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Specialized Stumpjumper Evo 29er Review

Reviewed by: Essex Herts MTB -
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 29er
We review the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 29er (2014). Big wheels and carbon tick some of 2014's must have boxes but how does it ride?

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 29er Introduction

The Stumpjumper FSR has been the mainstay of the Specialized mountain bike range for over two decades. Now available in both 26” and 29” wheel sizes, we’ve got a brand new Expert Carbon Evo 29er to put through the EssexHerts MTB grinder to see whether these US designed big wheelers work for trail riding duties here in the UK.

The EVO models add more aggressive geometry, lower bottom brackets and slacker head angle; more suspension travel; and harder riding components. Bigger tyres, wider bars, shorter stems, to create bikes designed for agressive riders! Will this be the perfect weapon for UK trail riding?

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 29er
"The EVO models add more aggressive geometry, lower bottom brackets & slacker head angle..."

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 29er Specs

Frame and Fork

  • ACT 9m carbon front triangle, 29" EVO geometry, FACT IS construction, M5 alloy rear triangle,
  • Tapered head tube, PF30 BB, ISCG ’05, internal Command Post IR routing, 142mm dropouts, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger, 135mm travel
  • Custom FOX Float CTD Factory w/ AUTOSAG and Boost Valve, Kashima coating, Climb, Trail, Descend settings and rebound adjustment, 195x46mm
  • Tapered head tube; ISCG05 tabs; BB30 press fit bottom bracket
  • Internal routing for dropper post cables or hoses in the seat tube
  • Colour: Satin Carbon/Black Multi Decal
  • Sizes: Small, Medium, Large and x-Large (see geo here)
  • RockShox Pike RC 29, Solo Air spring, tapered alloy steerer comp and rebound adj., 15mm thru-axle, 140mm travel

Components

  • Headset: 1-1/8 and 1-1/2" threadless, cartridge bearings
  • Stem: Specialized Trail, 6061 alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise, 31.8mm clamp
  • Handlebars: Specialized XC Mini-Riser, 7050 butted alloy, 750mm wide, 10mm rise, 8-degree back sweep, 6-degree upsweep, 31.8mm
  • Grips: Specialized Sip Grip, light lock-on, half-waffle aramid-infused, S/M: regular, Others: XL thickness
  • Front Brake: Custom Avid Elixir 7 Trail, 4-piston caliper, steel backed metallic pad, S/M: 180mm, Others: 200mm rotor
  • Rear Brake: Custom Avid Elixir 7 Trail, 4-piston caliper, steel backed metallic pad, S/M: 160mm, Others: 180mm rotor
  • Brake Levers: Custom Avid Elixir 7 Trail
  • Rear Derailleur: SRAM X0, 11-speed, mid cage
  • Shifters: SRAM X0, 11-speed, trigger
  • Cassette: SRAM X0, 11-speed, 10-42
  • Chain: SRAM, 11-speed, hollow plates/pins, PowerLink
  • Crankset: Custom SRAM carbon S-2200, 32T XX1 style single ring, PF30 spindle, removable spider, S: 170mm, Others: 175mm
  • Chainring: 32T Single Ring
  • BB: SRAM PF30, OS press-in bearings, sealed cartridge
  • Pedals: Resin Test Ride
  • Rims: Roval Traverse 29, alloy disc, 24mm internal width, 32h
  • Front Hub: Roval Traverse 29, 15mm thru-axle end caps, 32h
  • Rear Hub: Roval Traverse 29 142+, XX1 driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 32h
  • Spokes: DT Swiss Super Comp, 2.0/1.65/1.8 stainless
  • Front Tyre: Specialized Butcher Control, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3", foldable aramid bead, dual- compound, 60TPI
  • Rear Tyre: Specialized Purgatory Control, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3", foldable aramid bead, dual-compound, 60 TPI
  • Inner tubes: Ultralight PV
  • Saddle: Body Geometry Henge Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm
  • Seatpost: Specialized Command Post IR, 3-position, internally routed adjustable height w/ air spring, remote operated, single bolt head, 30.9mm, S:100mm, Others: 125mm travel
  • Seat QR: 7050 hard anodized alloy, single bolt, 34.9mm
  • Full product details are here.
  • Retail price is c. £4,500.00


Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 29er
"The first ride impression has been really good. Once it gets going..."

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 29er Specs - Initial Thoughts

Whilst appreciating that form should follow function, I have to admit that the 1st thing I noticed about this bike was how damn good it looked. The carbon frame is a work of art in itself but the whole package just looks ‘right’! Specialized are known for sweating the details to make their bikes look good and I for one think they’ve totally nailed it this the 2014 Stumpjumper's.

Aside from the looks, Specialized have also done a great job on the spec of the bike. In particular the choice of a Pike up front is inspired but the rest of the kit is well chosen as well. The only changes I’ve made are to swap out the stock 70mm stem for a 50mm one, and to change out the Butcher and Purgatory tyres for some Storm Control ones that are far more suited to current UK conditions. Talking of tyres the Royal wheels were super easy to convert to a tubeless!

The first ride impression has been really good. Once it gets going (and yes, 29ers do take a little bit more effort to get rolling) this bike feels unstoppable. It’s almost like cheating. The levels of grip and rollability offered by the bigger wheels creates amazing traction that leaves you flying up tech climbs rather than struggling even in winter conditions. On flatter sections of trail it’s no less eager and you soon find yourself pushing harder to leave your riding buddies behind – just because you can on this bike. Point it downhill and this bike allows you to hit everything on the trail at warp speed, but always with a huge amount of stability that really boosts confidence to go even harder on the next descent!

Just thinking about this bike makes me want to get out and ride, so that’s what I’m, going to do. I’ll report back in a few months with a full review.