How to Quickly Change the Flip Chip in a Stumpjumper

[@wadecarroll2299]

This is a great instructional video. PLEASE NOTE: The torque settings given do not work with other Specialized bikes especially the Epic. I say this because the google search defaults to this video even if you specifically search for Specialized Epic Flip Chip Torque. I incorrectly assumed the torque settings were close and unfortunately damaged my pivot bolts and have to order replacements. Again, GREAT VIDEO and this was my dumbass move that I hope no one else repeats.

[@konos3951]

Definitely always check the documentation because I'm sure its different for alloy vs carbon as well.

[@todd92m]

Just got mine yesterday, rode it it low, felt like a sled that wouldn't turn. Flipped it this morning (5 minutes, no stand, no removing rear wheel, just unbolt shock). Now it turns!

[@haileybaldwin497]

That’s exactly how my new stumpy feels… I”ll be flipping it before my next ride

[@th_js]

I've never even ridden a Specialized, but I still enjoy watching these.

[@rustydeason9256]

You getting this stumpjumper has really helped me out 🖒

[@OllieMcScrupins]

If you don't mind pumping the shock you can just release the air in the shock and unbolt the bolt for the flip chip. This leaves the shock still bolted in place attached at the frame as well as keeping the rear tire on.

[@OllieMcScrupins]

However pumping the shock is a chore of its own.

[@kentmoore9563]

Thanks Clint you’ve saved the day once again!

[@stevebailey7633]

Good instructions, worked a charm. Now to test ride and see if I actually notice the difference. As note, for a '21 Epic Evo, the upper fork bolt is now a 4mm.

[@paulnew3150]

Thank you Clint, love your videos.

[@sagerhead]

I have a stumpjumper and was stumped how to do this ;) I guess I was just too lazy to read the manual. Nice to see it in a video.

[@villimagg]

So much better way than the previous one. I think key design is that the user can do it as easily as possible. I hope future designs will be in a way that users can easily flip the chips on the side of the trail. Or eventually more bikes will have developed a "shapeshifter" that changes the geometry on the fly like the Canyon Strive.

[@jymtb]

Super helpful. Thanks for putting this together.

[@daithelimp]

Thank you for this, watched both your vids on it and changed mine today, can't wait to give it a try.

[@graysonadams2485]

Thanks for making the video! Really helps

[@scottjuice9710]

I got the 2019 stumpy st 29er and didn’t even realise it did this. Gonna give it a try. I got lot of technical single very sharp and rocky terrain in Central Australia. Pedal strikes and even crack strikes can happen. I set the shock pressure up perfect and pick my flow to avoid hits. Will see how it goes. Not even sure if it set at high or low. The ST comes at 333mm BB height and 170mm crank length. So it kinda sits at a lower end of the BB height.

[@spiro4955]

Be careful loosening with the torque wrench I threw one slightly out of calibration doing that. Besides that thanks a lot for this video!!

[@mshaw9582]

Thank you Mister Gibbs 🙏

[@ferraribugatti]

Thank you very much for the video!

[@OllieMcScrupins]

In the high posistion the bike really handles tight turns better. I'm running the ST 29er version. I'll flip to low for Alafia and Santos.

[@Ron_Boy]

Very well done. Thanks for doing this.

[@dirigentenkiller]

Soo good! short&usefull!!

[@LuisManuelHdez]

Showing the setting difference would be very helpful. I just bought this bike and although it appears to be in the high setting , I want to make sure.

[@toddallan7086]

LuisManuelHdez its always shipped in low so unless you asked for it changed at the shop id say its in low

[@OutdoorCO75]

@marko it actually raises the BB by 7mm, so if you were hitting cranks a lot it may make a slight difference.

[@alabaster4263]

Thanks for the video very helpful

[@bikenapa505]

great video! did you let air out of the sock? is it 'safer' that way? or leave at pressure? -Thanks and keep the good content coming sir

[@ClintGibbs]

You do not have to let any air out of the shock to flip the chip.

