since I've had it. I'm 5' 11" 185 and the medium felt a little small and large a little big. I ended up going with the large. Took a while to dial in the fit and the suspension, and getting used to the habits of a 29er, but the bike shop guys were cool and helped a lot. I'm a hacker who rides 20-30 miles a week and for the price I don't think there is a better bike.
Bike Setup: Stock except for WTB Bronson 2.2 front and rear, traded out the 90 mm stem for same one in 75 mm., straightline platform pedals.
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Submitted by
South OC DH
a Downhiller
from Mission Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2011
Strengths: Tapered steer tube, hidden rear deraileur cable routing, cable routing under downtube, hidden adjustable seat post cable routing, X9 deraileur, 130mm of travel, cool colors.
Weaknesses: Nothing yet.
Bottom Line:
I have owned several bikes and built three. After putting a lot of work into a custom build I wanted a great stock bike. The Stumpy meets and exceeds my expectations. For around $3000 you get a 29lbs (Large) all mountain bike with 5" of travel. The components on this "entry level" Specialized bike are better than most mid-line bikes from other companies.
Similar Products Used: GT Sanction, Kona Big Unit, Demo 8
Bike Setup: My 29er is stock except for a Easton carbon cockpit and tubeless.
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Submitted by
barkeep
a Weekend Warrior
from Atkinson, NH
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2011
Strengths: Geometry, Travel, Going Up, Going Down
Weaknesses: Three major components failed shortly into use. Quick fixes backed.
Bottom Line:
Hark all ye 29er ponderers....
I dreamt of a new bike for 5 years - and this bike was the culmination of too much research - and I couldn't be happier. I ride in some very technical conditions where big rocks, rolls and ups prevail. On my prior 26er I was the lame goat way too often. Enter this bike, and I'm cleaning stuff up and down I wouldn't have imagined possible. Between the travel, and geometry (notice the relatively slack head angle), this bike loves to encourage stuff that used to scare the (*&*( out of me.
Now, it hasn't all been perfect. The 10 speed rear derailleur failed with out warning for no reason. Since this has come up elsewhere, I hope they've worked it out by now. Then the seat broke. Then, the shock failed. THis happened over the first 6 months. If it wasn't for the awesome shop that I purchased from, this could have been a big bummer, but they didn't hesitate to swap out from stock to get me back rolling. If it wasn't for the shop, I would have knocked the rating down by one.
Bottom, bottom line, while the rest of the dudes on our big MTB trips rent to try the latest greatest, I'll be packing and shipping this puppy with relish.
Similar Products Used: Turner Sultan, RIP 9, older Spec 29ers
Bike Setup: Added the command post for adj seat height - otherwise stock .
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Submitted by
ChadP
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, co
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2011
Strengths: Great climbing bike. 2x10 fun. Rolls over things easily. Long lasting tires.
Weaknesses: Front hub, seat, chain rings, heavy 29.5 pounds. Front tire washes out at any speed.
Bottom Line:
This bike was a blast when I first got it. I told everyone how awesome it was. It bombs down trails and climbs like crazy. Then things started breaking. I've had it to the shop 7 times in 6 months. Front hub was fixed then eventually replaced with XT. Seat was replaced, middle chain ring bent on climb. Brake pads wore out in 6 months. That seems fast to me, but maybe it's not. I'm guessing I put 32 to 50 miles a week on this bike. Not much imo. Anyway can't decide if I just need to upgrade this bike or sell it and buy something different.
Submitted by
stan
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodinville, Washington, usa
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2011
Strengths: plush, easy to dial up lockouts, nice roll with 29ers.
Weaknesses: Shocks are crap- rear already replaced and front has issues, shifters are marginal and wheels need truing. Rear derailler broke for no reason. Pedals also hit the ground often and handlebars are too wide. Not sure about the brakes yet, probably next thing needing replacing as they pulse now and then.
Bottom Line:
If you really want to go ride and not spend all your time fixing your bike or having it in the shop, this bike is not for you! This bike is for wimps and beginners only and junior lightweight riders at best. I weigh 145lbs. and ride aggressively, but not abusively since I have ridden mountain bikes for over 25 years. I have never had the wide range of issues I have had with this bike. For the kind of money they are asking, I think Specialized should be doing their homework and provide a bike that will not leave you miles from the trailhead with multiple breakdowns. This bike not only comes with issues galore, but is guaranteed to under perform expectations even when everything is working as designed.
Bike Setup: Shop was great and specialized has stood behind product though the rear shock blew out and the front is going out too. Also had to replace the rear derauiller as it broke for no reason on a ride. Nothing like trying to keep up with your buds on a 3 speed.
