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Specialized
Stumpjumper Bike
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Submitted by
Alain
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | St-Emile | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ABC Montreal | | Strengths: | It's light, very responsive. Great climber. | | Weaknesses: | As a hardtail, I find no weakness to the frame. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano derailleur and sram shifters (not the best setup). Judy XC. Actually only the frame and one shifter have survived after 12 years. Everything else had eventually broken down. | | Bottom Line: | Every year I tell myself, now is the time to move to the next step: dual suspension. All my friends have made the move and yet they are still lagging behind when it comes to climb and even on descent I can still match them. This bike gives me the same level of confidence in descent as their full suspension. Of course in long, very technical descent it can't compete with today's dual suspension bike but then after the descent, this bike takes back the lead.
I don't think that any of my next bikes will live that long and give me that much satisfaction | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
renegaderains
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon-ish
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Collins cycle shop | | Strengths: | Strong, light and very durable. Also I love the geometry of the 94-96 area cromo stumpys | | Weaknesses: | The older than 94' cromo models are heaver and lack modern fork compatibility. | | Similar Products Used: | early 90's stumpjumper, 93 hardock, 94 mongoose amplifier, 2003 hard rock, 07 Blur LT and my new project a 96' cromo stumppy! | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden stump jumpers for a long time and really like them. I only ride the cromo ones because I ride on gravel and pavement a lot. Alloy frames on gravel really stink! The best model years seem to be 94-96 cromo frame and 99 and up alloy frames. There were problems with the early alloy frames cracking. All of this means nothing if you don't beat the tar out of your bike. "Dammit Jim!, it's a cross county bike not a dirt jumper." Really though stumpjumpers are a great used bike buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schwinng
a Weekend Warrior
from So. Pasadena, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | El Caballero->Sullivan Cyn->Westridge in Santa Monica Mtns | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | good friend | | Strengths: | This is my 2nd Stumpy, a 17" frame in a non-metallic "royal blue" color. I bought it from a good friend of mine just today and rode Aliso Woods on it this morning. I owned my other Stumpy about 10 years ago, when I was around 40 years old. The jarringly stiff frame feels even more jarring now at 50 years old, but it sure does pay off in terms of climbing efficiency. And, this bike has always provided an extremely balanced ride in terms of predictability on the trail and the rider's position in its cockpit. It handles just about any trail situation with very nice manners, and can be pushed pretty hard. It is very lightweight without even trying (upgrading components can result in a super-light hardtail with very little $ or difficulty). You still see some vintage Stumpys out there, which is just a testament to how durable these little hardtails can be. It came stock with a 11-30 rear 8-speed cassette, but I'm going to see if I can find an 11-32 to save my knees a bit on really steep ascents. The front chain rings are your typical 22-32-42. The Manitou "Pro" fork has stacks of elastomer bumpers, which still work pretty well to this day, but which needs some grease as the bike's been sitting in my bud's garage for quite some time. It comes with Specialized brand tires, which were very good in the traction and cornering depts., but which even when deflated to about 25 PSI still provided a very harsh ride down technical rock bed descents -- I'm also going to see about some better padded grips because my hands were killing me during and after today's 3 hour ride. | | Weaknesses: | None really. Great balanced ride and handling, predictable, super-stiff frame is jarring, but makes this bike an incredibly efficient climber (more important to me these days), components are just fine ... no complaints at all. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my 2nd Stumpy. My 1st was mis-sized -- too small (15"). Haro Escape 4.0 rode similar to this bike, except its ride was less jarring, but it was also a less capable climber than the Stumpy and didn't have as much of a nice, balanced ride/handling. 1996 Mongoose IBOC Comp felt like a heavier version of the Stumpy, but naturally didn't have as lively a feel on the trails and was a much less capable climber. | | Bike Setup: | LX front der., XT rear der., Avid 1.9 brake levers and V-brakes, LX shifters, Manitou Pro elastomer bumper fork, Specialized brand crankset (22-32-42), Shimano rear cassette (11-30), Specialized brand stem (switched out today with a Race Face), I switched platform pedals with my old Wellgo clipless pedals, Mavic 238 rims, LX rear hub, Specialized front hub with radial lacing, M2 metal matrix composite 17" frame in royal blue color, | | Bottom Line: | Great, classic hardtail with very predictable and nice manners on the trail regardless of trail conditions. Very stiff frame resulting in outstanding climbing prowess, but a very jarring ride on very rocky terrain -- I'm going to experiment with different tires over the next few months to find one that'll take some off some of the sting on fast technical DH (rocky) sections, but which does not compromise climbing and cornering strengths. Very lightweight with std. components; can probably drop 2-3 pounds (to 22-23 lbs.) without much effort. A great hardtail that's never out of style - even vintage, retro models look/are cool. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Maddock
a Cross Country Rider
from Wolfeboro, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | #6 roads (unmaintained) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | The Pedalist, Red Bank, NJ | | Strengths: | steel Direct Drive frame. Indestructable. Future Shock (Mag 21, branded for Specialized) is a very strong design. | | Weaknesses: | OEM seatpost was a wet noodle. Bent two of them. LX 7-speed was OK, but currently use XT/XTR mix. Much better. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing. My first and only. | | Bike Setup: | XT V-brakes, cranks, rear derailure, shifter/levers (8-spd), XTR Chain Rings & Front Derailure. Mavic Rims. White Bros front hub, Nashbar & Performance rear hub (two wheels), Control Tech seat post & bar ends. Switching to 2008 SID Race fork (it's silver, just like the old Future Shock...good karma?) Don't know about the new headset & stem yet. | | Bottom Line: | 1993 Stumpy, steel Direct Drive frame with Future Shock fork. Wonderful. Transitioning from road bikes, I started mountain biking with this, and haven’t stopped. The Future Shock is actually still working, but I’m taking a pre-emptive move and replacing it with a SID Race for this next season.
Over the years I have replaced/upgraded almost every component on this bike, but the frame has been perfect for my XC adventures. I still use V-brakes. After the shock replacement, the only items left as original on the bike will be the seat post quick-release and the handlebar.
Bikes like this keep you young.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Weekend Warrior
from York ME
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Gunstock Mountain NH | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | i have a 1996 stumpjumper m2 fs 18" and a m2 comp 17" being shipped.its a great bike, ive ridden many of many mtbs and not one has compared to my stumpjumpers. | | Weaknesses: | this question is crazy...anyone reading this knows theres not a weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | 1990 cannondale sm600
a few gt's and some treks and some other crappy rides | | Bike Setup: | all stock xt for now except for Rockshox mag 21s. this will be slightly changed in a month or so. | | Bottom Line: | buy one if you want to have a solid, dependable and fast machine.... but dont buy any 17" frames until i find one for myself;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Weekend Warrior
from York ME
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Gunstock Mountain NH | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | i have a 1996 stumpjumper m2 fs 18" and a m2 comp 17" being shipped.its a great bike, ive ridden many of many mtbs and not one has compared to my stumpjumpers. | | Weaknesses: | this question is crazy...anyone reading this knows theres not a weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | 1990 cannondale sm600
a few gt's and some treks and some other crappy rides | | Bike Setup: | all stock xt for now except for Rockshox mag 21s. this will be slightly changed in a month or so. | | Bottom Line: | buy one if you want to have a solid, dependable and fast machine.... but dont buy any 17" frames until i find one for myself;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Sherman
a
from Fort Lee, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenway NYC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's garage | | Strengths: | Dusty & unused with big spiders - there in Bob's garage - soon to be third hand - was my Black SJ M2 FS, this bike is great, talk about getting hooked - runs so smooth - shifts great - light - looks cool too. I would like to know how you tell how what year it is? | | Weaknesses: | well .... not many - i did shear the bottom backet and lived - replaces it with an LX outside bearing crank with 48 teeth (?) up from 44 to go faster - the XT derailers worked - the book said it might not - i have an 8 x 3 speed, the metal bracket that holds the rear derailed to the frame is bad - i was told to rivit it back because the stock fasteners failed ? The first owner didn't have a car - i know this bike has mucho miles - unreal. | | Similar Products Used: | none - but did just buy a 2006 Tarmac - 105 group - killer too! | | Bike Setup: | Judy Rock Shock - funny gold/olive color, Shimano XT hubs & whhels, Deore XT brakes & derailers, Avid brake levers (are these originals?), Twist grip X-Ray shifters - this was a NYC bike with a narrow straight bar and with the twist shift it banged on my right elbow so i bought an Easton Monkey Bar and Salsa Stem - got me up and out a bit - no more elbow problem. New Avoset tires with an inverted tread to roll easy for my 26 mile RT commute to 37th and 5th Ave NYC. I just love the bike, paid $235 and then $400 for the new drive train - LX crank, XT chain and XT cluster - having about $1000 into the bike - i love it - I think it is a 1995 or 1996?
How do i tell what year this is?? | | Bottom Line: | Anyone looking to own a good bike should locate an SJ M2 FS or newer model (look for yuppie surplus) and you will be very happy - my local bike shop serviced the Xray Grip Shifters - lubed and new TS and the regular grips - I tell anyone looking for a hardtail - go M2 SJ FS if you can find one. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Sherman
a
from Fort Lee, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenway NYC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's garage | | Strengths: | Dusty & unused with big spiders - there in Bob's garage - soon to be third hand - was my Black SJ M2 FS, this bike is great, talk about getting hooked - runs so smooth - shifts great - light - looks cool too. I would like to know how you tell how what year it is? | | Weaknesses: | well .... not many - i did shear the bottom backet and lived - replaces it with an LX outside bearing crank with 48 teeth (?) up from 44 to go faster - the XT derailers worked - the book said it might not - i have an 8 x 3 speed, the metal bracket that holds the rear derailed to the frame is bad - i was told to rivit it back because the stock fasteners failed ? The first owner didn't have a car - i know this bike has mucho miles - unreal. | | Similar Products Used: | none - but did just buy a 2006 Tarmac - 105 group - killer too! | | Bike Setup: | Judy Rock Shock - funny gold/olive color, Shimano XT hubs & whhels, Deore XT brakes & derailers, Avid brake levers (are these originals?), Twist grip X-Ray shifters - this was a NYC bike with a narrow straight bar and with the twist shift it banged on my right elbow so i bought an Easton Monkey Bar and Salsa Stem - got me up and out a bit - no more elbow problem. New Avoset tires with an inverted tread to roll easy for my 26 mile RT commute to 37th and 5th Ave NYC. I just love the bike, paid $235 and then $400 for the new drive train - LX crank, XT chain and XT cluster - having about $1000 into the bike - i love it - I think it is a 1995 or 1996?
