Submitted by
Scott Reitz
a Cross Country Rider
from Maple Grove MN USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004
Strengths: Bang for he buck! This bike came with XTR/XT components stock!!! (with the exception of the brakes). This bike is well equiped for the money, team that with a solid M4 aluminum frame, and you can't lose. I used to be strictly a road bike junkie, but now my FSR replaced that! That means something! The Fox Float R shock soaks up bumps nicely, yet the four bar linkage in the rear keeps the the bike relativley stiff enough to make climbs without too much effort. I would like to have seen a lock-out option as in the Float RC, but I cant argue.
Weaknesses: Wear in time for the brakes is too long. Heard squeaking from the brakes the first 50 miles or so. However once broken in, havent heard anything.
Bike Setup: XTR/XT (LX brakes Wishing for Hayes) SLR saddle. Marzocchi Bomber Z Fly 100 fork, Crank Bros. egg beaters
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV USA
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2004
Strengths: Light weight, disc brakes, xtr rear, sharp, predictable handling.
Weaknesses: stock bar, tires and seat post.
Bottom Line:
I've ridden over 2200 dirt miles on this bicycle. The above mentioned parts/ components replaced what were worn or in need of rebuilding with a total investment of about $2600.00.
My '02 Stumpjumper FSR XC Disc has never spit me off, broken down or, in fact, done anything unpredictable. My rides average about 15 miles, about 50% single track with plenty of Sierra Nevada rocks.
The service at the LBS, Sierra Cycle Smith of Reno, NV has been the best, that is, highly skilled, informative and reasonably priced. Leon, Casey, Matt, Carlos and the others are awesome. Who should buy it: Any rider of any age looking for a quick and predictable cross country bike. who shouldn't: Big hit or DH riders.
Bike Setup: 04 Fox 100rlc,04 Fox Float rlc, xt cassette and bottom bracket, Thompson(?) seat post, Ritchie tires, Sram masterlink chain etc.
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Submitted by
Ryan R
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island NY
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003
Strengths: Strong NORBA racing inspired frame, Great response from some of the stock componets, FSR 4 bar suspenstion is great with just the standard Fox Float-R on it cant wait to try a lock-out model Float or even an SPP shock next year. Bike geometry is amazing I feel like Specialized built the frame tailor made for me. Great front ork the Rock-shox duke XC nice plush travel good rebound control could use a lock-out though and a variable travel would have been nice. The stock disc brakes are awsome and are vastly superior to and v-brake having this type of stopping power on a bike that is this great handling and fast are a definately nice added plus.
Weaknesses: Stock tires are trash lose before you use it off-road, stock cranks and bottom bracket are also garbage I have changed themas well, Wide bars might be good for open tail riding but in a tight singletrack cut em or they will snag, Mavic X-223 rims are somewhat flexy heavery riders beware or you will spend some time in the shop getting them trued. Stock pedals are a deathtrap they're realese is not consistant and have a tendency to stick try lube in the jaws if you ride alot of wet soil or mud change them. Change out the stock post there's a point on it and it creaks and slips there is nothing that I ahven't tried to prevent this from happening. Stock saddle is nice at first but the padding is lost after a few months of seroius riding and you start to feel the rails.
Bottom Line:
This is really a follow up review to my review a few entries below: I have come to belive that most of my problems I have had with tis bike has come from not having the dealer set it up right and only some cheesy stock componets. The only two gripes I have had as stated below is one cut down or even better replace the stock seatpost. Trust me I have had quite a few E-Mails about the stock seat post slipping and punctureing the Floats air sleeve. The best thing you could do is replace it with a Thomson Elite best seatpost on the market bar none. It's an expensive mistake and if you can avoid this would be best by replacing the seatpost I tried everything from over tighting the seatcollar to sandind down the paint on it in an effort to knurl somewhat. Two the stock cranks are trash I have broke and stripped two of them and are now on a set of Strong-arm Pro's and next on my upgrade list is a set of Shimano XT's. The bottom bracket is also hot garbage I've stripped thre off them and finally paid to upgrade to an Shimano XT. I paid the differnce and it seems to be working right now the seals suck on the LX and should not be use on any offroad riding. My bike has maybe 25 miles on road and the rest of the time it's off road the only time it see pavement is to get to and from the trail. The stock cassette is effective but really heavy and XT or XTR might be in the future. Stock front derailer is a pain but all front drailer are a pain so waht are you going to do I might try an XTR to go with the XTR rear but it's not high on my list. Other than that the bikes frame, suspention, Geometry, and responsiveness is great and that's where it counts. The Rock-Shox Duke XC is amazing to see a stock fork this good is rare. The Fox Float R is grat for a nonlock out shock and the four bar linkage is great to control pedal-bob. I like the deore thumb shifter allot and the stock disc brkes could not be improved unless the whole system is replaced. For all the problems and upgrades don I am still very impressed by the handling and control of this bike it's amazing. For a new rider stock would be fine but for an experienced rider some modifications need to be done to fine tune this amazing machine. It handles like a razorblade and can disect a technical trail with the best of em I am satisfied with the performance but some of the componet choices baffle me though but it's all good PEACE!
