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Agree with all of the above, there is nothing in the trail sector that I fancy instead. My brother is just buying a new trail bike and he’s going with the Trek Top Fuel. Looks nice but offers nothing better and is worse in some areas.
 
Still riding my completely upgraded alloy from when they first released. I’ve definitely shopped around for other bikes and considered selling to build something different but every time I can’t justify it, nothing is that “better” for what I ride and want. Just did new rotors/brake pads/bleed this past week to freshen things up for the season.
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I got mine the fall of 23. Basically the last stretch of this model. I have zero plans to get rid of it. I had an EVO before, and that was just a bit to much for my style of riding. So I picked up the frame and transferred everything over. Amazing bike. Don't know what I will do when it finally comes time to do something in a few years. The new stumpy doesn't interest me at all.
 
I got mine the fall of 23. Basically the last stretch of this model. I have zero plans to get rid of it. I had an EVO before, and that was just a bit to much for my style of riding. So I picked up the frame and transferred everything over. Amazing bike. Don't know what I will do when it finally comes time to do something in a few years. The new stumpy doesn't interest me at all.
Yeah, I agree. the Yeti 140 will be on my list but there’s not many others I’d look at.
 
Over the last 35 yrs, I've had 16 (mountain) bikes.
I can objectively say this 17th is the best.

Feel pretty lucky to have happened on this frame during it's brief window of existence.

The only other bikes that have come close are the Tallboy LTc and Trek Remedy (2010 aluminium 26er)

Going into year number 5 with the Stumpy!

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Can anyone point me to the best headset options? My ‘21 model is just developing a creak (used exclusively in the drier months as I have a hardtail as well for UK winter riding) so will sort it sooner rather than later, but 3.5 years is good going I reckon! As far as I can tell there are no particularly fancy ones that fit this type?
 
Can anyone point me to the best headset options? My ‘21 model is just developing a creak (used exclusively in the drier months as I have a hardtail as well for UK winter riding) so will sort it sooner rather than later, but 3.5 years is good going I reckon! As far as I can tell there are no particularly fancy ones that fit this type?
Not than mine has any problems. But maybe pop the seals, clean and re-grease first? I also lube heavily all surfaces when install. Like basically pack it with grease.
 
Can anyone point me to the best headset options? My ‘21 model is just developing a creak (used exclusively in the drier months as I have a hardtail as well for UK winter riding) so will sort it sooner rather than later, but 3.5 years is good going I reckon! As far as I can tell there are no particularly fancy ones that fit this type?
Wolftooth

 
@Tinshield - sorry for my ignorance, but is that the right upper, but I’d have to shop around separately for the lower? Lower says not offered. I’m a bit confused by it all to be honest! Unclear on the correct size for the upper and lower parts.
lower is only in silver color.

$100 for a “headset” that doesn’t involve cups is a bit outrageous. Race, 2 bearings, a top shield and top cap. Damn.
 
I recently updated my setup when swapping forks. The Wolf Tooth option is great and seems a significant step up in terms of quality/durability/sealing from the FSA that came with the bike (which is basically unsealed). That said, I'd agree that it sounds like you just need to pull it apart, clean, lube, and reassemble. As long as you stay on top of servicing it, the original part should be fine for years I'd think.

I got both of the items below from Fanatik.

Upper:
Wolf Tooth Components Upper Headset IS42 Specialized IS (3mm Stack) Black
IS42U-SPEC-3MM-BLK



Lower:
Premium IS Lower Headset for Specialized Integrated Standard
IS52L-40
 
Anyone else frustrated with their Stumpy on slow speed tech? I got mine used a year ago, and enjoy it a lot on flow trails. It really shines on big rides and holds up surprisingly well on tech descents. The one thing I still haven’t sorted out is slow tech.

It feels like the flex stays are bucking me around when maneuvering up and over objects at slow speeds. I’ve messed with slowing rebound down, but that doesn’t eliminate the problem on the climbs and instead makes the shock pack down on descents.
 
Anyone else frustrated with their Stumpy on slow speed tech? I got mine used a year ago, and enjoy it a lot on flow trails. It really shines on big rides and holds up surprisingly well on tech descents. The one thing I still haven’t sorted out is slow tech.

It feels like the flex stays are bucking me around when maneuvering up and over objects at slow speeds. I’ve messed with slowing rebound down, but that doesn’t eliminate the problem on the climbs and instead makes the shock pack down on descents.
Interesting. I personally haven't really noticed this. I feel it's a hell of a climber, even on the techy rooty climbs.
 
Interesting. I personally haven't really noticed this. I feel it's a hell of a climber, even on the techy rooty climbs.
Agreed it’s a hell of a climber in most situations. Lightweight with balanced geo is great for big pedal days. And even on some tech climbs, I think it is great (e.g. straight lining up a rock garden where traction is at a premium). But slow speed maneuvering just feels…pogo-ish. Similar to riding a fat bike where the undamped massive tires bounce you around at inopportune times.

I’ve messed around a bunch with rebound, so all I can think of is that this feeling is an effect from the flex stays. And I love that springy feel a lot of the time; for example, when you mash pedals to get up a punchy spot and feel that little boost that the Stumpy gives you. But the last thing I want in slow/tight/technical maneuvers is an unpredictable spring or boost.
 
Agreed it’s a hell of a climber in most situations. Lightweight with balanced geo is great for big pedal days. And even on some tech climbs, I think it is great (e.g. straight lining up a rock garden where traction is at a premium). But slow speed maneuvering just feels…pogo-ish. Similar to riding a fat bike where the undamped massive tires bounce you around at inopportune times.

I’ve messed around a bunch with rebound, so all I can think of is that this feeling is an effect from the flex stays. And I love that springy feel a lot of the time; for example, when you mash pedals to get up a punchy spot and feel that little boost that the Stumpy gives you. But the last thing I want in slow/tight/technical maneuvers is an unpredictable spring or boost.
No, haven’t really noticed this. What I have noticed is they do have a relatively light rebound tune. I often ride my EVO on heavier tech and it’s better with the actual horst link.
 
I would check the shock to make sure it's the OEM (tune). Putting in the 4 - 5 digits into the Fox website can confirm this.
There's also specific tune for each size (S1 - S6) so If you're on a larder or smaller size (due to preference) that could be a factor also. Mine took some time dialing in, but once set it's more than adequate in the slow tech.
 
Agreed it’s a hell of a climber in most situations. Lightweight with balanced geo is great for big pedal days. And even on some tech climbs, I think it is great (e.g. straight lining up a rock garden where traction is at a premium). But slow speed maneuvering just feels…pogo-ish. Similar to riding a fat bike where the undamped massive tires bounce you around at inopportune times.

I’ve messed around a bunch with rebound, so all I can think of is that this feeling is an effect from the flex stays. And I love that springy feel a lot of the time; for example, when you mash pedals to get up a punchy spot and feel that little boost that the Stumpy gives you. But the last thing I want in slow/tight/technical maneuvers is an unpredictable spring or boost.
What do you mean by “pogo-ish”?

Tire pressure, rebound and air pressure will all affect slow tech climbing. You can tweak your setup to a degree to help with this but it’s not gonna make a short travel poppy bike climb like a long travel chunk eating bike. Amount of travel makes a difference - are you 40% or 60% into the travel using the same 65mm?

bikes that are calm, planted and claw their way up tech tend to ride that way everywhere, knolly for example. I could climb a hill of marbles on my Endo. Stomping on the pedals didn’t jump the bike forward though.
 
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