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Specialized
Stumpjumper FSR Elite Disc
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Submitted by
T Habecker
a Weekend Warrior
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | I love to ride on dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit City Bikes / LBS | | Strengths: | For me the name says it all / Specialized. Love the frame and the color (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?a=b&minisite=10029&arc=2004&spid=21270&language=US). For my riding style and weight (170lbs/ 77.1 kg) the components are great. I wanted a bike that would have low maintenance and easy to work on. I am not a mechanic - on the same side I am not afraid to get in and do some work on the bike. I have had no major issues with the bike so far. The Fox Float shock has been rebuilt (not pushed) before I bought the bike and works great-holds air does not leak. The Manitou Black is perfect for the riding I mainly do. I have not bottomed out with fork. I do however wish I could adjust the stiffness with out the need of changing the springs on the inside. I have relied on the LBS telling me that it is set up right for my weight. Which it is has not failed me yet. I am happy with the weight which is just over 30lbs / 13.6 kg according to my scale at home. The Bike looks great and I like the aggressive style that is promoted from this frame and style of bike. The bikes look like it would be heavy as heck and the reality is that it is pretty light for a FS bike. | | Weaknesses: | The BB is low - in the area where I live and ride has proven to be lethal for me. | | Similar Products Used: | None first FS- Coming off a Specialized Hard Rock A1 Comp
I did test out a Giant Trance X2 which was great but LBS would not budge on the price of 1,700 out my price range | | Bike Setup: | Every thing on the bike is stock except for the crank which is TruVative Blaze isis and and Shimano PD 520 pedals.
Manitou fork rebuilt and Fox Float rebuilt so these are basically new. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a very reliable bike that is light and you can beat the heck out of 2-3 days out of the week buy the SJ Elite. The metrics on the bike allow you to easily upgrade parts that you may want. Some have even gotten the bike down to 26 lbs (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=4388397#poststop)
coming off a hard tail that I thought was light and very comfortable on I immediately came at ease with this bike with in two weeks of riding. I almost purchased the 2008 Specialized FSRxc Comp until I saw this in the shop. I have always wanted a SJ.
The trails I mainly ride are single track with tree roots in the line going down and this bike eats those rides up. You can easily get air off a jump or a bunny hop. I can easily ride with out being beat up or low back problems. As far as big drops the biggest I have done on this bike is from about 3feet into a stream and the bike did great.
I have done some urban assault on this and the stairs are nothing just sit back over the rear and fly down your line. So far there is nothing this bike has not been able to handle that I have thrown at it.
For the Fox there may be too many setting on it I may prefer the just 3 as with the RP23, I usually do not adjust the shock too much during rides. I do like the variety for me.
I have been happy with the disk brakes very little maintenance so far. The only thing I did was take out the pads and wipe them down with alcohol because they were squeaking a little. I have rode them through mud and water with any issue on and off the trail.
I love this bike and have become more confident in my riding and want to ride even more. If you are money conscious and looking for a reliable FS bike pick this one up if you can.
I am giving 4 chilis for the value because if I could have waited I may have been able to pick it up a little cheaper.
5 Chilis for overall - I have never had a problem with Specialized. With the mix of components, area I live in, and type of riding I do this bike is perfect for me. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bar0lini
a Weekend Warrior
from Warszawa
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | smooth, windy sigletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | -light frame (2,65kg with shock, size M)
-good looking
-active 4-link sus design - sensitive!
-good compromise between quick and stable geometry
-durable | | Weaknesses: | -low BB
-active 4-link sus design - bobs with Fox Float R
-a bit flexy but not more than competion | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive 3.0
GT Avalance
Test ridden many | | Bike Setup: | I am reviewing the frame only. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great frame one-bike-can-do-it-all setup for a weekend trail rider. It shines in low to medium technical terrain until it really get tough. Climbs great in saddle, descents even better. Nevertheless it costs you energy. My friends on hardtails are faster unless it's dowhil bit but not so comfy and happy at the same time I suppose. Great for all day or multi day moutain trips. I am also racing in marathons and use Stumpy for harder, longer mountain courses (multiday like bikechallenge.pl) where comfort matters. For shorter, flatter courses I’d use my good, old GT hardtail which is faster and has quicker steering that I prefer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zac
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper Elite spec's + Rock Shox Reba Race forks,XT Front Hub, Thompson seat post & XT Crankset. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up from my last post.