Similar Products Used: Diamondback V-link 1.2, Mongoose switchback Hardtail, Demoed Specialized Enduro Pro, and Rockhopper FSR, Demoed Cannondale Jekel 1000
Bike Setup: My Stumpjumper has the following upgrades on it and it works great: WTB Weirwolf 2.1 tires, WTB Rocket V-Race Saddle,Thomson Elite Seatpost (THE BEST), Time ATTAC Almni Pedals, Easton EA-70 flat bars, WTB Dual compound grips with an Easton EA-50 Forged Stem, Currently due to warrenty Specialized Strong-Arm Pro Cranks with Shimano XT bottom Bracket (Will be upgrading to Shimano XT Cranks soon).
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Submitted by
Jason Cass
a Cross Country Rider
from Bothell
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003
Strengths: Excellent handling traits. A super climber.
Weaknesses: The stock saddle, tires, and fork don't do the frame justice.
Bottom Line:
This is really an excellent bike for XC riding. A few parts changes were necessary- the stock tires were worthless for anything offroad, the stock saddle was hell, the RS Duke fork is pogo stick. Enough complaints though. Once properly set up with knobby tires and a real fork, this is one of the fastest and funnest bikes out there. The stock disc brakes are absolutely perfect, I don't see how they could be improved in any way. The rear suspension doesn't seem to need any sort of lockout as it works efficiently on hill climbs. The rest of the parts have worked well, although I did break the rear derailleur hanger and discovered that a replacement is $20 for a very cheap little part that should cost $2.
I bought the bike for epic, 20 to 40 mile, X-C rides through the Cascade Mountains and have been very happy with it for this purpose. I wouldn't recommend it for the freerider set though with its limited suspension travel.
With its low bottom bracket height, it's not the best bike for slow woods riding over logs and such. A hardtail is probably better for going over logs anyway.
Bike Setup: xtr/xt derailures, fox float rl rear shock, fox float rlc 100 fork, lx shifters, mavic rims, bontrager seat post, specialized s works stem, icon graphite crankset, shimano m525 disc brakes front and rear.
Strengths: - plush proven design suspension - disk brakes - relatively light - great value for the money - nice color combination (yellow/blue)
Weaknesses: - tires - handlebars
Bottom Line:
This Stumpjumper bike is excellent. It rides smooth and handles with confidence. The suspension absorbs impacts and allows the bike to stick to the surface, so you can either descend or climb with confidence. I thought I would miss the lockout feature on the Fox Float shock, but the suspension is very efficient on any terrain, so I would never have the need to use it.
The disk brakes are simply awesome. They are powerfull and easy to modulate. There is no comparison with any V-brakes, especially in wet and muddy conditions that I ride in the winter.
There are some weknesses with the parts/components selected (such as stock tires and handlebars) but this is easily remedied. I switched tires to Panaracer Fire XC Pro and it makes a big difference, as I encounter loose conditions where I ride. Handlebar width is a personal preference, and in my case I prefer 23" wide, so I customized it by cutting it down.
Overall, this bike is a great value for the level of performance that it provides. It makes recreational off-road riding alot of fun, and can be easily adapted for XC racing when I decide to give it a try. I highly recommend it.