How do i tell what year this is?? | | Bottom Line: | Anyone looking to own a good bike should locate an SJ M2 FS or newer model (look for yuppie surplus) and you will be very happy - my local bike shop serviced the Xray Grip Shifters - lubed and new TS and the regular grips - I tell anyone looking for a hardtail - go M2 SJ FS if you can find one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
george
a Racer
from pa
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | ATTENTION!!! i am sellin my specialized stumpjumper ... i believe its a 98'. i rode it 2 times and just put on rock shox j4...bontrager race handlebars..LX components..v-brakes..new rims and tires..rides great..the suspenioin has a remote lock out which you can turn the suspenion off with a flick of a click and turn it back on with a push of a button | | Weaknesses: | if you are intrested in this bike and to see pictures of it please e - mail me any question that you might have at
george_leuschel@alltel.net | | Bottom Line: | no dents or cracks...a few scratches but nothing major after all its a mountain bike...new rims,forks,brakes,chains and cables,handlebars,rear derailer and cassette...rode a few times and took care of very will please email me at
george_leuschel@alltel.net...excellent race bike for all you people who like to fly up hills on a hard tail and it handles the downhills very nicely i must say!!! Make me an offer | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Walton
a Weekend Warrior
from Deltona, FL USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Strengths: | Frame, and components which are XT Rear and LX front. | | Bike Setup: | believe its a 1997 M2 Frame, with orginal XT and LX derailers and LX shifters | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike and I paid only a $150 for it from a pawn shop. I can't believe they didn't realize what they had. Everything works and the ride is great. Reminds me of my 1986 Jamis Dakota. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Roc
a Cross Country Rider
from Kamloops, BC
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any hardpack XC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Banff Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. This bike is old school like old school was meant to be.... climbs better than any partial or full suspension bike out there.... above the bar index/friction thumb shifters! | | Weaknesses: | I tacoed the original Specialized rims within the first month. The Specialized bottom bracket was an odd size and had to be re-machined to accept an XT upgrade 2 years after I bought it. The 16" frame I have only came with a BB mounted U-Brake. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Attitude, Rocky Mountain Blizzard, a whole lot of new school XC bikes. | | Bike Setup: | It was all XT when I bought it new except for the rims and BB... and they were the first things to fail... go figure. Totally rebuilt the bike about 3 years ago. Retained the OE XT: front canti, seat post, ATB thumbshifters, crank, front deraileur, headset, brake levers as well as the OE Selle saddle. Still have the swap-out Wolber rims (replacements for the tacoed OE Specialized). Replaced everything else with XT components (upgraded from 7-8spd at the same time), except the chain rings (Race Face), and the U-Brake (road campy... because I couldn't find an original XT U-brake.... thinking of testing out a Cane Creek Direct Curve down there or reconfiguring the braze-ons and routing to the rear seat stay) | | Bottom Line: | This bike has seen me through 16 summers of not-so-hard to really gnarly XC riding and probably 40 thousand+ miles.
Between weekends out on the trail it has a set of 26x1.25 skinnies mounted between the stays. I throw some studded tires on in the winter and it becomes my snow commuter. In addition, it has towed my son in a trailer, trail-a-bake and with a bungie strap as he has progressively grown older.
I have a two year old Devinci Deore LX hanging in my basement with less than 100 miles on it. I've demoed new bikes and been on a lot of friend's top end newer bikes but I keep coming back to this one. I'll admit that I probably lose most of the time I gain on those sweet uphill climbs with the sans-suspension-fork teeth chattering downhills but there ain't no new school like the old school.
10 flamers for this classic rock and roll original. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Benton
a
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | UC Cyclery | | Strengths: | Too long to list. | | Weaknesses: | None. (some would say the low bb, but I think that actually helps the handling of the bike) | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list. | | Bike Setup: | 1994 M2 Stumpjumper, mag21 sl/ti, onza HO brakes, nuke proof wheels, rest of the shimano comp are original. | | Bottom Line: | Feel compelled to say something as this site has helped me considerably in the last few months looking for a replacement.
Seeing as how my bike has gone through 10 years of riding -- well over 5k miles & 3 yrs of racing AND is still ridable on the original components must say something.
After test riding over 15 bikes I decided to stay w/ my 94 SJ and upgrade to a new rear wheel, xt drivetrain, 9 speed gs, v brakes and a sid -- we'll see how it all works out. Just don't think you can find a more balanced, flat-out xc bike for anywhere near the price of the SJ. Wails on DH as well...have taken it up the lifts at mammoth and big bear.
Would recommend anybody on a tight budget looking for a quick, reliable ht to hunt an M2/M4 down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roddy Macdonald
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburgh, UK
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | innerleithen | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | off a mate of a mate | | Strengths: | Great bike, had loads of bikes over the years, this is the 1st with suspension forks. Was mtb'ing back in the day when girvin flex stem was something special :-) Is that possible?
| | Weaknesses: | None I can think of. Except breaking the SLR seat after crushing my nads on a tripple. So now with a 20 quid selle italia XO, and can't really fault it. | | Similar Products Used: | closest quaility bike I had was a reynolds 653 custom framed bike mtb in the early 90's
Also had shots of mates bikes like proflex full sus, epic and M4 stumpy. All of which were nice, but I have a soft spot for my M2... | | Bike Setup: | Stumpy M2 of 98 vintage with Mavic crossmax, race face stem and seat post, full XT kit with V's, DMR's after giving up with Time atacs and SID race that was tunned by tim flooks with the very fancy unseen ti bolts on the bottom. All very nice and supplied by the previous owner. | | Bottom Line: | If you can find one in really nice nick, with good level of components out there, then grab it, it is bound to be one of the best bikes you could get your hands on for the money. I think that since disk has become the standard that everyone wants, there is an awfull lot of very tasty bikes out there that are suddenly affordable. I got my 22 lbs bike for a bargain 400 quid. And if you want the brakes to perform, put the cash you saved with the V's into some ceramic rims. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SeaN
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Stillwell Woods, Makamah | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Lot | | Strengths: | Tank. Great stock parts, light, shes my baby | | Weaknesses: | uhhh, gotta replace tubes every so often? | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M20... | | Bike Setup: | 1997 Stumpjumper A1 FS, 03' Marzocchi Marathon 105, Avid V's and levers, Time ATAC carbon fiber pedals. Rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden this bike hard since 1997. Had to replace the rear derallieur after I got a nasty root caught on the XT. Tires are still good after 7 years.(if you stay off the road and the dirts soft, no need to replace) Didnt want to change cantis to V's, but had to cause of new fork.... I love the bike, might just give her new wheels next year as a present, although not exactly necessary. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cyrille Early
a Cross Country Rider
from columbia,SC
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Sweet ride! I am glad that I got the Comp so I didn't have to go right out and replace everything right away. It all worked | | Weaknesses: | No weaknesses other than Seat ripped first week! | | Similar Products Used: | An old hardrock.... Now a 2002 FSR Stumpy Comp! | | Bike Setup: | 1997 M2 Matrix Stumpjumper Comp Hard tail, Judy XC shock Avid rim wrangler brakes, | | Bottom Line: | Sweet ride! I am glad that I got the Comp so I didn't have to go right out and replace everything right away. I recomend this bike to anyone that wants a hard tail. BUT please get the COMP model so you have good parts to start with! Otherwise it just kept going and going and going...... and still goes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, CA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | From my brother | | Strengths: | Havn't really ridden it enough, but the rear derailers seem to shift nice. The brakes are OK. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires suck! My brother put on the TEAM tires and they work alot better. Stock seat is ok if you never sit down, but if you do, buy an aftermarket one. Front derailers have a little trouble shifting, unless you pedal real slowly while you are shifting. | | Similar Products Used: | First mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | After market parts are: Specialized TEAM tires, some decent Free Agent (I think) pedals because I'm not ready for the stock clips yet. I took off an old Vetta gel seat from my dad's old mountain bike and that's about it unless you include my water bottle holder and pump. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is it's a good bike for people of any level and i'm sure that it could probably stand up to someone who rides alot harder than I do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Worcester
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | 1400 | | Strengths: | Strength, durability, and comfort. This bike is a 97, and I've had it for 5 years now. Excellent Avid brakes & levers. | | Weaknesses: | I don't have any severe complaints. A 3rd bottle mount would have been nice. I had some problems with the cranks loosening up on me, and I really hate the bolt design on the chainrings, but they work well enough. The original Ritchy seatpost clamp sucked. | | Similar Products Used: | 1992 GT Outback Trail, 1994 Cannondale M600 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for:
Replaced handlebar after bent it getting hit by a car
I had just built a new set of race wheels right before buying this bike, so I use those & keep the others as spares.
I upgraded the Judy's internals with speedsprings
Replaced the seat with an SDB Bel Air, the best seat ever, after the aforementioned car took out my seat.
Replaced the seatpost recently when I finally got sick of having to readjust & tighten the Ritchey unit.
I think I replaced the original chain because it broke on me a couple times. | | Bottom Line: | This is a 1997 Stumpjumper M4 Comp that I've had for the past 5 years. I have never been happier with a bike. I raced this bike for a couple years, then went through a period where I didn't ride more than a couple times a month. My riding has been increasing the past couple years to the point where I ride almost every day. This bike still takes everything I can throw at it. I limit my riding more than this bike does. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Lacey, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Desperate for Money Friend | | Strengths: | I am 5'6" 130lbs and this bike RULES! I haven't found a single thing to change on it. The little animal keeps going and going and going. Should have been called Specialized Energizer StumpJumper M2 FS. Mines a '96 and the frame is great for the rides that I go on...really bumpy and rooty. However, the seat...well surgical removal of the stock Specialized bike seat on some rides was thought of...but this bike keeps running. Over 8K Miles on it and still using pretty much with the stock parts, when it originally bought with, are still working great. I rework everything about twice a month, repacking bearings, check the shocks, brakes...everything. Uphill...oh baby! This thing goes. I have maxed out at 42mph and it's a little freaky downhill at that speed but a great bike. Darn $265.00 speeding ticket! Well worth the money that I paid for it, which, many say I stole it from him. And at 21lbs...even a small guy can carry this one around for a while. | | Weaknesses: | Bike seat and it took me a while to get used to the longer wheelbase that the Gary Fisher Aquila I had. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Aquila. | | Bike Setup: | Mavic 238 Rims, Specialized Front Hub, Shimano Parallax Deore LX rear hub, Judy XC's, Avid 1D f/r, Ritchey ForceLite Handlebar, Avid SD brakes,, Shimano Deore LX gear Shifts, Deore LX Front Der. and Deore XT Rear Der., Jones 52/55 Front Tire and Velociraptor 47/52 Rear Tire. | | Bottom Line: | Point, switch your gear for the ride and off you go! My only concern are the cars that I hit. More worried about the bike than I am me. Go for it...you won't find a better bike for even $1699.00 which was paid for at original purchase time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dark Saber
a Cross Country Rider
from Galactica
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | sewadge treatment plant trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | CO-OP | | Strengths: | the frame is light yet fairly strong (lately i have been taking 6-8 foot drops with it) good componant selection fairly light | | Weaknesses: | nasty seat and cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | gt tempest | | Bike Setup: | mavic d-519 rim
sram powerlink (Z) chain
specalized body geometry pro seat
the rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | the bike is great for xc and even some urban assult if the rear rim is swaped w/ a beefeyer one. got it cheap (55% off) love it to death. great xc bike. nice geometry and feel | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from London, England
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South Downs Way | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Lincoln | | Strengths: | 1994 Stumpjumper - Its steel and its an odd green color... | | Weaknesses: | 1 inch headset - Difficult to get a new suspension fork.