I've fitted the XT Crankset which has stopped the dreaded creaking.
This bike was good with the standard spec's, but now it's great.
The few changes I've made have completely sorted all it annoying traits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zac
a
from Australia
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Sure footed. Confidence inspiring. Perfect all round trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | Creaking.
Front 'Stout'hub.
Rear shock lost a lot of air until I put a new seal kit in it. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a Rock Shox Reba Race fork.
Replaced front hub with a XT one. | | Bottom Line: | I've got a real love hate relationship with this bike.
On the one hand it does everything I ask of it extremely well.
On the other hand it did have a couple of things that annoyed the hell out of me.
The front, stout hub would work its way loose on every ride. Not very confidence inspiring. Do yourself a favour and replace it, as I did.
The Fox Float Shock lost nearly 100 psi every ride until I put a seal kit in it. This happened from new. It's now like a different Shock. Much better.
The creaking. What's with the creaking. I guess I shouldn't expect too much from a bike at this price but it's annoying. I've been told it's for all sorts of different reasons which I've addressed, to no avail. I'm going to replace the cranks next to see if that gets rid of it.
Like I said though. I also love this bike. For the price, It is very hard to look past the Stumpjumper. I did a lot of research before purchasing and still think I bought the right bike. When you really start breaking things down and comparing things with other bikes, the Stumpjumper does everything just as good as all the top shelf, expensive brand names. If not better.
For anyone in a similar situation like myself, who cannot go out and spend truckloads of money, or justify spending truckloads. This is a great, value for money, do anything, go anywhere bike that will inspire confidence and as long as you've got the fitness, will keep up with all the posers on their zillion dollar bling bling bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Schillereff
a Cross Country Rider
from Justin,TX USA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | LB Houston | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1579.00 | | Purchased At: | Camarillo Bikes.,CA | | Strengths: | Being a big rider, this bike has done me nothing but great. Fun to ride, smooth on the flats, easy to ride up hills, now not the highest performance components but if your not racing do you really need them? I don't know, but I know this bike was a great purchase for me! | | Weaknesses: | Brakes like too squeak but a little rubbing alcohol keeps them quiet. I would also prefer some stronger rims and spokes, front derailer should have been at least an XT instead of an LX. | | Bike Setup: | This was set up right from the beginning for me....bought in the morning and was riding it that afternoon. Been having fun on it ever since. | | Bottom Line: | If your willing too spend a little bit of money, this bike will make you happy. I love to ride and on this bike it makes me look like I'm pretty good at it. With all the new bikes out there for Cross Country riding. I would rate this one right there with the best of them for a beginner to a advanced rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clinton
a Cross Country Rider
from Vista, ca
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Warehouse | | Strengths: | Excellent components for the price. Solid climber. Very durable bike. | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailuer is an LX. Seat and grips need to be changed out. Tires as well need to be swapped out. Too thin. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock for awhile, but went XT on the front, better seat, tires and grips. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS bike and I'll never look back. One of the best purchases I've ever made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Brevard, NC
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Burnt Mtn, DuPont Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | all of it! climbs like a monkey and flies downhill like i stole it. amazing value. | | Weaknesses: | rims, quick release, and i guess i'd have to say the fork too... | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz blur & harvey cycle laurel mountain | | Bike Setup: | stock + some lighter rims | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks (hard). best value out there and it performs. climbing is no problem, bob is hard to see much less feel, even when climbing standing up; plus it's pretty light (replace the rims to shave some). downhill is super fun because you can trust it; sturdy and the suspension is good, the fox always comes close but never bottoms out. i’ve taken 4 foot drops and have crashed this thing left and right (and forwards too) and all i’ve done in a year is tweak the rear rotor a bit. this is an outstanding XC bike that can take a thrashing downhill and(most importantly in my mind) can get you to the top. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Owings Mills, MD USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Avalon Area, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Local bike shop | | Strengths: | Very light overall weight. Great components for the price. Climbs and absorbs nasty terrain very well. