Submitted by
MObiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Missouri Date Reviewed: November 7, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
End of year close-out. This bike is rated very well. light weight, decent components, etc. Many locals ride this bike and like it.
Weaknesses:
Back brakes do not work with this frame. It makes a horrendous racket. Low BB causes pedals and crank to hit objects on the trail
Similar Products Used:
SC Blur
Bike Setup:
Stock bike but changed brakes to Avid mechanicals and switched to 1x9 set-up with a bash guard.
Bottom Line:
This bike sat in the shop for a month while the LBS figured out what to do about the howling back brake. After trying everything else the only thing that fixed it was switching to mechanicals. That's fine with me since I like the BB7's, they are low maintenance and get the job done. The 1 x 9 set-up works well and clears log piles.
If it hadn't been for my LBS I would have rated this bike lower. Specialized needs to admit this brake issue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
love29ers
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID, USA Date Reviewed: November 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Ken's Bicycle Wareho
Strengths:
Reba fork (I had the spacer removed now it's 100mm not the stock 80). SRAM X9 rear derailleur/X7 shifters. Great geometry. Lightweight- 27 lbs right now with tubeless setup- after cassette, 2-ring crankset upgrade and sawing down the seatpost should be 26- this is incredible for a 29er of this price level. Brakes are good- same issue with rear brake howling as mentioned in other review but LBS called SRAM and they are sending Elixirs to replace it- GREAT SERVICE! Got a steal on this bike as 2010 models were coming in so they were dying to get rid of a 2008 and I was happy to take it off of their hands. Bigger wheels almost make it like a full suspension- and running lower pressures with tubeless makes it even smoother. Fast Trak 2.0 tires seem great so far- and they are fast and lightweight. DT Swiss X470 wheelset- I have them on 2 bikes they're great.
Weaknesses:
Just the rear brake and that issue is being resolved.
Similar Products Used:
2009 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock except Monkeylite carbon riser bar, Specialized Sonoma saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is an outstanding bike and I got a steal on it. The 2009 and 2010 versions are just as good if not better if you can't find a 2008 (seen and talked to people riding them). It is reasonably light (around 27 stock) and by sawing the seatpost, ripping off the needless reflectors, upgrading the crank and cassette it can be brought down to 26 or less for pretty cheap. It climbs and descends very efficiently. The SRAM X9 rear derailleur/X7 shifters are a great setup I have them on two bikes and they beat the snot out of Shimano. I want a really light climbing and XC bike that's why I'm upgrading the cassette and crank, but don't let that scare you there is absolutely nothing wrong with the stock components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DG_NJRIDER
a Weekend Warrior
from Dover, NJ Date Reviewed: October 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Allamuchy
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
Martys
Strengths:
Nice geometry. Shifts flawlessly. Great acceleration. Light, flies down hills, great response, who said 29ers can't handle well? Overall a great bike.
Weaknesses:
Grips suck, feel like sand paper. Tires are good for dry conditions. Paints scrapes easily.
Similar Products Used:
Tested Gary X-caliber, nice but components are of less quality.
Bike Setup:
Stock setup except for grips, and rear tire. Installed good and evil grips and rear tire has el capitan control(better on wet conditions, but 1/4 lb heavier than stock tires).
Bottom Line:
Great bike, would recommend replacing grips, but overall excellent bike design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tjkm
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ Date Reviewed: October 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
8a
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1649.00
Purchased At:
DNA Cycles
Strengths:
Pretty light overall, great acceleration, pretty nimble, looks great.
Weaknesses:
Grips way too thin for long, rocky dh sections. Rear break howls.
