Is the Stumpjumper Evo the Perfect Bike?

In this video I take my new Specialized Stumpy Evo out and answer the question, "Is this the perfect bike?"
Here was my first ride on the Stumpy Evo: • Dream Bike + Dream Pri...
Check out Josh's video about my new bike: • Bikes Are 70% Off RIGH...
Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™
Link: ikson.com/tell...

[@lenolenoleno]

Have the bike and indulged in the vid (hey, it is an amazing bike, my favourite MTB I've ridden over maybe 30 MTBs tested in the last 7-8 years!). If anyone is actually interested in the cons, here are a few: - The linkage isn't progressive enough and overly relies on tokens in the shock for progressivity (which has the drawback of a bit of a lack of mid-stroke support and noticeably different beginning and end stroke rebound speeds. If you're heavier and/or a decently aggressive rider, you'll really appreciate the Cascade link. Allows the removal of 1 or 2 steps in tokens while upping the spring rate which also increases the mid-stroke support - The bottom of the down-tube is a bit too fragile. The bike has some level of prioritisation on weight and I suspect the large SWAT box area = a thinner amount of carbon used. Would purchase an additional guard (Rockguardz, or even the regular Stumpy DT protector) and apply it straight away. The factory protection is a relatively thin bit of plastic (not sufficient). - Love that this bike has tube-in-tube hose routing (super easy to replace cables/hoses) however the rear brake hose is drilled/sheathed for exactly 5mm brake hoses. Brakes like the older TRP or Hayes Dominion or Hopes if using a braided hose (5.5mm or 6mm) just do not fit. For those running thicker brake likes, you'll have to switch to a 5mm hose (either from the manufacturer or something like the Jagwire universal hose kit). - There isn't a lot of insertion depth. Your only choice for maxing dropper length is OneUp. That means for size L and XL you can't get anywhere close to slamming the post it due to the bent seat tube (e.g. I'm 6ft 1 and the 210mm OneUp dropper fits, but 240mm even shimmed down to 220mm is not possible). - The BB is very low in some settings. OK if you run it in high/short chainstay, but if you want a longer chainstay the BB gets super low (around 43-44mm drop where 35mm is more typical of a 150mm trail bike). I prefer a longer chainstay so shortened my cranks to 165mm as a precaution.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Good thoughts! I'm still trying to get the shock to "feel" just right - I think you hit on something there. When I get it feeling nice and "plush" i tend to bottom out a bit. Coming from 2 Giant bikes in a row, their insertion depth was awful - so this Stumpy Evo is better for me in that regard. Thanks for watching!

[@mrvwbug4423]

The floppy back end is a meme on 150ish travel bikes, the Ripmo also suffers from a too linear back end, they're using trail bike kinematics on what is basically a small enduro bike. Cascade link is a band aid, I ran one on my Ripmo and it helped but is no substitute for having proper big bike kinematics out of the box. IMHO modern enduro bikes that are on the smaller end of the spectrum make the 150 travel bikes obsolete. I switched from a Ripmo to a RM Altitude and only gave up a small amount of pedal efficiency for a bike that is dramatically better pointed downhill. I would tell anyone shopping a 150 travel bike to also demo ride some of the smaller enduro bikes for comparison.

[@YanDoroshenko]

I'm a one bike man myself, that's why I got the alloy Stumpy Evo and never looked back.

[@youtbehandletobedetermined]

Fellow middle aged mediocre mountain biker here, and also a Stumpy Evo owner. Agree it's one hell of a bike.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Thanks for watching - I’ve got no complaints on the bike

[@ncautolink]

Just got a 2024 Stumpjumper Evo LTD, I love it! It was on sale $1,300 off. The regular Stumpjumper was sold out in my size w similar components. I think I made a good choice with EVO LTD! Love Rockshocks Lyric and wireless SRAM shifter.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Sweet!!! Just take your time to dial in the suspension. It took me about 7-8 rides before I got it where I love it - I'm actually doing a video soon on how I dialed in my fork/shock.