Not sus fork geometry | | Similar Products Used: | 1990 Marin Pallisades | | Bike Setup: | 94 Jumper, Z2, virtually everything changed as its worn out. | | Bottom Line: | Its been with with me years and I cant really justify replacing it with anything else until something serious happens..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josef
a Racer
from Milpitas,California USA
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Grant Ranch,San Jose | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel Away | | Strengths: | 1992 Specialized Stumpjumper Direct Drive frameset is lightweight,stiff and strong.Race geometry,tough Shimano XT and Deore components.Wheelsmith built Specialized Z-21 rims have yet to be trued since new.NOS Ultra sticky Umma Gumma tires grip and climb and not showing any wear and tear,despite hearing that they last only three races. | | Weaknesses: | None,except can't upgrade to newer V-brakes because of cable-noodle welded to the frame,instead of a slotted cable guide.LX cantilever brakes are hard to adjust and weak but will stop the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 1991 Bridgstone MB1,Ritchey P-23,Klein Attitude. | | Bike Setup: | The Stumpjumper is about 80 percent stock.I replaced the original Umma Gumma tires with NOS Umma Gummas found recently in original packaging.Specialized Z-21 rims with Parallax hubs and Wheelsmith spokes have never needed truing or replacement.I replaced the short 26.4 Barracuda seatpost for a 350mm Nashbar unit(26.4s are hard to find)But the Nashbar is real light,black and sweet looking.Installed it's 2nd Sella Flite Ti saddle.Now sports Odyssey Svelt cage pedals.My goal was to keep this bike at pre 93 racing set-up as much as possible,as a tribute to the oldschool XC riders and the bikes from the past.This is my 67 Vette. | | Bottom Line: | 1992 Specialized Stumpjumper.For all you old schoolers wondering how well a lightweight pre-93 race bike holds up,this 1992 Stumpjumper it is still ridden at racing speeds at Grant Ranch.It will outrun and outclimb any new hardtail or duelie.It climbs the Hotel trail on the middle ring.It now weighs in at 22 lbs.It's not ridden lightly despite it's age.
Latest bikes it has raced and beaten;2001 GT I-Drive on the downhill section of Hotel Trail,Santa Cruz Superlight,Schwinn Rocket 88.Steel still rules!
Specialized has built a bike that will last forever and is a bargain compared to any other make. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Milligan
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | My backyard. :0) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | California | | Strengths: | Awesome cross country bike. Very light, and most components are really good. After close to 15 years of mountain biking, this is my favorite thus far | | Weaknesses: | The fork. The '98 model came with a Judy T2, or more like a Judy POS. They are using that technology now one their lower end forks! | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumer Pro, Rockhopper Comp, Schwinn Sierra (old school ride) | | Bike Setup: | M2 frame, Rock Shox Judy T2 fork (now has Englund air internals), XT rear derailer, LX most everywhere else. Specialized StrongArm Crank | | Bottom Line: | Great cross country bike. No, it is not the most durable if you like to trash and thrash, but an old school mountain biker like me doesn't do that anyhow. For those of you who complain about breaking components, stop jumping off buildings. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Waco, TX
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cameron Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Outback in Waco, TX | | Strengths: | Lightweight, decent components | | Weaknesses: | Several of the components are rather generic. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Stuntjumper M4, '01 Judy SL fork, XTR front and rear derailleur, Mavic 517 rims with XTR hubs. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike once you make a few upgrades. It's fairly lightweight for a mtn bike, and its durable. For only 1200, it's a great buy. I wouldn't reccomend if for freeriding and/or downhilling...only XC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Frame, wheels, rear derailleur | | Weaknesses: | Crank is a POS. Fork is adequate, but air (Mars in my case) blows it away. Everything Ritchey, particularly the pedals, which are the worst pieces of sh*te on the planet. | | Similar Products Used: | Homegrown | | Bike Setup: | See below | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to a posting from two years ago. The bottom line is that I've pretty much replaced everything but the frame and the wheels. Entire drivetrain is now XT9, Thompson post (never in a million years would have believed I could feel the difference in a seatpost!), Monkey Lite bar, King hs, Manitou Mars C (su-weet!), 747 pedals (everything that Ritchey's aren't), Python Air tires (light 'n' fast!). Thompson stem is next (original was too long, but I've been slow to change). NOW this is a GREAT bike. Bottom line, buy it for the frame, upgrade the parts as needed/wanted/can afford. If someone is trying to sell you one, DON'T accept it with the Ritchey pedals or Spec. seat--you'll want to change 'em before the end of your first ride. The wheels probably weigh a ton, but have been amazingly durable, never needing so much as a real truing yet. Everything Ritchey on the bike is total cr*p. Swap it out asap. As for the frame, if you want to ride a hardtail, you don't need to look any further. This one is great. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Julian Duquemin
a Cross Country Rider
from Devon, UK
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dartmoor trails | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Hot Pursuit, Totnes | | Strengths: | Lightweight, durable, STEEL!!!!!!!
Easily repairable | | Weaknesses: | None at all | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 1991 Stumpjumper Comp, '99 Marzocchi Z2 BAM, XT Gruppo,
Syncros & Pace racerings on 1990 Shimano XT cranks, Pace Carbon front hub, Mavic 517 rims, Flite Kevlar saddle, X-Lite bars & barends. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say? This bike is awesome!!! I've ridden this bike since 19 May 1991 through some serious kinds of crap, I can tell you. This bike has done over 2000 miles of tours fully laden up with luggage and hasn't had a signle problem throughout. I've raced for several years on this bike and it's still going strong. However, the time is drawing near to retire my bike and buy a new one. I haven't decided what to get yet but I'm changing to Aluminium for sure. When Specialized released this bike, they created a classic and I'm glad I bought the bike I did...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerald
a Cross Country Rider
from Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dundas Valley Conservation Area | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1379.00 | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, great climber, quick and yet predictable handling, drivetrain is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Tires not aggressive enough for the level of rider this bike would appeal to. Seatpost needs adjusting constantly. Seat is way too harsh for long rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Klein, Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR, Rock Shox Jusy XC, V-Brakes, Ritchey, Specialized | | Bottom Line: | For the bucks it's a great ride. After 3+ years owning it, I still come back from rides raving about this bike. With the exception of some of the stock Specialized components, the components are great. Change the tires immediately. Once you take them off of anything hard and dry, they sucked and wore too quickly. Softer saddle. If you ride everyday you would probably get use to it, but for the slight weight savings, the discomfort is not worth it. The seatpost no matter how tight, after a pounding ride, would allow the saddle to roll back and out of position. All three of these problems are Specialized products. If Specialized likes putting their own components on a bike, they should make sure they are of a quality level reflective of the bike and it's price. The M2 SJ Pro is probably too much money for a novice, or even an intermediate rider. Once you have beat the hell out of your first ride and your skill level is up there, its money well spent. For the aggressive weekend rider right up to the expert racer, this bike rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | CVC | | Strengths: | Great stiff frame, but no too harsh. The geometry is very natural feeling. The color is awesome! | | Weaknesses: | (Minor) Easy paint chips...
(Major) Possible frame weakness due to mistake in manufacturing | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XT, Marzzochi Atom 80, King Headset, WTB rims/hub...and more | | Bottom Line: | 98 Stumpjumper COMP
Great frame! Has lastd me 2 years of hard riding/racing until recently. PLEASE E-MAIL ME IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS!
Recently the frame began to creak around the botton bracket, after bringing it to a shop and having the BB greased, tightened and serviced the creak remained. It was then inspected for crack and none were found.
The creak occurs when vertical pressure(like a person sitting on the seat) is applied. It also occurs with no pressure on the pedals. I took my feet off and the craking continued.
The bike shop employees said that around '98 Specialized had manufacturing issues and the tubing did not exactly fit durign the welding process.
HAs anyone else heard of this issue??
PLEASE E-MAIL ME IF YOU HAVE!
But I still give it a grwat rating! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SHAWN ROSS
a Weekend Warrior
from SOUTHEN CA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | OAK GROVE TRAIL | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | THE PRICE. IT'S A 98 MODEL. THE 99'S WERE ON THE FLOOR WHEN
I BOUGHT IT. I PAID 899.00 PLUS TAX. GOOD CLIMBER, GOOD OUT
OF THE SADDLE ACCELERATION.
| | Weaknesses: | THE SPECAILIZED BOTTOM BRAKET LASTED ABOUT 4 HOURS OF RIDING
BEFORE IT STARTED TO SQUEEK. THE SEAT IS TOO HARD FOR THOSE
MORE EPIC RIDES. THE RITCHY FORCE LITE BARS AND SPECAILIZED
GRIPS DO LITTLE TO INSULATE VIBRATION. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR
899.00. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 7000 SERIES AND GT ALUM HARD TAIL 97 MODEL | | Bike Setup: | ALMOST STOCK WITH THE EXCEPTION OF TIME ATAC CABBON PEDALS,
AVITAR CHAIN RINGS(WORSE SHIFTING THAN STOCK) AND ONE
SPECAILIZED BOTTLE HOLDER. | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS MY FIRST MOUNTIAN BIKE. ONE MY WIFE WILL PROBABLY
TAKE AS A HAND-ME-DOWN. FOR 899.OO IT'S A FAST LIGHT BIKE
WITH A MIX OF XT AND XTR COMPONETS. LOOKS GOOD ON PAPER BUT
THIS BIKE DOSEN,T HAVE COMPONET FOLLOW THROUGH. THE CHAIN
RINGS THE BIKE CAME WITH WERE FLIMESY AND BROKE TEETH BY
THE SECOND WEEK. THE BIKE SHOP REPLACED THESE WITH AVITAR
RINGS THAT HAVE LASTED 2 YEAR BUT SHIFT LIKE CRAP.