Similar Products Used:
several 26" bikes, surly karate monkey
Bike Setup:
stock for now
Bottom Line:
Got the 2010. Can't believe how much more efficient this bike is vs. my FS 26" bike. I climb much better and the 29" wheels make up for the lack of rear suspension. I could not keep up with my 29er buddies on my 26er bike. Rode with them yesterday and was on thier wheels the whole ride. THis bike climbs like a champ, I really enjoy it. Good components, with room for some upgrades. Great bike for the money. I dig the white phenom seat and white bars.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sami in Paris
a Cross Country Rider
from Paris, France Date Reviewed: September 29, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Georgetown Bicycle P
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Howling Avid rear brake
Bike Setup:
Stock, except replaced OEM rear brake pads with Jagwire Red Zone semi-metallic pads with alloy backs, in order to eliminate howling and vibration
Bottom Line:
My first 29er and I love it. On singletrack, it is much faster and smoother than any 26 inch hardtail I've ever ridden, although slightly less agile and less quick to accelerate from zero. I'm tall (6,1) and not light (about 85 kg) and the bike is a perfect fit. In addition to the trail riding that it is intended for, it is also a great city bike -- it stands tall, is fast, and rolls over cobblestones and curbs like they weren't there.
The only disappointment has been the Avid Elixir rear brake that howled and shook like a freight train. The only way that I found to get rid of the problem was to replace the OEM pads with a non OEM (Jagwire).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jack9972
a Weekend Warrior
from Sparta NJ Date Reviewed: August 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kittatinny--the way up
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1750.00
Purchased At:
Marty's Reliable H-T
Strengths:
I'm no goat but the bike sure is...Makes me a 30% better rider than my old Trek 4300. Chicks dig big wheels
Weaknesses:
grips are like holding onto a metal bat
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fischer hifi29er, rockhopper29
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I like it. I'm never happy with a purchase and a beginner mtb'er at the age of 32 has a tough time keeping up with guys 7 years younger and this bike flies...not to mention what it does on the road...I couldn't be happier
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alshead
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO, USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Apex, Lair of the Bear, Hall
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
It's a Specialized- well built, well thought out
Weaknesses:
Reba- not sure this is the best fork for this frame spec (would prefer a Fox). Rear Elixir brake squeals like a freight train. Just found out Avid put out a Tech Bulletin Recall on the rotor and pads- call your LBS. No pad contact adjustability. Grips are horrible
Similar Products Used:
No other 29ers. Spec Stumpjumper HT, Giant NRS, Spec Stumpjumper FSR, Specialized Epic
Bike Setup:
Stock, but had to change out grips, put a shorter stem, and put on bar ends.
Bottom Line:
I really wanted to like this bike. I got a screaming deal on it and I'm a hardtail fanatic, but I just couldn't get used to it. After playing with every setting, every adjustment, and riding it for three months, I'm selling it. I realize this is probably more me than the bike- people LOVE 29ers, and people love this bike, but I just never got comfortable on it. After riding for three months, I borrowed a friend's 26er and he rode my 29er, and I felt like a kid on a BMX bike again- on the 29er, I'm unsteady- it feels twitchy and doesn't respond how I naturally expect it to. I'm going back a 26" wheel.
As I wrote above, I just found out that the rear rotor and pads on the Elixir's have a Tech Bulletin/ recall on them. My LBS has my replacements waiting for me to pick up. Good thing too, because the back brakes squealed and vibrated like crazy. Very annoying.
The stock grips that came on this thing were horrible- I think because I have a 17, they're skinny and hurt my hands- felt like there were no grips on the bars at all. Put some ODI's on and that was a LOT better.
