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Submitted by
Aaron Lakanen
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Montgomery Cyclery | | Strengths: | Suspension and geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Only ridden one day so far! | | Similar Products Used: | First Full Suspension Bike
2001 Diamond Back Topanga Comp is my other ride | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Wow, If I had only known how good a full-suspension bike handled years ago! This is a fantastic ride. The bike absorbs bumps and logs like a 70's lincoln and keeps you rolling right over the top. The Fox Shox definitely are worth the extra dollars compared to what I have ridden before (Manitou). I have not done anything crazy with it, but it seemed to handle turns, bumps, small jumps and a creek crossing quite responsively. I am thouroughly impressed with the biek so far and look forward to many other great rids on it. I think anyone who wants proven quality and durabilty, great components, a smooth ride, and a great looking bike will love this ride. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Stewart
a
from Ft. Collins, CO. USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | The M4 aluminum frame is very durable and it’s a great looking model. I really like the full suspension and the ability to "click" the shocks on and off. I ride the city streets from time to time, so it nice to have a hard frame so I don’t bounce.
| | Weaknesses: | During a ride as I ascended to 7800ft, the stock rear derailleur broke and I had to replace it with a higher end model. The new derailleur was inexpensive and only took 30 minutes to replace. After the upgrade, I haven't had any problems. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for the rear derailleur and bar end extension | | Bottom Line: | I've really enjoyed this bike over the past 2 years. I purchased it in 2004 from a store in San Diego after it went on sale, so they could bring in the newer models. One thing is, don't be afraid to buy a model that is a few years old. Over time you can upgrade, yet save a little cash in the beginning. Overall, it’s a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Lowe
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | relaxed frame geometry for downhill riding, fox float | | Weaknesses: | poor quality tyres, manatou black front fork/suspension, weak rims and spokes | | Bike Setup: | Manatou Black front; fox float rear; shimanio disc breaks, gear set, cranks (mix from deore to XT) | | Bottom Line: | I have the Stumpjumper FSR Elite 04 which was released in Australia. I am not quite sure how it matches up with this product. In general while i think the bike is a good product but some components are weak. I do not think that it is a good bike for aggressive cross-country/all mountain riders. The factory rims/spokes are weak and should be upgraded to something stronger. The front suspension needed replacing within a year. On saying that i enjoy riding the bike. Maybe a Enduro would have been a better fit for my riding style. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from Pembroke Pines
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | markham park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | big wheel cycle | | Strengths: | Proven suspension technology, good customer service support from Specialized, easy to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Frame is great, but the small things on this bike are not so good. I have broken three rear hubs, on my second bottom bracket, and on my third fork. I also broke the suspension link in the rear... | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar, GT I drive, Titus Switchblade, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Now, the only thing factory on this bike is the frame. I have a 2005 Fox TALAS RLC on the front, King seald bearing headset, Thompson (100mm x 5 degree) stem, Easton Monkey Light 1.25 riser bar, RACEFACE grips, XT shifter pods, AVID JUICY 7 disk brakes, Shimano XT crankset and bottom bracket, XT front / rear der's, Time ATAC pedals, Thompson seat post, Selle Italia Flite TI saddle, FOX FLOAT R rear shock, Mavic Crossrock wheels / hubs, XT cassette. Panaracer FIRE XC tires. | | Bottom Line: | I have spent more money on add ons with this bike, than the original bike cost me to start with. I ride very aggressive trails, but, I do not jump this bike, other than flat landing some 2-3 foot drop offs. I snapped the rear shock linkage in the rear triangle, and that baffles me. Once I added the FOX TALAS RLC front fork, this bike flies!!! The suspension is very tunable, and the way the bike is set up now, makes me a better rider. I am satisfied with the bike, but... it would have been better in the long run to save my money, and wait for the EPIC. The new FSR's seem to have fixed some of the down falls on this design. Still, it is a very proven 4 link design that is easy to service. I have made this bike very personalized and since I have very good components, now I can save for a good Ellsworth Truth frame, and just move everything over to it... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yong
a Weekend Warrior
from Gold Coast, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Nerang, Daisy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp, San Jose, California | | Strengths: | Cool looking and strong frame. Great off-the-self components and value, especially the Fox Triad shock. | | Weaknesses: | Paint chips off easily. Even the brake/derailleur cables scuff the paint badly. Smallest scratches with sticks are noticable.