6 DIFFERNT BIKE MECHANICS HAVE TRIED AT ADJUST THE FRONT
DERAILER TO GET THIS RIGHT. THE BIGGEST COMPLAINTS I HAVE
ARE RELATED TO COMFORT. THE SEAT MUST BE SOME MID-EVIL
TORTURE DEVICE (EYE CANDY TO THE BEGINNER) AND THE BIKE
JUST PLAIN RIDES STIFF AND TRANSFERS TOO MUCH VIBRATION
TO MY HANDS. NEXT TIME MAKE MINE A TI SOFT TAIL SUCH AS
A IBIS SILK TIE OR A MOOTS YBB WITH DISC BRAKES AND AN ALL
XTR DRIVE TRAIN.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ormtnbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | its a secret, thats why its my fav | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Darn near everything...what a great bike this has been. | | Weaknesses: | Terrible bottom bracket. Replace the Shimano ASAP! | | Similar Products Used: | None as good. | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper, Crossmax, RaceFace, XT | | Bottom Line: | This has been a terrific bike. I purchased the Crossmax after about a year, and gave the Specialized rims to a friend, and he is still riding them and loves them.
I have endured some horrific crashes on this bike and it keeps coming back for more...
The frame is still in excellent shape, the original Avids still don't miss a beat and even the seatpost hasn't broke.
I would recommend this bike to everyone all over again...see my review the first week I owned it back in '96.
I don't exactly know how many miles are on this bike but there is 2210 on my current spedometer and about 1600 on the one that was broken before it.
And a few rides inbetween the old and new speedo.
GREAT BIKE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Phila. PA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Well, I might as well add my voice to the Stumpjumper throng. I have a 96 M2 FS that I've thrashed in California and Pa. in nearly every environment, from sand to mud, fireroads to roots 'n' rocks. I figured it was time to post a review since I have now replaced EVERY component except the front wheel, bb, headset, cranks and rear hub. The frame has been indestructible, obviously, which is a pretty good thing. It's sort of an all-around ride. I wouldn't say it excels at anything. I've found that it climbs better out of the saddle. (Compared with the other bikes I've ridden extensively, a Litespeed Obed and GT Zaskar) Its strength, I think, is descending, especially if you hang your butt over the rear wheel. I've ridden down some truly gnarly descents that way. Compared to the GT Zaskar (which I had planned to buy), it's a more nimble, tossable frame. | | Weaknesses: | Its weakness is what I see as lowish bb and pedal clearance. It could also be a bit lighter; the gussets that Specialized added probably added a few grams. Also, the rear chainstays get in the way of my heels sometimes. And I don't like the cable routing, but I've got Ride On cables now so it doesn't matter. At first I had problems with chainsuck but all the original components have been replaced anyway...finally, since it's so stiff, and I'm now in my early 30s...well, you know the rest. My next frame will be a full suspension job. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar | | Bike Setup: | 96 Stumpjumper M2FS with 3" travel Judy XC, Race Face chainrings, XT derailleur and cassetts; Thompson seatpost, Kore stem, Avid arch rival brakes, Mavic 517 wheels etc etc. | | Bottom Line: | Super all-around frame, but my iron ass days are nearly over. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Murray
a Cross Country Rider
from Peeksill NY USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ninham Multiple usa area | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Light weight frame...components left some to be desired especially the T2 Fork..Any Way. I recently broke the frame. Right where the chain stays connect to the bottom bracket. When I brought to my local shop the Specialized Rep just happen to be there. He warrantied it for me on the spot. He said that they had a design problem with them and then showed me how the design is different in the new bikes. Any way for an extra 250.00 I am upgrading to the S Works M4 frame. | | Weaknesses: | Specialized in house compents leave some to be desired. | | Similar Products Used: | none my first bike | | Bike Setup: | i have replaced almost everything. I do ride 4 times week though. z2 bam fork. race face cranks. thompson post. body geo. comp seat. spin front wheel. velocity cliff hanger rear with hugi hub. xt parts group. avid brakes ar40's. | | Bottom Line: | great bike and specialized stood behind mine. Can't getr any better.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor
a Cross Country Rider
from Sumner, Wa
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Victor Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, quick, and responsive. Great XT/XTR specs.
This thing can take a beating too. | | Weaknesses: | Ritchy pedals, seat, grips. The cranks are creaky at times, I just bought some XT's that haven't been put on yet.
8 speed. Sore ass. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first mountain bike. The geometry is a natural.
| | Bike Setup: | 98 M2 SJ. It's pretty much stock except for Icon stem and bars, Control Tech bar ends, Michelin Lite S tires, and Serfas grips. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike new in 99, and got it for $450 under the retail price. This is the best value I've seen for a REAL entry level XC race bike. My friends think I have super stamina and speed- It's just the bike! Don't tell.
The breaks work great in dry conditions, the Judy XC could be upgraded but it works fine. Do yourself a favor and get a Lizard Skin for the chainstay.
This bike climbs like a sherpa on speed and takes tight single track romps effortlessly. The frame is tough and looks good as well. Stiff and fast. Mmm mmm good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Olthof
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau, Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | durability
mild manners - no surprises | | Weaknesses: | Original rims were kind of crap - though high-end Specialized rims were excellent.
Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list, since 1988 | | Bike Setup: | original Deore DX hubs, shifters and front derailleur. Other parts are a mix of similarly old stuff. | | Bottom Line: | I bought my Stumpjumper in 1992. It is a steel model, with Deore DX parts, complete with thumb shifters and all. It also had Specialized rims, tires and cockpit. It was my only bike for a number of years, and served as transportation and recreational - albeit intense mountain biking at Bromont and Mont Sainte Annes, Quebec. Over the years, I replaced and upgraded the parts one by one. I bought a Syncros 425mm post for it, because I'm tall and the bike was purposely bought to be a on the small end of a good fit. I didn't feel comfortable running the stock post at it's max line all the time - though I still have the original post, and use it daily now. My buddy had a bike store in Montreal, so I had access to pretty inexpensive new and slightly used parts. I bought a second set of wheels for her (XT with Mavic 231s), with new Specialized kevlar beaded tires. The More Extreme K is still one of my favorite rear tires of all time (can't get them anymore). I bought a Mag 20 - which I still use today. I had to change the seals once, put Gorilla boots on them and change the oil once a season. I bought a Flite saddle for it many years ago because they were cool, and busted it two years later. I have toured on my Stumpjumper, used her as a daily commuter, even in winter in Montreal and now Ottawa. For steel bike owners, here's a tip to get longevity out of your frame. Buy some rust inhibitor (rust check or whatever), and spray some down the seat tube and head tube. Rotate your frame so that the stuff runs through all the tubes on all sides. It should come out the little drain holes. I've seen thin tubed mountain bikes with holes in their downtubes from rust. These were courier bikes in downtown Montreal, but the same can happen to any steel bike ridden in wet conditions given enough time. I went into my buddy's bike store one day in 1996, and he had just obtained a Merlin Mountain frame on a trade with some kid who wanted a full suspension KHS (sucker). The Merlin Frame fit me and all the Stumpjumer's parts. I bought the Merlin, and probably won't have to buy another hardtail ever again. I love the Merlin - there is no comparing it to my Stump. I have since put a baby seat on the Stumpjumer for my two year old son. I take him on leasurely trail rides on it. He now loves the bike as much as I do (we both give it five). Stumpjumpers have always been the best bike going for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JimBo
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartshorne and Topanemus | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Lightweight
Stiff
durable
Eye Catching | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Y-Bike
H-Tail | | Bike Setup: | M2 Frame w/ Crmo butted fork.
XTR R.Derailleur
XT -F. Derailluer
-Shifters
-Brake Levers
-Brakeset
-Bottom Bracket
-Crankset
-Cassette
SPiN and Mavic Cross Wheelset
Ritchey Logic Pedals
WTB Velociraptor Tires
LP Composites Seat Post and Bar Ends
Easton Carbon Stem
AheadSet SAS
Selle Italia Flite Ti Rails
Yeti H-Core Grips
| | Bottom Line: | This bike is REALLY lightweight and dropping as the days go on. (20lbs.)Very fast and very eye catching ( Custom Paint.)
The bike climbs extremely well. It also descends extremely well.(with a little technique) Accelerates really quickly due to no suspension and my high pain tolerance. Invested a lot into the bike and don't mind a bit. I race on it and ride on some tough, local trais and holds up really well. Great Bike Overall
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christine
a Cross Country Rider
from edmonton, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | haven't found it yet | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | For the groupo you get and the indestructible frame, very worth the $$. | | Weaknesses: | '95 Judy's, dia compe levers and stock saddle were not as impressive as the rest of the bike | | Similar Products Used: | test rode Kona Explosif, Marin, Rocky Mountain, Cannondale, trek, giant. Can't remember all the model names though. | | Bike Setup: | all stock components except for a few things (to be mentioned later) | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding my '95 Stumpjumper FS Comp for 4 years now. At the time I bought it, I chose it after test riding a whole lot of other bikes in the same price range. I was also seriously considering a Kona Explosif, but by the time I tried the SJ, my mind was changed forever. The geometry was just right: aggressive but not "straighten your arms out" aggressive. I didn't like the Judy's that came with the bike though. They weren't very responsive for a light person like myself (~110lbs). Hence the upgrade this year to a better Bomber fork. Saddle also had much to be desired, so I bought a women's specific one. Also, the dia compe 11 brake levers finally failed on me last year so I had to replace those with something more durable. Otherwise, this bike performs great. It has been to 3 countries and has garnered a lot of attention in each one. Instead of buying a new bike in the future, I think I'll just stick to upgrading the one I have! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Szlapka
a Cross Country Rider
from Portage,Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | my secret trail behind the airport | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This bike is awesome it has a very strong frame and it is super light. It comes with some of the best components around. It's an excellant bike for doing alot of riding. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle that came with mine was not very comfortable, it is a big bike so I would recomend it to bigger people it alo has the cage screw holes to far down. | | Similar Products Used: | This is actually my first good and decent mountain bike that I can compare to other bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 1998,Green,Judy t2 forks LX/Xt,Ritchey bar and pedals | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike that is worth the hard earned money that you have go for this one. It is perfect for beginers to intermidiate ridders. The frams is super light while at the same time it is also very strong. It has many possibilitiesfor upgrades but the way it comes shuold be good enough to fit you till your parts start to age.