I'm giving it substandard reviews, but I know it's probably more my inability to adjust to the bike, but that's just how it is- I can get on almost any 26er and love it, but I just can't seem to adjust to this bike. I just thought it would be good to have a review up here that's NOT fanatically praising the 29er craze so if folks are looking to buy, I highly recommend a demo on the trail...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
donoman
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Downieville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Mikes Bikes
Strengths:
Very good balance, steady handling, good components
Weaknesses:
Howling rear brake (will this go away when they're broken in?), narrow bars
Similar Products Used:
1992 Rockhopper, 1999 S-Works HT, 2005 Epic Comp
Bike Setup:
Stock w/ Shimano SPD pedals and a Specialized bottle cage
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I don't miss my Epic at all and I'm going to sell it ASAP. I don't even really miss my XTR components right now. I'm so happy with this bike. Just did a nice ride today with plenty of climbing and some technical sections and all I can say is that this bike is probably everything I'm going to need. I was a bit hesitant to bite the 29er bullet but I'm glad I did. Everything they say about 29" wheels is true... Feels more stable, more traction. You know that moment when you're on something really steep and you run over a rock and it upsets your balance and you need to put your foot down and it ruins your climb? Well I ran into that rock today, but it did not put me down. I rolled right over it and spun up the rest of the hill (Seaview Trail, Tilden Park). It's a steep hill.
Full suspension? Bah. Don't need it anymore. It was just a luxury anyway and you still needed to have bike control for the big drops. The 29er seems to absorb all the little bumps my Epic would suck up anyway.
On my old bikes I had trouble keeping the front wheel down but the Comp stays planted on these steep climbs. Also, standing up didn't upset the rear wheel as much and lots less "burnouts", which have always hurt my climbing. Truthfully I didn't even feel like the bike was too heavy even though it's a hefty 26lbs and no lightweight. Downhill, the bike was really steady and even though today was my first day offroad on this bike, I felt really confident and grippy. "Climbs like a goat."
I'm glad I bought this bike. I'll be logging more miles on dirt now. Can't wait to sell my Epic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nitsuj
a Weekend Warrior
from Sarasota, FL USA Date Reviewed: July 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Strengths:
Everything.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
My 1st 29er. WOW, amazing. Don't even feel the small bumps, and can still rock the technical trails! Love this bike. An uphill monster, and a definite speed improvement with the 29er wheels. 29ers are the way of the future, best xc bike ever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KC10Chief
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, AK Date Reviewed: May 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Store
Strengths:
Handles great, hydraulic disc brakes, great geometry, good components, etc
Weaknesses:
I'm not too crazy about the saddle
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Epic Comp and Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I have owned a LOT of mountain bikes over the years. My Trek 8000 was getting a little bit worn out and dated. I had a Specialized Epic Comp a couple of years ago and wasn't crazy about the brain shock on it. Recently, I figured it was time to upgrade to a new bike. I was interested in a 29er and I bought this one based off of reviews on this site. I couldn't be any more pleased with this bike. The bike is light, and the geometry fits me great. I'm 6'1" and am riding the 19" frame. The big wheels really do make a huge difference in how the bike rides. It rolls over stuff easier. The great front fork helps a lot too! The brakes are awesome. The best brakes I've ever had on a bike. Overall, this is by far the best riding bike I've ever had. It feels absolutely wonderful when I'm riding it. It's great for riding around town too. I'm convinced that a mountain bike is supposed to have 29 inch wheels. You will not be disappointed with this ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
F.I.T.nj
a Cross Country Rider
from Manalapan, N.J USA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
heartshorne woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
Knapp cycles
Strengths:
Stability, stiffness, lightness for a 29er, awesome geometry
Weaknesses:
Specialized cheaped out on a couple of components
Similar Products Used:
First 29er. Demoed Fisher X-Caliber and Hi-Fi 29ers, C-dale 29er 2, Also own 05 stumpy FSR expert
Bike Setup:
Stock except DKG quickrelease seat clamp, Titinium water cage. Will be purchasing a custom wheelset for this bike in a few months.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike! My first 29er and I'm loving it. Once you learn to use the characteristics of the 29er wheel to your benefit there is no stoping you. This is my first hardtail in three years and I do not miss rear suspension at all. I am 5'5 and the size small frame fits me perfectly. Don't listen to those people who say 29ers are only for really tall riders! Matter of fact this is the best fitting bike I have ever owned. I always felt like I was somewhere between a small and medium on 26inch bikes and the small 29er bridges that gap for me. However I do have exceptionally long arms and legs for my height. If you haven't looked at this bike, do yourself a favor and testride one before purchasing a Fisher or C-dale 29er HT.The Stumpy simply gives you more bike for the money then the Fishers and the C-dale was to big for me. Best bike I have ever owned!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ARacer
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: March 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hartshorn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Marty's Reliable
Strengths:
Construction, riding position and handling. Also love the Reba shock.
