Submitted by
Big Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Ogden, UT
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002
Weaknesses: Big tires (2.4 and above) barely fit on the frame.
Bottom Line:
My full suspension 1999 GT XCR-1000 is being warrantied due to a stress fracture. So I'm borrowing this bike in the meantime and I tell you, I don't miss my FS. The ride on the Stumperjumper HT is not that much harsher. But the FS is easier on your wheels when doing rough rides.
I'm probably a little slower downhill, but not much more. I'm probably a little faster uphill, but not much more. My overall performance is pretty much the same. Is it worth the extra 1000 bucks for the FS, hell no (if I only knew then).
If you've got money to throw away and want a little more comfortable ride, get an FS (adding a plush fork and big tires to a HT adds significant comfort). But now that I know what I know, I feel that the extra money for an FS isn't worth it over the M2 HT. This Stumperjumper rides awesome!!! Don't believe the hype!!!!
Bike Setup: 1997 M2 stock bike except with 4 inch travel Zoke Z1 Bam on front and 2.4 inch WTB Motoraptor tires.
The bike doesn't turn as tight with the long fork, but is very stable on fast straight downhills and easier on the hands. The tires soften the ride, add a pound of weight, but I don't care. I'm not racing. I keep up with my buds on the climbs anyways.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, AB
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2002
Strengths: The bike is very stiff, the rear shifting is quite good, the brakeset on the bike is exceptional, and the bike provided good value right out of the box.
Weaknesses: The crankset and rings aren't particularily great... neither were the pedals. I have never had the $$$ to replace the crankset, but at the earliest convenience I switched the Full Contact pedals for Shimano 535s. The seat hurt my ass, but I just bolted on my old Ritchey Vector and rode away...
Bottom Line:
I reviewed this bike about a year and a half ago, but I think my current review is a bit more pertinent, since I've been riding and sport-class racing my bike for just over two years now. It's not like anything's changed about the bike... in fact, almost NOTHING has changed on the bike. Still has the OEM Kool Stop brake pads, the Manitou SX still does its' job and has never leaked, the shifting is still good. The bike is scratched-up quite badly, but I have yet to bend the Ritchey post, and I've never heard so much as a creak emanate from the frame itself. The rims went out of true shortly after the break-in period, but my old shop trued them and now they're arrow-straight.
Seriously, other than some of the cheaper-ish componentry, this bike has given me almost nothing to complain about. I've never really needed to redo bearings or fix very many OEM components, even though I ride creek crossings fairly routinely. This bike is a no-worries ride, and although I might have either gone a little higher-end when I bought it, or swapped a few components out of the doors of the shop, I don't regret the purchase at all...
Similar Products Used: Quite a few, actually. I've spent time on a 2001 S-Works hardtail, and it rides a lot like our bikes. I really seriously compared a GT Avalanche and a Rocky Mtn. Hammer Race to the Stumpy. I ride my buddy's Klein Mantra every so often... and I've tried a few higher-end race bikes momentarily...
Bike Setup: '99 Stumpy Comp with Shimano 535 pedals, Special-rise low-rise handlebar, Panaracer FireXCPro front tire, Trace brake-booster (useless piece of crap... does nothing), Salsa grips, Ritchey Vector Comp seat and a few stickers...
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Submitted by
Paul Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2001
Strengths: Super-light, quick and responsive.
Weaknesses: Cranks/chainrings--cause severe chain suck. Seat--more of a racing than riding seat. Pedals--stock shimano do not have much float--makes for sore knees after long rides. Tires--a little light for heavy trail riding.
Bottom Line:
A great bike overall for virtually any class of rider--lightweight and responsive. With a few modifications (cranks, seat, pedals, tires), it's an awesome bike! Only major downside is that it's not setup for disc brakes--but that's only because it's the '99 model.
Bike Setup: Stock except for seat (replaced with SerfasRX). Also added specialized computer, shockboard fenders and bontrager bar-ends.
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Submitted by
jeff rivas
a Cross Country Rider
from glendale, ca
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Strengths: the bike is light comes with xtr derailuer, manitou shocks worked great, mavic rims held up well, frame was very strong for the type of downhilling i do
Weaknesses: just like other reviews before me the crankset has to go. i had to replace a few months after purchasing it, because the teeth did not hold up and it would suck the chain in and scratch the frame. i would suggest upgrading to xt or xtr. and the grips are only good for a little while until the either slip off or tear. and try a easton carbon handle bar.
