2021 Specialized Stumpjumper Review | Ever Popular Trail Bike Takes Diet & Refinements

[@bikeradar]

One of the most popular trail bikes ever gets a whole refresh for 2021, but do you agree with Alex's thoughts? Maybe you have ridden a Stumpjumper before? As always, let us know what you think in the comments below!

[@swifty3125]

Hi just bought a 2016 model and it’s great I loveeee it the suspension is perfect this bike is great

[@erich8258]

It sounds like the reviewer is disappointed that this trail bike rides like a trail bike, but isn't that what it's supposed to be? It's made for trails that go up and down, not just for blasting gnarly downhills.

[@Tom-fn8xc]

True, he's reviewing it like its an enduro bike.

[@323johnnybravo]

Thought the same thing. He would be happier reviewing an Enduro and a Stumpy Evo

[@joshjenner1]

Spot on .

[@travisdrake2010]

"This bike rides blew through its travel when I rode it down gnarly enduro trails"

[@ShahnewazYT]

Review starts at 10:07.

[@camodrums]

You're the real hero.

[@timwalsh3157]

It seems the reviewer should have reviewed the enduro due to his riding preferences and BikeRadar should have engaged a reviewer more in tune to trail verses enduro riding. His own riding preferences overtake the review.

[@joshjenner1]

Spot on , I was just thinking the same.

[@markdoyle6414]

I've got one of those. I put the maximum volume spacer into the shock. A bit more supportive and doesn't quite get through it's travel as fast. I'm 85kg plus gear and that makes a difference. It's an easy job to do.

[@DUNEATV]

Just bought the 2021 Stumpjumper Alloy S5...oh my god I’m in love!

[@lagman7]

I’ve ordered the alloy with the fox pair and can’t find a review anywhere. Everyone is reviewing the carbon ones for some reason.. Which one did you get? I have really high expectations as it will be my first fs bike I’ve ever owned.

[@DUNEATV]

@@lagman7 Base Alloy

[@kittonsmitton]

I bought a 2020 Stumpjumper alloy ST 29er and I love it!

[@dkonno18]

I just picked mine up today!

[@ruslankhinotskiy8171]

Just picked this up yesterday. Amazing quality. My third specialized bike.

[@billyboy1714]

I sold my ‘19 Stumpjumper Alloy Comp and am now looking for a new carbon bike. The new Stumpjumper Expert is a strong contender, as is the Ibis Ripley. It’s a bummer that the dealers have no inventory for test rides and size comparisons. I’m very reluctant to commit $5g after only reading and watching videos about them. That said, this review is refreshingly candid and thorough. The reviewers who have put in the time have commented about the very light rear suspension tune and one other reviewer arrived at the same conclusion about needing to ride the bike with some additional compression damping dialed in to minimize pedal bob. I would be interested in knowing what adding a volume spacer would do. The other common theme among the better reviewers is the flexy front fork. I imagine Specialized used a 34 fork to keep weight down, which was a major goal with the new model. Keep up the good work. The honest reviews are very much appreciated.

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

I would get the Stumpjumper Evo ( Carbon Expert with Fox Elite Suspension). You can make the EVO steep (65.5 ha) or slack as a DH bike. Its just more versatile than the normal Stumpjumper. Yeah its heavier, for sure but still the adjustments on the chainstays/ bb height and ha are good to have. And still- the EVO is a light frame. Yetis and SCs weight more and have less adjustments

[@conman1395]

Specialized: "Every bike is tuned for rider weight, but we made sizes so you can choose any 3!" right....

[@danjdavison]

That’s hilarious. I never thought of that

[@Stickybutton]

The still photos show an Stumpjumper EVO not a Stumpjumper. You can tell from the colourway and the DPX2 shock on the still.

[@bikeradar]

If you want to know more about the rowdier cousin to the Stumpjumper, Alex also reviewed the EVO model → kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnKthmaDjtZ3mrc

[@salmiakki5638]

up to 2:50 it feels like and Ad. why repeat the Manufacturer talking points in a review?

[@Charliened1]

Not everyone’s read anything about the bike so it’s good to get people up to speed. Skip it if you have already read them.