Weaknesses:
Brake rotors are a bit small for my liking and the handlebars are quite narrow.
Similar Products Used:
GF Paragon, Scott Scale
Bike Setup:
Stock except for shorter Specialized stem.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I am 6' tall with long-ish legs and got the 21" frame. It is so smooth, climbs great, is relatively light, well balanced. I came from a Scott Scale which is a 26" high performance hardtail. I find the Stumpy climbs better and I feel more confident on it. The handling is fast but not twitchy. I prefer the riding position over the Scale. It *feels* like acceleration is a bit slower on the flats than the Scale but the climbing ability of the Stumpy is far superior. I think a large part of the superior climbing ability is the riding position. I feel like I can get more power to the pedals more efficiently than I did on the Scale. Is a bit pricey for a hardtail but worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ajdemo76
a Cross Country Rider
from Centennial, CO Date Reviewed: March 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fruita trails, Keystone downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1780.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
Frame geometry feels great. I'm 6'2" riding the 21" and it fits perfectly. This is my first 29er and I'm very impressed on how smooth of a ride it is. Getting over obstacles is easier, increased braking power, cover ground faster. Components are great for this price range. I like how easily you can lock out the fork on the fly. You can even flip over dropouts to make it a singlespeed in you're into that.
Weaknesses:
Bars are somewhat narrow. I have wide shoulders and find myself reaching in slightly but it's not bothering me enough to switch it out right away. The saddle was killing me on the first ride but has been fine since. Some might find this one uncomfortable.
Similar Products Used:
None really. Only other bike is an Enduro set up for aggressive riding.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for swapping out the rear derailleur with my SRAM X0 and trigger shifters with X9.
Bottom Line:
If you're looking into a hardtail, I'd highly reccommend trying out this 29er. Not so sure how it'll work for shorter riders but for me, (6'2") it's a natural feeling fit. Alot of fun to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doberman96
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: February 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Little Bear
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The geometry of this bike is different than the Fisher 29ers I am used to, but this bike is fast. Frame has a nice finish and the parts spec is pretty good, I like the SRAM drivetrain. The wheels needed some re-tensioning before they hit the trail but I have put about 20 hours on the bike and everything is running smooth so far. I can't get over how much faster I feel on a 29er hard tail compared to my 26" FS cross country bike. If you can find one of these buy it because the 08's are sold out from Specialized, I got a great deal from a bike shop that had 2 and wanted them gone.
Weaknesses:
Stock saddle hurts the buns; 100 mm stem felt a little short so I swapped it out; wheels are heavy but tough; bar seems a little narrow but I am getting used to it.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Rig, Trek 8500, Specialized Epic
Bike Setup:
Stock except Fizik saddle and Ergo grips.
Bottom Line:
So far so good, if your riding conditions are not too rocky you will be amazed at the power transfer you get on hard tail 29er. I don't feel hampered on any trails, the main difference for me is that I use an easier gear when riding a 29 vs 26. Try the Fisher 29 as well, both are great ht 29ers; you will want to sell your 26 asap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
oldbikeshop
a Cross Country Rider
from greensboro NC. Date Reviewed: December 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Nice lines, well thought out. Hey its a Specialized.
Weaknesses:
Well a couple of things. It has a low bottom bracket. We ride with lots of roots and in my 2 rides so far I've knocked the Sh-t out of my pedals. The other thing is the chain stays seem long, I'm coming off a GF Rig which you could slam in the corners and it just wanted more. So far this 29er needs to be set up and cornered hard to make it stick. I hope I get the hang of it soon. Rides differently then a GF.