Bottom Line:
the question to ask would be if i would buy it again, and the answer is yes. i found it easier to whip out, and control the bike on awsome single tracks. not to mention i have put this bike through mud, water, extremely rough terrain many times and it is still running great. i have heard of many people having these bikes for a long time. for the money i spent it was well worth it
Bike Setup: only upgraded grips, crankset to lx, handlebar to easton carbon c2, and a lot of new tires everything else was stock, like the ritchey seat post, specialized saddle, hg cassette, and manitou fork,
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Submitted by
Terrence Helm
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis minnesota u s a
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2001
Strengths: I HAVE BEEN RIDING M2 FRAMES SCINCE 1993 I STARTED WITH A S-WORKS AND HAVE OWNED THREE MORE SCINCE THEN THE RIDING CARICTORISTICS ARE AWSOME THE HARDER YOU RIDE THEESE BIKES I WOULD SAY THAT THE RIDE IS BETTER THAN MY JAMIS DAKOTA PRO , AND THE CLIMBING IS LIKE THAT OF A MOUNTAIN GOAT ,
Weaknesses: UNLESS YOU RIDE THIS BIKE HARD AND FAST YOU CANNOT APPREICIATE IT !
Bottom Line:
I WAS THE PRODUCTION LINE LEAD IN SALT LAKE FOR SPECIALIZED SO I GUESS I CAN BE A LITTLE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE STUMPY ,I GOT THE FRAME FROM THE FACTORY AND BUILT IT UP WITH SELECTED PARTS ,NOT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE OEM PARTS ,THEY PUT SOME GOOD STUFF ON THE BIKES . THE 2001 MODELS ARE REALY IMPRESSIVE TOO.I HAVE LIVED IN FLORIDA, UTAH,AND VIRGINIA ,SO I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF RIDING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY A REGULAR SPROCKET HEAD AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE STUMP JUMPER
Bike Setup: FULL XTR, THOMSON SEAT POST ,HOPE HUBS , DT TIE SPOKES ,517 RIMS,PROFILE STIFFY STEM 135X20 TWO 8mm and one five mm SPACERS PROFILE CARBON BAR AND BAR ENDS ,SID FORK ,FROG PEDALS
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Submitted by
Mike Marlatt
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Cordova, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Strengths: Lightweight and stiff frame, nimble handling, climbs like no other, XTR rear derailleur
Weaknesses: stock tires are too hardpack-specific, cranks could be better, TIME pedals would be nice, stock grips were terrible
Bottom Line:
I'm very happy with the bike. It climbs as good as anything and cuts through corners beautifully. A few modifications here and there and it would be even better. This is a bike for someone who's into cross country. It wasn't intended for downhill type runs...although if your skills are up to it, that is actually pretty fun. If you're a weight weeny you'll love it. You'll love the 2001 Stumpy hardtails even more. They're all M4 now!
Similar Products Used: I work in a bike shop so I get to ride many of the latest and greatest bikes.
Bike Setup: Mainly stock except for the tires, handlebar, grips, saddle, and soon the pedals.
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Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from North-East MA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Strengths: Frame, handling, climbs like a goat
Weaknesses: original cranks, BB, pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for the technical ridding that I do in MA. I have had this bike for over two years and have been very happy with it. Great going uphill and pretty good going down too. Originally had a SID XC on it but changed to the Z.3 recently. The SID sucked. Buy this bike.
Bike Setup: 99 stumpjumper, 2001 Marzocchi Z.3, Race Face BB and Cranks, Time ATAC pedals(the best)
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Submitted by
Chris Caccese
a Weekend Warrior
from staten island NY
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001
Strengths: The frame it self is very light and stiff.Bike comes well equiped.*****product review for the 2000 version*********
Weaknesses: Some people say the saddle that is comes with sux,, well.. i can see y some ppl dont like it but if your light weight it does not suck.Tires will need to be changed.That little re-bound knob on the bottem of the fork, i broke it off the first day i got the bike... O yea the name heheh
Bottom Line:
OK, this bike is Very good if you just getting in to the sport,i have been riding since november (2000) and now i am bombing off 3 foot leges and learning to ride better.The frame is o.. so very light but also very strong, i crash a lot(nothing to big)and there is no damage to the bike except for small paint scraches.If you are planing to ride good dirt trails you will need to get new tires because the ones that come with it slide all over if you ride fast.The fork is very nice, once i put soft springs in it,,it felt nice and mushy. : )
If you think you know how to ride but your not into the sport yet this bike is right for you.
Similar Products Used: First real bike, at first look it looks like just another hardtail.
