Light on weight but loaded with technology, the Stumpjumper FSR Comp is nimble yet stable, efficient but burly, and ready for virtually any trail.
Custom Fox Triad II rear shock tackles all trail conditions with its 3-position, on-the-fly adjuster that includes lockout, fully open, and efficient ProPedal settings
RockShox Revelation RL 140mm Dual Air fork has Motion Control damping, rebound/compression adjustment, and external lockout for endless rock garden bliss
DT Swiss X420SL 24mm-wide rims are sturdy and lightweight - strong enough to handle complex singletrack, yet light enough to make the climb out effortless
Both 2Bliss Ready, the S-Works Purgatory 2.2" front tire works in concert with The Captain Control 2.0" rear tire to deliver exceptional traction for pinpoint cornering and braking in varied conditions
Avid Elixir R SL lightweight hydraulic disc brakes/levers with alloy backed semi-metallic pads and tool-free reach adjust for superb control and modulation
Strengths: Bike shown above is an older model, see http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sjfsr/stumpjumperfsrcomp29 for the current spec and pricing ($3000 MSRP).
Weaknesses: Tires don't grip very well but they roll well, and the wheels and rims are all tubeless ready. Flexy front fork, grabby brakes at low speeds. Rear suspension could be a little more active.
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing bike. Great for older riders like me who don't have killer reflexes anymore, because if you miss your intended line, chances are the bike will just roll right over what you were trying to miss! Pretty good weight for a 5" travel bike. Stiff frame, climbs pretty well, descends very well. I thought the width and backsweep of the stock handlebar was a bit much (and it was super ugly) so I swapped it out for an Easton Haven carbon bar. The tires work ok in sand and loose soil but have no clue what to do on something like a fire road. The drivetrain is just excellent, finding the right gear is almost telepathic. Overall it's just an awesome all mountain trail bike, highly recommended!
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Submitted by
Lanvillas
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2013
Strengths: Fast. Amazing handling in all conditions. Looks amazing. FLAWLESS shifting (unlike any other). Durable.
Weaknesses: People like to steal this bike
Bottom Line:
My review is of the 2000 Amazing bike. The best bike I have ever ridden. Sadly, it was stolen...
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Submitted by
Steve
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2013
Strengths: This bike has a super sturdy and beefy feel. Downhill you'll go through the bumps like a hot knife through butter~almost : ) I really like the sram shifters and cranks~so the powertrain is really good. Also some of these seem to come with the rockshox, but mine came with the Fox Forks thankfully which do a great job.
Weaknesses: Front brake noise issues are pretty bad~On the first few rides I had to deal with this turkey gobbling sound. Some 100 grit sandpaper on the pads and the front rotor seems to have solved it. The saddle leaves much to be desired. Overall the bike rides heavy, but after a few rides you adjust and will be liking the bike more.
Bottom Line:
This is my first dual suspension bike, so coming from a 97 Rockhopper Comp with about $2k in component upgrades. The FSR is definitely heavier so took me a few rides to adjust to that. Once I got used to the dual suspension differences and adjustments, I wouldn't go back. Definitely plan to lighten the bike up here. Unquesionably will need carbon fiber handlebars, a better seat, and lighter rims....I am very happy with the bike though, and look forward to unleashing its full potential with some upgrades.
I have a quick, light, and flickable fully suspended 26er for some stuff, but the 2012 Stumpjumper FSR 29er is my all-around, all-mountain, do everything bike. I have never had a problem with it. It rolls like a plush Cadillac over anything in its path, but still steers well and fairly quick. Climbs way mo' bettah than I can, and can just bomb it on downhill stuff. This is a tough, well put together bike that is a pleasure to ride.
Strengths: Comfortably nimble decender and a fantastic climber. I am a larde-ass at 215lbs and this bike feels great. I can ride technical trails for 2 hours and my back feels great at the end. The 29er wheels roll over the worst root sections and rock gardens.
Weaknesses: Seat is horrible; took 20+rides to get used to it; I had to use my old seat for several first rides. The 33 tooth big ring is too small; I swapped it for a 36 tooth and that is much better. I was out pedalling my gears at 33kph and now I can go to 46kph and still pedal.
Bottom Line:
I am looking forward to swapping out the wheels for faster ; lighter ones and with better bearings. I tried someone elses with upgraded wheels and decided to do the same. The existing ones are still fine;
One thing absolutely for sure; I have a lot more confidence in this bike, because it rolls over everything with ease; technical climbs with loose soil, rock, and roots, the tire stays hooked up. I look forward to rough decents, the stuff that would terrify me in the past. My friends with XC full suspension race bikes are left behind. I always pick a parking area where we have to race downhill back to so that I can take full advantage of the bikes capabilities.
Weaknesses: Hubs, Climbing ability on extremely steep terrain
Bottom Line:
My review is of the '11 FSR Comp. This is one of the few bikes I've owned that I didn't feel like I needed to start upgrading after purchase. You get a good component group for the price point. Even the seat is comfortable. The Revelation fork perform well and is nearly as plush as any Fox fork I've used in the past. The rear shock was easy to set up. It soaks up bumps and hits very well. It is very responsive and keeps the rear tire planted for performance and stability.
Like others have mentioned, there is a small tradeoff during steep climps. I have found this easy to overcome with good conditioning and only experience the front wheel coming off the ground (slightly) when super low gearing is used. The geometry of this bike is great. It's design compliments those who prefer to spend the majority of their rides in a more upright body position. This is coupled with good standover height, clearance and reach to the bars when seated. This is likely the most "comfortable to ride" bike I have ever owned. This minimizes fatigue and is important if a days ride exceeds 20 miles.
