2025 Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Review | A Hugely Adjustable Trail Bike With A Clever Custom Shock

[@paulhusby8344]

The man is a fantastic presenter!

[@danm5810]

It’s good to see manufactures still putting effort into developing normal mtbs not just e-mtbs.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Did you notice it looks like a slightly modified mold for this bike or just a cutout would be all it need to be a emtb. 🤢🤮

[@ptrades800]

​​@LaurentiusTriarius I couldn't see past your Giant red nose 🤡

[@johnkelly8070]

Will is quickly turning into a legend. Proffessionalising the delivery of the mtb review. Own style. Succinct insight. No matter how many reviews I might look into elsewhere if i want to know about a bike this is the benchmark. Keep up the great work Will! 🧐

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Wow, that’s kind of you to say John! We put a lot of work into our reviews so it’s awesome to hear that feedback - thank you! [Wil]

[@Rawkus919]

This looks cool. An genuine update and option. Just not sure about the electronic shift only.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Worth a try if you've never ridden wireless before. If cable is 100% your thing, we can see how the lack of options could be frustrating.

[@Rawkus919]

@FlowMountainBikeKZbin I love wireless systems, but it also limits drivetrain supply company too. No shimano build I guess.

[@TheMirrorVision]

Great review and nice job describing the testing you did on the Genie shock + volume spacers!

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback! [Wil]

[@darrylhausman-pk8cq]

Excellent review Will , love everything about it , except the price

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks Darryl! Agreed - looking forward to the alloy models arriving. Depending on the price and specs, that’s a bike I’d consider buying personally. [Wil]

[@jamlee344]

The only review of the Stumpy 15 you need to watch. 👌 Nice bike. No headset cable routing. Shame about no cable port to the rear though. Hopefully the alloy version gets the option.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks for the kind words mate, glad you enjoyed the review! [Wil]

[@plmn93]

Alloy is out now on Specialized's website and yes it does. I liked it until I saw the weight. Nearly 36 pounds. That's not a trailbike, IMO.

[@cgs-xi4bt]

Really nice & thorough review! Trying to hang on to my hard earned money 💰 but so tempted by this versatile bike...

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the review! I hear you on the money thing 😂 [Wil]

[@deancleavesmith]

Awesome review, great to see how on trail adjustment to the genie can be made

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks Dean! It was cool to experiment with all those volume adjustments, makes such a difference on the trail. [Wil]

[@pbls43]

That shock is basically a Monarch plus 😊

[@southpawlibranine3511]

Looks ugly as a monarch too

[@gweflj]

The Monarch didn’t have a two stage air chamber did it?

[@davemurphy8953]

Yeah I had First generation Transition Scout with a Mornarch RCT3 and the upgraded “Debonair” can, which is basically the same thing, turns out Rock Shox were onto it 10 years ago ??

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I would go with the Trance X that's $2000 off right now !!!

[@The.JZA.]

It seems that the new shock is a big part of the performance. So does that mean that it would be a downgrade to get the Ohlins coil shock model of this bike? That's the one that I want (if I actually had that kind of money to throw around).

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

It's a tough question to answer, as it's a bit of an apples to oranges comparison. Air and coil shocks fundamentally have very different characteristics, so a lot of it comes down to personal preference. We only tested the model with the Fox Genie air shock, which performed well during the testing period. It's obvious they put a lot of time and effort into designing the bike/ shock together. We'd be interested to try the Ohlins version to compare.

[@stevenboisvert1767]

I want cable shifting because it is far lighter, and far cheaper to repair and easier to source when I damage a derailleur at a race or bike trip. I don't want the massive weight penalty of their alloy frames either. I have an S-works EVO that I bought before they were being blown out at low prices so I am willing to pay the money. The Genie seems like a simple, reliable innovation but the lack of a cable option is a deal-breaker. Bummer.