Submitted by
Ryan R
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island New York
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003
Strengths: The frame holds up very well to the abuse handed out to it, all Shimano componets a plus, Brakes are some of the best I have used but I still have yet to try Hayes,shifts on the fly very well whin the chan isn't to loose (dealer problem) other than the weaknes column this is a very good bike for cross country work>
Weaknesses: Where to bigin this one problem; Lets just say if you buy this bike CUT THE POINT OFF THAT STUPID F*!?ING POST THEY SELL IT WITH!!!! I rode through any area near me I nicknamed root alley and I never take this area to fast and the seat post slipped down a popped my Fox Float R. Lets just say that I'm glad I had a spare bike to use for the rest of the season because it took Specilized FOUR months to fix it They really dropped the ball here and not to say I'm A little pissed off about this. Now the build a slug bumper to put on the shock's air sleeve to prevent this and incase your wondering I just bought one. Also the warrenty DOES NOT COVER THIS DAMAGE and it cost me about $200 beacuse FFox was nice enough to replace the air sleeve and fix my shock insteadof having to buy a new one Thak You Fox. Also the only othe probelm is the tires are total S!*t and should be replace it you are going to ride this bike in any kind of loose dirt at all. I went with the Fire XC pro and are very satisfied but have still yet to put to a full test.
Bottom Line:
For all the long winded problems that I have Had This is still a pretty good bike. It's fast and somewhat light for a bike with Disc Brakes on it. I'm mostly pissed with Specialized Warrenty dept. and not with the preformance of the bike itself. I am mostly satisfied with it but make sure if you do buy this bike do the above mentioned thigs to the seatpost and get the shock bumper and lose those stupid slick tires. The Handle Bars are a little wide but you can get use to them, If you don't just cut em there is no need to replace them unless you like a low rise bar then they drive you crazy. Other than than that (Forgot to add the bar problem in the weakness column Sorry) it's all good now get out there and RIDE!
Bike Setup: Mostly stock Except for a Rebulit Fox Float R Specilzed dirt rods and Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tires
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Submitted by
Frederic Briere
a Cross Country Rider
from Magog, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003
Strengths: Le triangle arrière FSR, la rigidité du cadre, le partage de suspension avant-arrière, les freins à disque
Weaknesses: La largeur du guidon, parfois j'apprécierais des lockout sur les suspensions et je trouve que le triangle arrière est plus sensible que sur la première édition FSR (1997)
Bottom Line:
Des fois j'apprécierais des lockout sur les suspensions. La longueur du câble de dérailleur arrière est nuisante (comme sur tous les FSR). La bouteille est difficile à sortir du cadre sur le porte bidon supérieur. Attention à votre choix de grandeur (optez pour le plus petit tolérable) Rien empêche: on passerait des heures sur un M4 Disc !!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Ground Control Comp FSR 1997
Bike Setup: Poteau de selle Thomson, Pneus Team Control (av) Team Master (arr), Extensions de guidon A-1
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Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago,IL,USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003
Strengths: Suspension balance is precise. Brakes are killer once they're broke in and stop squealing. Frame is very rigid with only adding a little weight. steering is very tight.
Weaknesses: The rear brake line will drive you nuts after about 40mi of riding when your getting tired. Chain ring side crank came loose within 100mi. Rear hub bearings loosened up after 80mi. Brakes take awhile to break in.
Bottom Line:
The first thing people whine about, is the tires and the bars. Ya the bars are long, trim them if ya don't like it. If you ride with them the way they are for awhile, you'll notice the steering isn't so tight and you'll get more control. Tires are cheap. get new ones. The 1.9s that come stock are great when your in my shoes having to ride on the road 8mi to get to your trail. Fat tires on the street suck. If you stuck strictly to technical xc with a lot of small turning desents, the tire will suck. The performance of the bike is great. it handles well, tracks very well, and uses it suspension in perfectly. The brakes will through you over the bars once broke in. They are better than the hayes in my opinion(only after the break in), which I had on my superlight. This thig climbs like a haus, it'll kick a hills ass before you know it.
I think people expect to find the perfect bike for them when they go shopping. Well, it doesn't work like that. If you want perfect, get a custom build ellworth. Otherwise spend a couple of bucks and make your stumpjumper your perfect bike. But don't knock Specialized because your prefered components weren't on it.
All in all, the fsr is a great deal for the money, you can do a wide range of riding with it while not havong to make big changes between rides. I like it almost as good as my santa cruz while spending a lot less money while only gaining 7 pounds....a terrific bike.....
Similar Products Used: Santa cruz superlight(had to sell it, was short on cash.)
Bike Setup: All stock.
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Strengths: BRAKES!!!, Suspension, Overall ride
Weaknesses: Change out the bars, seatpost, and tires and there are no weaknesses!