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom routed cables, a few creaking sounds and the rear tire directs all crap directly onto the rear shock. The creaks I can handle but for a bike of this caliber there should be a better way to route the cables. A small fender is available for the rear shock or a plastic h2o bottle, among other things, can be made into a deflector. No big deal. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing to compare it to as this is my first full suspension ride. | | Bike Setup: | 100% stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has made me a faster more confident rider. It's amazing how a light fully suspended bike seems to float over rough terrain rather than crash through it. The hydraulic discs rarely require more than a 1 finger pull and work consistently well though all conditions. The fully adjustable suspension allows me to really dial it in to the conditions for a more efficient ride. The bike climbs well and is capable of taking some pretty big hits. This is a great bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque,NM
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | visalia cyclery | | Strengths: | shocks, brakes, light weight frame | | Weaknesses: | No shock gaurd, tend to get dirty fast. low frame (i ride the xl) i hvae had it bottom out over some of the rocker terrain... though more often than not the bike is high enough to clear most anything. thin tires | | Bottom Line: | Great bike!!! light weight... great climber... nice shocks front and rear, some would say the seat is uncomfortable but i've had no trouble at all even after super long single trak (17-20mi+). the brakes are incredibly responcive, though coming from a back ground of cantalvers its a bit hard to learn to feather. Extremly nice product | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Mower
a Weekend Warrior
from Stanley N.M. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | sport loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Drive | | Strengths: | The whole thing | | Weaknesses: | I wish the shifting cables were routed somwhere other than the underside of the bottom tube. The rear tire flicks sand and mud all over the rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Manituou Black fork, Fox Float R, LX and XT drive train, Deore hydraulic brakes, sunrims, Specialized S.T.O.U.T front hub. | | Bottom Line: | This is my full suspension ride so I can't really compare to anything but so far its been awesome. I was fairly worried about switching to full suspension because I had heard that you get all kinds of bob and hardships while climbing up hills (which I do alot of) I don't know how it works but I think it has helped me climb better. I can clean climbs on the Stumpjumper that I wans't abe to on my hard tail. Downhill is alot more fun and I can ride rougher deccents faster with more stablity. Ruts and roots get swallowed up. The travel design provides totally active suspension through braking and powering over bumps. I know this is heresy but I also ride around town on paved roads instead of driving but even on the really hard surfaces the most bob that I've ever noticed is that I just don't get the explosive burst of power that I had on my hard tail. I haven't gone very big with it yet the most I think was A four foot drop but I haven't bottomed the suspension out yet. I've even had a nasty crash and faceplanted in a bunch of rocks and my bike was fine. I had to readjust the handlebars and the rims are a little tweaked but nothing broke or bent. I am very satisfied though it was pretty expensive for my standards. I think that if Specialized put a lizard skin around the rear shock to keep debris off the shock and mabey changed the cable routing it would be perfect. This would be a great choice for anyone making the switch to full suspension or wanting a really good trail bike or cross country ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Jack Brooks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bay Area Schwinn | | Strengths: | Suspension and frame work well together. Light weight. Best component group for the price. Disc brakes. Lock out front and back shocks. 3 settings for the rear shock. Minimal bob. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are thin. I have had multiple flats from thorns and sticks. Clipless pedals are hard to get into. | | Similar Products Used: | Jeykll, Salpel, Stump Jumper Hard Tail, Marin hard tail, Gary Fisher Cake, Giant NRS, Rock Mountain Element, Santa Cruz Blur, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock. | | Bottom Line: | I am very pleased with this bike. I tested dozens of bikes for months and am happy I chose this one. The multiple shock settings are ideal for where I ride, which varies from smooth to extremely bumpy. The bike climbs and descends well and I find myself passing more experienced riders on the trails where I couldn't have with a lesser bike. I am seriously considering changing the pedals. Although they provide and excellent surface when not locked in, they are a pain to get into. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | MT. Falcon, Chimney Gulch (to the top), Apex, Matthew Winters | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1449.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Great bike for the money. Suspension is excellent with little or no bob on the ascents and a smooth, controlled downhill ride. | | Weaknesses: | Paint chips easily | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a Yeti ASR | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great value for the price. I tested a Yeti ASR, and determined it to be lighter with more travel, but it's a few thousand more than the Elite Disc, and more than I had to spend.