[@salmiakki5638]

@@Charliened1 i Just feel like a bike is a bike regardless of the alleged bells and whistles, and a review should tell you how good of a bike it is. If the stuff they made to the frame is good, it will be covered, same if it's bad. But a "feature" is only that if it does something, regardless of what marketing says to you. Tell me if I'm making my point across

[@andirock6504]

Best review .... I would like to see more detailed of the low budget Stumpi [Alloy]

[@thim8009]

Just bought a stumpy evo expert, wish it would show up!

[@konos3951]

Where I live it is impossible (especially with Covid) to take bikes out and test them on trail. I'm ordering a 2022 StumpJumper Comp (Carbon - S4) but my bike shop suggested I order 1 or 2 others as my current 2010 Stumpy Comp is all I have ridden so I'm not sure how I'm going to like all this new geometry. He's suggesting that I also order a Norco Sight (27.5) and/or a Kona Process 134 (again 27.5). The trails here in Northern Ontario Canada that I ride are quite technical. Not crazy long climbs but some definitely have a lot of technical challenge on them. I don't mind climbing but I specifically bought my 2010 Stumpy to get something that climbs better than my 2001 Big Hit which I had previously. My Stumpy is 28lbs and the Big Hit was 37lbs and I know with all these new geometries (and 29" wheels) bike weight is definitely creeping back up. I've got no interest in racing or getting through trails as fast as possible and am definitely more in it for the exercise and being outdoors but again, don't ever want to have to pedal a 37lbs bike up hill! :) I should also mention I think I would prefer the 27.5 wheel size because the trails I like are definitely more technical and we don't have a lot of long descents (or at least the technical climbs far out weigh the descents). I just feel the smaller wheel size would be a) stronger (I'm 6'1" about 210lbs) and b) better for the tight technical stuff that I like to ride. I almost wish I would have bought last years Stumpy with the 27.5 wheels. What else should I have them bring in to compare it against? (They're a Norco and Kona dealer as well somewhat obviously) Definitely very open to other people's comments as well - I'm really struggling with this and at $6kCDN (plus tax - 13%) it has some pretty significant financial ramifications as well.

[@alex1231235]

Sounds like a terrific bike. If you want to get rowdy, the EVO is the way to go!

[@TJonesMTB]

I got the EVO and can say it rides really really well. It climbs as well, if not better, than my 2019 Stumpjumper ST did and descends 100x better. I ride a wide variety of trails, some of which the EVO is overkill for, but it still does well and is a playful and fun bike to ride.

[@cameronwashington6187]

@@TJonesMTB Oh wow I thought I found someone else to talk about the new EVO since I've been trying to get my hands on one but I watched your videos literally like an hour after they were released lol. Anyway, I know you are much taller than I am. I'm 5'7 with really lanky arms and thinking about the S3 size since I'm used to the reach numbers. Do you think it may be too long still though and I should go for the S2? Looking forward to your review btw.

[@TJonesMTB]

@@cameronwashington6187 thanks for watching! It's snowing here now so review unfortunately might be a bit delayed. I can say that I am absolutely loving the bike. If you're comfortable with the reach numbers of the S3, then it should work for you. Take a look at the other numbers also because they all impact the ride. I mostly made my decision off wheel base, reach, and front center numbers. Hopefully you can find one soon! Cheers

[@TJonesMTB]

@Laika not sure what you mean by normal bike paths? I ride the bike on challenging singletrack terrain

[@TJonesMTB]

@Laika yes technically you could ride this bike on the road although it is not in any way what it is intended for and will be highly inefficient. If you’re riding on a bike path to get to a trail network, sure it’ll do the job. If you’re using it to commute or simply ride on bike paths then id recommend looking at something completely different...

[@CDG97]

I just ordered one, we'll see!

[@datdudeinred]

3:17 how did he said that with straight face is beyond me.. 😂😂😂

[@Roddaculous]

Complete with hand gesture.

[@StonedRoxs]

Thinking about buying a new bike in 2022. Probably should order one soon with the stock these days... Anyways, bike really looks appealing for my kind of riding!

