You’d be hard pressed to name a more influential mountain bike model that has stood the test of time than the Specialized Stumpjumper. With roots dating back to the sport’s founding in the early 1980s, the Stumpjumper was Mike Sinyard’s (Specialized founder) flagship product and the one that launched Specialized’s foray into the mountain bike world. Some 43 years later, the Stumpjumper name still exists and might even be the most popular mountain bike in the entire world*.
I’ve put together a twenty minute review on the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Alloy Elite, which you can find embedded above. Those not wanting to take the time to watch, I can summarize my review in a handful of bullet points…
- The Stumpjumper Evo is a very good handling bike.
- The bike is heavy at 38.5lbs with tools, a water bottle cage, pedals and real tires. Though this is what most of the bikes I build that are optimized for going downhill fast weigh, this weight does takeaway some of the versatility one might be looking for out of a 150mm bike.
- Speaking of travel, the bike’s 150mm of rear suspension does inhibit its downhill performance, especially for those of us who are not true EWS level pros (like Specialized Charlie Murray, who picks the SJ over the Enduro).
- The all new Stumpjumper 15 is likely a great bike, but more of an evolution over the current gen bike than a revolution. To add, its carbon + wireless shifting only, two things I’m not a fan of. I do not regret buying my SJEVO even though the SJ15 came out shortly thereafter, and I’d likely stick with the SJEVO, especially considering price points. If you can find a SJEvo and like the amount of travel the bike offers, go for it. You are getting it for a steal!
- The OEM Float X is a fine shock, and not something I’d look to replace. If you are tinkering with rear suspension (swapping shocks) I’d argue you likely bought the wrong bike and want a bike with more suspension travel.
- Bikes with more travel, such as the Transition Spire or Orbea Ralleon are likely going to feel just about as efficient, especially on the ascents, but they’ll offer a bit more in the forgiveness category. Heck, even my Specialized Enduro, which remains my favorite descending enduro bike, did not go uphill any worse than the SJ Evo.
- I get why the bike is popular, but ultimately the bike gets a “B” level marks. The SJEvo is not bad, but its also not amazing. If I’m very in shape, riding at peak levels and hitting my lines well, its not going to hold me back. But at 39, I need a little more help in the way of front/rear suspension to offset my laziness!
*I assessed popularity through a very unscientific Google Trends search comparing the Stumpjumper keyword to other unique frame keywords in the mtn bike space.