[@petedog9581]

Nice vid and really good breakdown of this new bike. I don't get not releasing alloy and carbon frames at the same launch. It seems a cash grab for FOMO. My 2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct C30 with a heavy Deore group set is 33.8 lbs. w pedals stock and has 150/140 mm similar neutral geos and the Rocky has more adjustability w Ride9. I don't have offset headset cups, but there are aftermarket options. If I desired, I could buy a different linkage and shock and make my Instinct into an Altitude. $2800 US from Jenson. Why pay a boat load for a new, unproven, proprietary shock? That seems to be the thing driving the price up on this otherwise normal bike. I have gotten burned by Spec before w proprietary stuff. My E150 dual crown fork on an Enduro... a expensive conversion from a rear Brain. Nobody will service it bc it needs a N charge. Spec believes in "innovate or die' but their adherence to proprietary parts may be the death of them in the end. They have had more clunkers than games changers in the last 15 years.

[@crankshoptv8141]

You'll have no cables, and be happy.

[@dobsok84]

A swat box you can fill up to eat de bugs

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Not really. "Tear down that wall" c'mon Mr Gorbachev... I can also tell you that the resale value of GX axs isn't that great 💀🤣

[@crankshoptv8141]

@@LaurentiusTriarius don't sell it, throw it away and buy new, on credit.

[@asifitmatters1]

I don’t see a single advantage to a cable operated derailleur or dropper post! As long as you are not a complete idiot and charge those batteries it’s the best system out there by far.

[@crankshoptv8141]

@@asifitmatters1 Apart from cost, reliability, water and battery issues, I agree. When you get your bike out the shed and it doesn't work, even though it was fine when you put it away and you have to pay hundreds for a new derailleur, you'll see the advantage of mechanical.

[@f1hotrod527]

This does not really make me want to get rid of my stumpy evo. I think this bike has slid right into the category of the fuel EX, and the fuel EX seems better. I also wonder how this bike compares to a Ripmo V2?

[@tinoschneider6350]

Thanks for this detailed review and deep dive into the shock settings 🙏 . I really would love to know how a standard shock like the newest version of the RS Super Deluxe with the linear or linear XL air can would stack up against the genie shock. Maybe this is something we can learn in the near future.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the review! I’d love to experiment with more shock options on the new Stumpy - great suggestion on the Linear XL air can for the SD shock! [Wil]

[@The.JZA.]

How does it compare to the Mondraker Foxy? Nobody ever mentions it even though it's legit one of the most awesome trail bikes you can buy.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Earlier in 2023 we reviewed the Foxy. If you jump on our website and search for it, you should see it there.

[@The.JZA.]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Yes, yes, I have read the review. It's a hard hitting, efficient pedalling, slick looking rocket ship of a bike. Not the plushest but certainly rowdy. I have the Mondraker Crafty R which is essentially the ebike version of the Foxy and I love it. I only made that comment because when you listed off the Stumpjumpers competition you didn't mention the Foxy and I felt personally slighted by that.

[@lezhao-jx4fs]

Thanks! Brilliant review! BTW, whrn would the Giant Trance X review be available？

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Thanks mate! The Giant Trance X review is coming up very soon - got a bit more testing and shooting to be done first, but we should have it finalised in the next few weeks. [Wil]

[@Stickybutton]

So its a current Stumpy EVO without the longer shock or fork.

[@dogfighter1]

How is it a proprietary design if they put Ohlins on it too?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

The shock is proprietary given it’s a Specialized-specific design. The size however, 210x55mm, is standard and there’s clearance for you to fit pretty much any air or coil shock you like. Hope that helps explain! [Wil]

[@austinsteiner5822]

Taking a page from Dvo’s book with the negative volume spacers

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

You might be getting confused there - the volume spacers shown in the video are actually for the two positive chambers in the GENIE shock. The outer sleeve on the shock is a secondary positive air chamber, and that's what the red plastic clip-on volume bands are affecting - you can see these at 2:59 in the video. You can also adjust the air volume of the primary positive air chamber, which is what the blue and green eyelet spacers are for. There's a much deeper explanation in the full review, which you might find interesting: flowmountainbike.com/tests/2025-specialized-stumpjumper-15-review/ I think Fox does make a spacer for the negative chamber, but it's usually something you'll see more on its XC shocks for providing a firmer feel to the initial part of the travel. Hope that helps explain, but just yell out if you've got any questions! [WIl]

[@austinsteiner5822]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin ah ha. I see. Seems like a similar approach though right?