[@datdudeinred]

6:19 so no coils then? 😢 Btw guys can you confirm if heavy riders benefit from coils more than air? It would be epic if you do a thorough vid on coil vs shock especially for heavy6vs light riders..

[@objectuser]

What a great, balanced review. Thank you!

[@johnnylong6226]

I now ride a Hardtrail and I want something more playful, but I am not sure if I should buy the Stumpjumper, Epic Evo, or Scott Spark. Can somebody help?

[@mando7398]

I have both the new Epic Evo and this new Stumpy. The Stumpy is the better all around bike. The Evo still feels like a race bike. I'm loving this Stumpy, it climbs really well, I'm doing the same times on climbs as I do on my Evo. But unlike this reviewer says, this bike is the best descender I've ever owned, and it's by far the quietest bike I've ever owned. Zero unwanted chatter from the bike. I've been riding for over 30 years so I have seen it all. If you race, get the Epic Evo, if you want a playful trail bike, get this Stumpy. I hope this helps.

[@btentusscher]

@@mando7398 Your answer was exactly what I was looking for and comfirmed my Stumpy Comp order. I considered the Orbea Oiz TR as well but think the posture is too racy for my aging body. Do you agree?

[@mando7398]

@@btentusscher you will love the Stumpy. It's such a good bike. Happy trails.

[@lizziemadden6]

I’m looking at the alloy comp, I do mostly trail riding and 5-6 xc races a year but also ride park often, is the pedaling super efficient and does the suspension bob?

[@btentusscher]

Did you find feedback on the pedal bob and climbing efficiency?

[@Drogos79]

that's what I have. Painfully linear in stock form. 2 spacers in the fork and 0.8 in the shock took care of that. Love it. Moved seat in the rails a bit forward to increase effective seat tube angle. I find it to be efficient climber....bit better than fuel ex I had before. It does hang up on the obstacles more than fuel

[@ambushell5778]

The Stumpy Evo is so much more attractive to me, not just from a specs/geo perspective but also aesthetics. The kink in the top tube on this standard model bothers me to no end.

[@Kirchenschlager]

this is the dumbest response for why anyone should be choosing a bike.

[@ek8507]

clearly we need joe back to test the s1 vs s6 frames. he's got the height of a taller person with the weight of someone 4'8". easy enough to strap on 50 kg of lead weights (assuming his paltry frame can support that) (^:

[@vincbike9279]

Thank you, I really enjoy when bike reviews are fair and not always positive! I'll keep my 2018 Stumpy ST for the moment 😉

[@bikeradar]

Thanks for your comment, we are committed to providing trustworthy independent reviews. Thanks for watching, from all at BikeRadar!

[@johnwalker3886]

Its for enduro to?

[@jmh3571]

Did you happen to weigh the bike?

[@ikuarden8391]

Removed Horst Link - Cannondale did that to scalpel around 2016/17 :) Great bike - i chooser 2018 crbon cause it"s 67,5 not 65 - less enduro, more xc like :)

[@pablod3734]

I really like this bike and I truly want it but, I have seasuckers and it doesn’t have quick release ... any idea how to work around it ? Please advise

[@futsalkeegan]

Buy a thru axle adapter for your sea suckers...?

[@pablod3734]

@@futsalkeegan yeah that should work but that means I have to remove axel from bike and put it back twice every time I got ride it. Would that be “ok” for the bike ? I paid close to $600 for the seasucker and I really don’t want to have permanent racks in my car so I really need to know how that’s gonna work out. I thought on getting the bike today 12/24 but ran out of time and tomorrow Christmas obviously closed.

[@futsalkeegan]

@@pablod3734 you will have zero issues with thru axles. They are designed to be robust, and it’s a part of routine bike maintenance to take your wheels off anyway. Lots of people still use fork-mount racks with their thru axle bikes. I work at a bike shop and have sold hundreds of thru axle bikes and tens of fork mount racks and haven’t come across any issues in all my years of mountain biking.

[@pablod3734]

@@futsalkeegan thanks man !!!!! I will Update once I get the bike !!!

[@ariefrachmadi5319]

Dapatkah saya install Fork dengan travel 160mm pada sepeda ini ???

