Submitted by
doppler
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
18 road... Fruita
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
University Bikes
Strengths:
I've been riding a 2002 stumpy hardtail for the last 5 years and wanted to see for myself if the 29er thing was worth it. So far so good. It took a little bit to get used to the steering but after a couple of trail rides I'm hooked. It handles better than my old stumpy which is saying a lot. I've been able to clean sections much easier than with my 26er. Climbing comparability is yet to be determined. I'm a little out of shape so I'm a bit slower going up and can't yet attribute that to the extra rotating weight. I'm very happy with my decision. You can't go wrong for this price.
Weaknesses:
Nothing major- this is my first bike with disc brakes and now realize how important it is to keep the rotors clean (alcohol wipes work great).
Similar Products Used:
2002 Specialized Stumpjumper Pro... Test road a Gary Fisher Paragon and the Specialized just felt better.
Bike Setup:
2008 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp 29.
Stock except converted to 1x9. Modified the stock crank by adding a Race Face bash guard and a Blackspire 34 tooth chainring (to help keep the chain on).
Bottom Line:
Like I said- I have no regrets going to a 29er and for the money this bike will make you feel special (in a good way).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
team tortuga
a Cross Country Rider
from buchanan Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
!!crazy beaver!! fort custer grand rapids mi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
my local yokal, cycl
Strengths:
its so purdy....got the "ti" frame and custom built from there. i just like to sit back, suck the chill from a sam adams, and just stare at it....oh, and it rides really well!
ive dreamed of a 29r stumpy for many a' year,then there it was!i am not dissapointed. balance is brilliant through the tight technical, and seems to be "drawn" up hills like a "fly to poo".i'm a big guy, 240lbs ish and i seem to boogy past these little string bean riders on most terrain. gotta be the stumpy...love it, mean it.
Weaknesses:
hitting anything above 20-30 mph, (tree's, rock's, hiker's ect.) tends to scratch the paint.
seriously, only real gripe, with they would allow for a longer travel front shock.
the blunt's didnt take to the stan's no-tubes AT ALL! but thats not specialized's fault. stick with tubes my friends!
Similar Products Used:
(nothing similar)1993 rockhopper, 2000 stumpy, 2004 cannondale jekyle, also a 2007 epic for about a week and still decided on the hardtail stumpy 29r!
Bike Setup:
s-works carbon bar, easton stem, xt shifters, new xt brakes (if they ever show up), xt drivetrain,xtr shadow rear de.,egg-beaters, fox f29 shock, velocity blunt wheel set on xtr hubs, capitain tires (tubless for about 10 minutes) a saddle and a post. built to beat.
Bottom Line:
oooh where to start...paid round $820 for the frame,good stuff.
does what its told through the turns. climbs like only a stumpy can. other than wishing for the option of a longer travel front end (more cushin' for the pushin') still seems very, very well balanced, at least for my size and riding style.
my first 29r, but i rode quite a few other makes while trying to decide.
3 months and about 600 miles latter, i made the right choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
team tortuga
a Cross Country Rider
from buchanan Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
!!crazy beaver!! fort custer grand rapids mi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
my local yokal, cycl
Strengths:
its so purdy....got the "ti" frame and custom built from there. i just like to sit back, suck the chill from a sam adams, and just stare at it....oh, and it rides really well!
ive dreamed of a 29r stumpy for many a' year,then there it was!i am not dissapointed. balance is brilliant through the tight technical, and seems to be "drawn" up hills like a "fly to poo".i'm a big guy, 240lbs ish and i seem to boogy past these little string bean riders on most terrain. gotta be the stumpy...love it, mean it.
Weaknesses:
hitting anything above 20-30 mph, (tree's, rock's, hiker's ect.) tends to scratch the paint.
seriously, only real gripe, with they would allow for a longer travel front shock.
the blunt's didnt take to the stan's no-tubes AT ALL! but thats not specialized's fault. stick with tubes my friends!
Similar Products Used:
(nothing similar)1993 rockhopper, 2000 stumpy, 2004 cannondale jekyle, also a 2007 epic for about a week and still decided on the hardtail stumpy 29r!
Bike Setup:
s-works carbon bar, easton stem, xt shifters, new xt brakes (if they ever show up), xt drivetrain,xtr shadow rear de.,egg-beaters, fox f29 shock, velocity blunt wheel set on xtr hubs, capitain tires (tubless for about 10 minutes) a saddle and a post. built to beat.
Bottom Line:
oooh where to start...paid round $820 for the frame,good stuff.
does what its told through the turns. climbs like only a stumpy can. other than wishing for the option of a longer travel front end (more cushin' for the pushin') still seems very, very well balanced, at least for my size and riding style.
my first 29r, but i rode quite a few other makes while trying to decide.
3 months and about 600 miles latter, i made the right choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirt51
a Weekend Warrior
from folsom ca Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
folsom lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1625.00
Purchased At:
wheels in motion
Strengths:
Smooth riding, handles great, light, fast, brakes and corners great.