[@CourtyardPigeon]

I have the 22022 Stumpjumper Pro, which is pretty much exactly this bike without the new shock on it. I paid $8500 USD for my bike and now it's $5500.00 USD....this bike in the Stumpjumper 15 Pro version is $9k USD, so I might wait until Christmas to see if they drop the price, if not I don't see a reason to upgrade when I'm going to lose so much on the sale of my bike just to pay for this when it hasn't changed that much

[@TaoNony]

Same for me... Christmas or Birthday 😅

[@Tanno_Buchino]

I have checked your reviews, and I'm still unsure which bike I should buy. Recently I checked your review bout Specialized Stumpjumper 2022. I like how it's an all-rounder bike, but I worry bout two things. The weight (I have seen other MTB being very light than this) and the usage to all of the parts (trails, climbing, etc). Based on those bikes you reviewed so far, which bike do you recommend that would be similar to Specialized Stumpjumper, but better and lighter?

[@Ka0sAssassin]

I just brought a new SJ evo comp got it for $4500 au, now i know why i got such a great price with this new model out a week after i buy one lol oh well 😊

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Don’t fret too much - the STEVO is still an awesome bike, and sounds like you got a killer price on it too! [Wil]

[@alk399]

Great review, what track is this you're testing at?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Most of the trails in the video are at the La Larr Ba Gauwa MTB Park in Harcourt in Central Victoria. Great spot to ride! [Wil]

[@martincoppiaroli635]

I see you are on an S3 how tall are you? I usually ride a medium size across the board on a wide range of bikes and I sat on a an S3 today and felt a little too big for me. I am 5' 7" and change, probably reach 5' 8" with my shoes on. Anyone care to comment on this? Have you (the presenter) noticed sizes being a little larger than the usual on this bike? Maybe it was just me being the first time on this new bike. I am not sure and I cant find anything else other than size S3. If I could only try an S2 and remove all doubt.

[@morgandewette4638]

Hey can I ask how tall are you and what would you recommend for a 5’11 /180cm dude looking for a balanced/nibble rig?

[@richchin5163]

So how does it compare to your experiments with the prior Stumpy where you changed the shock to a Super Deluxe with HBO and added a bigger fork?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

I really liked the previous Stumpy with the bigger fork and piggyback shock! That bike is still relevant in terms of geo, and its lightweight frame is certainly appealing. I think for lighter and sportier riders on flowier terrain, it remains a fantastic option. This new Stumpy 15 feels considerably burlier and plusher though. There’s more grip and bottom-out support is way higher. For rockier and steeper terrain, it’s a better bike for sure. And the adjustability in the GENIE and frame means you can adapt it for a lot of different trail types. [Wil]

[@Ajwilkie]

Can we run the Genie on the previous gen EVO?

[@JimLacey357]

Another reviewer said no because the shock body is too large to fit next to the side arm.

[@Ajwilkie]

@@JimLacey357 ahhh. That makes sense. Hadn’t thought of that part.

[@justinfournier1285]

@@AjwilkieJust get a coil. My Evo has one and the video spends 5 minutes explaining the Genie on the SJ15 the same as an Evo with a coil you could have had for a few years.

[@Ajwilkie]

@@justinfournier1285 what coil do you run?

[@justinfournier1285]

@@Ajwilkie DHX because it’s one of the few on the approved list. DHX2 is not. Piston diameter. Bad design from Specialized.