Also, Triad shock badly needs a remote lever on the handlebars - sick of taking the risk of changing from pro-pedal to plush when transitioning down a tight single track. | | Similar Products Used: | Epic, Giant VT2 & NRS & Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Standard off-the-shelf: Fox Forx RL, Fox Triad rear shock, LX Disc, LX Front & XTR Rear derailleurs, MAVIC 223, Roll X Pro D2 - just check out Specialized website - mine is a 2004 model | | Bottom Line: | I was seriously looking at the Epic because I do long rides and want to keep up with my hardtail riding buddies but like the comfort and stability of a full susser when going downhill. Epic was out when I kept bottomming out at even the highest pressure setting (i'm over 200 lbs). VT2 was an excellent choice but hard on the uphills and when the chain comes off the front ring to the crank, it is jammed - too hard to deal with on the trails. NRS was good but not plush enough - that was the same problem as the Fuel (as with the Epic).
This Stumpy was the most balanced rig with 4" front and back. Easy to pop wheelies (light) and nimble. The Fox Forx are great for fast fire trails and rough single tracks but the highlight is the triad shock. Lever controls are on the shock so have to reach down. I use propedal all the time except when the going gets rough on downhilll tight single tracks. I often have to stop to do this or risk biting the dust if I do it on the fly with one had off the bars. So many times, I just leave it in pro-pedal mode. Not much of a penalty but I do like the plush ride from the "full open" mode of the rear shock so my fat ass can haul.
Best part, I can actually take this rig through the occasional 3-4 foot drops and it handles it fine. (VT was better though). Beats the Epic, Fuel and NRS when it comes to this!! I love the flexibility of this rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Burwood Cycles | | Strengths: | Rear Suspension--great and responsive. Cranck set -no play very strong-geometry has been great--i dont know what everyone is talking about with front tyre out of alignment with the rest of the frame. | | Weaknesses: | paint job--the worst I have ever come across. specialized said it was a problem but wont help. hubs not sealed had rear rebuilt 3 times cables are bad quality-went through 4 sets in 6 months. tyres dont work well in wet, dry, cold, hot well anything. Look i am just picking at the small irrelivant BS. Bottom line-great frame | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyl, Norco DH, Old Stumpy HT, Giant,Trek,GF, Rocky Mountain | | Bottom Line: | Bike is a winner. It does what it needs to do. You might need to "make it your own" with some minor changes. but you should do that with every bike. as said befor paint is crap(bubbles and cracks w/in 4 months and no hard ridding yet) and Specialized should back that up. Stumpy FSR--great stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erick
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, Fl.
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | vortex | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay baby! | | Strengths: | -rear shock is great-plush-lockout great, but im having trouble with it squeeking
-front der.- even though its lower end it does the job
-handelbar,havnt had a need 2 replace it yet...
-cool looks | | Weaknesses: | any moron that says they like the fork that came with this bike should be shot and burn in hel, it has caused me so stress
-rear der. is sketcky as heck
-stock tires very light but cant hold
-stock brakes squeeked | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 enduro pro, 2001 rockhopper, 02-motiv | | Bike Setup: | 03 stumpy, manitou black platinum, pana fire xc pros, lx shifters, mg 60 stem, race face grips, thompson seatpost, speed dial ti levers, avid mech. disc brakes, etc. | | Bottom Line: | at first this bike was the sweetest, but after the first ride hell broke loose, ive had many problems- hense replacing all the stuff, all i have stock is crank, wheelset, frame. if u dont want to replace all ur components then dont get this bike, ill give it 4 flaming shooters, bc i got it cheap, but everall it gets 2 little poopers bc it kinda suks my balls in every way | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaded-J
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsyltuckey
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | there are many | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | For the $ there may not be a better bike. Are there better bikes out there? Sure, but they cost significantly more. The rear suspension is the best out there. I think the stock brakes perform flawlessly. | | Weaknesses: | These are just preferences, but the seat is rough and the axel fork comes up short considering the quality of the rest of the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | a bunch... | | Bike Setup: | '03 Stumpy Disc. Easton Monkey Lite XC bars(shortened 'em to get through some tight spots). Easton EC 70 seatpost, shortened cause I didn't need it all. Easton MG60 stem. WTB Speed V seat (not light, but real plush!). Look "Eggbeaters". OURY grips (these look like grips off of a dirt bike, but they are the best I've ever used). | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike used, but in good condition. It came with all the above mentioned after market parts excluding the seat, but in addition I received a brand new pair of Sidi Dominator loricas, a Sidi jersey, and an extra (different length/angle) Easton MG60 stem so I got a steal of a deal. Without all these extras I would still buy this bike for full retail. If you ride it, you'll buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Strengths: | disc brakes are ok, make some noise thought, frequently rubbing when pads are new | | Weaknesses: | read on.... | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | stock, Axle fork, | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been nothing but problems since I bought it:
- Rear suspension bolt fell out on the second ride
- Fork stabilizer snapped
- Rear derailleur has never worked properly
- Drive train too finicky!!!!
