2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Review | Hardcore Trail Bike Comes Of Age

[@bikeradar]

What do you think about the new 2021 Stumpjumper Evo? Could this be Specialized’s best trail bike yet? Or perhaps you think the EVO is just too similar to the enduro? As always, let us know in the comments!

[@justsayin3600]

I've never been a fan of Specialized. Why? I've had more than a few snob experiences in their branded stores from the employees. The cost with specs of their bikes are more than a lot of brands. I'm sure it will be a good bike but I wouldn't buy Specialized for snob factor and being overpriced. Good review though. I watched it 3 times.

[@justsayin3600]

On a side note can you do a review on a couple of American brands such as: Gorrila Gravity and Alchemy? I'm considering buying here in the U.S., and it would be awesome to get a thorough review from Bike Radar.

[@22moriske]

hmmm... So if you're a small guy who weighs a lot or a tall skinny guy, you've a problem?! That way of calculating the frame size feeling is the most stupid thing i've ever heard! Great brand, dumb mistake...

[@thelittleewokboss9929]

Meh

[@thelittleewokboss9929]

Rafwit u know before it used to be worse??? They made it better

[@TheDirthound]

I just ordered a 2022 frame and will swap all my carbon components from my old bike to it plus I ordered a Push rear shock and am rolling a fox 36 factory converted to a coil via Push. I'm so stoked! I've been riding YT Capra's for the last 4 yrs and have never owned a specialized before and can't wait to get after it. I've eyeballed these bikes for some time and feel the EVO at 150mm coiled suspension will be a solid all around trail ripper. I'm thinking long travel one trick pony bikes are a thing of the past. Specialized is definitely doing their homework on what works and what doesn't and putting out solid products. The EVO is a culmination of decades of R&D and I can't wait until mine is built!

[@JaggedTusk]

On paper, Specialized really did an outstanding job addressing my issues with the last Evo. This bike sounds dialed. I will definitely be considering it when I replace my old Evo. The additional storage and water bladder would allow do almost every ride without a pack. I love riding without a pack and this is a big selling point.

[@323johnnybravo]

Grew up on specialized. Went away for a bit and have made my way back. New rigs are fire 🔥 🔥

[@oreoswithasideofmilk9703]

I am so excited for the regular stumpy to release, this just seems like a lot of bike for trail riding

[@rafaelgodoy3703]

Do you think they're going to release it too? would be awesome

[@Will.Tilcke]

Come on Specialized, please make an alloy version for the “down to earth” guys with a limited budget.

[@Coerced]

looks like they did. Though barely fairly priced

[@REGNARTS00]

The problem with 29er for short people isn’t the top tube, it’s the big wheel rubbing against the ass during jumps and descents.

[@aidandawn2717]

Mullet is for you then

[@anaortiz9837]

As a 50kg rider, took ages to get the suspension set up properly. But once it got set up is a great bike. Fox factory setting for fork and shock was incredibly hard to begin. Only downside specialized changed 2021 to 2022 models with $1k price increase and was take it or leave it.

[@spy1948]

im similar weight (120lb/54kg), any chance you could share what you're running? :D

[@Stevo_YouTube]

I love the free demo days that Specialized run in the UK. I've ridden lots of their bikes and it's definitely made me want one.

[@robvange]

Excellent detailed review, and no rushing to explain everything.... and there is a lot to explain. I have an S-Works Stumpy ST..... amazing bike..it should be... TODAY, I am picking up a 2021 EVO PRO............ ALMOST an S-WORKS for considerably less...$7,300.00 USD. I will write again once I put some time on the bike. I do wish however that Specialized would offer XTR and XT, SHIMANO groups......I personally prefer Shimano. The S-Works should be offered without the ridiculously expensive wireless shifting and seatpost.... ( something I personally do not want.... I don't want a BATTERY anywhere on or IN my BIKE!!! )....That would make it much more attractive to lots of people..... Anyway..I look forward to YOUR detailed review....once again, excellent job!

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

Great detailed review.

[@adanielweaver]

I had one in high school. I may now need another...

[@troyphillips1077]

Checks all the boxes for me . And yes an aluminum model should be available in at least two specs

[@CheckTh1s]

Now there's dream bike!!

