[ispymtnbikes]

For the last six months, I was set on getting a 06 FSRxc Pro (retail $1,800). However, for an extra $200 I can move up to the lowest priced SJ FSR (retail $2,000). The components are roughly the same with the following exceptions:
1. Different Frames (but I really don't understand the technical aspects).
2. Rear Travel - 100mm on the Pro vs. 120mm on the SJ. - same shock, different diminsions.
3. Fork - Rock Shox Recon 351(100mm) on the Pro vs. Fox Float (120mm) on SJ.
4. Front Derailleur - Deore on the Pro vs. LX on the SJ.
5. Wheels - Mavic X139's on the Pro vs. XM317's on the SJ.
6. Cranks - Shimano on the Pro vs. Truvativ on the SJ.

Other than that, most components are the same. An extra $200 would be nice since I need to buy some gear (pump, shock pump, shoes, etc). I currently ride a hardtail so I don't really know if an extra 20mm is worth it. I have tested both and they feel the same to me (but hey, I was in a parking lot). I ride in Coloardo on all types of trails. Any thoughts?

 

[Muggsly]

I own an 05 120 and I have ridden several xc's at the trail head. Where the XC shines is in really tight twisty singletrack and climbs a hair better but this is mostly due to the shorter fork and a little to do with the shorter rear. (my 120 has the talas so I can shorten the front and stick with XCs no prob) The 120 or now the standard sj is an all around better bike. It handles the technical DH trails with ease. I personally would go with the regular SJ b/c you will be getting a better bike and have more options on upgrades (ie throwing a longer front fork for more DH oriented riding) and it won't chopper out your front as badly b/c the 120mm rear will balance it better.

 

[Back2Kill]

Buy the best bike you can afford. Accessories will come a little here, a little there.

Forks & frames are a little tougher to come by.....

 

[Judd97]

I'd definitely spend the extra 200 for the Stumpjumper for the Fox fork alone, the other upgrades are just a plus. The SJ will be a little more versatile on the trail and, like Back2Kill and Mugsley said, you'll be able to upgrade the components and accessories a little more easily than you would on the FSRxc.

 

[NCtrailX]

I test rode both bikes at a demo and found that while they have similar rides, the SJ tracks better and handles better when going faster - the bike inspires confidence. Have owned several fs bikes and tested a ton of bikes on the trails before buying - and the SJ is the most balanced of any bike i've ridden. I went with the $2000 SJ and love it. Have always ridden Manitou forks and am very impressed with the Fox fork - imagine having adjustments that actually work.

I would push to go to the SJ if possible for the frame alone. Parts will wear out and need to be replaced, but what you're really investing in is the frame. The SJ frame is a nice step up in tubing quality and is the same frame and shock used on the SJ aluminum frame lineup - including the $2800 SJ Expert.

Bottom line - both would be fine bikes, but the SJ is the way to go if the $200 difference won't break the bank.

 

[NCtrailX]

I noticed the wheel difference too - the SJ Mavics are the same wheels used on the Comp and Expert so those are a pretty signficant upgrade as well.

 

[Lumbee1]

I was caught in the same situation last year (FSRXC Comp vs. SJ120). I really F'ed up though and ordered a Fisher Cake. After one year with the Cake, I decided I had enough. Went to the LBS and ordered the base 06 SJ. I compared all three trim levels: base, Comp, and Expert. The upgrades on the Comp and Expert were just not worth it. I was especially disappointed in the Avid brakes (both the BB7 and the Juicy5) so the LBS ordered Hayes HFX-9's for me.

BTW, I got my SJ for $1600

 

[walkman]

Don't forget about weight!

I think you'll find that the SJ is 2.5-3 pounds lighter than the XC. My girlfriend just got an XC with rim brakes that weights 30.5 lbs.

I'd get the SJ. I think it will have more longevity, will be a better bike to upgrade as you like in the future & will have better resale value.

 

[obi_twan_kenobe]

I have been thinking about a new bike for the past few months. I had narrowed my seletions down to the Cannondale Rush 600, the Specialized FSR XC Pro, or the Stumpy base model. I haven't wanted to stray from Specialized since I have ridden an 04 Rockhopper for the past year and a half. The Rockhopper was my first real bike shop bike and was probably the best $400 I ever spent, now I'm making it a SS and don't really want to go to another brand. I will be riding a few races this year, so I'm still not sure which bike to get. I'm leaning more toward the XC, but you make the Stumpy sound so appealing.

 

[NCtrailX]

I looked at a Rush as well. The SJ has had some comments that the BB height is a bit low, but the Rush BB is even lower. With a BB height that low the Rush will have you hitting your pedals quite often when pedaling over roots / rocks.

That's one of the reasons that I steered away from the Rush. I would also recommendt that you read reviews about what happens to a single pivot design on slower square edge hits (like big roots or braking bumps). It really sapped the momentum on my Cake, and would expect the Rush to be similar.