Bike Setup: All the regular gear that comes with but i got platforms a riser bar,new tires and got soft springs for the sx-r.
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Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax VA
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000
Strengths: Fairly light bike, fast, good geometry, decent price.
Weaknesses: The crank arm fell off a few months after I bought it. It loosened on a ride andthe metal was so soft it could not be fixed. The shop said it wasn't their fault so I had to buy a new crank arm. I got the same one again and I tightened the heck out of it and tighten them before every ride and so far so good. The front middle sproket (which should be protected) got all bent to heck. The teeth are going every which way. I couldn't believe it. I am getting a new crank/sprocket set up. Also, the other crank arm , the sproket side got real loose really soon
I hear people talk about 'chain suck.' I don't know what that is but my cranks will just totally lock up sometimes and its not when shifting but rather just riding up a hill. The cranks just stop dead and I have to sort of stutter pedal to get going again. Seat sucks. Tires wore out really fast.
Chain stay is all chewed up.
Seatpost clamp bolt snapped.
Bottom Line:
Even though this bike had some problems I think it is an awesome bike. Just make sure the bike shop mechanic is taking his 1 gram of protein per lb of body weight when tightening up the cranks.
Similar Products Used: I went from a Raleigh Heat which weighed a ton.
Bike Setup: Stock execpt for bar ends, new seat.
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Submitted by
prairiedoc
a Weekend Warrior
from the flatlands
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2000
Strengths: light, nimble
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I've owned this bike for two years now and finally have it spec'd just right. I've ridden it almost 6000 kilometers. It's still light and fast and handles great. Granted that we don't have a lot of gnarly stuff in Manitoba, but for the fast technical rolling stuff, it's great. I love this bike.
Weaknesses: Specialized tires wore in 4 rides. Specialized stock pedals were horrible switched to TIME. Rear bearings toast in 6 mos. CHAIN SUCK!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. It climbs like a goat. It descends admirably for such a stiff frame. The bike is very predictable on fast singletrack. If you have one you know what I am talking about. If you don't get one.
Bike Setup: TIME pedals. Sun rear rim. WTB Velacorapters. Otherwise stock.
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Submitted by
Chris Parsons
a Cross Country Rider
from Salinas
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
Strengths: All
Weaknesses: chainstay, my jumbo lizard skin barely fits, THE SEAT SUCKS i rode twice and changed it, only because i couldn't get to buy a new one till after the second ride, i thought people were just wussies, but it is harder than my BMX seats. The Body geometry sport ATB is awesome, i've only gone on a few rides, but i haven't felt pain ever. It's $40 at my lbs, Joseylns in monterey. If possible, the Sport ATB is better than the sport:the atb has cool fins in the wedge, and it has a more durable cover.
Bottom Line:
I can ride up hills in higher gears and climb I couldn't in my old bike. It looks awesome, especially the black wheelset and black handlebars and stem. I wish it had the special rise bar though. It's awesome!
Purchased At: used, on mtbr, all reviews decided it for me
Similar Products Used: 99 hardrock, fsr sport
Bike Setup: stock, lizard skins chainstay and headset guard, odi lock jaws, Body Geometry seat
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Submitted by
Adam Raya
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2000
Strengths: Super strong, stiff, fast.
Weaknesses: The stock cranks, rings, and seat suck
Bottom Line:
I've beat the crap out of this bike and it keeps going strong, I've upgraded every part of this bike except the frame and the fork. This bike is able to be riden hard and it races like a champ. You can't get a better bike for the money. Just change out the rings they are horrible and cause serious chain suck.
A sweet bike for a really sweet deal. Awesome all around bike. Surprisingly I didn't find the seat that bad, but now it creaks everytime I pedal (very annoying), so I'll be replacing it soon. It climbs and descends great. Sometimes the descents can be a bit punishing on the body because of the stiffness of the frame.
My brother liked the bike so much that he bought a 2000 model.
Bike Setup: stock except for risers, Rock Shox Sid XC, Raceface seatpost, cranks, and stem, Panaracer Fire XC's, Ritchey clipless
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Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Ames, IA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2000
Strengths: Frame, XTR Rear, Avid 25s
Weaknesses: StrongArm Crank, Seat
Bottom Line:
This bike is great, an excellent value for the money. This is the first suspension for me, so I think it's great, but have no grounds for comparison. The XTR rear derailleur is awesome. The crankset is okay, but very touchy to get the shifter adjusted just right. I changed out the killer seat for a Body Geometry.
