[AdamITR]

Hey all, been riding Hardtails most of my life, and just purchased a lightly used 2019 Stumpjumper. Size XL, fitment is great, although may need to make small cockpit adjustments.

Hoping someone can lead me in the right direction with Suspension upgrades though:

First, 74 inches, 255 geared (camelback, multi-tool(s)) using clip Shimano X3’s. (Trying out flats next week). I don’t do a ton of jumping, but the terrain that I ride in Upstate NY has quite the downhills, technical climbs, and flats with large shale, cave-type rocks, etc. Of course roots, and more roots.

I have had the bike on 2 good rides, although still feel 100% more confident on my Hardtail if I am being honest.

So, here are the questions:

The front fork is a 150mm RockShox Pike RC, the rear a RockShox Deluxe RT3.

At my current weight, the front fork is a non issue, works as it should, might add a spacer to run a bit lower air pressure. However, when compared to my Marzocchi Bomber Z2, I actually prefer it to the Pike, but again, not too many rides on the Pike. I do have the kit to convert the Z2 to 150mm, so something to ponder.

The MAIN issue is the rear shock, at full air pressure (300psi), and going through all the correct setup directions, and even having a buddy who I trust explicitly, I am bottoming it out, and there is no way I can get near the 20-30% sag. We were taking about the possibility of going with a coil-based rear shock. I have no idea where to begin looking, or what even fits, or how to measure. Hoping someone can give me some help.

Thanks for hearing me out!

 

[KThaxton]

While not directly answering your question, maybe this could be of use.....I am 6 ft about 240 lbs naked, so very similar to you. My 2019 XL Stumpy has the Fox DPS shock that has a max PSI of 350. I have it right at about 335 and it is just about perfect.

While other may recommend a coil (I am not coil savvy enough to opine) it would seem a Fox or other air shock that allows for higher pressure could work for you too.

 

[Moosedriver]

Don’t get a coil shock for a 2019 SJ... lots of people report shafts snapping and causing damage to the frame. Something about the flex Specialized designed into the frame causes too much side load for coil shocks with smaller shafts. If you can find a coil shock with a larger shaft, it will most likely work, but since it’s not common for shock manufacturers to post shaft size, it may be frustrating trying to figure out.

 

[CaveGiant]

All rear shocks should be coil.
Whether a progressive or linear coil is the question.

As your frame has a strange mount that is known for snapping certain coil shocks I'd say you want to speak to a suspension expert.

It's not just the pressure, but the damping and the mount you need sorting!

A custom damping tune will make a huge difference at your weight.

Sorry it's a bit complicated.

 

[bigdog479]

Have you looked into volume spacers for the rear shock? I added some time mine and it made a difference with how the shocked felt and helped reduce the bottoming out. This may be a cheap alternative to try before replacing the entire shock!

 

[akantus178]

+1 for tuned shock, it will make the most difference. Stumpys are known for blowing through travel, I wouldn't worry about bottoming out much unless its harsh. With airshock I could pump it that it was stiff as a board, but good pump in the pedals and I reached the end.

Check how many spacers you have installed in the positive and if possible add to full, then set pressure to get ~30% sag. If still bottoming out you need some compression. Maybe the trail mode will help you out, but specific tune for you is always best.

Sometimes lowering your handlebars to bring more weight on the fork can help, but that is also dictated by your overall fit, if you have the option or its low already.


As for the coil, if its in your budget you should contact Avalanche, regarding the modified Bomber CR, they will tell you if it makes sense for your weight. I'm really happy with what it did to my Stumpy and it also has larger and stronger shaft than most shocks. I still bottom out couple of times per ride, but nothing harsh and it feels great overall.

Anyway I would take couple of weeks just to ride, test and get used to the full suspension bike first before committing to anything.