[@j.s.k.7746]

Great video - I'm going to go try it now. Why do you think Specialized recommends a more difficult procedure??

[@brentd210]

Thanks for the great video!

[@Milessongs]

Another great video, Clint - Thanks! I'm curious - No need to release the air pressure from the shock first?? You seemed to have no trouble without doing that. Could you offer any comments about how/why that isn't needed?

[@ClintGibbs]

No need to remove any air

[@seabass1015]

Thanks for the video, i would have liked a more detailed close up of the chips so we can determine what it looks like, what high and low orientation looks like.

[@Detroit3Pistons]

It looks like he just rotated the chips 180 degrees. It says to rotate the chips 180 degrees in my user manual.

[@ddoornew]

Thank you for these videos. I've got a new 2019 Stumpy and love it. I watched one of your earlier videos and you mentioned that you flipped the chip and it made a huge difference. Forgive me for being a tech noob....but, what does "flipping the chip" accomplish? Does it create a slacker head angle? With a slacker (not sure this is a word)head angle, does that create a ride that feels like your deeper in the frame (if that makes sense)? Again, thank you for your videos.

[@ClintGibbs]

High position Makes the head angle a bit steeper and the bottom bracket higher. Basically makes the bike a bit more agile.

[@ddoornew]

Cool. Thank you very much.

[@vincerunnerretrobikevince4212]

Worked for me! Thanks

[@joneyan8041]

Thanks for the video. What is the purpose of the flip switch?

[@ClintGibbs]

Changes to geometry of the bike

[@joneyan8041]

@@ClintGibbs so, a 29 or 27.5 wheel size does not matter. You can flip it to try the feel of the bike. Thank you gain for the video. Had the bike since 2019 and I’m now just looking into this.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@joneyan8041 I noticed a pretty big difference when I put the bike into the high position on my local trails, which are XC with lots of tights and turns. The bike came more alive on those trails.

[@rickysia5759]

how do you fit the torque wrench socket into the rear eyelet bolt properly for tightening? i have a stumpy evo 2021, and i have trouble fit the socket properly when tightening, because the sidearm is in the way, almost rounded off the bolt head.

[@ClintGibbs]

I have Allen key attachments for my torque wrench so I just use the Allen head.

[@angelreynoso6723]

What is the big difference when riding between the high and low setting? Have a 2019 Stumpjumper comp alloy 29 that I just bought

[@ClintGibbs]

High setting will raise the bottom bracket and steepen the head angle making the bike more agile. Low setting will make the bike more stable.

[@eladkcalb2708]

How Do you know what position the flip chip is in? In nother words, how do you distinguish between high and low position?

[@billyboy1714]

I followed these instructions to flip the chip on my new 2021 Stumpjumper and had no issues, though if you remove the SWAT cover to get the water bottle out of the way, I suggest covering the SWAT opening with a rag. When I pulled the shock away from the rear mount one of the flip chips fell into the frame opening and disappeared in the vicinity of the crank. I was able to retrieve it so no big deal, but it could have been a bigger deal if it had moved further toward the crank.

[@roderick9018]

Chips look the same if I drop them and don't remember which was on top vs bottom right ?

[@ClintGibbs]

Correct. They are the same so it does not matter which one goes on the top or the bottom. Of course you just want to make sure they’re rotated in the same direction.

[@roderick9018]

@@ClintGibbs thank you !

[@glennoc8585]

Have you watching the cape race Clint? Looked pretty tough but a lot of fun.

[@ClintGibbs]

I have seen it. Looks incredible.

[@angelelizondo2554]

Good videos hey I don't own a torque wrench you think I can still do it??

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes. Pay attention to how tight the bolt feels when you loosen it. And put it back the same way. but I would only recommend doing this if you're somewhat experienced with the way torque specs feel. You do not want to overtighten a bolt on a carbon frame.