This bike still amazes me on the climbs. I can go over tons more than I ever could on my old hardtail. The geometry is aggressive. I do find myself taking the harder line on the descents just to push the bike and see how it performs. The trails seem much shorter, and I am not sore after the ride -- I'm never going back to hard-tail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jone
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake,CL
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Frame, manitou black shock, Fox rear shock, surprisingly good climber, plush over the stumps but firm enough when pedaling. I'm 5-11, 190 lbs, I selected the large frame size. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, no front shock boots, paint, some skimp on the components. | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike, I wasn't tired or sore after a 20 miler of ruts, roots, logs, mud and I stayed down on the saddle literally the entire ride. Surprised by the climbing, better than my hardtails. Only early deficit were the OEM Roll-X tires, which filled with mud, they are better suited to pavement, gravel. Steep (to me) geometry took a little getting used to but after a bit was A-okay. I had no problems with the seat, like others have suggested. Frame paint was worn through at a couple places by the shifter cable bodies after the first ride; | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GAI
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle village | | Strengths: | I've ridden this bike for about 6 months now and its held up pretty well. The suspension has worked great on singletrack, downhill, and the slickrock of Moab. I like the adjustable front fork. 100mm seems like enough for the rocky downhills, but I set it lower for the uphills. The octalink crankset seems to deliver adequate power and overall the bike corners well. I'm very happy with the purchase. This bike will be lasting me quite a long time. | | Weaknesses: | I opted for the anodized frame, but I've still found that it chips fairly easily. The grips also wore out pretty easily and the stick-on bracket that holds the front brakeline fell of after two rides (zip-ties work much better). | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback response sport hardtail, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is a great purchase for someone looking for a full suspension bike that you can ride stock in varied terrain. The components, suspension, and handling of the bike are great. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Van Hardy
a Weekend Warrior
from Tremonton UT
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | great bike disc brakes are nice | | Weaknesses: | paint chips and scratches real easy | | Similar Products Used: | rockhopper fsr | | Bike Setup: | stock exept easton bars , 959 pedals | | Bottom Line: | real smooth bike pro pedal dampning works well no noticable pedal bob, suspension easy to fine tune, climbs good, frame is solid the more I ride this bike the more I like it. I have over 500 miles of hard riding no problems at all great cross country bike and lots of fun on the downhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skeet Wyman
a Weekend Warrior
from Apple Valley
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Airport course | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Competetive Edge | | Strengths: | Nothing changed since my last review. I am getting faster every ride. | | Weaknesses: | No shock gaurd. | | Similar Products Used: | My Haro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Fox Vanilla 125R | | Bottom Line: | I dont regret putting on the Fox forx, but unless you got to have them save your money. They are stiffer (steering) you can feel it espeacaly in the deep sand on deflection, but you will give up a little softness on the small stutter bumps. I will hang on to my Black Elites in case I need a loaner fork. It really is that good. I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J.R.
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | River bottoms | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Erik's | | Strengths: | Frame, manitou black shock, Fox rear shock, surprisingly good climber, plush over the stumps but firm enough when pedaling. I'm 5-11, 190 lbs, I selected the large frame size. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, no front shock boots, paint, some skimp on the components. | | Similar Products Used: | My first FS-XC bike. I was debating between this bike and the Cannondale Jekyll 600. Prior bikes included a 1995 Zaskar LE, and 96 Trek 8700, and other HT's. | | Bike Setup: | Tires replaced with Continental - XC Comp Pro's.
I cut the seatpost down by 2" | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike, I wasn't tired or sore after a 20 miler of ruts, roots, logs, mud and I stayed down on the saddle literally the entire ride. Surprised by the climbing, better than my hardtails. Only early deficit were the OEM Roll-X tires, which filled with mud, they are better suited to pavement, gravel. Steep (to me) geometry took a little getting used to but after a bit was A-okay. I had no problems with the seat, like others have suggested. Frame paint was worn through at a couple places by the shifter cable bodies after the first ride; and I always expect better components on a $1500 bike ($1700 list?) - say at least a full LX/XT mix...we'll see how those components hold up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bikebum
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Up Chimney Gulch, Down Apex | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1225.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR Classified | | Strengths: | Entire bike package, disk brakes are excellent! Very solid feeling. The Black Elite Fork is killer! Like the simplicity of the suspension design. | | Weaknesses: | Purchased the additional shock protector from Specialized, definitely a need there for protection. Wasn't partial to the saddle, put the seat from my old bike on the new bike- Terry Fly. Seem to bang my pedals quite a bit on rocks, must be much less clearance than my hardtail. Also takes some more concentration with climbing the steaper sections. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the SJ Expert, Yeti 575, and the SC Blur. Previous bike was a HT Cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | Stock- except saddle. Seem to run higher air pressure in shock than recommended, by 20 psi. | | Bottom Line: | Everything I needed is on this bike for a killer, all around performer. Climbs great (was surprised that I beat my HT times to the top), and cruises down the back-side with no problems at all (absolutely destroys my HT times). Actually, I find myself taking the hardest line possible to test the bike's performance.