Similar Products Used:
GF Rig, Niner, GF Hi-Fi 29.
Bike Setup:
SS, Carbon Cranks, Reba 80.
Bottom Line:
Its fast and very very stiff, its a well made frame. Looks great dressed up, very well balanced bike. Stable on rough descents and smooth going up, LOADS of traction. If your doing smooth fast Singletrack I'd say this bike would be hard to beat. In tight twisty stuff I'd say I need some more time on this ride to see if I can make it groove. I'll keep ya updated as I get more time in on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Mc
a Cross Country Rider
from RI Date Reviewed: December 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast bike. Just rolls faster and very stable. Almost cheating compared to a 26.
Weaknesses:
Just a few months old and the rear wheel is popping spokes. Means replacing rim (bent) and all spokes.
Similar Products Used:
Original Team Stumpy and 07 FSR Comp.
Bike Setup:
All original.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Makes anybody a great rider, once you get used to the new feel. It does feel taller, but it is very stable and certainly overall speed is a huge advantage. Great bike for the money.
I think Specialized will have a few bugs to work out on their wheels. Lots of torque for long spokes... The heavier (I'm 185) guys are going to go for 29ers faster and the wheels will be very telling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doppler
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
18 road... Fruita
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
University Bikes
Strengths:
I've been riding a 2002 stumpy hardtail for the last 5 years and wanted to see for myself if the 29er thing was worth it. So far so good. It took a little bit to get used to the steering but after a couple of trail rides I'm hooked. It handles better than my old stumpy which is saying a lot. I've been able to clean sections much easier than with my 26er. Climbing comparability is yet to be determined. I'm a little out of shape so I'm a bit slower going up and can't yet attribute that to the extra rotating weight. I'm very happy with my decision. You can't go wrong for this price.
Weaknesses:
Nothing major- this is my first bike with disc brakes and now realize how important it is to keep the rotors clean (alcohol wipes work great).
Similar Products Used:
2002 Specialized Stumpjumper Pro... Test road a Gary Fisher Paragon and the Specialized just felt better.
Bike Setup:
2008 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp 29.
Stock except converted to 1x9. Modified the stock crank by adding a Race Face bash guard and a Blackspire 34 tooth chainring (to help keep the chain on).
Bottom Line:
Like I said- I have no regrets going to a 29er and for the money this bike will make you feel special (in a good way).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
team tortuga
a Cross Country Rider
from buchanan Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
!!crazy beaver!! fort custer grand rapids mi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
my local yokal, cycl
Strengths:
its so purdy....got the "ti" frame and custom built from there. i just like to sit back, suck the chill from a sam adams, and just stare at it....oh, and it rides really well!
ive dreamed of a 29r stumpy for many a' year,then there it was!i am not dissapointed. balance is brilliant through the tight technical, and seems to be "drawn" up hills like a "fly to poo".i'm a big guy, 240lbs ish and i seem to boogy past these little string bean riders on most terrain. gotta be the stumpy...love it, mean it.
Weaknesses:
hitting anything above 20-30 mph, (tree's, rock's, hiker's ect.) tends to scratch the paint.
seriously, only real gripe, with they would allow for a longer travel front shock.
the blunt's didnt take to the stan's no-tubes AT ALL! but thats not specialized's fault. stick with tubes my friends!
Similar Products Used:
(nothing similar)1993 rockhopper, 2000 stumpy, 2004 cannondale jekyle, also a 2007 epic for about a week and still decided on the hardtail stumpy 29r!
Bike Setup:
s-works carbon bar, easton stem, xt shifters, new xt brakes (if they ever show up), xt drivetrain,xtr shadow rear de.,egg-beaters, fox f29 shock, velocity blunt wheel set on xtr hubs, capitain tires (tubless for about 10 minutes) a saddle and a post. built to beat.