[@Dryb1as]

Fox 36 and 150 mm travel :)

[@mikebarger3563]

Did you experiment with a larger volumes spacer in the shock?

[@Sergio_Math]

It seems to me the Spark or Scalpel would be a bit better and more focused than this stumpy. Still, great review!

[@NZLKevin88]

Spark and Scalpel are XC bikes, not the same thing as the stumpy.

[@XqDezzy10]

Spark (non rc) is a short travel Trail bike, it is on point even with geo like 67,2 hta. You can do even enduro Trail, but ofc not at the same speed of An enduro . I don’t compare stump with spark, but nowdays spark non rc it’s a complete Trail bike. Stump is a bit Trail bike to enduro side

[@Sergio_Math]

@@XqDezzy10 Crap you're right I confused both of them with their longer travel siblings. Sorry!

[@XqDezzy10]

@@Sergio_Math my reply was for nzlkevin, not for u. People tend to associate the name “spark” with crosscountry, due to nino shurter etc... and for the rc model, they’r right. But the regular spark it’s a short travel bike, super capable nowdays. In fact 2021 came out with 130mm travel front, 2.4 tire and 34 stanchions fork. 100% Trail with superb pedaling (from rc platform). 👍

[@Jacob99174]

What model and size is that Stumpie? How much does this particular model/size weigh?

[@romand123]

Curious what your weight is and how much air you set the rear shock up with. Almost every other review claims the bike has decent anti squat characteristics and that it has a decent progressive feel as you push deeper into the travel. 🤔

[@vindogg80]

I got the bike last weekend and with specialized recommend psi I thought it felt a bit soft as I wasn’t riding anything chunky or techy and still bottomed it out. I’m 190, 5’8”. I need to tweak and test more but based on how the suspension was marketed I was a bit surprised as he was which is what I think he’s getting at.

[@vinkale]

Great product Range 😍😍😍

[@marilakay4902]

How do you compared to the Druid.

[@ehvoslef]

seems like UK reviewers find it to be 'meh' while US reviewers love it

[@jonundercover]

US riders are better . See Freehub Mtb for the best reviews !

[@TheCaptainsCog]

That bike looks like a deadly weapon.

[@garrettsmith8286]

I didn't come here to hear what "Specialized says" I came here for an actual review!

[@joshjenner1]

For those humming about the flexible carbon at the rear, well my 2012 Cannondale scalpel has flex built in to the chainstays (no pivot) and that after all these years hasn't missed a beat and is in great shape, plus do yourself a favour and search on here for a carbon Vs alu video by Santa Cruz and you'll see how carbon is far stronger then the metal version.

[@socialising6037]

Can you spin the bars or has it got knock blocks like the trek?

[@vindogg80]

No knock block

[@PulseZ4]

What size is this, and what height is the reviewer?

[@IIISentorIII]

You forgot to mention that this bike is from *Specialized*

[@childfarmer11mtb15]

Did he say 2240 g?

[@meteormedia7021]

This is definitley not a bike to get rowdy on. Those flex stays aren't going to hold up too well if you mess up a jump every once in a while.

[@Jakes692]

It will last fine, carbon has awesome fatigue properties, and would outlast any aluminium fabrication

[@ltw707]

How mutch did alex weight?

[@Shawn-in-da-Canyon]

That seat angle!

[@stitchgames6606]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@cas_waterpas8629]

What do you think of the canyon spectral al?

[@philstadnicki7882]

Wonder if it will still be around in 10 years

[@علیاکبرزارعی-ز4ض]

❤❤❤❤

[@علیاکبرزارعی-ز4ض]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Mao-u1x]

Nice one

[@Charliened1]

Don’t like the sound of flex stays at all especially on bikes with more than 100mm travel. The carbon can only flex a certain number of times. I’m calling that in about 5 years all the flex stay bikes will start to break and will be something you have to watch out for if buying used.