Scince when you buy the bike now in2000 and with it being a 1998 you sould be able to find a real sweet deal on it. I found mine for 790$ You just have to make sure that through all the test rides it's been throug it hasn't ruined the parts. You'll also want to pu new tubes in the tire because the ones in there will proabobly be all dried up and you'll get a flat a lot faster. good luck now go get your bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bergen Peak | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Climbs like a mountain goat and light weight. | | Weaknesses: | None to speak of. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z2 Bomber, Avid Arch Rival 50's, XTR shifter/brakes, the rest XT/LX. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the money....actually at any price! Strong and light. It has taken alot of abuse in 3 years and I still love it.
I think you would have to spend a great deal more money to find a better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Peabody, MA
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ridge Trail Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Frame | | Weaknesses: | Specialized Components | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | 97 Stumpjumper: Chris King Headset, RaceFace stem, bar, cranks, rings and bottom bracket. Sun Rhyno lite rims with xt hubs. Marzocchi z2 bomber. | | Bottom Line: | I have had to replace most of the stock parts with the exception of the shifters, deraillers and brakes. Specialized parts are not that great for large people like myself. 6'2" 225lbs. The headset was toast within two months of riding and the cranks are way to flexy. Ritchey pedals suck so I switched to shimano 636. The best part of this bike is the frame. I have crashed more times than I care to remember. My frame is scratched to hell but it is still as stiff and reliable as the first day I got it. This frame is not for soft butt or weak at heart. You point it and it goes. Not a lot of room for mistakes, but if you pay attention you will be rewarded. This bikes climbs like a goat and has handled everything I have thrown at it. I would recommend this bike to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | great out of the box bike. takes off the line better than any other bike i've tried. | | Weaknesses: | the crank makes it difficult to shift. i'd wish they would've used xt's instead | | Bottom Line: | the bike is great for pretty much anything. very easy to handle and the climbing is amazing. when you first get on, you can feel a difference. this bike was made with speed in mind. the only thing that really bugs me, enough to write this review is the crank needs to go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, OR
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
So far, Hutch's Hustle Course. Bend, OR | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light, strong, quick | | Weaknesses: |
Specialized crank
Gotta wear padded shorts! | | Bike Setup: |
M2 Comp, XT front/rear/V-brakes/pods, Manitou SX Ti Fork | | Bottom Line: | Sweet ride! Well worth the flow! Only thing I've had to do so far is true a rim after some serious air and landing on a rock in a race! I highly suggest padded shorts 'cause this bike is stiff! I almost doubled acceleration and climbing from my cro-mo hardtail!! Rack up the chillies baby! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from bellevue,WA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
lightgood specclimbs by itselfi like orange | | Weaknesses: |
stiff rear trianglestock seat and pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
ionickleinkhs | | Bike Setup: |
'98 Pro, Manitou SX-R, THUDBUSTER SEAT POST!!!!!!!! | | Bottom Line: | I really liked this bike when I first got it. Great climber, very accurate tracking, durable for a lightweight (150#) like me. About a week ago I finally got my Thudbuster seatpost that I've been waiting on. OH MY GOD this is now the greatest bike on earth -- I can stay seated over almost anything, and when I get out of the saddle I've got stiff hardtail acceleration. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Perth, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Great Frame, good brakes, nice front wheel | | Weaknesses: |
Bottom bracket, headset, crappy Spec cranks | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale H/T, Trek | | Bike Setup: |
XTR Rear hub, XT cluster, T2 Fork, LX cranks | | Bottom Line: | Great CC bike. Very strong, climbs like a Racehose Goanna on amphetamines. The T2 fork is a bit flexy, but is very light | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Lebanon, NH
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gifford Pinchot National Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, very stiff, good fork, great price.
Climbs better than I can imagine, great handling even on the big bumps. | | Weaknesses: |
Ritchey pedal cleats, saddle | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona, Trek, older CroMo rigids | | Bike Setup: |
'98 stock M2 Comp w/Judy XC, flipped stem for low-profile bar setup, chain stay protector | | Bottom Line: | It's so light I'm afraid to add bar ends. The XTR rear took a while to figure out, but prefer this configuration after the learning curve. The saddle is too hard for the stiff frame, seriously considering a suspension seatpost. The cleats are annoyingly difficult to use; I ended up (re)using my Shimano SPD cleats instead, and they work well with the Ritchey pedals, providing just the right amount of float. Don't forget to wrap the chain stay, or that blue paint will chip off quickly.
This one's definitely a keeper. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tatonka
a Cross-Country Rider
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Monte Sano | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Strong and stiff - just like a dick on viagra | | Weaknesses: |
Judy T2 Fork. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek and Schwinn Hardtails | | Bike Setup: |
Judy T2 with Big Man Springs/MCU and C3 Cartridge. Chris King Headset. | | Bottom Line: | I'm 5'11 and weigh 250 lbs. Fat no. Put it this way I used to play linbacker for P.S.U. This bike takes everything the trails and I give it. The frame is bullet-proof. The stock headset blew within the first month. The lbs freaks laughed at it and then introduced me to Chris King. The Judy T2, now upgraded for my weight responds nicely. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay City, MI
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
North Country Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Climbs like a thoroughbred, Aggressive downhill and cornering. Takes anything you dish out. | | Weaknesses: |
Somewhat stiff on the hardstuff, but worth it. | | Similar Products Used: |
Mongoose, Trek, Cannondale, different models, all hardtails. | | Bike Setup: |
'98 M2 Comp Stock | | Bottom Line: | Kudos to Specialized on this truly awesome workhorse. This bike simply rocks. It was built to climb. When the person behind you is gritting your trail dust at the bottom, there is no better justification for the purchase of this bike. The only set back is the stiffness of the frame. You feel every root and rock. But the bike is indestructible. Here's a true story to lend credit to this claim:When I first bought this bike, I had to purchase a new rack for my car (I used to have one, but sold it with my last bike). Being a guy, I figured I didn't need to read the directions on how to work the rack correctly, and proceeded to attach the rack and bike to my car and leave the bike shop. A few miles down the road at 65 mph, I began to notice the bike was curiously flopping up and down on the rack. Since this didn't seem right I decided I should pull over and check it out. Just as this idea was poping into my slow-witted brain, the bike released from the rack and sailed into the air at 65mph, and began bouncing down the interstate. My stomach jumped into my throat, and I slammed on the brakes. Luckily, no one was behind me or they would have had been sporting a new hood ornament. I leaped out of the car and sprinted down the highway (100 yards or so) expecting to find a knarled mess of metal and plastic. I was so pissed at myself. All I could remember was the last words of the salesperson as I left the bike shop: Need help with the bike rack? Its kinda of a tricky set up. My reply was: Nah.....I can figure it out. Thanks anyway. Oh how I was regreting that.To my surprise, the only scratch, yes scratch, on the bike was where the handle bars had been forced over the top tube on impact, thus removing a thin line of paint. The rims did need a little adjustment to true from bouncing down the pavement, but I was amazed. I knew from that moment on, that no matter what I did to this bike, it could take it. Take it from me, if you can dish it, this bike will give it back ten fold.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
punkpatrick
a Cross-Country Rider
from New York,NY
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
most anywhere winterpark,co | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
frame
drivetrain
wheelset
yes, light | | Weaknesses: |
bb
seatpost | | Similar Products Used: |
old Scott chromo w/ STX | | Bike Setup: |
98 comp stock. wtb saddle | | Bottom Line: | If it weren't for the cranky one star gripes bringing down the avg. we're talking mostest, bestest reviewed bike in the site.Three hundred forty plus reviews and it still maintains a 4.5 chili relleno avg. Yet I still feel compelled to sell this bike to the unconverted. Specialized has made the bike of the decade, year in year out Stumpies always seem to be great rides. They're cheap, ubiquitous, speedy workhorses; So freakin made-for-the masses-commonplace yet amazingly well tuned rides.My experience: This frame is an off the shelf miracle. Crosscountry singletrackers cannot go wrong with this bike. Frame stiffness only became a problem after I moved to NY and started riding the streets of Manhattan on overinflated tires. I am considering a suspension seatpost. Have biffed a number of times including one 20mph descent that broke my collar bone. The bike flew end over end, the saddle broke in half but frame has remained sound. Bent the replaceable derailleur hanger 4 months ago bent it right back not a whisper of a problem since. XT-XTR drivetrain has worked flawlessly for me 'cept when I've let the chain get crudded up. Can't imagine full XTR being much better. UN-52 BB is starting to wear and I'm a middle weight. I think I ride hard and the rear wheel has had to be trued once. Stout. I like the Judy XC, although a little nose heavy, overhaul it regularly,tune it and use lots of englund slick honey and all will be grand. I've ridden a few other forks and other than wanting to lose a little weight I can't see dropping hundreds for the marginal improvement. Also super chrome Tom Ritchey seat post can be a pain when trying to get into adjustment. Slick finish causes it to slip, but it settles in after a month of silly, needless readjustment.
If your a hardtailer with about $1200 make it simple and get the M2. Believe me there are not better values out there. Read the reviews of the converted we are legion....of course 5 flamos and an extra one for being so consistently great over time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
speed junkie
a Cross-Country Rider
from ohio
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any but street | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
climbs like its mother fu$ked a billygoat | | Weaknesses: |
crank
fork | | Similar Products Used: |
c'dale f500 | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks major a$$ you feel every bump on the trail great handling
going to beef up with xtr over winter to make for even better ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yanick LaPorte
a Racer
from Mt.-Tremblant, PQ
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
DH + XC , SL expert | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
lightweight
excellent valueamazing components for the price range !! | | Weaknesses: |
Specialized Crankeverything else rocks !! | | Similar Products Used: |
Hardtails + F S | | Bike Setup: |
stock + bar endsNew crank set coming up | | Bottom Line: | It's amazing ... Best value on the hardtail market !!Get it now ... ride it tomorrow !! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shae
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma WA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Victor Falls | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Quick, nimble & fun! | | Weaknesses: |
Front cranks should have been XT stock instead of the passable but not great specialized cranks | | Similar Products Used: |
The old steed, a Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: |
Bone stock 98 Comp with Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | I love riding this bike on tight twisting technical root coverd endoing trails. I really like the XTR rapid rise rear and XT front. I think it's better speced than the 99 comp except for the 9 speed upgrade. This bike will suit me fine for several years untill I get that fully suspended bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Racer
from Bloomington, IN
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Knobstone | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Weight, climbing, looks | | Weaknesses: |
components, setup | | Similar Products Used: |
Zaskar, Giant, Klein | | Bike Setup: |
Dark Blue frame, 98 SID, WTB Saddle, XT/Bontrager wheels, full 98 XT Components, King headset, Bontrager Race cocpit, ATAC Carbons | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible. No frills climbing, you
point it and pedal and it will go there.