[@ciw8688]

Which is the softest feeling xc bike so far in all your reviews?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Have you had the chance to check out our XC bike group test? flowmountainbike.com/tests/best-xc-bikes-cross-country/ That should hopefully help to answer your question! [WIl]

[@mudkayak6305]

Hard no on wireless only. What we're they thinking.... "how do we make sure to tank our sales?"

[@streddaz]

The alloy version will have cable routing for the plebs

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

@@streddaz It'll be interesting to see if alloy version are released. If so, will they have wireless or cable groupsets?

[@streddaz]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin well, I see that SRAM now have an even cheaper wireless groupset so maybe it will all go wireless only.🤔

[@southpawlibranine3511]

@@streddaz axs is for the plebs

[@danm5810]

It’s frustrating looking for new bikes and they all come with electronic shift with prices inflated as a result. Nothing wrong with xt cable drivetrain.

[@tomaszczapla9232]

will this be still a good choice if you want to have only 1 bike (for XC, trail and enduro) - that is the question. Like now the fantastic 2022 SJ Expert.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

I think it’s an excellent all-rounder, but out of the box it is on the more aggressive side and is much closer to the previous EVO rather than the old Stumpjumper. If you wanted to ride more XC-type terrain I’d suggest packing the GENIE outer sleeve with all four volume spacers for a firmer feel, swapping to faster/lighter tyres and running the headset in the steep position. Personally, I love how much adjustability is in the shock and frame that means the bike can be setup for quite different riding styles and terrain. Hope that helps! [Wil]

[@tomaszczapla9232]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin Thanks for the answer! I thought either to walk the way you suggest or to skip to Epic 8 EVO pro

[@mbgerozaga]

Propriety shock? How is this different on having a RS Deluxe with Megneg? You can have tokens as well as bands to adjust progressivity

[@paulb5390]

Because it has 2 separate air chambers. One for the first 70% travel. Another for the last 30%. Never been done before.. Proprietary is probably the wrong word. Nonetheless it seems like a cool shock that Specialized and Fox have developed

[@leeretaschen231]

So 1kg heavier, more expensive, and not compatible with Shimano. Sounds brilliant. :-/

[@patrixdan2661]

Why not throw a genie on the SJ EVO? Its cheaper and should have almost the same effect .

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Great suggestion! Some folks in the comments here have mentioned there are clearance issues with the GENIE shock and the sidearm on the old Stumpy EVO - we’ll see if we can get confirmation from Spesh and will let you know! [Wil]

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

I heard back from Specialized - the GENIE shock will fit onto the old Stumpy EVO, and the team actually spent a lot of time testing prototype GENIE shocks on that bike. However, that may be a moot point as there's no indication as to whether Specialized or Fox will be selling the GENIE shock aftermarket anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if that changed in the future at some point, but time will tell! [Wil]

[@johnykryll]

Jeez, how much!!!

[@numbers7905]

That shock looks a lot like the Ohlins TTX2 Air.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Very different inside! [Wil]

[@101picofarad]

Да, перемычку пришлось убрать - с ней стягивать воздушную камеру мегнега можно только выкрутив болты амморта, а тот амморт что на новом байке - вообще не влез бы в старую раму ;). Но в целом переход к мясному линку вполне логичен - у старого сепеша торсионка так себе была.

[@RadzioCzart]

How about comparing this bike with YT JEFFSY, regardless of the price, which one is better?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Great suggestion! We recently had the Capra MX in for review, but we're yet to get our hands on the latest Jeffsy - keen to test it out and see how it compares to the Stumpy! [Wil]

[@hambo76]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin And the Canyon Spectral!

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

The Canyon Spectral makes a lot of sense for sure - I've also tested the Trek Fuel EX, and we have the new Giant Trance X on review at the moment, all of which have settled on a 150/140mm travel platform like the Stumpjumper. We'll be publishing an in-depth review of the Trance X in the coming weeks, which I'll be comparing directly to the Stumpy - stay tuned to the Flow website if you're keen to see that one! [Wil]

[@mitchsargent5543]

How does the shock compare to an air shock with a piggy back? (aside from weight savings)?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

It really depends on which piggyback air shock you’re comparing it to. Any specific characteristics you’re curious about? There’s a lot more info in the full review about temperature and damping performance between the GENIE and piggyback shocks that might help to answer your question? [Wil]

[@mitchsargent5543]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin I see. Ok. I'll check out the shock review--THANK YOU!