[@BeeEhlDoce]

Wrong. If designed purposely carbon can have infinite fatigue life, it's why you see so many carbon flex stay bikes and no aluminum ones (aluminum is the material that fatigue the most). Basic engineering

[@neekodevinchi]

Gotta be honest, the newer stumpys seem to be lacking in terms of its versatility as a trail bike. Dont get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Specialized and I'm still rocking my 2016 6fattie Stumpy. But between the build kit, the travel reduction from 140 to 130 in the rear, ditching the FSR for a flex stay (except for the alloy versions) & the intended application to which it's built for, I think I'll get a Status instead. A shame really as I always thought Stumpjumpers represented the true definition of a trail bike in terms of versatility. I.e. "jack of all traits, master of none". Whereas this model is more appealing for a xc/casual trail rider. I certainly would not buy this bike for a "do everything bike". And furthermore, one can only recognise that upgrading the forks, droppers & tyres on top of the rrp would definitely burn a hole in your pocket. I'm assuming that only the alloy versions can potentially be ran with a coil as the carbon versions use the flex stays. Still, it looks pretty!!

[@kittonsmitton]

2020 Alloy Stumpy ST 29er is so versatile I love it and I love that it did not break the bank!

[@wesdizz6297]

They may have reduced travel in this model, but they have the Stump Jumper Evo for people that need more travel. It's nice because they have a really good mix of bikes going right now, and they are all great. Just choose what type of riding you do the most, and bike the bike that suits it. Personally, I don't need massive travel for the terrain I ride, so I'm really happy with this version of the Stumpy.

[@lukesteele5013]

Soecialized is dead to me cause they got rid of fsr.

[@mando7398]

I've been on Specialized for a long long time. I just got this bike and I'm 6 rides in. Best descending bike I've ever owned. Super smooth and fast. It all depends on your riding style too. For me, I don't miss the FSR, this bike is so well put together. I get faster every ride as I get more comfortable on it.

[@jmanswat2457]

Takeaway summary- Specialized put in a lot of work and reengineering for "Meh" results. Sad. I haven't ridden it but if a professional bike reviewer isn't impressed than neither am I.

[@paul_hd1875]

Certainly under forked for anyone over 180lbs...

[@ikuarden8391]

i was riding it, too slack head angle for normal ride - 67 is the best - better buy higher model 2018

[@THRENO82]

You need a evo

[@BMfins]

So if you weigh more or less then your supposed to in a given size it won’t ride correctly? Grats for you perfect body people.

[@B0WARD.]

I have had my stumpy comp for alloy for 6 months now and it is a fantastic bike for super techy trails up and down this bike climbs like a goat especially when you flip the flip Chip. Go see my channel to watch me huck it to flat off sick rock drops !

[@xaviergodinez6021]

666k subs. Nice

[@bikeradar]

😈😈😈

[@rabbi7933]

Way too many ads for a video that’s basically just an ad. Unsubscribed.

[@paul_hd1875]

Cut the BS everyone already knows about... how's the more upright STA... and how does the Fox 34 perform?

[@NOTAMV]

what a giant f u they giving their alu frame with the, by their own words: unnecessary complicated, heavier, flimsier, more expensive maintanance construction.

[@Lion4ever72]

bike size has nothing to do with rider weight. i swear some of the dumbest crap gets said in these videos

[@jerrywouldbe6000]

i could be second!

[@bikeradar]

Nothing wrong with second 🥈 Unfortunately we've put all our budget into the first place prize so keep sharp for our next video!

[@biker944]

wpw

[@datdudeinred]

A giant trance x will be much more capable climber & descender or atleast equal. Also 78° seat tube angle will be much better.. & that top end fox auto locking tech is cherry on top & ofc giant is better brand than specialized (they make their own frames that should be enough)

[@kittonsmitton]

Different courses for horses, each to his own, my 2020 alloy Stumpy suits me just fine, great company great bike. I do have reservations regarding the new flex stays longevity.

[@chandne]

Giants are heavy though. That is one thing that has kept me away. Otherwise, I'd give that Trance X 29 a shot.

[@travischapman6763]

First

[@bikeradar]

Congratulations Travis! We're packing up and sending the 1,000,000 gold stars to you right now, thanks for watching from all at BikeRadar ⭐️

[@AirBuilder]

bike is bad - too small dropper insertion :((