[@rafaelgodoy3703]

If i had the money, i would spend it in that bike hahaha so many things to tweak

[@TrollHunterxXx]

I wanted a Specialized stumpy but for my first FS they were in another price category. I can’t justify 5k+ on one ... maybe one day. I settled for my Norco Optic FS3 for 2k brand new

[@lukeneill1568]

Well they’re not even in the same ball park

[@The_Ricardo_Sa]

I have the last Stumpy Evo and the bike is a bomb! Alloy Alloy Alloy!!!!! I wish they released an allow frame only. I cold swap the parts (new forks) and done!

[@Bushwackerinpa]

One up and PNW Rainer are basically the only 2 dropper post that matter.

[@justanotherbikevlog7903]

Can’t wait to try it out! Awesome review 👍🏻

[@datdudeinred]

I would rather buy 3k frameset & build much better spec than sworks for much cheaper. Win win.. 😂

[@dcouture79]

What’s in your better spec? Hard to beat X01, AXS and RSC’s for less money

[@mtnbikerva1]

Would the 2020\1 PIVOT SWITCHBLADE beat this bike in every aspect? Climbing, sprinting, descending, tight turns, NOT destroyer of pedals and cranks, flat surfaces, roots, rock gardens, etc. overall quality, quality control...

[@cs.adventures]

How tall are you and what size is the bike

[@dustinbjohnson]

How are the new compound t9/t7 spec tires?

[@hunterwright386]

yes, an alloy 27.5 for the real shredders

Best trail/enduro bike! Can it fit wider tires than the 2.3?

[@martybee6648]

What’s the difference between this an the comp

[@jeremypeterson5090]

Do you need to change out your chain when messing with the chainstay length? That would be inconvenient.

[@fuyomama555]

No

[@macrio5]

Low AND Slack gets you 63 degree head angle, NOT 64.... It's for sure the party mode

[@andreibarbosu1429]

What size should I get thou ? Im 1.75 and the reach on the S3 feels way to cramped

[@Bobbleoff]

Building the frame size for rider wait kinda sucks. I'm 120kg but can't ride a s6. Im a S3 S4 at a push

[@VentureMTB]

Why is BikeRadars GoPro footage so shaky in almost every video...genuinely curious.

[@scythe863]

It could be for more immersion. Proper representation. It’s very easy to smooth out in post but does take away some “feedback”

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

I just don't know if I can enjoy riding this kind of bike. I like the challenge of a lesser hardtail, but then again I'm still young. Good job on the video regardless.

[@bikeradar]

Thanks for watching! From all at BikeRadar.

[@jankaskyevitchjellbet7293]

What the size of tested evo and how tall are you?

[@daveandmerlin]

Great review.

[@bikeradar]

We're glad you enjoyed our review! From your friends at BikeRadar

[@belindatom4156]

Amazing, hope l will also have one to ride

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

Good review guys 🙏👌

[@Flugel9130]

How do you think the new Stumpjumper Evo compares to the Santa Cruz Hightower? I'm between the two (mostly) for my next bike. I guess I'm mostly concerned about how the Evo pedals and the general suspension feel. I know the Hightower feels pretty efficient for the hits it can take.

[@2dcutout]

I've ridden the High Tower but not the Stumpy Evo, and my boss rides/enduro races his High Tower. It's a fantastic all rounder, it feels comfortable taking it for long days and pretty efficient on the climbs - almost as good as a Tallboy (we've got one of those at work too). I've ridden some black/double black trails and had a great time on it, it's fast and capable both up and down and the only downside with the one I rode was the Guide T brakes. The 2021 models have 145mm rear travel vs the previous 140mm (which is due to a slightly longer stroke shock, but that's easy to fix with a 2020 version - just take the spacer out). Cascade components also do a link for it if you want more travel and they over-fork well with a 160mm fork. The Stumpy I feel is a little more enduro'y, it'll be more confident going down but will give up a bit on the climbs. One of the big questions you have is; budget. What model/spec can you get for your budget? Light weight, top-end suspension and a nice wheelset make huge differences.