A little wary on fast downhills, but expected.
Super smooth with XT setup. w/SID under 22lbs! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Saratoga, CA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
TFT - Lake Tahoe, CA | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Strength, lightweight, good looks. | | Weaknesses: |
NONE | | Similar Products Used: |
Every other hardtail sucks compared to the Stumpy. Except my old Hardrock. It's okay. | | Bike Setup: |
New XT parts, SRAM Plasma Shifters, Mavic 121 DH Rim in the back, .... X-Vert R!! | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best hardtail ever made. I've abused it for 3 years and have used it for downhill, freeride, and XC. The headtube is strong enough to easily handle a dual crown fork unlike most hardtails. Just look at the gussets!! It's going to retire its DH career soon, when I get a Santa Cruz Super 8, but it will still be my trail/dual slalom bike. If anyone wants to buy it off me, write a check for $4000 bucks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alvin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Concord, CA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lake Chabot Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Hill climber, quick handler, real light | | Weaknesses: |
weak paint job | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Zaskar LE | | Bike Setup: |
1998 Stumpjumper (dark blue)
XT Group
Son of Strongarm cranks
98 Rock Shox SID Fork
Answer Hyperlite
Answer Hyperends
Scott Clipless Pedals
Specialized Team Master/Control Tires
Mavic/LX/Stout wheels | | Bottom Line: | This bike is wayyy better than the Zaskar I had. I love its utilitarian nature and it truly belongs in the mountains of Northern California. Until my back gives out, hardtails til I die. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Butner
a Cross-Country Rider
from Castro Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
XC course at the Sea Otter | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great frame, good shocks, and good components for the price! Gotta love the sparkly blue! | | Weaknesses: |
The chainrings....stock is cheap | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Cad-2
Rockhopper COmp | | Bike Setup: |
Stumpy M2 Comp, Judy XC, XTR(rear)/XT(front), Avid 2.0 v-brakes, Raceface Risers, Specialized comp pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. A lot better than the Rockhopper that I had b4 and a little less harsh than the cad-2 cannondale I compared. I've raced it and loved it. Great climbs! Keep the heavier tires off(Specialized Team 2.0's) and it'll do great! Get the long stem replaced to fit ya and it'll steer like a motha! Did not like thr Ritchey pedals at all! like i said, LOVE the sparkly blue color! I did break the teeth on the mid-ring pretty quickly! Get XT...good strong ring for the money! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
French Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
climbs like a champ | | Weaknesses: |
some of the stock components are pretty weak | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 7000, Mongoose Zero-G (steel) | | Bike Setup: |
Judy XC fork , U.S.E. XCR seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This bike climbs like a mutha. Its pretty fast on downhills and pretty responsive. After riding a steel frame there is NO comparison on uphills or on straight single track. This stiffness comes with a price though, and on rocky terrain you'll feel every bump. I think the M2 frame is a great frame although I'm sure there are also other bike out there that are just as good. But, for the money, I think that this bike is a heck of a good deal! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Moab, UT
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
I like it overall. | | Weaknesses: |
Have had problems with the front deraillur(sp?) hitting the frame??? Not dropping into the small ring. | | Bottom Line: | Bike is great except for the sticky front hub and the front der. problem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
arnach
a Cross-Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
No Flex, you feel the road...
Good deal ~$600
Good Component Group
Everybody wants a M2 Frame | | Weaknesses: |
Small handelbar
Unweildy--Scary | | Similar Products Used: |
Balance XR750 | | Bike Setup: |
Judy T2, LX & XT | | Bottom Line: | Well, I only rode it for about 10 minutes but I got up some speed and some good sprinting. It climbs real good and accelerates but its real scary, as they say, the bike is nervous. I don't like it. So far I havent found anything I like more than my Balance frame. 2 stars for ride + 1 star for price ($600) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave d
a Cross-Country Rider
from medina, washington
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
preston RR grade | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
fits my long torso and arms, climbs like a mofo, great deal | | Weaknesses: |
swap pedals and seat | | Similar Products Used: |
many | | Bike Setup: |
stock '98 M2 Pro, swapped out for carbon ATAC pedals and WTB saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. Tried just about every hardtail in a number of stores (Rocky Mountain, Klein, Bontrager, Trek, Litespeed, etc.) and finally found this orange honey at under $1100. Bike feels much more solid than this year's M4 versions, eith possible exception of Works bike. Climbs like crazy, point and shoot on rough singletrack at speed. Riding buddy with tricked-out Clark Kent hopped on for a moment and couldn't believe the set-up. Great geometry for me -- try it if you've got a longer torso and longer arms. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg
a Weekend Warrior
from MPLS, MN
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
FAST | | Bike Setup: |
'98 SJ M2 COMP XT/XTR JUDY XC | | Bottom Line: | REPLACED SOME OF THE CHEAPER PARTS/ HEADSET/SEATPOST/STEM...IF YOU LIKE GOING FAST, DON'T BUY A FS BIKE, GET AN 'USE' SEATPOST AND A SJ COMP AND HOLD ON... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy Cook
a Weekend Warrior
from British Columbia CAN
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lady's Only | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Clean, crisp, and very responsive ride. I bought this bike for the M2 frame. Very strong, and really light. It came with a good component package (DECORE -LX and DECORE XT) Great rims, and tires for the buck. | | Weaknesses: |
Not a massive fan of the gripshifters that came with the bike. | | Similar Products Used: |
Brody, Rocky Mountain, Kona | | Bike Setup: |
Mostly still using factory stock and components. I have had no need to upgrade or replace anything!Mavic 221's, LX/XT components | | Bottom Line: | A great investment for any medium to hard core rider who likes the feel of one of the best hard-tail bikes available.No problem rating this bike as a ...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Saplamaeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Newmarket, Ontario
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Coleson Hills | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Frame, cosmetics, Ritchey componentry, tires, Avid 2.0 brakes! | | Weaknesses: |
Bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: |
KHS Alite 3000 | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized M2 Comp | | Bottom Line: | An excellent entry-level race-ready bike. Cosmetically sound, ingenious M2 complex fram material, excellent braking with the Avid 2.0's!!! Needs a higher-end stock bottom bracket, front derailleur, and shifting pods. In comparison to other bikes, it can't be beat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Willow Grove (Philly) PA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light, looks good, handles great, good components | | Weaknesses: |
Seat, back rim (my fault) | | Bike Setup: |
almost stock 98 SJ Comp w/Judy XC's, Sunrims Rhino Lyte rear rim and metal platform wellgos until I'm ready for the Ritchey cliplesseseses, Spec. Body Geometry seat, rock ring, (XT/XTR) | | Bottom Line: | I never rode a mountain bike before and my last bike a Hutch Trick Star got stolen in 1992. So I misjudged what type of riding I wanted to do. Kinda urban racing-light trials type stuff with the ability to go far fast and some actual mountain biking too. Any way at $799 +extras it's been pretty good so far. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arne
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light, Fast, Components | | Weaknesses: |
Geometry, Ride | | Bike Setup: |
1997 Stumpjumper pro. Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is squirrelly, I've had and old Rockhopper for many years and could blast any trail, easily cross rocky streams, never a problem, never a crash. This bike keeps crashing, I'm scared to ride it. Good for the blacktop and climbing. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sgd
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cedar Hill or Arbor Hills | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
nimble.
quick.
bombproof.
begs for speed. | | Weaknesses: |
OEM seatpost doesn't stay put.
OEM saddle SUCKS. | | Similar Products Used: |
since I bought my Stumpy? Well, the grrlfiend lets me rider her Level Betty every once and a while, but there's no comparison-- I'm a hardtail freak. | | Bike Setup: |
'98 Stumpy, LX/XT mix. Syncros seatpost (see weaknesses above), Giro Fisik Nisene saddle (see above). Bontrager Revolt SS semislicks. Just put on a Race Face lowrider rise bar | | Bottom Line: | I's been just about a year (my original review is below, July 6, 1998), and welp:Still riding the Ritchey pedals, they work well enough. The Syncros seatpost was the best upgrade I could do. It stays put, and I have plenty of room.Oh, the bike? F*cking bombproof. You'll feel every root and pebble, but damn this bike wants to go fast. Fast uphill, Fast downhill, Fast around the lake, Fast to 7-11.I love grabbing a bigger-than usual gear and powering up a climb on this bike; acceleration uphill is such a great feeling, especially when you drop someone =)5, I say FIVE chili's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cambridge, England
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great frame and handling, superb components for the price | | Weaknesses: |
Judy XCs, I broke the first set and got them warrantied and the second set are off the same way | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Zaskar Steel Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: |
Stock M2 Comp 98, except for back wheel is now a 517 plus barends | | Bottom Line: | Superb on singletrack, climbing and descending as long as you can take the stiff rear end. Change those forks for some PACE RC37s - I'm going to | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie lamb
a Racer
from nova scotia
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
i like everything | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
light for steel
seems faster than my norco. | | Weaknesses: |
almost no clerance between the tire and the left chainstay. not good on drops. | | Similar Products Used: |
norco magnum | | Bike Setup: |
96 cromoly spumpy with rst easton mozo pro w. LX derailurs with xtr shifters and sugino cranks. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is pretty good. It seems light for a steel bike and it rides nice. It was around 23-24 lbs when it had race face cranks and xt parts.
