First Ride: Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro Carbon
“Is there a carbon version?” That was the question that came up the moment the aluminum-framed Stumpjumper EVO was released last summer, and as of today, the answer is “Yes.” The bike's long and extra-slack geometry remains the same, but not only is the carbon version lighter, it there's now a SWAT box for holding burritos and other important trail snacks inside the frame. It also has a stealthy, raw carbon finish that looks even better in real life than it does on a screen.
According to Steve Saletnik, Specialized's Mountain Bike Product Manager, “Back when we launched the new Stumpjumper series, we decided to hold off on producing a carbon version until we saw how riders responded to the alloy bike. The aluminum model is something we all like, here at the office, but it does push boundaries a bit. As a designer or engineer, you never know if riders are going to like what you’re liking, so to speak. Pretty quick, though, it became clear that riders were embracing the alloy EVO….it was game on from there.”
According to Steve Saletnik, Specialized's Mountain Bike Product Manager, “Back when we launched the new Stumpjumper series, we decided to hold off on producing a carbon version until we saw how riders responded to the alloy bike. The aluminum model is something we all like, here at the office, but it does push boundaries a bit. As a designer or engineer, you never know if riders are going to like what you’re liking, so to speak. Pretty quick, though, it became clear that riders were embracing the alloy EVO….it was game on from there.”
Stumpjumper EVO Pro Carbon
• Wheelsize: 29" or 27.5"
• Carbon frame w/ SWAT box
• Travel: 140mm (29") / 150mm (27.5")
• Head angle: 63.5° or 64°
• Chainstay length: 443mm (29"), 440mm (27.5")
• Threaded bottom bracket
• 12 x 148mm rear spacing
• Sizes: S2, 23
• Weight: 31 lb (14.1 kg) / S3 29"
• MSRP: $6,600 USD
• www.specialized.com
• Wheelsize: 29" or 27.5"
• Carbon frame w/ SWAT box
• Travel: 140mm (29") / 150mm (27.5")
• Head angle: 63.5° or 64°
• Chainstay length: 443mm (29"), 440mm (27.5")
• Threaded bottom bracket
• 12 x 148mm rear spacing
• Sizes: S2, 23
• Weight: 31 lb (14.1 kg) / S3 29"
• MSRP: $6,600 USD
• www.specialized.com
The Pro Carbon EVO model is the first complete model to emerge, with a price tag of $6,600 USD, and a parts kit that's well matched to the bike's intentions, including SRAM Code RSC brakes, Roval Traverse carbon wheels shod with 2.6” Specialized Butcher tires, and a GX Eagle12-speed drivetrain. Fox takes care of the Stumpjumper EVO's suspension – a 150mm GRIP2 damper-equipped Fox 36 Performance Elite fork is paired with the coil-sprung DHX2 shock.
There's also a less-expensive Comp Carbon model on the way, which will have the same parts kit as the alloy version. In addition, a frame-only option for both the alloy and carbon models will be available in the near future.
The one thing missing from the Stumpjumper EVO lineup are frame sizes for taller and shorter riders – there are still only two options, S2 and S3. That's likely to change, although there's no set timeline. “We are looking at ways to bring this style of geometry to a broader range of riders. How and when? We are still working on that, but it is something we are all very excited about doing,” says Saletnik.
The carbon Stumpjumper EVO has the same angles as the alloy version, with either 140 or 150mm of rear travel depending on the wheel size.
I don't think Specialized's SWAT box gets the credit it deserves. It really is an ingenious way to store a tube, pump, and some snacks.
There's no flashy branding or snazzy paint job to see here, just clearcoat over carbon carbon.
Oooh, another secret compartment. A multi-tool pops up when you rotate the top cap, and there's also a chain tool and spare quick link housed in the steerer tube.
Those ridges on the chainstay protector help keep the amount of chainslap noise to a minimum.
Geometry
Ride Impressions
I reviewed the alloy Stumpjumper EVO a few months ago, and the vast majority of my thoughts about that model also apply to the new carbon version. It hasn't lost any of its descending capabilities, and the 1.5-pound weight difference between the Carbon Pro and the alloy model certainly doesn't hurt on the climbs.