[@Gerald-iz7mv]

is that a cross country bike?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Specialized slot the Stumpjumper into their all-mountain/ trail category of bikes.

[@Gerald-iz7mv]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin whats the diff between all mountain vs crosscountry?

[@benoosthuizen4961]

Cross country bikes tend to have 100 - 120 mm of travel, where all-mountain / trail bikes tend to have 140 - 170 mm travel. Cross country bikes usually have steeper geometry, which makes them more nippy + quicker steering. All-mountain / trail bikes usually have slacker geometry, which makes them more stable at higher speeds. Cross country bikes are lighter and can be used for cross country racing. All-mountain / trail bikes are usually used for bigger terrain (steeper, more technical and bigger drops, jumps).

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

Much better mud flap

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Agreed! The chainstay protector is really nice too - it bolts in underneath the mudflap and extends the entire length of the chainstay and then bolts into the most rearward pivot. Loads of coverage and very little noise while riding 👌 [Wil]

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

It looks small and disproportionate. Just an opinion. Also it has definite emtb vibes. Oh I see... Wireless shifting. 🤔

[@fudganuld]

Thats lighter than my Steel Hardtail...Nice..Ha!!

[@kinch04]

So.. the move feels like by an old Evo and get the new shock? Profit.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Potentially! We’ve asked the question about whether the GENIE will be available aftermarket and whether it’ll clear the sidearm on the Stumpy EVO. I shall report back! [Wil]

[@kinch04]

According to Guy Kes it won't fit.. that's too bad.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

I heard back from the team at Specialized - the GENIE shock will fit the old Stumpy EVO, and they did a lot of the early testing with that frame as they were developing the GENIE. However, there's no word on whether Specialized or Fox will be selling the GENIE shock on its own. Given Specialized owns the patent on the PSA design, it would make sense for it to maintain that point of difference for its own bikes. Who knows if that'll change in the future, but I'd like to see it! [Wil]

[@kinch04]

Awesome! Thanks for the deep dive 🤘

[@arthurd6495]

14k lolol

[@cheut]

i really dislike specialized bikes. Kinked seat tubes that ruin insertion and shock yokes that'll snap fox coil shocks: they've been making mountain bikes as long as anyone and these seem like oversights a newcomer would make

[@cheut]

to be fair, the coil shock thing is Fox's fault too. they've been making shocks for forever, why use such thin damper shafts??

[@southpawlibranine3511]

Same I hate them as a company especially the way they sue small bike shops

[@antoniofeliciano2813]

64.5 head angle degrees? wtf

[@KiwiInGermanyMTB]

That's the neutral position. You can adjust the headset cup 1 degree positive or negative

[@antoniofeliciano2813]

@@KiwiInGermanyMTB I want a simple system

[@dobsok84]

​@@antoniofeliciano2813it is simple

[@laurentp89]

@@antoniofeliciano2813 don't buy this then...

[@testtesttesttesttest884]

Beat it nerd

[@aaroncox539]

14k your on crack!

[@southpawlibranine3511]

8900 for a rythm fork and propietary shock thats blow in a few months

[@southpawlibranine3511]

When has a proprietary shock ever worked before? The yokes are crap too and not to mention overpriced

[@hambo76]

It's not proprietary though, it'll fit any bike.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

Everytime i see a specialized im reminded how much of a mediocre company they are with questionable ethics. They try to he a high end brand without the actual high end

[@jeroenberger9064]

Just another bike.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

Just buy a marin rift zone xr with better specs with axs for 3600 on bikes online right now

[@gweflj]

I despise electronic motors and batteries to charge. Guess I’m out.