I couldn't justify spending $2300 to $3200 for a new bike. The expensive bikes certainly cost twice as much, but you do not get twice as much. Test rode on the Triad shock, saw no need for it. The 575 had too much travel for my liking- smoothed the trails out too much. Definitely would recommend this bike to other's. Save your hard earned $$, and get this bike instead!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skeet Wyman
a Weekend Warrior
from Apple Valley Ca
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | around the airport at home | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitive edge cyclery | | Strengths: | The first ride tells all the bike is perfect. You dont feel anything and you dont get tired. What else can I say. | | Weaknesses: | I agree that a shock dust gaurd should be standard. | | Similar Products Used: | Had a 4 year old Haro Extreme V that I thought was the cats meow. (my first full suspension) PLEASE!!! | | Bike Setup: | Stock / I am going to put on Fox Vanillas on the front. Why? Because I can. (I like things that match) | | Bottom Line: | I rode my Haro for 4 years, at the end of every ridding season (I dont like cold weather rides) I would easilly out ride the suspension. (it weighs 32+ plus) The first ride on this bike I flew around the course. There is nothing I dont like about it. I will post another reveiw when I get time on it. One thing I can say for my Haro is it was reliable. We shall see. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Ma.
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Freetown State Forest - Ma. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Light and quick. Suprised with the performance of the Roll-ex tires. | | Weaknesses: | Cheesey lower mounting bracket for replaceable drop-out. On my 2nd ride I snagged a stick, bending derailer inwards, causing drop-out to break in half, bending lower mount and fracturing the aluminum. Bike shop negotiated with the factory and the seatstay was replaced, under warranty, after a 6 long weeks. Do not understand why Specialized would under-design such a critical area. Previous design, as on 1999 Stumpy, has a much thicker and stronger mount. Do not understand the logic?????? | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than trading-off Shimano shifters for Sram twisters. | | Bottom Line: | Overall, for the money, this bike is awsome and the total re-design, this year, has improved performance dramatically over previous model. A quick, agile, and fun ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Onslow
a Downhiller
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Slatyfork Trails, West Virginia | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Strong, Very smooth, Lightweight, Stylish, Climbs Well. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is nasty! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized BigHit Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Klien Death Grip 2.35in. Tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! BY far the best flowing bike I've ever ridden. The price is great for what you get. I've ridden the bike for about 1 month now and have experienced all types of terrain and it has handled all of it(beyond my expectation). This bike is great for 2-4 foot drops and soo smooth and the landings. I had a BigHit Comp and it was never as smooth and responsive as the StumpJumper. The bike asks for more and more. It is a great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wanye
a Weekend Warrior
from HB, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | rocket | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Sweet looks, laterally stiff, greometry/fit, compliant w/o the bob, well balanced. | | Weaknesses: | headset, wheelset is a bit heavey, shock mudguard should be standard, seat. | | Similar Products Used: | enduro 2 years, fsr xc 2 years, klien mantra 1 year too long, 3 M2 hard tails over 7 years. | | Bike Setup: | stock elite w/ FSA pig pro DH headset, Marzocchi Marathon SL, eggbeaters. | | Bottom Line: | Only had 3 hard rides so far and initial impression is very good. I only rode w/the Black fork once and it worked pretty well for not being broke in. I put the Zoke on becuz eta and the ride is unequalled, at this point I hate climbing w/o eta. Swapping forks I got to see the cheapo headset w/ alloy cups/races and the bottom race had a releif cut allowing it to splay. I remounted the fork w/the oem headset and it felt sloppy, my enduro had the exact same slop problem which a fsa steel headset cured so I did the same on the SJ. For most the oem headset should be fine and is pretty light in comparison to the stouter fsa.
The rest of the components, aside from the wheelset (heavy) and saddle (I guess my ass isnt geometrically correct), seems capable and will reamain on the bike barring an unforseen failure.