[@angelelizondo2554]

Thank you appreciate the info

[@danielking5246]

whats better for more stability on fast high speed downhill , high position or low position ?

[@ClintGibbs]

Low

[@vulnerab]

Thanks for the video. How I am supposed to know the position of the chip when buying my bike ?

[@ClintGibbs]

There is an indicator on the chip to tell you if it's in the high or low setting. Mine came in the low setting so I would imagine that most specialized bikes come that way

[@Detroit3Pistons]

I just bought a 2021 Specialized Epic Evo. Is this the exact same way to do it on my bike?

[@ClintGibbs]

I've not got my hands on the 2021 model so I'm not sure. I'll let someone else chime in here for that one.

[@just6979]

Does the flip chip come from the factory in high or low? They don't say on the website...

[@ClintGibbs]

Low

[@BengLang84]

Hi There Clint. I just want to ask something I have a 2019 stumpjumper comp alloy in 27.5 in size small. It has a fox 34 rhythm and fox float dps. I would love to upgrade my suspensions to a fox 36 grip 2 and a fox dpx2 or if possible a fox float x2. I tried googling but I can't seem to find an answer if I would I be able to use these shocks to my bike? I remembered since you have a lot of knowledge with specialized bikes specifically the stumpjumpers I would try asking you. Thanks Clint and More power tonyour channel. Ride safe always and God bless! 😃

[@ClintGibbs]

One of the nice things about the new stumpjumpers is they use a standard eye to eye shock so you can replace it. You just need to get the measurements and then you could replace it with something like a Fox DPS. I would have your local bike shop check to see if something like a DPX2 with a piggyback reservoir would fit. I think it would but I would still check.

[@BengLang84]

@@ClintGibbs Thank you Clint for your reply. Ride safe always and God bless 😃

[@obsidian66]

@@ClintGibbs I got the same 2019 alloy Stumpjumper (turquoise). I was thinking of a beefier shock also. Currently it has the stock 34. Did you change the front and back shocks?

[@ClintGibbs]

@@obsidian66 on that bike I did not change out the suspension. If I did I would’ve gone with Ohlins.

[@bigbarqbbq1748]

Clint...what brand torque wrench are you using? I’m having dif finding a single torque wrench that does ~10nm to ~24nm. Any help would be great!

[@ClintGibbs]

Park Tool

[@jeremyporter9902]

I live on Ohio/Pennsylvania border. We have a lot of up and down trails. I just bought this bike and am having difficulty climbing compared to my last bike. Which setting for the flip chip (high or Low) would be better for my local trails. Which one would help me climb better? Thank You!

[@ClintGibbs]

High setting

[@jeremyporter9902]

Wow, thanks!! The high setting made a lot of difference!

[@FWCaptain-kv6sm]

that setting is it on from the factory?high or low?

[@ClintGibbs]

High

[@joshowens2062]

They really need to work this out so there’s just a button or lever on the handlebars

[@D1PP1N]

What are the differences you noticed with these 2 settings? I just got a stuntjumper st Alloy 27.5 base and i feel like im leaning more forward on the bars than id like to be. I think the stock setting is in the low position. Im womdering if flipping this would benefit me.

[@ClintGibbs]

The main difference is in the high setting it feels like the bike is more agile on tight trails but slightly less stable. If you feel like you’re over the bars too much he may want to get a longer stem.

[@billwelch9431]

@@ClintGibbs once you take it apart can you tell by looking at it whether it is in the high or low position? Is the chip marked or how would you know which position it's in? Thanks and great video!

[@ClintGibbs]

@@billwelch9431 you would look at the line at the back of the shock to know if it's in the high or low position. But answer your question I don't think you can do that when the shock is off the bike.

[@billwelch9431]

@@ClintGibbs thank you

[@Coach_cesar]

Great stuff!

[@swpa8742]

Cool that was easy, I don’t know if I’ll ever put my evo in the low position because it’s already 64 degrees in high. It’s obviously a different bike though

[@uriahchessor9989]

The SWAT box is pretty cool eh? On the flip chip, doesn't the trance do this too?