Weaknesses: I DON'T THANK THERE IS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
Best bike ever if the bike was me i sure would be proud
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Submitted by
Fletcher
a All Mountain Rider
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2012
Strengths: great geometry, confidence inspiring, really wonderful suspension setup
Weaknesses: wheel sets are very weak, especially the specialized hi-lo hubs
Bottom Line:
We rode our Stumpy for three months on relatively technical singletrack in western Montana. The fairly moderate angles (68’head and 70’seat) made this bike easy to jump on and ride with confidence. The FSR suspension is proven to say the least, and does a great job sucking up chatter as well as bigger hits, although some climbing performance is definitely sacrificed. That said, a slightly higher air pressure then the autosag gave us combined with usage of the propedal setting made this bike a strong climber and descender.
The wheels were our only complaint. After only three weeks, we had to warranty both the front and rear hubs. Though Specialized was great in their turnaround with the warranty, we felt as though an all mountain bike needs to come with a stonger set. We also swapped the tires for a 2.4/2.3 setup, but that was more personal preference and riding style than a complaint about the stock tires.
Bottom line is that this bike is a great value that leaves a lot of opportunity for upgrades. It is a comfortable and confidence inspiring ride, and felt great, except for a tiny bit of rear end flex, on the wide variety of trails we sampled. Definitely recommended for those in the market for a good, solid, relatively inexpensive all mountain ride.
Strengths: Mine is a 2006 model.
design style, curved top tube allows for increased "family jewels" to top tube height. affordability, flexible platform and value, active suspension under braking and pedaling
Weaknesses: the FSR design has the rear pivot on the chainstay rather than the seat stay which drastically changes how the wheel reacts to pedaling forces. Although better than a standard 4-bar link, the suspension still suffers from pedal bob. The Fox triad Propedal does a decent job of dampening it out, but never completely unless you have it on lockout. Even then, you still get it.
This is why they had to design a shock around the suspension design. This is a very goodt suspension, but it has been superseded by other designs within the last 10 years.
Another problem I noticed, despite adjustments on the shock (rear), I got a lot of jitter on the trail and could never eliminate it completely. Perhaps a Pushed shock would have made some difference, but to me, it should be good out of the factory.
Bottom Line:
Overall, a very nice bike, but it suffers from the design limitations of the frame.
Bike Setup: Stock, except Thompson seat post, SRAM X-9 twist grip shifters, WTB seat.
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Submitted by
Jeff in San Diego
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2012
Strengths: Great all rounder. Climbs, descents and technical sections are more than capable. I bought the bike new at the end of 2004. Got a great deal on an brand new demo bike that had been sitting in the box all year, size is XL (which was the largest at the time). Came with capable component group and top of the line XTR rear derailleur, which is still shifting crisp and smooth as day one. Bike looks nice, has durable paint and can take a beating.
Weaknesses: Rear shock and hinge location make it a dirt magnet. Had to replace the rear shock bushing a couple times now.
Bottom Line:
After 8 years I'm thinking about getting a second bike, something with a bit more of all all-mountain purpose. I will definitely consider the new Stumpjumper with more travel (130-150 vs 100mm) and a more relaxed frame geometry.
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Submitted by
grider12
a Cross Country Rider
from El Dorado Hills, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2012
Strengths: -Amazing descending abilities
-Very good climber
-Specced very well for the price
-Very good suspension
Weaknesses: -Saddle could be better
Bottom Line:
This is THE bike for this price range. It does what my freeride bike did better, and it is faster than my xc bike so that is a major plus! Took it out on the trails that i usually ride my SX Trail on and it did way better. Cannot believe this bike so far! Love the purgatory tire on the front it is very grippy. I ride light dh to xc races and it has performed amazing in both those categories. Overall no other bike beats this bike for the price.
Submitted by
GrazzRootz
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2011
Strengths: Rear shock, Crank, Brakes, Shifters
Weaknesses: Grips
Bottom Line:
This is a sweet ride. Got a great deal on it. If you can find one it beats everything in its price range by a mile. Couldn't ask for a better bike. Makes me wish I could ride everyday. I found myself able to conquer technical parts of the trail that I never could on my hardtail.
Submitted by
SRAM xo is beast
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver,Colorado
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2011
Strengths: I have the S-WORKS version and it works great. Super light and full of suspension. This is the best bike I have ever ridden. It's very stiff and components are great.
Weaknesses: None,already used for over 400 miles
Bottom Line:
Awesome and will recommend to anyone who is serious about racing.
The bike has a great frame, I bought the comp because I knew that I would be replacing every thing. The upgrade to xo group was worth it! These bikes should come tubless, this should be a standard. Also with any bike purchase you should have a choice of seat size, one size does not fit all! In conclusion, the bike has decent stock components for an entry level model. I would purchase again if I had to do it again
Bike Setup: race face carbon; bars & post
sram xo group
serfas monaco ti saddle
stans tubeless
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Submitted by
ismaelo94
a Weekend Warrior
from charlotte, nc
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2011
Strengths: Light weight, good components, nice looking bike.
Weaknesses: My bike is 2011, so no taper head tube, proprietary rear shock links. Basically, the hole idea of making it so hard to upgrade the bike with non-specialized components or hardware.
Bottom Line:
Don't get me wrong. This is a nice bike. It rides like a dream. Nice shock setup. My only problem with specialized is that their head tube fell behind to other bike makers and just 2012 models come with taper head tube. All the ones who own prior models to 2012 are getting stuck with their frames because their head tubes are not upgradable to be able to take the increasingly popular tapered forks. Another bad point is that their rear shock comes attached to the frame with a specialized proprietary link, so no way to upgrade rear shock.