Strengths: well what can i say the bike is simply brilliant i am using it purely for downhill practising and racing, hitting 20-30ft jumps with ease and putting a lot of full sus boys to shame!! the fox forks are superb and its so strong amazing!
Weaknesses: personally i have yet to find one as this bike has everything upgraded.
Bottom Line:
bottom line is this bike so far has taken everythin i have thrown at it with ease simply superb!
Bike Setup: haynes 9s breaks with huge oversize disks, halo combat rims and hope hubs still standard fox forks carbon fibre bars and short stem will take 3.5" tyres.
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Submitted by
Graham Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2004
Strengths: I bought the bike while on a trip to the USA (2003). The light weight is impressive and there is good value componentry. The bike is used for cross country riding and racing. It has performed flawlessly. There was an initial problem with the Fox fork. The damper popped and had to be replaced. Fox flew one out to South Africa within a matter of days, once they understood where South Africa is and that we did not have a Fox service center (at the time - now there is one).
Weaknesses: Specialized has skimped on the wheels. I don't think the hubs are up to spec and as commented by previous reviewers, the wheel dishing was out and the rim is flawed. Am considering an upgrade to Mavic Crossmax. There is some delamination occurring around the Water bottle mount. Not sure if it could be a warranty claim, but, am keeping a close eye on it. Only time will tell. Original saddle very uncomfortable
Bottom Line:
Excellent value for the price, but, wheelset is a poor. However, a neccessary sacrifice for the price. I am currently unsure whether I should upgrade, buy an S-Works hard tail or go full suspension. Was hoping that MTB review could help, but still undecided. Specialized is a great brand and I could recommend it to anyone. However, expect to pay alot more if you are going to buy one in South Africa
Similar Products Used: Previous bike was a Marin Eldridge Grade bought in Moab 1994 and a Wheeler Titanium (1996). No comparison with what I have now! The former is still going, the latter stolen.
Bike Setup: Standard setup except for: Replaced uncomfortable saddle with a Flite. Running Stans No Tubes and this is a great addition.
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Submitted by
B Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004
Strengths: Light, great fork, great components, fast
Weaknesses: very stiff - even for a hard tail
Bottom Line:
Very fun bike for most terrain - extremely agile and fast on the downs and ups. The fox fork has an incredible feel - haven't had any maintenance issues other than a loose crank. Great bike for a hardtail but will buy full suspension next - get too beat up when speeding downhill.
Submitted by
Fabio Dias
a Cross Country Rider
from Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2004
Strengths: Fox ForK F80X are next to perfection!! The bike is extremely light! Frame M4 is the best frame I have ever used! The bike is beautiful!!
Weaknesses: Maybe the Avid stock components could be better.
Bottom Line:
Last week I traveled to Petropolis - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil (It is a perfect place to test bikes). See the "intelligent" Fox Fork working is incredible!! I have ridden 100 Km climbing and down hills… The bike is very safe in the curves and very comfortable to climb. You can feel the difference between this bike and others bikes…. Who wants a good cross country bike, and getting into heavier stuff, that is light enough to climb, and with awesome shocks for downhill should buy this bike.
Submitted by
Mike D
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, Florida USA
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2003
Strengths: Specialized makes a trully remarkable product. A great hardtail for the money that will take any punishment that you can throw @ it. The finish is totally narly, a blank canvas for those who want to upgrade. M4 frame is extremely rigid and stiff and definitely handles like a dream. Disc or rim brake compatible = so pick your poison. Front fork = 5 stars w/ the Fox Float RLT 80mm. Stock XTR Rear = a great starting point. A definite rocket ship that climbs and handles like a dream.
Weaknesses: None except for the Avid stock components & the body geometry saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is my third setup and I wanted it to last. I spent a little on the aftermarket parts = when it comes down to it make it a Specialized. Shop all your favorites and then visit your nearest Specialized dealer. If they still have the Stumpjumper Comp 03 take it for a spin. This bike is better than I could have ever imagined. They did it right when they put this little bad ass into production. Thanks to those @ Specialized who bring a lot of joy into the lives of everyone who use their products. Ten Out Of Ten = so get off your ass and hop onto a Stumpjumper Comp!
Similar Products Used: GT Zaskar LE, Klein Attitude Race
Bike Setup: As stated earlier = a blank canvas. 17 inch frame, Shimano M-952 XTR long cage rear, Shimano M-960 XTR, bottom pull front der., Shimano XT 03 Mega 9 rapidfire shifters, levers and V-Brakes, Red Race Face NEXT LP Isis cranks, rings and bb. Chris King headset, Thomson Elite stem and seatpost, Race Face Next LP flat bar, some Good N'Evil grips and Titec Carbon Mid 100 Barends.