Out on the trail, the carbon frame feels more responsive, with a level of peppiness that the aluminum model didn't have. That's with a coil shock, too; an air shock would likely make it feel even livelier, although the ground-hugging traction of the DHX2 has been nice to have for the muddy and slippery conditions I've been riding in lately. I did end up switching to a 600 lb/in spring (the S3 is spec'd with a 550 lb/in spring) in order to get a little more support and avoid bottoming out too often.
It may be lighter than the aluminum version, but at the end of the day Stumpjumper Evo Carbon is still a bike that's best suited for steep, technical trails. Sure, you can ride it on mellow, flowy singletrack all you want, but that's like giving a competitive eater a single stalk of celery – it just doesn't compare to rocketing down a rugged downhill run, or polishing off 125 cupcakes in under 10 minutes.
The amount of travel is the only factor that slightly limits the Stumpjumper EVO's abilities in really rough terrain, but even then, there's not much this stealthy sled can't handle. That fact does make me wonder about the next generation of the Enduro, the Stumpjumper’s longer travel sibling - I wouldn't be surprised to find out that another revision of that bike is in the works.
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Than take a look at the 2018 19 orbea rallon. Similar look and you can customize the colors
Way to be the lowest common denominator on pinkbike.
But it’s Specialized. Did they not enforce/steal their patent some years ago and ruffled some feathers?
Don’t they dump straws into the ocean?
Bike looks great but where is the hate? I come here for the hate.
No, that was not sarcasm.
I went from a 2015 giant reign in large to a new Bird AM9 XL and the cockpit is just slightly longer, but bthe climbing performance, due to the steep seat angle, is insane. I'm not even going to get into the downhill performance.
I'm never buying a bike like this stumpjumper because I can never ride an actual seat tube angle of less than 75 degrees again. If anything I need to go steeper still. Sadly there are only like 10 frames on the market that fit these criteria - Bird (AM9 and Aeris 145), Raaw Madonna, Pole (Machine, Stamina and Evolink frames) and the Nicolai Geometron bikes.
All aluminium, all niche brands. Yeti comes close with the new bikes, but it's still not good enough.
And before I get downvoted to hell, I'm talking exclusively about XL riders and frames.
Yeah only your Chinese frame doesn’t go through millions of dollars in rigorous RD testing.
And that is no exaggeration.
Ahhhhh you’re that guy .....
For a bike designed for predominantly for downhills I doubt many are that bothered by the small weight penalty...
Even in the lower builds SC and Specialized have very similar price points, the Bronson C R-Kit is $4300 while the stumpjumper comp Carbon is $4520 with a very similar build kit.
Except if you are looking for a super light option, but then you would most likely not buy that bike.
cycling.today/retired-pro-cyclist-caught-transporting-cocaine-hidden-in-bike-tube
just add some water to your cocaine and it will be the perfect tubeless sealant. put the leftovers in some plastic and voila your new FTD the 'Snort Norris'.
you want some customisable bottomless tokens? just add ... you probably know where this is going.
$9219 Canadian. WTF?
Ignoring for a minute the fact that $6600 USD converts to $8800 Canadian at current market rate, this is just absurd. We’re talking about a carbon framed trail bike with a GX groupset and house-brand wheels, bar, stem, tires, seatpost, and saddle. Sure it has nice suspension components and the wheels are carbon, but $9219?!?????? Whatever drugs Specialized Canada is on, I want in on that.
The whole point of house brand components is increasing margin for companies and shops while lowering pricing for end consumers. That’s not speculation, that’s straight up fact. Sram GX exists to give manufacturers an option for a solid, 11 or 12 speed drivetrain that works nearly as well as XX1 for roughly 1/4 of the price. The catch is weight and some refinement, which feels like a fair trade to most.
At $6600 USD this bike is a bit of a rip off. It’s somewhat justifiable due to limited production numbers and the usual BS bike industry excuses and it’s not totally uncompetitive on price. The reality is that Specialized is making a hefty margin on this bike. Dealers? Probably not.