[@ClintGibbs]

Unfortunately no flip chip on the trance

[@quincee3376]

thx

[@funnyahlavet7794]

Hi, Does it make a big difference in riding when you flip those flipchips?

[@ClintGibbs]

I actually did notice quite a bit of a difference. when I first got the bike it felt a little too sluggish on my tight cross-country trails. When I flipped the chip to the high setting it made the bike more lively. Then I put it in the low setting when I go to the mountains.

[@funnyahlavet7794]

Clint Gibbs thanks! Appreciate the inputs. Great vids btw.

[@konos3951]

@marko I have a buddy with a Rocky Instinct. It shipped in the LOW position. He was not happy at all with the bike, lots of smashing on rocks while climbing and the bike did not climb well at all. This buddy has only been riding bikes for a year and his previous bike was a hard tail. I mentioned this to another friend of mine with the same bike who I happened to run into on trail and he said to flip the chip. He said I know it sounds stupid but you won't believe the difference. So, buddy#1 flipped the chip to HIGH and he says it is completely night and day difference! It might be more marketing than anything because I agree, the differences on paper are miniscule. But even if its a placebo effect I'll still take it! I'll find out myself when I get my 2021 Stumpy in November.

[@danielboesch9057]

It lifts the bb up 7mm in the high setting. That extra clearance could make a big difference in how many pedal strikes you get. The head tube angle changes by 1/2 degree which should it make more lively.

[@jamesclemons18]

I didn't know you still had the Stumpy. How's the frame holding up?

[@ClintGibbs]

No problems at all. I love the stiffness of the frame.

[@anarivas3862]

will this bike fit a coil rear shock

[@ClintGibbs]

Honestly not sure. I've never seen one with a coil shock. My gut feeling is no but I would check with your specialized dealer.

[@THOELL2737]

Do you yours on the high side or low

[@ClintGibbs]

High setting most of the time

[@THOELL2737]

@@ClintGibbs just swapped mine up to hi thanks had it for 2 weeks

[@joenoonan6925]

What is the purpose for this adjustment?

[@ClintGibbs]

High setting makes the bike more agile but slightly less downhill capable, low setting slackens the bike and makes it more stable.

[@gregleclair4182]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing this video! Where are you getting the torque settings? I've been looking online and I can't find a good reference for this bike.

[@ClintGibbs]

I got them from the owner's manual that came with the bike. If you don't have it you may be able to download it from their website.

[@jtkyber]

Is the head angle 65.5 on low and 66.5 on high?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes

[@jtkyber]

@@ClintGibbs Actually I emailed Specialized and they said it's 66.5/67

[@ClintGibbs]

@@jtkyber really, that's not what the Geo chart shows on their website.

[@jtkyber]

@@ClintGibbs All I see on their website is 66.5. I'm guessing all those measurements are in the low position

[@ClintGibbs]

@@jtkyber maybe I was thinking of the Niner website that I was on recently where they give the measurements for both high and low. All the flip chips I've seen will change the geometry by half a degree or most 1 degree. I've never seen it change 1.5 degrees but if it does that's pretty unique. Of all the big brand bikes that I've ridden this specialized stump jumper was my favorite.

[@abelramos8652]

Its basically a offset bushing ... maybe you can do it also on the other end of the assembly but right now i can’t figure the results 🤯

[@matthewsailor6419]

I know this is a year later but you are correct. I installed one offset bushing on my stumpy and notice while ordering a lot of other bikes that use two.

[@abelramos8652]

@@matthewsailor6419 better late than never

[@RennYYZ]

Why you change the flip chip ? What’s the reason for that ?

[@ClintGibbs]

Slacken the geometry for more stable handling, or steepen for more agility.

[@rdub202]

Thanks for making these videos. Why does the rear wheel need to come off?