- Fork lockout has never worked, been recalled
- Fork rebound doesnt seem to make any difference
- Seat cannot take any abuse at all, ripped after one month
- Rear fork loses too much air too quick, have to add after every ride
- disc brakes inconsistent
- Shifter didnt work properly, replaced (for rear)
And these are just the mechanical issues! Never mind preferences!
JUNK JUNK JUNK
- | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
l g
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston, WV
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Bear - Kanawha SF | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop that went belly up | | Strengths: | good stuff for the money | | Weaknesses: | Rims and fram geometry tolerance (i.e., fron wheel/forks not in-line with frame) | | Similar Products Used: | hard tail stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Someone on this post said that the geometry of the frame and forks we're not in-line. Meaning that there was a "shift" between the forks and the frame (so the front wheel is straight but not directly in line with the frame). I didn't believe him. Thought maybe he just didn't align his handle bars properly. I bought the bike. He's right. It's off-center enough that you feel out of balance. My shift is to the left. I feel like I'm off balance to the right of the front wheel. A lot of people can't see it...but it's there. Not a huge deal, but it's there...
Now, about the bike. I've had this bike since last May. I ride mostly single track and torn-up fire roads. I broke more spokes than I care to count (over 30 and I've had to walk out 5 times). Why do they use the lighter gauge spokes? Had to go to beefier rims and bigger spokes.
Like others, I also had a constant problem with the alignment of the front and rear derailleur. The reason why people find that after they adjust their derailleur, go ride a few hours only find that it doesn't shift worth a hoot, is because the cables are poorly designed. Take a look and you'll see that dust/dirt gets gunked up and impedes the cable(s) from moving they way they should. I went to fully enclosed cables and have not had a problem since. It took me about 5 months of riding (thrashing) to figure that one out....
Bottom line? I really like the bike. You just need to be aware of some of the things that need tweaked. Glad I bought it. Definitely worth the money. Hope this review helps others...
Larry
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Lynn Haven, Florida
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Moab | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1225.00 | | Purchased At: | Cartecay River Bicycle Shop, Ellijay GA | | Strengths: | almost everything | | Weaknesses: | Front deraileur (won't last long), fork quality control (dysfunctional rebound damping unit has to be replaced)
| | Bike Setup: | Got the dealer to buy back the pedals, hydraulic brakes and levers. I put my old Avid cable-actuated disc's, Avid brake levers, saddle, Race Face riser bar, grips and pedals on it. New XTR shifter pods. The price quoted is sans pedals and brakes.
| | Bottom Line: | For context: I'm a 64 yr old retired engineer who doesn't do jumps, but do consevatively bunny hops and wheelies over logs and uses Ned Overend's book as a reference on how to ride. I've been riding off-road for about three years.
I've got over 80 miles on this bike in the N Florida area. It's decreased my lap times because I can keep spinning over the rough sections much better than my old hard tail with a suspension seat post. The quality of frame and rear suspension components is superb. I like the sealed bearings and the easily replaced bushings. The fork works better than my old Rockshox hydrocoil though the rebound damping unit is sick. I'm waiting for the replacement to arrive.
Best I can measure, it weighs about 30 lbs the way I have it outfitted. I like rugged. I tried a supposed 25lb GT and I felt like it would break in the parking lot. However, I'm sure it was really OK. The GT dealer said that there were reports of top-tubes denting easily. Too each his own on the weight thing.
I've improved my hill climbing (in Georgia, N Carolina and Tenn. mountains) tremendously by losing 20 lbs. I got another 5 to go. At 175 plus a 10 to 12 pound pack, the original fork spring is prefect for N Florida. I bought the stiffer spring in case it's needed it in the mountains and Moab this spring. It was "only" $18.00 and it's simple to change out.
This fit of this bike is perfect as made. I've got a longer upper body and probably longer arms. I've never been more comfortable on 17 mile rides. My back-angle is right at 45 degrees which is what Overend recommends.