This seems faster than my norco magnum. I have been mostly using this bike on the road for training because my norco's frame broke.(norco is sending me an easton superlight though) This is my dad's bike. I have used it in one race and ended up with 1st. Only major problem is that last night i was riding a drop (that i had rode many times before with my norco) and a went over the bars tearing my knee apart and having to get 7 stitches. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Admiral Wilson Blvd. | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
components, stiffness | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Raleigh M800, Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: |
'98 M2 Comp, Judy XC, XTR/XT comps | | Bottom Line: | I just picked this up for $800. Best deal ever. It rocks. I look forward to a long and meaningful relationship with my new M2. I will take it to bed- wife will have to get comfy on the couch. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
>_<
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dining Table | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff, agile, nimble on the trails | | Weaknesses: |
Stiff. Front QR is a little hard to figure out, for me at least. A rolling billboard for SPecialized. | | Similar Products Used: |
Nishiki Manitoba | | Bike Setup: |
M2 Stumper with Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | 1900 miles on the 1997 model bike. I commute on it, I play on it, I just stop short of sleeping with it. This bike is my pride and joy. It's a great climber owing to the stiffness, agile on the switchbacks, and gives me confidence on loose rocky descents on my fave trail. It always goes where I point, sometimes I bite dirt coz it did go where I pointed and not where I wanted to go :-) If you are sensitive to trail or road feedback then this is not the bike for you. But if you can tough it out, then you will be rewarded with a great handling, responsive bike as long as you get one that is right for your size. Like all toys mine is heavily customized (hey, this is my car damn it) It's now worth about $2500.00 from the original $999.00 after I started replacing parts on a whim or on need. That is not to say that the bike comes with crappy parts. It comes with a few parts on which opinion is divided, like the Ritchey pedals, and the Judy XC fork which is not OEM anymore from 98 on up (Sidenote on the Judy: It totally sucks IMHO, slap Englund TA units in the bastard) I intend to ride this bike until the frame dies on me. Then I get an M4 frame :-) . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Nisene/Soquel Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
This bike is a blast for single track, tight trails, climbing, and sprinting.
It fit me the best. Great handeling bike, great value. Great frame. | | Weaknesses: |
You'll feel the big bumps, it's not a flexy ride, especially in a 15.5
The seat and pedals had to go.
I've changed pedals to frogs, and later to 545's. tossed the seat for a bontragger | | Similar Products Used: |
DB Apex, another nice ride
Giant Cadex Carbon kind of sketchy
Santa Cruz Superlite, A plush ride | | Bike Setup: |
This bike has been upgraded
a 120mm stem that let's me get over the frontend when needed
Bontragger seat, Judy SL w/ Englund, 545 pedal, crosslands wheels, various tires- the teams are the best al laround, and xt v-brakes/avid levers.. and a ti bb. | | Bottom Line: | Most Bang For The Buck.Another Stumpy review.
If you are looking To buy a hardtail, you should test ride this bike. If it talks to you, then buy it! It's strengths are singletrack, climbing, and sprints. with a judy / englunds and 85mm travel, it rules D/H fire roads as long as they aren't to bumpy/rutty/rocky. Rocks, roots etc... you'll feel everyone, it is a hard tail.
Honesty it's one of the best hard tails out there | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from IL
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Palos | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Its very stiff, fast uphills, great paint job, m2xx | | Weaknesses: |
if there is really 5 ounces of paint on it then if its stripped, it would only weigh 2.9 lbs. (according to supergo) | | Similar Products Used: |
performance with quad5 | | Bike Setup: |
xt setup, mavic 221 rims, flite ti seat, manitou sx tpc fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike owns, the way i set it up its a $2000 i paid about half for it through mail order. This bike is great for cross country, handles good, light weight (even with the 5 o's of paint),and very responsive. i recomend this race ready bike to anyone! 5 lava chunks from the big man | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Redondo Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Extremely light. Excellent components for the price. | | Weaknesses: |
None. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou SXS. Stumpjumper Pro. XTR/XT components. | | Bottom Line: | Recently started biking again after a 12-year layoff. Boy, the bikes have gotten much better. Initially, my spending goals were around $600, but as you know, after 15 minutes in the bike shops, your eyes become bigger than your wallet. Then, I was looking at hardtails in the $800-1200 range. The Specialized Stumpjumper Pro was a steal at $899! None of the Treks, other Specialized models, Gary Fisher, or Schwinn models offered anything that compared for this price. The bike kicks ass climbing and actually makes me look good riding amongst all the veteran MTBers. The handling is almost as nimble as the old BMX bike that I remember as a kid. The XT/XTR drive train is incredibly smooth. For all you racers out there, this bike is about as fast as you'll get for this price. If you can find it on a close-out, it's a steal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Lambert
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Georgia
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Yellow River | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
It Is GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!! It's light!!! | | Weaknesses: |
Nothing to speak of. | | Bike Setup: |
I got some Judy XCs. | | Bottom Line: | I love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia,MO
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pine R idge | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Good groupo and stiff frame | | Weaknesses: |
Rims | | Bottom Line: | I had rode my 95 Stumpjimper hard for three years befor I broke it at the toptube and settube. I wight 185 and like the more challenging trails. I'm surprised the frame lasted at long as it did. I would recommend the Stumpjumper M2 to anyone. Make sure you get good rims. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a cross-country rider
from Miami, FL
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my stumpjumper since jan. 1. The bike has been great! a little on the stiff side, but very responsive and fast with a set of crossmax wheels. Also, soften your ride with a carbon fiber seatpost and bars and you have an awesome machine. No problems here. I give the big S five flaming peppers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a downhiller
from Minnesota (USA)
Date Reviewed: March 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought my 97 CRO/MO Stumpjumper almost 2 1/2 years ago, and it still ticks like a time bomb ready to detonate. I love the steel frame; it sucks up the bumps much better than Aluminum, and only wieghs 1 lb. more. Added a Judy XC and I will never by elastomer again. It helped because it was w/o suspension before, but I wish I would have bought a Manitou first. Still have the stock LX/XT group, with the addition of XT V-brakes, and Ritchey clipless. Rides like a bat outta hell, almost pulling me along for the ride. Very competitve geometry for anybody between 5' 9 and 6' 2. Best hardtail I've ever ridden...Erik | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Rolston
a cross-country rider
from British Columbia Can
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding the 97 Stumpjumper m2 Pro and it has lived up top all of my expectations. One critique would be the short travel XC Judy (63MM). I find my self lacking smooth rides when it comes to big hits, even with a stiff adjustment to the fork. I only weigh 175, so I don't think it is my weight. The componentry is great. I find the 97 stumpjumper to be an excellent value. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a cross-country rider
from Roger Williams University
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
For the price it's great
U can really fly on it
C people go to the back of the pack as you ascend hill with ease
K !
I have one
Nothing can beat it
Go ride oneThis bike is the bes
Help me find a word that begins with E
ER won't be the same wothout that guyB is the grade I want in Inor. Chem.
Explicit language
Sit down
T | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jared
a cross-country rider
from pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just picked up a 98 stumpjumper pro. My biggest fear initially was that I would be spending alot of money on a bike that felt no different from others I have ridden before. That was not a problem. This bike is incredible. It is light, fast, superresponsive, fast, climbs anything like it was flat, and did I mention fast. I added aluminum time atacs, profile bar ends, and a plusher seat to finish out this package. this bike is worth 5 stars. This bike is a dream and really not to bad as far as stiffness goes. Great bike, don't hesitate to buy one | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
King of the Heel
a cross-country rider
from Chapel Hill NC
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up a leftover 98 stumpy pro back in December. What can I say, the bike rocks. The pick of parts is quite nice. I feel no need to change anything at this point, aside from maybe the Ritchey pedals. But that's just being picky, the pedals aren't that bad. I've had no big problems with them like some others have.The ride is fantastic. Super stiff M2 frame is the $#!*. If you don't like a stiff bike, this isn't the one for you. For those that cry about it, SUCK IT UP, or go out and spend $3000 for a M4 X-C. The choice is yours. Where this bike really shines is on technical ups and downs. It's a goat. It begs to be ridden hard. The only problem I've had is with the cranks loosening. I had one come off in mid-ride. I wanted to blame the shop, but it wasn't their fault. They need checking before every ride. I'm pretty capable of using hex keys, so this is really no big whoop. I think it's a Big S design problem, as this seems to be a common malady. Overall...it smokes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Haas
a weekend warrior
from nor. cal.
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the Stumpjumper Pro as My first Mtn. Bike. might be a bit much for a rookie but was convinced I would grow into it. My bike came equipped with the standard fair as far as the original equipment, I.E. avid vee brakes, judy xc fork, xtr rapid rise rear, xt front derailers, I optioned a Ti Tec beserker Ti seat to replace the specialized pain inflicting seat. after the first couple of rides I decided to go ahead and build My own version of an s-bike, I upgraded to a full xtr groupo v-brakes- front derailer, combo shifter, brake levers, and I added shimano 636 d/h peddles to replace the ritcheys. I also added a thudbuster quadra pivot seat post, far and a way the best modification you can do to this ultra rigid frame. I added a set of magnesium bontrager bar ends and pulled the plug on the modification freight train. at 23.5 lbs I think I have the finest hardtail on the planet. it climbs like a rocket. and it inspires me to push a bigger gear everywhere I ride. it is a great decender with the suspencion seat post I can concetrate on spinning and not on flinching. I can only compare My bike to My best friend Bontrager, he is an old fart like me and we constantly try to convince the other that our bike is better than each others. He loves the ride of a steel bike and I love the light weight of the metal matrix aluminum. one thing is sure, we will always argue but both admire each others bike, even though he calls my bike a kit bike, due to all the modifications I,ve made, my overall rating is 5 chiles, fo my bike, the bike they sell 3 1/2 chiles needs a little work, but still a good value | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
update
a cross-country rider
from NEWHAMPSHIRE
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
got the stumpy m2 july 31
it has riden great so far i have 860 miles on the t2 fork is good but not great just overhauled it and it is good in warm weather f*ckin elastomers but it frezes in the cold 40* and below but in the summer it is great thinking about putting some englunds in it or mab getting a zokes
the chain broke a few weeks ago my fault trying to power shift though ( d'OH )
the rings and cogs have worn noticibly and i willneed new ones after mud season ( race face :>) heheh
got some bare aluminum showing on the head tube bc of calbes but what r u gonna do?
the bottem pull derrailer cables rests on the weld puddly for the chain stay bridge and it is wearing that away this is not good any one know how to stop this??
got new s tires control and fears (;
i stipped out the original stem d' oh and got a dean 110 mm it is better now for x trak i think the avid brakes are excellent only had to replace on set of pads i love the speed dial levers comfy!