[@ClintGibbs]

I always recommend removing the rear wheel before removing a rear shock, or even I'm doing one of the bolts. The wheel just puts too much weight on the suspension linkage which could damage the frame. if you're really careful and use a towel you could avoid it but it's just easier to remove the wheel first.

[@mikerbwind]

Those bolts should be cleaned and new locktite applied. Lots of people break the top bolt when it comes loose otherwise

[@julianrossi8460]

Anyone know what position it comes in from the factory? TIA

[@ClintGibbs]

Mine came in the low setting

[@Empire350z]

What does this do?? I’m new with stumpjumper I have alloy comp 29er

[@ClintGibbs]

@@Empire350z This changes from the low to the high mode or vice versa. Low mode is more slack with slower handling but better for fast descents. High mode will make for a quicker handling bike with steeper geometry.

[@rasmuswi]

Aren't you supposed to never ever use a torque wrench for loosening bolts? For some reason I thought about that just yesterday, how incredibly tempting it is to use the TW-6.2 for loosening bolts, just because it's nearly as long as a breaker bar and it's very hard to find a ratchet handle that long. Or, I've found one somewhere, but I don't know if anyone ships that one to Sweden...

[@ClintGibbs]

Never heard that. My regular hex wrench does not fit inside that bolt when using the non rounded head. So I have to use my torque wrench.

[@andrewschnellinger5402]

From Park's website. I guess if you crank the torque setting down so the wrench doesn't click when loosening the bolt it's no different than normal use but if you are letting it click and keep applying torque you are using it incorrectly and will probably ruin the calibration. NOTE: Torque wrenches are measuring instruments and are not intended for use as a general-purpose ratcheting driver. Do not exceed 14 Nm when using the TW-5.2.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@andrewschnellinger5402 right, I don't let it click. This one goes up to about 60nm

[@karlkwapick]

First off, I have to say I really enjoy your videos Clint. But Rasmus Wiman is correct. Never use a torque wrench as a ratchet. Doing so will damage the accuracy of the calibration. Also, always de-tension your torque wrench after use.

[@g_skul4970]

Can't you simply remove the air from the shock, compress the shock with the wheel on, perform the procedure and then pump the shock back up?

[@ClintGibbs]

Probably, but it's five times quicker to undo a bolt than to spend time pumping up a shock.

[@kylenewton4510]

DONT use a torque wrench to loosen a bolt people. Great video though worked perfect

[@993mike]

An even easier way is to pressure down the shock, unbolt just the rear bolt, slide it out, flip the chip around, bolt it back up, pressure and cycle up the shock, and you’re done. Couldn’t be easier and no rear wheel removal.

[@marloncordova9006]

I need to make a crucial descition muy pronto.... Someone want to trade me their 2018 specialized enduro for my 2019 stumpjumper I'm a bit confused .or should I just ride my bike and save up my change and one day get an enduro?

[@ClintGibbs]

Just depends on what type of riding you want to do. For most people a trail bike like the stumpjumper is the better choice. If you live for rough, gnarly descents or you race enduro then the enduro bike is the better choice.

[@fatyowls]

What degree do you lose or gain by changing the linkage..

[@ClintGibbs]

1

[@perrymeister898]

A lot of work compared to how other brands have implementend it.

[@jdavis417]

Wow! I had much higher expectations for the "ease of use". My dad had many sayings... some were profound, most were profane and some were both. He would have said, "Must have been designed in the @#$%^n' United States"!

[@bearhause3939]

Two bolts seem pretty easy to me. How are others doing it? Took me five minutes or less

[@ErwinMeulman]

3:43 haha

[@stealthd295]

didnt tell people to drain air from shock

[@ClintGibbs]

That's not necessary when flipping the chip.

[@stealthd295]

ok thanks 4 that

[@NickW90]

Do not use a torque wrench to loosen bolts 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@samwilliams7713]

Literally, just show high and low orientation. No one cares how you took the shock off.