I transferred the parts from my old bike because I just liked them better. There was nothing wrong with the originals. The original brakes are the bottom line Shimano hydraulics which are only available as OEM. I don't like the maintenance and problems associated with hydraulics. Nor do I need better braking or modulation than the simple cable Avids provide. I've got the new design XT front deraileur on order. We've got XTR on our other bikes (road and ATB), but it looks like they've beefed up the XT and it's a lot cheaper. I do a lot of front shifting and think that derailuer is where the quality needs to be since it's harder to move the chain between rings than between cogs.
If you are sloppy in your spinning, you can pogo on this bike. I attribute that to poor technique and not suspension design. I've read and been told that rear suspensions that pogo less also soak-up the bumps less. So it's a trade-off apparently. If you spin circles as described in Overend's book, you won't pogo even with minimal preload has been my experience. Possibly, a full suspension bike will make you a better pedaler because you get more feedback. I know it's helped me.
Al
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Castillo
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgecrest California
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lower rock creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | TJ Frysbee | | Strengths: | Brakes rock,rear lock-out, frame strength | | Weaknesses: | rims,tires&fork | | Similar Products Used: | My first full suspension was a giant warp ds1 | | Bike Setup: | Had to put heavier spring in fork,stronger mavic rims due to my weight. Panaracer fire XC in back Tioga DH in front
wheels | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for anyone for the money you allways have to make some changes to any bike to make it yours, the good thing about this one it doesn't need to many.my first bike with clipless but they didn't take to long to get use to.this old stumper will take anything i throw at it and love it. Specialized always putting out quality | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1630.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Handling, rear suspension, fit and finish, love the tires so far. I will probably replace with the same when they wear out. | | Weaknesses: | fork (horrible choice for a bike that good). I had struck oil under 25 miles of trail riding. Pedals are not what I expected. I miss my old 737's | | Similar Products Used: | Compared to my last bike (Carbon S30) | | Bike Setup: | stock with an fox float and some used 747 pedals (I know that the fox fork is expensive but the manitou was a joke! | | Bottom Line: | I love my version of this bike(fox float fork)! It is a tried and true design that works. It may not have the new fangled (vpp) or bob resitant shock or five inches of travel, but this bike does not need them. I am not throwing my body and bike off of 10 foot drops (at least not on purpose). I can not believe that the person specing this fork rode it before they put it on this bike. The fork may not be the best but, it was specializeds' choice. I would rather see a lower level black that the axel. But you know what people say about opinions! Any way my fox fork completes this bike in a perfect way. I should probably give a lower review because of the crap fork, but I just love riding this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeb4
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bills Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The Brakes! Awesome! Frame is strong and solid. The shifting is great even for a mid-lower end set-up. The fox air shock is a real standout. Zero problems there! | | Weaknesses: | This bike is heavy (to me)! The fork sucks. I cosistantly bottom it out, even though I weigh 10# below the spring rating max. I don't think the tires are the best for the conditions that I ride in, but may be good for others. I don't think that I could find a harder seat if I tried.... Lastly the pedals....change 'em! They are great until things get muddy....... | | Similar Products Used: | GT hardtail | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the seat | | Bottom Line: | My review sounds very negative, but it's really just nit-picking and preferances. The only exception is the shock....in my opinion, that thing really is a piece of crap and I'm going to upgrade to a fox fork. Although I think the fork is a pile, love this bike. You get a lot for your money and this bike is laid out very well. I HIGHLY recommend this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Astin
a Cross Country Rider
from Stevenson Ranch, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Towsley Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World | | Strengths: | Shocks and disk brakes | | Weaknesses: | pedals, tires, heavy | | Similar Products Used: | None, rode hardtail for years. | | Bike Setup: | All stock but put Panaracer tires and Time A.T.A.C. pedals on it. | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike for the money. I had a problem early with a bolt coming loose but that was easy to fix. It has been a tough adjustment from my extremely lite hard tail to this but it is well worth the extra weight. Front and rear shocks lock out for the tough climbs and the shocks are ultimate for the downhills. The bike can take a beating and come out fine. I would definately change the tires and the pedals but that is just personal preferance. I plan on upgrading the front der. to XT but other than that it is cool as is. If you are looking for a fast and durable full suspension, this is the bike. Great bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Pierce
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch S.P. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | private party | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, decent components, hydraulic disc brakes, rear Fox Float shock. | | Weaknesses: | Axel Super forks are a way too soft for my 230lbs, the preload range is too narrow. heavier spring on order. | | Similar Products Used: | 1982 Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | stock except grips (installed fatter grips for my big hands) | | Bottom Line: | this bike generally rocks. I need to respring the fork to compensate for my lard, but otherwise its a damn good bike. I checked out a lot of different XC bikes over a broad price range, I think this has the best bang for the buck.