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Submitted by
C-no
a Cross Country Rider
from North Florida
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2003
Strengths: M-4 frame!! Need I say more? Okay I will, strong, responsive, looks sharp, upgradeable!!! Fox Forx are next to perfection!!
Weaknesses: SD-5's(gone)functional but low grade! Take the rims to a shop before you ride!!! No quick release seat clamp? That's pretty weak!! LX parts?
Bottom Line:
Had this bike for about a month now and its simply plush!! Climbs with unrelenting agility and speed. Controlablilty through, over, under, and around obstacles instills confidence in novices and entices the experts. The anchor parts of the assembly are supurb in quality, but the obivous cost driven, low end, accessories drops down my overall rating of the this bike to about a 4 of 5. I have not experienced any of the similar noises in the Fox Fork as the other owners but I do agree with there take on the factory built rims. I strongly suggest you have them checked out before you ride. If your on a budget, as most of us are, this is perfect starter with plenty of potential. A few XTR, Easton, and Mavic parts away from being the perfect hardtail!!!
Similar Products Used: giant, cannondale, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup: XTR stoppers (is there really anything better next to discs?), barends. Much more to come!!
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Submitted by
JN
a Weekend Warrior
from Belmont, CA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003
Strengths: light weight, good component mix, good front shock
Weaknesses: so much better than old ride I hesitate to say...losing circulation with saddle, so may swap it out before there's permanent damage
Bottom Line:
I've been a roadie for the past several years and decided to go off-road after having a blast keeping my wife company in a mtn biking clinic. Tried to run my old non-suspension schwinn through cross country trails, but realized new equipment was needed. Loved the feel of some of the full-suspension rides I demo'd, particularly the disc epic, but couldn't justify the cash outlay. I'm not a downhill racer, so I asked the shop what hardtail they'd recommend under $1500. They put me on this one and I'm having a blast!
Similar Products Used: demo'd several, but this is first suspension bike
Bike Setup: Stock, except swapped pedals for aluminum cage
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Submitted by
jeff archer
a Cross Country Rider
from san rafael, CA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003
Strengths: fox fork, frame warranty, weight (light), xtr rear der.
Weaknesses: none really
Bottom Line:
I've only had this bike for 6-8 rides, but this is one sweet bike! Light & responsive, climbs strong and drops through the single track tight and fast. The fox fork is plush and stiff, read the reviews they are correct (5 chilis from me!).
I needed an upgrade to a newer, steeper, lighter bike with more travel up front (fat chance was sporting a RShox mag21 w/1" travel). All stock parts perform more than exceptional. Obviously with the fox fork they had to shave $$$ somewhere, so there is a short list of items to upgrade over the months/years following purchase: seatpost, bb, stem, handlebar, wheels. Stock, my Stumpy weighs in at under 24 lbs, and with the upgrades listed above it could probably get under 23. Don't get me wrong, this bike rocks as config'd stock. But it also provides opportunity for weightsaving upgrades (!) in the future. IMO the best bang for the buck compared to other hardtail bikes in the price range (I considered Kona, Rocky Mt, Jamis, Titus).
Bike Setup: stock (so far), 'cept upgraded the pedals to 959's
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Submitted by
Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003
Strengths: fox f80rlt forks,frame warranty,components,geometry,style (love the polished frame)
Weaknesses: seat sucks,come on get real with this seat so un comfortable (HARD)not a real big deal though $90 bucks later
Bottom Line:
The most comfortable all around bike I tested.Great forks they handle everything with ease.I havent had the bike long but I ride real hard, I was a bmx rider who jumped over anything that people said I couldn't.I'm not saying you can take this bike over huge hits but if you ride properly and make sure you LAND properly the bike performs flawless.Great acceleration,great climbing,smooth shifting even under pressure,and i can't say enough about the forks the adjustment is easy to change and the lockout with threshold adjust rocks for speed and climbing.I will post again in a 1 month or 2 to review again.Anyone who wants a a good cross country bike, and geting into heavier stuff, that is light enough to climb, and with awesome shocks for downhill should buy this bike.This bike is not for huge hits or huge downhill, otherwise this bike rocks,even nice for a road warrior with road tire change .