[@AbBowhunter]

I just bought the exact same bike, can’t wait to pick it up and get back on the trails! A lot of bang for your buck I think, especially getting it on sale 👍.

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

I hear you, I like the idea of just one bike....but 2 for me is better...a hardtail and a do it all full squish(2023 Revel Rail 29). the 150 ish rear travel is about perfect though. Honest, the Stumpy definately doesn't have very good dropper insertion length with the bent seat tube, so that as a strength for your bike isn't a very good point.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Yeah I hear ya on the insertion. I did overstate that - only because my only full sus bikes were both Giants and their insertion was even worse. But for sure, there are a lot better options on that point. I'm just thrilled I finally can fit a 150mm dropper. 😂 And yes, a hardtail would be super fun - if I had a 2nd bike I think I'd have a hardtail with like 140mm up front.

[@celticcoach4823]

For me yes, I have had the 2020 and 2023 Carbon Comp. Downhill, climbing and flow. Periodically I get some tech, No Problem. Just an opinion.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

It's a great bike, that's for sure, and so far has handled everything. Looking forward to re-visiting Squamish with it sometime this year.

[@nadersedaghat5694]

No is far from perfect. 1. Chain stay protector is a joke specifically behind the chainring area where it gets damaged. 2. The rear shock travel doesn't feel like 150mm due to the link setup. 3. Adjustable headset creeks way too much.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Thanks for the comments - funny you mentioned the headset. That's the one thing I've already done...take the headset apart, re-grease it, because it was making noise. 😂

[@yumcaxion9993]

That gap in the rubber dust boot: total dealbreaker! As a fellow "quiver of one" mountain biker (for now at least), I agree that 150 travel is, indeed, perfect, but that might partially be a PNW thing.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Totally - I'm gonna sell this bike and get rid of it - that dust boot, total dealbreaker. 😂

[@srvmotoman]

@10:31 Haha! I am new to the channel, but picked up on your sense of humor with white lettering on the tires. Then when you pointed out the gap, I laughed loud enough for my wife to come see what I was laughing at. SUBBED!

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Yeh I get that from my Dad. 😂🤣

[@harrygrimley4352]

Tricky thing using the word perfect. This would be different with everyone. Glad your happy.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Yep - you could argue that "no bike" is really perfect. Could also argue that the perfect bike is the one you have and ride!

[@goatlocker219]

I love my EVO. My Roval Transverse HD wheels come in Wednesday.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Sweet…that sounds like a nice set of wheels.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Rode a Ripmo for 3 years, my main take on it and the 150 travel bikes in general is there's too many compromises in their design. The Ripmo was designed to feel plush at low to moderate speeds while still pedaling efficiently, at high speeds the Ripmo's back end gets sketchy and doesn't like to stay on the ground. The Stumpy Evo has an even less progressive back end while having a wheelbase and geo that is on a par with an enduro bike, a case where the geo is writing checks that the rear suspension might not be able to cash. With modern enduro bikes pedaling about as efficiently as a 150 travel bike while descending dramatically better, it's kinda a tough choice. Especially with a lot of your 140 travel rowdy trail bikes matching the 150 travel bikes downhill while pedaling a lot better.

[@garyharmon5386]

Great video. Enjoy that new bike. Pedal safe

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Thanks for watching. Yeah, at age 53 I tend to put safety first a lot. 🤷‍♂

[@blakbanshee]

Bought this bike used for my son. He loves it.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

He’ll love it - just take the time to dial in that suspension

[@qwertz893]

Hate when they slam the lens with the hand/palm!

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Why do you hate that? Just curious - I do that on every vid. 😂

[@rookieboy9203]

Great review and I agree with you. Had mine since 2021.

[@LoamerMTB]

Nice ride! The bike and the trail.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Thanks - it was a super fun day to ride for sure...and luck to have trails like that to ride.

[@csabakarai4497]

Terrific video ! That wonderful trail was holding my attention, while you were explaining everything. I have the SJ EVO Pro, at age 55, mostly agree with you.