I'm just getting back into mtn biking after something of a hiatus, and have taken this over several of the tougher trails at Wilder and some other local places. I pumped the rear shock up to about 200 psi, and the back of the bike is performing great. due to the soft forks, I still don't have a lot of confidence on rough downhills, but the disk brakes allow very smooth speed control.
Initially, the stock seat was torture, but I've adapted after a few rides, and its actually quite a good seat. It took me awhile to get used to the SPD clipless system, but after tightening down on the release setting about 5 clicks from stock, I'm snapping in much faster than before. clipless ROCKS for climbing (and we have lots of hills to climb around here...) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren McCall
a Cross Country Rider
from Miramar, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheel Cycles | | Strengths: | Solid, tested suspension design, good entry level components, great frame, sealed bearing pivots. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork... crappy seat post, tires, oh, and did I mention the front fork? | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Jamis Dakaar | | Bike Setup: | Stock, accept for the seat, handle bars, grips and pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is, I love this bike. I am a hard tail fan, always have been. I am converting over from a Jamis Dragon. My biggest gripes so far about this bike, is the front fork and the fact that the drive train is VERY picky. The fox float rear shock with lock out is top notch, but the AXEL front fork is way too soft for me. I am 6'3 and weigh 210. I will have the heavy springs installed with some heavier fork oil, but the rebound adjustment does not seem to have any effect on the fork at all. Even with the preload all the way in, the fork is very bouncy. I have no problem bottoming out this fork. I changed the pedals to the Time ATACs off of my Jamis, as well as putting my Jamis bar on. I was already used to the "cockpit" on my Jamis, so switching over, gave it a familiar feel. The drive train is very picky. XT rear shifts well, but the front DEORE deraileur seems to ghost shift alot. I have adjusted it three times already. The tires suck. I changed to Panaracer Fire XC's and love them. The seat post creaks, and seems to not hold well. I put my old SELLE ITALIA flight saddle on, and ordered a TITEC X-Wing seat post. Other than that, I love this bike. The brakes are good, even though they are deore disks... they have good modulation, and only require one finger to stop the bike. For the money, I recommend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Louis
a Weekend Warrior
from Redwood City, CA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Go Ride | | Strengths: | Disc brakes, both shocks with lockout, XT rear, rest of components ok.
Seems to be a good frame that can take some punishment. | | Weaknesses: | I think rear air shock technology is sketchy. Seems to require a lot of maintenance (every 40 hours recommended for dusty conditions, which if you bought this I sure as hell hope you're at least riding it in dusty conditions). It doesn't come with any of the tools you need to maintain your rear shock (HP pump, grease, rings, etc...) which is kind of lame for a $1500 bike which requires service every 40 hours.
I'm having problems with my tranny adjustment. I went out on a decent somewhat technical part of a trail which had long uphills and the damn thing couldn't find the gears. Friend helped me adjust it, got it working good. Next time I go to ride it it's unadjusted again after 10 mins. It's going back to the shop today for a tune up after 3 weeks.
I'm not super sure on the pedals either. I have trouble clipping in on steep slopes. May investigate alternate pedal technology today (Time ATAC?).
I've been experiencing some brake rub (squeal as well) on my rear disc. Hopefully the shop can take care of that.
I'm not sure about these tires either. I haven't tried any others yet but something tells me that the stock tires don't have the best traction on some surfaces based on some somewhat steep gravel sections where I felt them losing it. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Currently stock. May switch pedals today. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a big dude, 6'4.5" and 250 lbs, consequently I need a bike that can take some abuse. I'm a beginner, so except for me being stupid I'm staying on relatively not-technical stuff (T5 or below w/occasional T8 when I wasn't thinking and almost killed myself). This thing seems to be having problems without me even riding it, just riding on my roof rack. I'm already exploring the idea of picking up a different bike (hard tail) to use as an alternate while this one is at the shop, it seems like it might be there often.