But $9219 Canadian? What the f*** Specialized? $4700-ish for the aluminum version was bad enough but this? It’s insulting. This isn’t Pinkbike readers complaining because they’re all broke-a** dirtbags. This is a bike company literally trying to rob people.
Specialized needs to figure out their pricing strategy, importing, and Canadian distribution because this is obscene. I don’t care how good it is or how “revolutionary” the bike is. If it’s that good then stop making the “regular” long travel Stumpjumper and recoup costs that way.
Stop ripping people off. Enough.
Code RSC brakes and a Grip 2 damper in the fork. Seems like not much for $1300CAD.
vs
www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/bikes-trance-advanced-pro-29
smart americans, like thats an oxymoron, wojld travel north for a weekend and save 3k on a brand new bike...smart lol...
All in all, $550-ish difference at retail pricing. Less than that at cost. Even if you give Fox a 10% price premium over RS it STILL doesn’t add up.
Geometry? That’s technically free. It comes with the bike no matter what. R&D? Sure, that costs but it’s amortized over your entire product line (ie: $700 hardtails sold by the thousands subsidize the rest of the line up).
There’s no excuse for this. It’s straight-up thievery. Don’t believe me? Go look at pricing for a Giant Reign Advanced 1. Carbon frame, GX Eagle, housebrand parts, comparable suspension and it’s $5299 Canadian. We can get nitpicky and upgrade the Code R brakes to Code RSCs for about $300, so call it $5599. That’s a difference of $3620, or enough money left over for another bike, or a trip to go ride somewhere for a week complete with luxurious accommodations. Or at least 10 heli drops in Revelstoke. Take your pick.
I can guarantee that you won’t notice the “better geometry” during your luxury riding trip and/or your dozen heli drops. Not once will you think “damn if only I’d spent all this money I’m literally burning in heli fuel on a bike that’s $3600 more expensive than the one I’m on now”.
“Geometry” isn’t an excuse for pricing a bike as if it’s an entry level Nissan Micra.
@nouseforaname:
Specialized is a USA based company (even though “Specialized Canada” exists) and if they sell to in a country that has a weaker exchange rate, they need to recoup their costs. So then are they robbing you?
We all feel that pain when purchasing something from the EU, that is significantly more expensive for me to overcome that exchange rate. So what?
I’ve been on the opposite end of that when the US dollar was upside down vs the CDN dollar, and spent a lot more than usual to go ice climbing in Banff and to go to Whistler. Now it’s good, but that could change in a year.
Back to your point- it’s an expensive bike. The components are arguable. I get that.
BTW Are those daily total or single event estimates? I'm a 2 event/day kinda guy. Minimum. I eat an organic steady diet of right wing lunatics, and religious crackpots that I wash down with liberal tears...
Matt I’ve been trolling the forums and plenty of evo owners are long shocking with greater eye to eye shocks so they can also raise the uber low bb. They’re basically building Enduro EVOs. Pretty gnarly. Just interesting that riders are going wild with the platform.
Wacky - every bike is gonna run outa travel or geo at some point. Pick one and be a dick about it.
The proliferation of geo in mid travel bikes is awesome. The Sentinel is just magic. Black magic. I love aggro geo in mid travel 150ish bikes. I’ll probably go evo or sentinel next bike. But I don’t see en Vogue geo as necessary for a lot of trail riders admittedly. It’s awesome to have options.
Also I’m a little uncertain about where S goes with the Enduro line now. Standard and EVO? Agree don’t think an Enduro evo would sell tons. Most riders are fine with less.
It sounds like you need more downduro in your life. I’ll stick to trailduro so I can still feel the trail but at the expense of running a little short on occasion.
downduro AF!!!!
It's been really interesting to tune the bike over a few months, lots of great stuff being discussed over on another forum, wierdly many owners are naturally gravitating to very similar setups.
I'm interested to see what the long shocked versions mean for the development of the next Enduro too. Specialized will have to really raise the bar, no bad thing IMO.