Bottom Line:
oooh where to start...paid round $820 for the frame,good stuff.
does what its told through the turns. climbs like only a stumpy can. other than wishing for the option of a longer travel front end (more cushin' for the pushin') still seems very, very well balanced, at least for my size and riding style.
my first 29r, but i rode quite a few other makes while trying to decide.
3 months and about 600 miles latter, i made the right choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
team tortuga
a Cross Country Rider
from buchanan Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
!!crazy beaver!! fort custer grand rapids mi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
my local yokal, cycl
Strengths:
its so purdy....got the "ti" frame and custom built from there. i just like to sit back, suck the chill from a sam adams, and just stare at it....oh, and it rides really well!
ive dreamed of a 29r stumpy for many a' year,then there it was!i am not dissapointed. balance is brilliant through the tight technical, and seems to be "drawn" up hills like a "fly to poo".i'm a big guy, 240lbs ish and i seem to boogy past these little string bean riders on most terrain. gotta be the stumpy...love it, mean it.
Weaknesses:
hitting anything above 20-30 mph, (tree's, rock's, hiker's ect.) tends to scratch the paint.
seriously, only real gripe, with they would allow for a longer travel front shock.
the blunt's didnt take to the stan's no-tubes AT ALL! but thats not specialized's fault. stick with tubes my friends!
Similar Products Used:
(nothing similar)1993 rockhopper, 2000 stumpy, 2004 cannondale jekyle, also a 2007 epic for about a week and still decided on the hardtail stumpy 29r!
Bike Setup:
s-works carbon bar, easton stem, xt shifters, new xt brakes (if they ever show up), xt drivetrain,xtr shadow rear de.,egg-beaters, fox f29 shock, velocity blunt wheel set on xtr hubs, capitain tires (tubless for about 10 minutes) a saddle and a post. built to beat.
Bottom Line:
oooh where to start...paid round $820 for the frame,good stuff.
does what its told through the turns. climbs like only a stumpy can. other than wishing for the option of a longer travel front end (more cushin' for the pushin') still seems very, very well balanced, at least for my size and riding style.
my first 29r, but i rode quite a few other makes while trying to decide.
3 months and about 600 miles latter, i made the right choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirt51
a Weekend Warrior
from folsom ca Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
folsom lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1625.00
Purchased At:
wheels in motion
Strengths:
Smooth riding, handles great, light, fast, brakes and corners great.
Weaknesses:
Color, only comes in black
Similar Products Used:
s-works
Bike Setup:
speedometor, seat, and dirt
Bottom Line:
All around fun bike! You can ride it on the pavement and keep up with road bikes, then jump the curb and tear up the dirt. The speedometor is fun to see how fast this bike will go. I haven't used my s-works road bike since I got this! Great bike! Great value!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from WI, United States Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Nine Mile, Standing Rocks, Eau Claire, etc...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
Agility, Stability, Speed, Weight, Everything.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Exile, Paragon, tested some others
Bike Setup:
Stock, am currently converting to SS
Bottom Line:
Everything is amazing on this bike, my speed has improved exponentially. I went from taking sixth place to taking second place. Whenever you hear people saying "wow this bike feels fast", it's true, a bike can be fast--this is that bike. I have had no complaints, and this bike has treated me well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sjordan72
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lagunas
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Adams Avenue Bicycle
Strengths:
I was really anxious to get this bike as I have been a Stumpy fan for a long time. It took a while to get (I ordered the frameset) but I absolutely love it. It climbs really well and is very surefooted. The vertical compliance is good, which I think has to do with the wishbone junction on the seatstays.
Weaknesses:
Color, no tensioners on the sliding dropouts.
Similar Products Used:
Van Dessel, Surly
Bike Setup:
King, Reba, Hayes, Salsa rims, Singlespeed!