Also it's pretty heavy. Given I have an XL frame it isn't ridiculous but after lifting some light hard tails I was greatly saddened by the extra weight from the FSR, discs, etc... If you want a light bike, this isn't that light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe laganella
a
from West Berlin, NJ
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahicken | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Guys bikes | | Strengths: | Nice component group for the money. I like the top tube clearance even though it is a large frame. Brakes are very good so far and do not rub or make noise. | | Weaknesses: | The bike is a little heavy (30 lbs.)and they don't advertize on the web. | | Bottom Line: | My last bike was a merlin mountain that took me a year to set up to the point that I felt comfortable on it. This bike felt great to me right out of the store. Probably the best bike for me so far. The fork crapped out on me on the first ride! the rebound sucked and the fork clunks when fully extended. Guys took the fork back and replaced it with a Marzocci no questions asked. Great shop. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Salem, OR
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Best value for the money, front and rear lockouts. Disc brakes! FSR technology. | | Weaknesses: | Some argue the fork is crap, I think it is a little plush for the average rider, but I like it that way. Shimano Deore front derailleur. Handlebar is to wide. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock except added bar ends, different grips, and a rock ring. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension. I started with a hard tail and was tired of aching back, hands, and ass after riding the trails. The full suspension eliminates a lot of the fatigue. The disc brakes rock! They stop on a dime, and only take one finger to stop. The bike is light and fast. Specialized is one of the best brands out there, they build quality products and the Stumpy is just one of the examples. I would recommend this bike to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ingolf, Ontario | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Gords Ski and Bike , www.Gords.com | | Strengths: | Disc,lockouts front and rear,light and quick through trails. | | Weaknesses: | LX shifters, Manitou Axel fork(crap) | | Similar Products Used: | Hammer hardtail(steelframe) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for my seat and an evil twin on the back. | | Bottom Line: | Luvin it man, all is well in Winnipeg. Special thanx to the boys and girls down at the best bike and ski shop this side of Pluto, GORDS. Pay em a visit at www.Gords.com, check out the photo album, it's good for some laughs.
The bike is amazing in the woods,singletrack,climbing and downhill. Light enough that it almost seems to carve its way through the trails. Anyone looking for a great full suspension bike,light enough and quick enough to do it all will love the Stumpjumper FSR Disc. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Creek, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all Santa Cruz Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Los Gatos Cyclery | | Strengths: | great value, front and rear lock outs, FSR, Disc brakes, all for 1,600 bucks. | | Weaknesses: | Disc are making a little noise but it hasn't been back for its first tune up yet either. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 80, fuel 90, Giant, Mongoose Rockadile, Enduro FSR Expert, Epic | | Bike Setup: | Call me crazy but I still like grip shift so I had grip shifts installed and I snapped all the reflectors off th bike except for the rear one. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I wanted a bike that would climb like a hard tail, ( I need all the help I can get)but still a great down hill bike that I could go fast down single tracks but not necessarily a heavy pig that was made for staight down drop offs or jumping 8 feet in the air that I would never do unless I was on a dirt bike.
I liked the fact that I didn't have to do anything to the bike when I got it home. The bike comes with everything from front and rear lock outs to disc brakes for only 1,600 bucks. I shopped everywhere and could not find a better bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Snoop Sean
a Racer
from Strong Isl
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Port Cycle | | Strengths: | Ergonomics, rear shock, disc brakes, frame, value ($1500.00 for hydraulic discs and full boing?!?!) | | Weaknesses: | THE FORK - BIG TIME - GET MANITOU TO UPGRADE IT ASAP | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized enduro pro, epic disc, hardrock pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock with new Manitou Black fork and spd platforms | | Bottom Line: | What up true MTB playas? I've done alot of riding and racing throughout the states - mostly road. Back in the day I owned the first GT RTS-2 full suspension and a host of other MTB's including a Nevil Devil! I took a hiatus from the MTB scene for about 6 years and pursued road racing for awhile. I just came back to the MTB forefront and can't believe the advancements in technology! I'm lovin' every minute of my 2 wheeled pogo. The only dislike I've had right off the bat was the front fork - Manitou Axel Super - I think Manitou bought a lifetime's supply of cracker jacks and these forks happened to be inside. As soon as you pull up on the bars, the suspension tops out! All of the plastic caps and adjuster knobs fell off within 24 hours of my purchase along with oil leaking everywhere. Oh yeah, the rebound adjustment didn't work either. Manitou was nice enough to upgrade me free of charge - the new fork is a universe worth of improvement (Manitou Black). Anyway, back to the bike. I've never felt so at home on a stock setup right away - this bike does everything you want it to do - point it thru any turn at any speed, utilize the suspension preload and hop/jump anything, get the front end light and wheelie for miles, and it stops on a dime. It's also relatively light too! I'm pretty much a roadie/cross country MTBer, but I have a broad background in BMX and moto-x, so I need to have the best of all worlds - this bike comes very close. I recommend it highly - especially that the price is comparitively inexpensive. Happy trails..
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$ 1630.00