Weaknesses:
Color, only comes in black
Similar Products Used:
s-works
Bike Setup:
speedometor, seat, and dirt
Bottom Line:
All around fun bike! You can ride it on the pavement and keep up with road bikes, then jump the curb and tear up the dirt. The speedometor is fun to see how fast this bike will go. I haven't used my s-works road bike since I got this! Great bike! Great value!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from WI, United States Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Nine Mile, Standing Rocks, Eau Claire, etc...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
Agility, Stability, Speed, Weight, Everything.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Exile, Paragon, tested some others
Bike Setup:
Stock, am currently converting to SS
Bottom Line:
Everything is amazing on this bike, my speed has improved exponentially. I went from taking sixth place to taking second place. Whenever you hear people saying "wow this bike feels fast", it's true, a bike can be fast--this is that bike. I have had no complaints, and this bike has treated me well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sjordan72
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lagunas
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Adams Avenue Bicycle
Strengths:
I was really anxious to get this bike as I have been a Stumpy fan for a long time. It took a while to get (I ordered the frameset) but I absolutely love it. It climbs really well and is very surefooted. The vertical compliance is good, which I think has to do with the wishbone junction on the seatstays.
Weaknesses:
Color, no tensioners on the sliding dropouts.
Similar Products Used:
Van Dessel, Surly
Bike Setup:
King, Reba, Hayes, Salsa rims, Singlespeed!
Bottom Line:
The complete bike seems to be a good deal. As usual a few corners were cut, but overall its a good build.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yama Otoko
a Cross Country Rider
from Alaska Date Reviewed: June 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Shop
Strengths:
Better on the uphills, downhills, and everything in between, PERIOD. A bit spendy for a hard tail, but, absolutely worth it.
Weaknesses:
Mud build up between frame and front derailer. A few cheap parts on the bike, eg. grips, tires, etc...
Similar Products Used:
Last bike, Jamis XLT 1.0 (2003); Dimond back Ascent Ex (1989)- for real.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Will make a few changes.
Bottom Line:
The whole 29er thing is not a hoax, and your personal riding improvement will not not just be psychological. These new bikes will change the scene like adding suspension back in the day. Fully diggin the bike, and looking forward to the advances that a simple change in the tire size will have on everything else...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
batterhead
a Racer
from Philly, PA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Keswick Cycle, Cherr
Strengths:
Great handling, light, fast
Weaknesses:
Don't particularly like the stock handle bar. Stock wheels a bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Caffeine 1
Bike Setup:
Put Crossmax 29 wheels. Stock otherwise.
Bottom Line:
This is my first 29er. I have to say this is exactly what I hoped it would be. Handles the technical stuff, climbs great, descends fast and feels mostly like a 26" bike does. I love the stand over on the frame and the stock components are sweet - love the new sram shifters! Immediately upgraded the wheels. Likely to do the same for the handle bars (not crazy about them). Other then that, not a lot to do to her.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ike
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Finaly a bike that fits us taller riders---6-3 21 inch frame. Holds a line well, excellent on technical trails ( I thought a 29er couldn't do that?) rolls smoothly.
Weaknesses:
Long chainstays cause rear wheel to wash on hard turns when breaking.
Similar Products Used:
cc bikes
Bottom Line:
This is by far the most balanced bike I have ever ridden. The wheels have such a larger contact patch- you can really rail the turns, and it is easier to stop (you don't tear up the trails as much) Climbing is off the charts. Overall this bike is very predictable and an absolute joy to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam McIntyre
a Cross Country Rider
from Melburn, Australia Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Marriners, The Otways
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
A true example of when a bike company gets it right. Waited for ths so I could run the bike with gears or single. Ha proven its self in all terrain, climbs, descends and goes where you point it.
Weaknesses:
Rear hub is a cheap shimano and can see it wont go the distance.
Similar Products Used:
various single speeds, Stumpy 26
Bike Setup:
standard, except for white industries cranks and king cogs.
Bottom Line:
Buy it if you want a kick ass bike that can be converted to a single speed. I am happy just check my smile!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Agile handling, rolls through the rough stuff so well it begs you to go faster
Weaknesses:
Couple of pretty cheap OEM parts, but otherwise no fualts at all
Similar Products Used:
Surly, on one and spot
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is the best XC bike I have ever ridden. Forget full suspension you dont need it with one of these. Get some speed into the wheels and you will float over the bumps and cruise the down hills. Loves the the tight and twisty but goes really loves and chance you get to push it. Big wheels love to climb, they may crawl up but at least you are still on the bike while the 26ers are bieng pushed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Lentz
a Cross Country Rider
from York,PA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
fuzzy trail, Michaux State Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
Gung Ho Bikes
Strengths:
This bike rolls over any thing. Some one told me that a 29er wil not handle as well as a 26er; they were correct, this bike handles better and climbs better too. I have put almost 500 miles on this bike in Jan & Feb. in all conditions including snow and I am impressed. if you are looking for a bike that out performs its price this is the bike for you.
Weaknesses:
Mud accumulates on the front derailer from the rear tire and freezes.
Similar Products Used:
Raliegh 29er Single Speed, Stumpjumper Comp 26er
Bike Setup:
stock for now
Bottom Line:
The Stumpjumper 29er is a great bike at a great price.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