Bottom Line:
The bike rides like a dream. The first 50 miles on it were 3 rides in Sedona, AZ and that was all I needed for a break-in. If I had a better pair of shorts, I would have absolutely no complaints about those first rides! At 6'3" I was told a medium was TOO small, but I love the way it handles. I am glad to have gotten that size. In my opinion, this is possibly the best bike for the money out there.
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Phx, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002
Strengths: 4 bar linkage, disc breaks, climbs like it weigs less than it does
Weaknesses: I prefer 2.1 tires and there may be a little play in the BB
Bottom Line:
It's an amazing full suspension bike. The front & rear suspensions are matched well and as smooth as butter. The 4 bar linkage is flawless. I was a little woried that it might feal heavy on the trail (like the Schwinn) but it feels light and handels like a dream. By far the best bike I've had a chance to ride since I started riding nearly 8 years ago.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Joshua XO, Schwinn Rocket 88, numerous hardtails (D-Back, Giant, Air Born, Cannondale)
Bike Setup: Stock; except: Easton EA 70 Stem & EC 70 bar
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Submitted by
Jerry S
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, Fl
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
Strengths: Almost everything on this bike is perfect.
Weaknesses: Handle bars were very wide,had to cut them down. Stem was a bit long for me so replaced it with shorter one.A lot of people don't like the tires, There fine here in Florida.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, I'm new to mountain bike riding and wanted a bike that was not an entry level peice of crap, but I also didn't want to spend $4000. I could not be happier. The bike rides like a $4000 bike but it's 1/2 the price. Just stear, pedal and ride and you'll have the time of your life. Any obstical that gets in your way is easily riden over or off of with no problems. I look forward to riding all the time and would recomend this bike to everyone who is thinking about it.
Submitted by
william
a Racer
from littleton, nh, usa
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002
Strengths: Great specs. components are good, disc works great, front shock work great.
Weaknesses: Fox Float R> lost air on first ride, warrentied (will see how the new one works. Handlebar is stupid! Who rides something that wide? I changed it to a more narrow riser bar to save my knuckles from our tight singletrack. Sounds petty, but the stickers are coming off the Rock Shox Duke. Also the mounting bolt for the rear shock loosened and nearly came off on that same first ride. Loc tite those puppies!!!!!!! Tires? Who rides a full suspension with semi slicks on it, not me. I changed to a better tread pattern.
Bottom Line:
Great bike in the single track, change the handlebar, tires and warrenty that Float and you have a fantastic XC machine. I am coming off of a Cannondale Hard Tail, what a difference full suspension makes. Soooo much faster on the downhills and rough flats, plus I have better traction on ascents. Also great deal!!!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used: Older proflex FS. It really was kind of cool in its day.
Bike Setup: XTR r der LX f der shimano disc Rock Shox Duke XC Fox Float R Specialized componentry elsewhere
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Submitted by
stewart mosher
a Cross Country Rider
from london ont canada
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002
Strengths: eats up the small and medium stuff and still great on the street getting to the track
Weaknesses: cable routing
Bottom Line:
This is a truly great bike. I just returned to bikeing after about ten years off and still can't belive how far all bikes have come. but being an adult now i have to buy for quality not just how cool a bike looks but this bike is both. I'm riding ten miles a day now and the FSR is great for everything from the street to the single track to getting me to the pub in style.
Similar Products Used: demoed a dakar comp and a suger 3+
Bike Setup: stock except s-works stem and casset and cut down the wide bars
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Submitted by
Juan Troost
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002
Strengths: Frame, shock, seat, disk breaks.. I love it!
Weaknesses: Tires, the Handle bars.
Bottom Line:
At first I wasnt shure I made the right decision. (Coming from a HT bike) Now, im sure I made the right decision. It's so nible and fast.. I love my bike.. No problems climbing.. and decending is sooo much fun! I love it. I love the frame.. its a very efficent design. I like the colors..altough I look like a bumble bee with my yellow tires! I feel like Im riding in air when it absorbs all the bumps.. and at the same time stays glued to the ground. The only thing I dont like is that the paint chips are pretty abvious, since its blue paint with a yellow base. Get it!
Racing costs force me to let this hard to find XL sized 2004 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR-XC Pro Disc, decked out with the spiffy 2004 XT dual control levers, XT discs, and the pimp Read More »