@Brasher would be happy to give info... people have changed the rear to 52.5, 55, or even 57. Looks like a fun great tuner smasher... up to 163mm rear 170 front
For instance, riding from Top of the World all the way down to the valley on a Stumpy Evo will be super hard on your body. Same for many alpine descents.
Sure, pro racers have the strength to deal with that kind of abuse, but normal riders don't.
I think I might have given them the idea for the current Stumpy Evo concept so maybe they'll listen
There's hardly any downside to the very slack HA of the SJ Evo. It climbs better than the standard bike. 65/66 HA on a 110mm bike would be so capable and easy to ride tech on when your rinsed.
This made rear travel 163mm, combine this with a 170mm airshaft in the fork you have an absolute machine of a bike.
But, steel would be ideal. (size M, sub 25 lbs, sub $2500 usds)
Thank you, I love you. Make it happen Specialized or I shake the world.
Now "if" someone figured out an angleset for the "regular" Stumpy then you could over fork it, slack the HT, steepen the ST and have "almost" as good of a bike. (No angleset tho, I had this idea crushed last summer. Was looking because the Aluminum Evo didn't come in a real XL)
But the Geo on the Evo would pry still be a bit better...?
not like that really matters to anyone...
Pretty much every review says how much better all around the regular Stumpy is? I only rode one for two days, but for sure in the "low" setting I had to slam the seatpost all the way forward. So for me in the XL I felt like the seat post angle on regular Stumpy wasn't steep enough. And for sure I'd have liked to have more fork travel, the stiffer fork, etc. So essentially the EVO looks like the better ride to me. (now that they are making it in larger sizes)
Just the near 7000 dollars with tax thing...
The magic of carbon fibre.
Currently running a 550# on my Jeffsy and I’m 230lbs. 2.25 travel shock with really progressive suspension.
Doesn't look like it lost much weight moving to Carbon, but at least the sizing is "workable" for XL. Still bummer it ends up being a compromise and the 27.5 has better sizing than the 29er.
BUT, I still think the RAW Aluminum was better looking!!!
BUT......Unless it was on your wheels would you even notice? I mean does your bike handle better as your water bottle gets empty?
(funny, we pay all the money for carbon weight reduction and then put a water bottle on it and all your tools and junk in the SWAT box and you just ended up with the same weight as your freeride bike from 05?
WAIT, do people do that already? Stuff weight in peoples SWAT box when they aren't looking? That would be awesome to get to the top of a huge climb where everyone takes a break. And then reach into your buddies frame cubby and pull out a RedBULL....
Hell, I got a brand new Stumpy 6fattie last year for $1900 USD with nothing much to complain about.
Newer bikes that use carbon everything are still weighing over 30 lbs. I get the advantage of carbon is not simply the weight but one would expect carbon components to drop the weight considerably. It just doesn't seem to be the case.
“Hey, new rad bike!”
- awwww that’s ‘spensive
Yep. Bikes ain’t cheap. Thankfully many choices exist in the mtb world and in the real world so we can all find the mathematical intersection of what we want and what we can afford.
@mikekazimer Would you care to compare this to the Yeti SB150? Pretty similar bikes in many respects. I'm certainly shopping the two. Have on ride on each. Like the rear tire clearance of the Evo better but SB150 suspension is hard to beat.
Also rode the Ripmo, that bike was a blast too. I really can’t say which one is “better”. I want them both.
Why carbon wheels?? They should rather make it more affordable...
Cant wait for the price of the comp model (cause there was nothing wrong with the Aluminium ones spec)!
I've been downsizing for a many years now as suspension tech has improved greatly lately.
These days 130F/R can crush most everything that requires pedaling.
people may downvote me but I don't care.
this is how I do it at 55yrs old...just saying.
old hardtail specialized p-2 for pumptrack/skatepark
Trek fuel ex 130f/r for normal riding
Standard Turbo levo for DH, Park, Adventure trips and riding around town.
E-bike haters can eat their helmet ;P
Thats a 40% increase! Sorry but nothing has gone up thag much in two years. Brexit added 10% and greedy S added 30% ?