[@Flugel9130]

@@2dcutout Thanks for the reply! That's very helpful. Budget wise, I'm probably good to go up to $5k before tax. I'm looking mostly at getting the lower spec Hightower and upgrading parts, which would put me around that price, or the SJ Evo Expert at $4900. The spec on the SJ Evo is several tiers higher for the price (performance elite suspension, X01, Code RS vs Yari/Superdeluxe R, NX, G2 R).

[@2dcutout]

@@Flugel9130 what would be your reasons for picking a HT over the Stumpy? Obviously Santa Cruz customer service is great (I have a SC myself, but I got it for a dealer price), but there's more to buying a bike than brand name. I'd be tempted to say buy the Evo on spec alone but... Before deciding - where do you live, what sort of trails do you ride?

[@Flugel9130]

@@2dcutout I really liked how the lower link VPP suspension felt, particularly on the Hightower. It was very lively while still supportive, and seemed to feed into my riding style. That's just off of a parking lot test though, as there aren't any demos around me as far as I know. Then there is the warranty and lifetime bearing replacement which is nice. The only sticking point is the comparative spec. The Evo is a great spec for the price, the Hightower a relatively poor spec. I doubt I'd change much other than maybe the bars/stem/saddle on the Evo, but I'd look to eventually swap/upgrade the majority of the parts on the Hightower. I really liked the ride feel on the Hightower though. Maybe the Evo won't be too far off that, but it's hard to say without trying it... I live in the Ohio/Ky valley. We do have some good downhills, but that's the minority of our local trails. A lot of it falls squarely into the trail category and is fairly technical. That being said, I'm 2.5 hours from Brown County State Park, 4 hours from Knoxville, and 6-7 hours from Snowshoe and Pisgah/Brevard/Dupont. I'm really looking for something that'll handle my local stuff fine but really shine at those trail systems. I'd also like to eventually travel to more distant locations. I definitely have a preference for downhill, although I appreciate technical singletrack and even climbs. I'd consider myself an advanced intermediate; I can handle virtually all my local trails at pretty high speeds, features included. I'm really looking for a bike that won't hold me back on aggressive terrain but will support my progression. I had a 2018 Giant Trance previously, and I really started to notice late last season that I was getting beyond what it wanted to support me in. It wasn't incapable of that, just felt like it didn't want to be there lol. I built up a Commencal Meta this summer, and the geo on that bike is much better for how I ride. I also got a killer deal on a used 2020 Nukeproof Mega 275 a bit ago (just to hold me over) and while it's a lot of fun, it's a bit overkill locally. It's a bit too draggy on the flats. Not intolerable, just noticeable. It's great for bigger hits though.

[@2dcutout]

@@Flugel9130 The current VPP is really good - not the most lively or playful, but it's very efficient. Have you managed to get to have a look at an Evo/ride around the carpark? I've just built up a 2019 Scout as a mullet and, due to the sizing, despite the sub 64 degree head angle (on a 130mmR/140mmF bike) it still feels fun and playful. HA's aren't everything, but what they are is confident on the descents. I'd encourage you, especially with a 29er, not to go too long in terms of sizing. I'd quite honestly look at having 2 wheelsets for the Mega 275 or the Commencal (unless you really feel the need to go 29) - have a lightweight wheelset (Specialized Roval do this well, and can be had for a decent price 2nd hand) with faster rolling tyres and then keep the burlier set with burlier tyres for the bike parks. If you really like the way either of those bikes feel that is, but I understand, I've just sold a SC Nomad because I wanted something more all-round.

[@BMfins]

They make some of the best looking bikes imo.

[@mattia.esposito3973]

Which is the weight of the EVO Expert?

[@kormiii1]

Evo Ltd s2 14,4kg

[@romanrubaj3707]

@@kormiii1 How it rides Evo ltd? Is climbing reasonably well?

[@kormiii1]

@@romanrubaj3707 surprisingly well. better that i expected.

[@canaanjarvis1853]

Why doesnt anyone review the comp I doubt anyone is gonna have the money for the s works

[@mutleyadamsracing2684]

Mine is 29.8lbs wohoo!

[@tom2038]

Dont know if 150 rear travel can really be considered a "trail bike" im not lugging up a 170mm fork up huge hills sorry...

[@catg9196]

Why is the saddle slammed forward?