great bike clibs like a mofo
and goes down smooth need | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Nguyen
a cross-country rider
from Chino, CA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I cannot say enough good things about this bike. I have the blue 1998 version with Manitou's. It climbs like a goat and flies down hills like nothing I have ever ridden. The frame is very stiff, but it handles the tight, rutted, single track, downhill trails like a dream. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tocatta Spearman
a cross-country rider
from Kaunakakai, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 96 Tange Superlite Stumpjumper frame and I was wondering if anyone out there knows what the post size is? I know this is for reviews but I am desperate to ride so I can review it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin Taylor
a cross-country rider
from Colorado Springs, Colorado
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought just the 98 M2 Stumpy frame on a closeout scale a few months ago. Threw some Manitou's on it along with a full Shimano XT set and some other goodies. Anyway, this bike just plain rules. Lite and strong, it can climb anything and handles tight corners like a Porsche. The best bike I've ever ridden. I think I'll be riding this frame untill it dies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stu Pohler
a weekend warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Having spent a year abroad I returned to have my old diamond Back stolen within 4 days - shame! 4 days of puffing and panting, until I bought my mango stumpy. Only gripes - the RS T2 forks don't do it justice, and it makes me feel fitter than I am so one day, the old ticker may pack up on me after a hard days rashing. Jolly good show!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Blanchard
a cross-country rider
from San Anselmo
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Yet another review of the Stumpy. Just bought the '98 Stumpy Pro for $999 at my LBS after looking at the Trek 7000, 8000, Cannonsnail and even thought about the Airborne Ti. For the money XTR rear, XT hubs, front, bb, brakes and levers, I just couldn't pass up the deal. On my first 26 mile XC ride up Mt. Tam, I smoked my time by 15 minutes! (new bikes are great for this). No noises, a little chainsuck, nothing a little better technique can't cure. The rapid rise rear takes some getting used to and I recommend getting your gear selection in order before you take on the hill, but it works and puts some sort of symettrical order in your shifting pattern. I've put over 160 miles on it in about two weeks and I must say it is worth every penny. I smile every time I blast uphill, the bike is stiff and light and goes fast enough to scare me on some of the looser, rockier descents, because it can take more than I can dish out. I'm 6'2 220 lbs and I've broken three frames now and ruined a Fisher AL-1 so I'm a little cautious about testing the mettle of a new bike that takes my $$$ away. Anyways, I read this site as often as I can and can see that everybody has an opinion about every part and bike, but this is a great bike and worth it. I usually replace the gears and chain and bb from wear every year so only time will tell if this is going to hold up. My riding buds also do the Stumpy and they're all happy too. So what can I say more? But ride on!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a weekend warrior
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
97 M2 Pro.Ok, this bike ROCKS!The geometry is perfect for my size and single track style of riding.The bike is very responsive and climbs like a goat.The components are more than adequate especially the XTR rear derailleur.The Judy XC does seem a bit soft.Did I mention it can climb!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nat
a weekend warrior
from WA
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ah my 97 Stumper (800 bones outta the door)... Put 1000 miles into in the first 2 months. I love this beast. The only thing I have changed out were the wheels. I smothered it with tender loving and Spinergy Spox (:oP) wheels. Only comment is M2 is a real stiff ride. But who sits on the saddle goin' into a hit? Almost perfect geometry gets ya in attack position naturally for those long grinding climbs. For my build I could probably use a shorter stem to make the descents less scary. Team Control and Team Master tires gained my confidence after many off camber rides with ravines waiting for me if I slipped. Avid brakes/levers just rock. I am looking to get Arch Rivals just for the looks of it :o) But I am keeping my 1.9 levers :oP XT tranny performs when called upon as usual with Shimano parts. The in house cranks look suspiciously like Suginos but they work smoothly. Rock Shox Judy XC fork means I don't have to worry abt crappy performance. Ritchey pedals never let go once I had the right tension dialed in. But easy to get out of at the same time. I intend to get a new bike after 2 or 3 years. It's a kind of unexciting thought coz I already know which brand/model I will get. Another Specialized StumpJumper hardtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dennis arcaro
a weekend warrior
from ashtabula, ohio.......USA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
yo yo yo, this bike's the shit. M2 has great feel. judy xc is a little squishy
but i can deal. bought at the end of 97 for a great price. components match well. first time out i bent the front sproket on a downed tree. i've rode schwinn, gt, giant, and cannondale......not even close. kuddo's specialized, you got my rocks off time and time again. looking forward to future upgrades on this flawless base of a bike.......ride like its a job!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was about to buy one of these b ut then I found out that the drop outs are fefective like last year they just loosen up and then the derailur is out of line so It gets sucked into the spokes and then.... HELLO single speed. This is really bad when your derailur jams your rear wheel while riding in a pack and you get run over(This has happend at four races around the country this year. Don't buy specialized they are of very low quality! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Victor Martinez
a weekend warrior
from San Juan, PR
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If I were to change my 1997 Stumpjumper pro, it would be for another Stumpjumper. This bike is a dream. It handles like a feather and climbs like a goat. I recomend this bike to anyone that is looking for a race ready bike... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gary d
a racer
from san fran, ca
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i have the 96 m2 comp, lite blue frame, etc. hardly any original parts on it by now, but the frame's still going strong. after 2 years, 3000++ miles, here's my impressions: the thing is like ah-nold. it just works, period. its not especially strong in any one area, but it works fine everywhere. the top tube really spreads you out, which can make things a bit squirrely on insanely steep downs & ups, but it climbs like a squirrel on speed on any kind of open climbing, ie fireroad. it makes you feel how weak you really are on climbs quick, cos it could always go faster! i have one complaint about this bike, and that's the shitty, weak-ass derailler hangers!! i've been through 4 this year alone -- if you crash hard, forget it, you'll find you're shifting not working well, and that's cos the little cheesy der. hangers bend like crazy. i had esp 9.0 on there this year, and i swear the derailler spring makes the hanger bend! now i have an m2 pro road frame too, and had my one and only road crash (caused by a cat), and now its bent too. lord'a'mercy, they're $15/each and hard to find, if you can live with that annoying defect, and would like to ride on ah-nold, then swoop one o' these frames up. i recommend the m2 pro., its a little less harsh. also, but a size small, or do what i did and buy a short stem. happy trails! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TK
a cross-country rider
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I GOT THE DEAL OF THE YEAR!!!! $999 for a 98 SJ Pro at JAX in Long Beach. Its a great bike: light, climbs and handles like a champ, excellent quality, but its also VERY firm. Needs some mods to make it liveable for day in and out fast trail riding. If you race then this is definately unbeatable for performance vs. price. I'd give it a fiver if your a damn the topedoes hammerhead, but 4 if you're a working stiff and you get to ride only on the w/e and want just a wee more plushness outta that tyrannical rear triangle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Burke
a weekend warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
'96 M2 stumpjumper
I am a 220 pound aggressive rider and have been hammering on this thing
for two years on some pretty rough trails, It hasn't flinched. The bike Climbs great and is nimble through fast single track. I like the Manitou fork.
The LX components work like a charm. I need to find some titanium inner tubes though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
promo9
a cross-country rider
from Pleasanton, CA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Recently purchased a '98 M2, and after 20 hours a use, absolutely love it. Excellent bike. Also considered GT, Trek and Schwinn, but bought the Stumpy. XT/LX component mix works well. Very pleased with it's climbing ability. No bar ends, but no need with this goat. Was initially concerned with the stiffness of the aluminum frame, but very pleased with its ride/strength/weight. Got mine for $770. Don't believe this version of Stumpy will be available in '99....too bad.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fareed Sahloul
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If James Bond rode a bike, then this would be the one for him. It's got a great body, the rear is superbly formed, at up front you have more than you could ask for in a woma...er sorry bike. All hail the stumpy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Forrest
a cross-country rider
from Cola. SC
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 98 M2 last Jan. My previous bike was a GT Pantera, which I really loved, but now it collects dust. I've taken her out a few times just for old times sake, but she just doesn't cut it anymore.
I can't explain what the BIG difference is I'm no geometry expert, but this bike wants to go! It's incredible how it accelerates! I couldn't believe how much my climbing improved, and it is nimble on tight single track.
I've been considering buying a Airborne Lucky Strike but I don't know if I can justify it! It would be a bit lighter, and probably not as harsh, but would it handle like Ms. Stumpy?
Love this bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Irby
a cross-country rider
from Syracuse NY
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am still riding a 93 Prestige steel stumpjumper. I recently put a marzocchi Z-3 light fork on it. I prefer a quality steel frame over Aluminum. Although a bit more massive than M-2, the older steel frames have their advantages.....
like an infinite fatigue life and comfort. I would love to have a new M-2, but can't justify the cost. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eady
a weekend warrior
from London, England
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my bike to bits. I bought it discounted at £800 ($1200), discounted from £1100 ($1650) and I couldn't believe my luck. The brakes are great, the frame is holy, the gears have worked almost faultlessly. I have have only three minor niggle, these are:
the forks, they are a bit rebound happy, but they are light
the tires, they are a littly small and don't give that much cornering etc., but they do go fast.
the stem and handlebars, the stem is a bit flat and a bit long, they handlebars are a bit narrow and I'm going to get a riser and a short stem, or just an adjustable stem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hocus Pocus
a cross-country rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ok, race a 98 model, and i got one word--fast. thats the bottom line, when you push the pedal, it screams for heavy metal. no matter how hard you stomp on the crank that bike accelerates. some times the parts are not the best, but im rating the frame. if your in the grove, its ready to move. dont ride this if you have sissy sticks for legs cause itll kick your ass. it screams give me the big ring and stand when there is a climb. the angles cant be beat. the tucked away saddle means you can have full extenstion in the legs and not bang the nuts in jumps or the single track. You get a reduced rate crown fork with the bike too, good luck trying to buy one of those. i know i guy at a shop that spent 3 mo. trying to find a reduced rate and paid 2 TIMES the amount $$$ for it when he did, and he even got shot down by RS. i love the bike, its value, speed and a handling that cant be beat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Sforza
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
OK, i rode my A1 and then i rode my friends M2. Now all these people that say there bike falls apart are BSing there way outta there suckyness. Now i have crashed into a fair amount of trees in my day and my bike doesn't have more then a few scratches. The only thing i have to complain about are the rims, they aren't that strong. I really Fuk** one up on a crub and had to get it replaced. That added a lot of weight to the bike, but that also gave me a chance to get my muscles more powerfull. I think that StumpJumpers are really, really, really good bikes. Mine has held up really well. Now i am starting to do some tricks wit it and it is working bueatifly. I suggest that anyone who gets this bike also get a USE seatpost. THEY KICK ASS | | Overall Rating: |
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