Cool bike tho!!!
not quite, Dave.
A GX Ripmo upgraded to a factory fork and X2 is $5,769. It doesn't cost $1200 to upgrade the brakes (Trickstuff?!?!) but would cost about that to upgrade to their carbon rims w/ house brand hubs ($900) and move up to Code RSCs from the deore 4 pots.
A similarly specced Ripmo with carbon wheels but slightly better suspension is $7k, so $6,600 on the EVO with perf elite suspension looks about right.
Not a great value but definitely market rate for a major brand selling in shops.
I wouldn't pay it but I do like the bike and am considering the $3600 comp model. We'll see how much of a premium spesh puts on the carbon comp once it comes out.
David - what i said (err, typed) is self explanatory. I'm sorry if you don't understand it. The bottom line is this bike is not a better value than a comparably specced Ripmo. It's just a fact not a statement for or against either company. Specialized does not compete based on price, at least for carbon bikes.
As an example and as I've said before: NX Sentinel carbon = $4k, NX Ripmo = $4.2k, NX Stumpy carbon $4.5k .
I do appreciate that Specialized is still offering aluminum models and specifically in this platform. The aluminum comp evo looks like great bang for the buck.
Also, no hate, I like your Nomad.
But I do appreciate them offering a progressive shreddy platform in aluminum with sensible build at $3,620. Which may be my next bike
Oh yeah...
FRAME FACT 11m full carbon frame, asymmetrical design, 27.5 style-specific EVO Trail Geometry, SWAT™ Door integration, threaded BB, fully enclosed internal cable routing, 12x148mm dropouts, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger, 150mm of travel
FORK FOX FLOAT 36 Performance Elite, GRIP2 damper, 15x110mm, 37mm offset, 150mm of travel
REAR SHOCK FOX DHX2 Performance Elite, Rx Trail Tune, 2-position lever, 210x52.5mm, S2-500lb spring, S3-550lb spring
FRONT HUB Specialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm spacing, 28h
REAR HUB DT Swiss 350, Star Ratchet, 36t engagement, SRAM XD driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 148mm spacing, 28h
SPOKES DT Swiss Industry
RIMS Roval Traverse Carbon 27.5, hookless carbon, 30mm inner width, hand-built, tubeless ready, 28h
INNER TUBES Presta, 40mm valve
FRONT TIRE Butcher, GRID casing, GRIPTON® compound, 2Bliss Ready, 27.5 x 2.6"
REAR TIRE Butcher, GRID casing, GRIPTON® compound, 2Bliss Ready, 27.5 x 2.6"
CRANKSET SRAM GX Eagle, DUB, 170mm
CHAINRINGS 32T
BOTTOM BRACKET SRAM DUB, threaded BB
SHIFT LEVERS SRAM GX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed
REAR DERAILLEUR SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
CASSETTE SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t
CHAIN SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
FRONT BRAKE SRAM Code RSC, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 200mm
REAR BRAKE SRAM Code RSC, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 200mm
HANDLEBARS Specialized, 7050 alloy, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree backsweep, 27mm rise, 800mm width
GRIPS Deity, Knuckleduster, Black
STEM Specialized Trail, forged alloy, 4-bolt, 5mm rise
SADDLE Body Geometry Phenom Expert, hollow titanium rails, carbon fiber base, 143mm
SEATPOST Command Post IRcc, 16-position micro-height adjustable, two-bolt head, bottom mount cable routing, remote SRL lever, 34.9mm, 160mm of travel
SEAT BINDER Specialized bolt-type, alloy, 38.6mm
PEDALS Specialized Dirt
bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/crankworx-les-gets-dh-5-loris-santa-cruz-V10-05.jpg
bikerumor.com/2018/06/29/crankworx-les-gets-dh-tech-loris-lucas-santa-cruz-v10-29er-downhill-bikes
Give them some credit and don't just criticise them for the sake of criticising - the SWAT thingy is a very clever idea and comes in very handy for people (not me btw) who like to ride without a backpack.