[@bikeradar]

Hi, good question! The saddle is slammed forward and nose down to help combat a slacker than ideal effective seat tube angle. Angling it down reduces pressure on the perineum and pushing it forward in the rails places your hips more central over the bottom bracket, making seated climbing more comfortable and efficient, especially when trails are steep. - Alex

[@catg9196]

@@bikeradar I thought modern geo on bikes are steeper seat tube angle? Gets body position over the pedals? Thanx for the info. Ill tilt my saddle down a little on my Hightower LT. Mines pretty much slammed forward too.

[@poetika3477]

If you see S works on the frame you know that shit is expensive 😂

[@datdudeinred]

I would really love to follow the guy who shot & edited those photos.. They are lit af 👏.. Who's that? Insta? Is he alex the camera guy who shot the video too?

[@egaines1137]

I will never buy another Specialized bike again. Proprietary parts, not producing parts for more than 2 years after production, I’m done with that BS. They’ve known this complaint for YEARS and do nothing.

[@kennethmorton7671]

Theres no proprietary parts on 2020 on bikes. I though that died with the new enduro

[@sarahwillett1130]

The new Enduro, Stumpy and Stumpy Evo (and maybe more) use standard shock sizes and mounts. They steered away from proprietary shocks finally....thank god

[@buildtestflyrepeat9428]

Wait hold up. 30.92 kilos?

[@ShahnewazYT]

Please tell me this is an enduro bike.

[@vomErsten]

I mean, it basically is, just requires more deliberate line choice.

[@Gdownification]

What do you think of this vs the Ibis Ripmo V2? I can get the deore spec Ripmo with a factory 36 and factory X2 for about $50 more than the Stumpy Evo

[@alexbroere2669]

Mmm a little more expensive than my Specialized Rockhopper pro. Looks smoking hot. Just wondering how you would feel if you have this bike but get overtaken by someone on a $1000 bike.

[@Coerced]

I think it's an amazing bike. Would buy it if mere money could buy it without having to sell my organs, daughter and wife.

[@Mr.ZiggedWhenHeShouldaZagged]

read the entire geo sheet why don't you... great for nodding off to

[@PowerTime847]

It seems as he rode the bike for only 1 day. For me, that is not extensive at all, and he just keept blaabing about some obvious things every other reviewer is saying about this bike.... Did not put alot of time and work in this video at all...

[@tom2038]

Only 150mm of rear travel lol

[@mm-km5kw]

what

[@tom2038]

@@mm-km5kw in the video the guy says it only has 150mm rear wheel travel insinuating that its not that much lol

[@seiseragaki5777]

Great bike , rides smooth kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L I added a bigger spring loaded seat to it . Takes a bit of adjusting cables to get brakes and shifting to perfect . I've owned quite a few bikes in the past that were absolutely uncomfortable to ride and they always ended up as garage wall decor . I'm not seeing that with this one. It's pretty light I've only ridden it a few miles but I like it . As for the pedals falling off in the other reviews , the pedal arms are aluminum along with the pedal studs look to be also . I would not overtighten them. I can see it would be very easy to overtighten them and strip the threads right off . All in all I think it's pretty good quality besides the aluminum pedal thing .

[@NONO-hz4vo]

This was a 20 minute ad. Basically read the spec sheet to us and then told us how great the bike is. No real comparisons and the only con was it has a poorly chosen dropper post size.

[@bikeradar]

This is absolutely not paid for content. All of our sponsored content is clearly marked as such when we upload to KZbin, and in the video description. If you don't see it then no money has changed hands. No exceptions. BikeRadar reviews are not for sale and NEVER will be. We're a small team who are passionate about riding bikes and our editorial integrity. The last thing we'd want to do is provide misleading information to our audience.

[@phthaloblue1117]

30.92 kilos!

[@cooperdouglas3747]

Bruh... in pounds

[@huddotowns4068]

Hi

[@reubs91]

Don’t waste your money, so many better bikes for less coin.

[@reptarthetrx2408]

I don't know why but this bike does nothing for me.

[@raphaelcruise9807]

Outdated suspension

[@adammccarthy2157]

My Top of the range Nomad 4 reserve weighs the same with a 180 fork and coil ha ha

[@raphaelcruise9807]

@@adammccarthy2157 nomad is a beast everybody is copyin santa cruz v4 layout