I dialed the fox for my weight and the rear end worked fantastically, way less bob than my enduro and older fsr's, yet very compliant thru rock gardens. Being my first air shock Im impressed w/the fox propedal, this level doesnt have the triad, but I think Id only use the "open" and "pro" settings only, no need to lock it out. I would expect that Spec'd would fit the bike w/the mud guard for the shock instead of selling it as an aftermarket peice.
the
So far Im stoked and glad I chose not to buy a SPV shock for my enduro as the fit and geometry of this bike is perfect. The ride is your typical Spec'd 4 bar but w/o the bob uphill, pretty damn sweet.
Ill repost in 3 months w/some real mileage regarding funtcion and reliability | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | duncan hollow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | mole hill | | Strengths: | looks,decending and over-all ride.Spec'd nice compared to others in its price range. | | Weaknesses: | Weight due to disc breaks and upright position that most new FS bikes are going to causing front tire to hop while climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek,rockhopper,klein | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Was looking for a all around cross country bike not over priced and believe this is it.This bike decends very well and has great stopping power.
Does not climb as well as my stretched out hardtail but i have eliminated all the spacers and went with a longer stem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Kan
a Cross Country Rider
from Honolulu, HI
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wiliwilimanui | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1720.00 | | Purchased At: | THE BIKE SHOP | | Strengths: | Its geometry fits me really well. Its steep head angle really helps on the climb. Descending is a breeze, very stable and plush. The stock 525 disc brakes work great in different adverse conditions. No problem in the mud. I do not get any pedal bobbing from my bike at all, but I weigh 155 lbs. A bigger guy might produce a different result. | | Weaknesses: | LX front deraileur is not that reliable in the mud and rain. Front fork does not have any lock-out feature. When I stand and yank over the bar, it is kinda bouncy on the climb. I will certainly get a nicer fork with a lock-out option for sure. | | Similar Products Used: | KONA, old MOAB hardtail, specialized epic(the geometry does not fit me well but its BRAIN is amazing, really!) | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | If you are a regular Joe like me and desire a good MTB for trail/XC riding, this is it. You can upgrade components(eg. fork, deraileur, wheelset) later to make it a good racer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart Slater
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tokai Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bike Setup: | Changes the tires for Hutchinson Python Air Lite. Fantastic in dry conditions. | | Bottom Line: | And just wanted to add something to my first review. This bike is INSANE. I have just completed the Cape Epic. An 800km 8 day stage race through Southern Africa. This bike ate up the course. It was light enough to get up the big mountain passes comfortably and flew down the gravelly downhills. The single track was made easy. This bike tracks so well. I would HIGHLY recommend this bike to any cross country rider who likes to mix in a little downhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike teiber
a Racer
from ballwin, mo
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | sunset cyclery | | Strengths: | fork-manitou black elite the seat is comfortable for stock, but thats just me-frame design-entire drivetrain-light weight-brakes--just about every thing-- | | Weaknesses: | maby the grips but theu're really not bad just not my taste
not much! | | Similar Products Used: | well its my first full suspension, but my old bike was a trek 4500. | | Bike Setup: | stock xt and lx with some specialized parts-bars,grips,seat/post. xt disk brakes, mavic wheels not sure on model off hand, manitou black elite fork and a fox float R shock | | Bottom Line: | well iv'e only had the bike about a week. im only 14 and i love the bike. i will deffinetly post another reviw once iv'e done some hardcore riding over spring break efore my first race this season (march 28). check back to see the real deal! Good luck
so far im ratin it at.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart Slater
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tokai Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | some bike shop in florida | | Strengths: | Value for money its a great cross country bike. Has enough suspension to tackle some serious downhill single track with fantastic control and stopping power. Light enough to get me up my favourite 3000ft climb without too much os a strain. Fast on the flat section. Chews up the gravel roads. | | Weaknesses: | Has a few creaks which I can for some reason get rid of. Other than that I can't think of anything. | | Similar Products Used: | My first FSR bike so can't really compare it. | | Bike Setup: | Straight off the shelf. Have changed the tires to Python Air Lights because of the terrain I ride most of the time is fast, hard gravel. | | Bottom Line: | Feels good. Looks awesome. Rides like a dream. Value for money you're getting a fantastic bike with good components. Its a great weekend warrior bike. If you like to hit the trails and do some distance but want to tackle some of the more technical downhill sections then this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 1740.00