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

That trail is one of Bellingham’s gems

[@csabakarai4497]

@@middleagedmediocremountain4767 Is it possible to disclose the exact location or this your private playground ? 😄

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

@@csabakarai4497email me: [e-mail]

[@davidscott6267]

Did you get new gloves too?

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

You noticed? I had to get some "gold" gloves to match that beautiful Kashima coating. 😂

[@celticcoach4823]

And Oh BTW..... Come on You Gunners!!!

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Hey man, this could be their year! City are distracted with UCL, Liverpool are reeling from getting drilled 3-0, it's the Gunners year!

[@mattnbiking8338]

It was not in fact... their year. Love the Evo!

[@ThisAintBentonville]

Congrats on the new ride!

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Thanks - I'm lovin' it for sure!

[@3rdlineplug]

Can’t decide between this or a SC Hightower.

[@Intentsrig]

I had a v3 Hightower and a stumpy evo. They are both so good but I liked the evo a bit more. In the slack/ high setting it ate up everything. The evo was about 2lbs lighter as well. I think being a bit slacker/ more travel helped the evo. Really though pick your favorite brand between the two and go with it. They both shred and don’t care when it gets rough but will happily pedal mellower trails. Actually on a regular stump now but might go back to an evo. It’s on the limit for some of the trails and that extra oh shit moment from the evo is nice. What I need is N+1 😂

[@sethrich5998]

Hey, can I just ask which trail area this is? I used to live in Bellingham but unfortunately couldn’t afford to get into mountain biking then. Since I’ve moved states and am getting into mountain biking now, but would like to take a road trip back and experience what I missed. ha

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Email me and I’ll give ya some intel - [e-mail]

[@sethrich5998]

@@middleagedmediocremountain4767 Hey thanks! Email sent.

[@rataflas]

Definitely a no

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Thanks for commenting - "definitely a no" on what? You don't like the Stumpy Evo? Just curious why. Thanks for watching!

[@YanDoroshenko]

"I'm not a bike geek, I just go into a store and tell them to give me the most expensive carbon frame bike with a 150 mm rear travel and a 160 mm fork, Fox Factory of course, four piston Shimano brakes, a dropper longer than 125 mm, carbon wheels with high-engagement hubs, 25mm rise 780 mm wide handlebar, reach between 750 and 755, moderately long chainstays, full ISCG-05 mounts, anti-squat over 80% at sag and a Sram UDH"

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Hey - thanks for watching the vid! Not sure what your comment means, but I definitely did not go into the shop and ask for the most expensive bike they had. 😎 My friend Josh built up this Stumpy Evo for me. It does have great components, but he sourced everything. All in this bike was only $3500. We got that S-works frame, brand new with the Shock for $1500.

[@kentao4]

Nice. I have an expert that I upgraded slightly. Carbon bars, Roval controls and xo transmission. You’re right, for having one bike this really is the best option! Crazy thing is I wanted to sell and go to the regular stumpy. After riding it, it’s not much difference! Rather have the more stout and adjustable bike. For local trails I ride in the steepest setting. I’ll go to slack at a park or something. Now, I haven’t bought maxxis tires because I HATE the yellow. Where did you find white?

[@CarlosSoto-re2oj]

It’s OEM. Maxxis don’t sell tires with white logo. I believe they may have released a limited edition a year ago but not sure on that. I prefer the yellow, it’s iconic 😅

[@kentao4]

@@CarlosSoto-re2oj I know. Hence my question. They don’t come oem on stumpjumpers

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Tires were a local hookup. Evil (based in Bellingham) had an overstock on the OEM tires and Josh (who built my bike) found a deal on ebay and bought a bunch of them. Funny - most people want the "yellow ones" claiming that they are better than the OEM ones. Honestly, I can't tell a difference. 🤷‍♂

[@kentao4]

@@middleagedmediocremountain4767 im a plain Jane. I always want my bike to be black/gray. Why would I want loud yellow on my tires lol

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

​@@kentao4 I hear ya - When Josh was building up the Stumpy he asked which color of fork I wanted? The "bougie" orange one, or the black one? I thought long and hard about the orange, until I realized it just didn't match my personality. 😎