Bottom Line:
The complete bike seems to be a good deal. As usual a few corners were cut, but overall its a good build.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yama Otoko
a Cross Country Rider
from Alaska Date Reviewed: June 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Shop
Strengths:
Better on the uphills, downhills, and everything in between, PERIOD. A bit spendy for a hard tail, but, absolutely worth it.
Weaknesses:
Mud build up between frame and front derailer. A few cheap parts on the bike, eg. grips, tires, etc...
Similar Products Used:
Last bike, Jamis XLT 1.0 (2003); Dimond back Ascent Ex (1989)- for real.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Will make a few changes.
Bottom Line:
The whole 29er thing is not a hoax, and your personal riding improvement will not not just be psychological. These new bikes will change the scene like adding suspension back in the day. Fully diggin the bike, and looking forward to the advances that a simple change in the tire size will have on everything else...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
batterhead
a Racer
from Philly, PA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Keswick Cycle, Cherr
Strengths:
Great handling, light, fast
Weaknesses:
Don't particularly like the stock handle bar. Stock wheels a bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Caffeine 1
Bike Setup:
Put Crossmax 29 wheels. Stock otherwise.
Bottom Line:
This is my first 29er. I have to say this is exactly what I hoped it would be. Handles the technical stuff, climbs great, descends fast and feels mostly like a 26" bike does. I love the stand over on the frame and the stock components are sweet - love the new sram shifters! Immediately upgraded the wheels. Likely to do the same for the handle bars (not crazy about them). Other then that, not a lot to do to her.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ike
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Finaly a bike that fits us taller riders---6-3 21 inch frame. Holds a line well, excellent on technical trails ( I thought a 29er couldn't do that?) rolls smoothly.
Weaknesses:
Long chainstays cause rear wheel to wash on hard turns when breaking.
Similar Products Used:
cc bikes
Bottom Line:
This is by far the most balanced bike I have ever ridden. The wheels have such a larger contact patch- you can really rail the turns, and it is easier to stop (you don't tear up the trails as much) Climbing is off the charts. Overall this bike is very predictable and an absolute joy to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam McIntyre
a Cross Country Rider
from Melburn, Australia Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Marriners, The Otways
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
A true example of when a bike company gets it right. Waited for ths so I could run the bike with gears or single. Ha proven its self in all terrain, climbs, descends and goes where you point it.
Weaknesses:
Rear hub is a cheap shimano and can see it wont go the distance.
Similar Products Used:
various single speeds, Stumpy 26
Bike Setup:
standard, except for white industries cranks and king cogs.
Bottom Line:
Buy it if you want a kick ass bike that can be converted to a single speed. I am happy just check my smile!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Agile handling, rolls through the rough stuff so well it begs you to go faster
Weaknesses:
Couple of pretty cheap OEM parts, but otherwise no fualts at all
Similar Products Used:
Surly, on one and spot
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is the best XC bike I have ever ridden. Forget full suspension you dont need it with one of these. Get some speed into the wheels and you will float over the bumps and cruise the down hills. Loves the the tight and twisty but goes really loves and chance you get to push it. Big wheels love to climb, they may crawl up but at least you are still on the bike while the 26ers are bieng pushed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Lentz
a Cross Country Rider
from York,PA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
fuzzy trail, Michaux State Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
Gung Ho Bikes
Strengths:
This bike rolls over any thing. Some one told me that a 29er wil not handle as well as a 26er; they were correct, this bike handles better and climbs better too. I have put almost 500 miles on this bike in Jan & Feb. in all conditions including snow and I am impressed. if you are looking for a bike that out performs its price this is the bike for you.
Weaknesses:
Mud accumulates on the front derailer from the rear tire and freezes.
Similar Products Used:
Raliegh 29er Single Speed, Stumpjumper Comp 26er
Bike Setup:
stock for now
Bottom Line:
The Stumpjumper 29er is a great bike at a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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