Submitted by
steven reed
a Cross Country Rider
from ventura,ca
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003
Strengths: m4 frame w/ ORE headtube, Fox F80RLT fork, comes stock w/ roll-x pro tires which work quite well (dry use)
Weaknesses: wheelset is heavy & out of dish, stock pedals suck, cheap flemsy saddle,
Bottom Line:
i really love this bike, i think other riders lokkin for a light , tough, kickass hardtail will be very pleased w/ the stumpy, their new frames are sweet. The new fox fork is the most plush thing i have ever ridden, great response and handling. the fork was the deciding factor for me. 3 hardtails in this $ range come w/ the FoxF80RLT, a) the stumpjumper comp b) Trek 8500 C) and the Kona Kula-deluxe. The stumpy had the most forward geometry of the 3 bikes & was the least expensive, but it didnt come down to money for me , I just loved the specialized. I rode all 3 bikes after long shopping around and all three are nice , but i liked the stumpy best. anyone who buys this bike will not be disappointed.
Similar Products Used: 86 stumpy ridgid, 92 ParkPre Alu-max, db apex
Bike Setup: pretty stock except pedals, saddle, and stem
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Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Des Moines, IA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003
Strengths: Light, fast, climbs great.
Weaknesses: I didn't like the Avid SD-5 brakes, too flexy and the pads suck. The saddle hurts your ass for the first few days, but it gets better.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. It is light and fast! But it isn't squirrely at all it handles awesome. The tires aren't that great in mud. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't want/like/whatever dual suspension. It climbs like a monkey, and it also descends well (without the crappy brakes and/or pads.)
Bike Setup: mostly stock, SD Ti breaks w/ koolstop pads
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Submitted by
Ray Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Bel Air, MD
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003
Strengths: Excellent Frame Geometry Good Component Set-up Fox Shocks are fantastic! VERY FAST!!
Weaknesses: Have not identified any yet.
Bottom Line:
An excellent bike for the price. I have been riding Mountain Bikes since 1986. I had a 1994 StumpJumper FS for 8 years and loved it. I tried a Fisher Sugar, did not like full suspension (at 225 lbs, I beleive it will be difficult for any full suspension to perform well if the rider is over 200 lbs), this bike is excellent! It is stiff, fast and responsive. The FOX shock is great, even at my weight. The BG seat is fine!
A great bike for someone who is ready to race and/or wants a great, relatively light (around 23 lbs), bike to hammer with.
Similar Products Used: StumpJumper FS Gary Fisher Sugar 3+
Bike Setup: STOCK
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Submitted by
Chase
a Cross Country Rider
from Friday Harbor Wa USA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002
Strengths: Light, Cheep, fast Very stiff and Strong Great FOX FORX RLT. Looks very nice goes well with blue and red anodized parts
Weaknesses: Poorly built wheels from factory (shop should take care of this), some heavy parts Not an S-WORKS. 11-34 cassette is worthless if you're in shape. saddle is a pain the the...
Bottom Line:
I work at a shop so I get Bikes for dirt cheep; well bellow whoesale thanks to the good folks down at Morgan Hill. I considered geting an epic but I'll wait for next years run. This bike was way cheeper. This bike is a great deal even for the consumer. the Fork is extreemly stiff and strong rivaled only by marzoochi marathons. Rock Shox and Manitou may keel over and die imo but competion drives down prices so guess they can stay. The Fox has beautiful anodized finish and adjustment levers and knobs machined out of Al no cheep flimsy plasic crap truely a fist class finish. The adjustment on this fork is also top notch underneeth the blue ano lefttop cap their is the air valve very easy to find and use. on the right side top cap their is a red ano rebound ajuster and a lockout lever. on the bottem of the right leg is a compersion lockout adjuster that adjusts how active the fork is when it's locked out very useful for thouse rocky climbs. all and all I would say that this is quite simply the finest fork I have Ever Riden the only down side is the slightly heavy wieght (3.4)lbs. The frame rides alot Nicer than any of the older or cheeper Al frames I've ridin. It's not as comfey as Ti or steel but for the price it's hard to beat I'ts also reasonably light and very race worthy with a nice long top tube. The parts spec is wise. the driveterain is mostly LX except for an XTR rear; the crankset is Specialized and alot better than in past years gone are the worthless 6061 disposeable chainrings and in their place are some nice light 7075 ones that shift well however the steel inner chain ring and bolts are worthy of an upgrade; the XT spline is quite stiff. the wheels are ok the rims are light 400g but are pinned the spokes are 15/16ga the hubs are Ok but nothing fancy and the wheels are out of dish from the factory I spent some time on mine and got them nearly perfect. The tires are alot better than I thought they would be I rode them on almost everything and think I'm going to keep them untill I wear them out they are lighter than advertised (500g) but are a bit out of round and true. the avid brakes and levers are a welcome sight they are the best working rim brakes on the market. the stem was a little long for me I'm 6' on a 19" frame the stock stem is 120 I've found I like a 100-105 better. the seat is quite uncomfertable and specalixed is defently going to give the aftermarket some buissnes.
their are better bikes out their but this one is a nice raceable ht with a great fork and solid spec for not too much cash.
