Which to buy? 2021 Stumpjumper or 2021 Stumpjumper Evo - From a non-sponsored perspective!

This is a comparison of the two bikes from a rider perspective. What the experience is like when riding the bikes. Both have their place and I hope to help you make a choice if these are the two bikes you are trying to choose from. This review is from a regular riders perspective, where there is no sponsorship or ambassador discounts. Just someone who loves to ride bikes!
To see the Reviews of the bikes separately go here
Stumpy: • 2021 Specialized Stump...
Stumpy Evo: • 2021 Stumpjumper EVO E...

[@MikeK02048]

Finally found a Stumpy vs EVO video where the person giving the review had a definite opinion. So many reviewers are so wishy washy like they're afraid to have an opinion or to piss someone off. Thanks!

[@LoamRoamer]

I agree, but the paid reviewers also cannot say what they tink. It violates their contracts and they will stop getting bikes. This is why I stated my own thing. It also drove me crazy.

[@SkarTisu]

Thanks for making this video! This is exactly what I was trying to figure out between the two bikes, and I wasn’t getting a clear concise explanation in review videos elsewhere. Well done!

[@LoamRoamer]

Thank you, the reason I started a channel was because I could not find good details. I am looking at a bike right now and the lack of info when reviewing other than what they read from a website is staggering.

[@DragonGuardian18]

That was a great comparison. Really helped me decide on the regular stumpy. I went with the expert. I think too many people think their ready for Evo riding but would be happier just stepping up in Stumpy. Thanks

[@LoamRoamer]

Thank you for the feedback, and I agree!

[@stevecunha7525]

Hey Dustin - Great review. Ive watched this review a few times along with many other reviews on both these two bikes. Based on the reviews and a hard look at my riding style and the trails I ride all the time, I chose the Stumpjumper. Thanks for the review, it really helped me make a decision. See ya in Tahoe Donner.

[@LoamRoamer]

See you there! Great choice

[@jaimeruiz5238]

I’m buying the 2022 expert. I had put a deposit on it because is the last one at the shop. I’ve been doing research and seen this video closed the deal. Thank you so much for such a detailed explanation.

[@LoamRoamer]

Thank you Jamie, glad to help out with info! That is going to be one fun bike!!

[@turningoveranewleaflawncar952]

Great comparison review on these 2 great bikes! I just purchased a 2022 Stumpjumper Alloy S4 and love it! I've been riding it almost every day now, and it's an awesome bike!

[@LoamRoamer]

Thank you, enjoy that awesome ripper of a bike!

[@Brandon-ns5oi]

Man, I've been driving myself crazy trying to figure out which one to buy and you helped me deal the deal. Going stumpy, thanks again.

[@LoamRoamer]

Awesome, they are great bikes!

[@stevelucero7922]

Yep. Perfect. Great review! You helped me clear up any questions I had on which bike would suit my riding style better. Happy New Year!

[@LoamRoamer]

That's awesome, so which are you getting?

[@stevelucero7922]

@@LoamRoamer I am going with the 2023 S-Works Stumpjumper 29” wheelset. :)

[@dozerthecat]

From this review you would certainly lean towards the SJ. But I have an XC bike already (Epic) and after test riding both SJ and SJ Evo, it was clear to me that I wanted the Evo. The SJ doesnt feel that much quicker or climb that much better than the evo. You can indeed feel the weight of the evo. But I feel more confident on the Evo. And you can steepen the Evo up to a SJ, but you can't slacken a SJ to an Evo. I've been underbiked often with the Epic. Picked the Evo because I don't want to be underbiked.

[@LoamRoamer]

That is a for sure. If I had an epic or an epic eco I would likely buy the Enduro, but the SJ evo is sweet. As a 1 bike quiver I would still go SJ.

[@nl3712]

Fantastic review, thanks. Your channel deserves 100k subs.

[@LoamRoamer]

Thank you for the feedback. That would be cool to grow to that!

[@oua660]

Good info! Thanks. I currently run a Rocky Mountain Altitude and its awesome at park but a BRUTE on trails. I liked the comparison and think I'll be going with a Stumpjumper rather than an EVO.

[@LoamRoamer]

I am glad the review could help you make a choice.

[@JoshTaylor]

Thrilled with my satin copper SJ! Good video!

[@williambreeze2659]

Thanks for the comparison!

[@chrisprysok7634]

I live in Michigan. My choices are awsome flow perfect for hardtail or park/shuttle rides. I went evo. If I didn't have the hardtail the video would make me switch from the evo sworks frameset to the Stumpy frameset.

[@mapetstube]

This video definitely helped me decide which one i want 👍👍👍 The only problem is the evo its on sale 31% Off on specialized site now 😭😭😭 Really wish would have turn me towards the evo 😢... Great video though ☺️

[@LoamRoamer]

That is a killer sale, maybe the stumpy will go on sale soon?? Glad the video helped.

[@YoFonzy.]

Some bold statements here. It would be nice to see some one on one comparisons w/ the SJ. Pink bike did some reviews but it seems alot bies. Eventually there will be more vs. action but it is refreshing to see a new stumpjumper video on you tube. Good job amigo!

[@LoamRoamer]

Thank you!

[@shanephillips8009]

Picking up my evo comp in gloss clay tomorrow 🤗

[@LoamRoamer]

Awesome!

[@LuisManuelHdez]

Still love my 2019 stumpy expert!Beast!!

[@LoamRoamer]

For sure!!

[@Drogos79]

Excellent break down mate

[@LoamRoamer]

Much appreciated

[@johanklopper5920]

Hi There I did leave a comment on your Evo review also. The reach is a measurement for where your bars will be I relation to the bottom bracket when you are standing. Seated position can be manipulated by the position of the saddle in the rails and stem length. Seated position is influenced by non adjustable measurements like the seat tube angle, top tube length and the reach measurement for this is where the seat tube angle is measured from. Awesome comparison between the bikes though. Thanks.

[@LoamRoamer]

I agree as a frame measurement, but when seated it does not reflect real world use. And I use a fixed point for the saddle and always 50mm stem. While it can be manipulates, mine compares them equally. And is why I call it effective, not fixed reach. Thank you for responding! It is all about the love of biking.

[@f1hotrod527]

I will be putting my money towards the EVO expert tomorrow. You only live once, go big or go home.

[@LoamRoamer]

I like it!

[@ultimatist]

@loamroamer did you ever get that Downieville test in? IMO the times would be close, but you'd be taking more risk on the SJ vs the EVO.

[@LoamRoamer]

I did not, both would work well. I do agree, the evo is the better likely option there. But if you only ride there once a year it is not worth it to buy the bigger bike.

[@adammoffett6935]

I can’t pick between them I love too do trials and bmx style moves but also dh trails I currently ride a kona process 153

[@LoamRoamer]

I would say the evo then, and when you trail rip set it up in high mode and steepest head angle except when doing dh. And to match the Kona high rear and slackest possible for DH.

[@adammoffett6935]

@@LoamRoamer thanks👍

[@vladmadrilejos1657]

Alright! just the video i need to convince me what to get. It all boils down to what area you feel like your comfortable riding in it. I would certainly not be riding big drops and i like climbing. Coming from riding a gravel/road bike. I pick Stumpjumper! Comes next the fun part. After all the picking and spending my awake time looking for the perfect quiver bike. IS IT AVAILABLE!! LMAO! It was stressful for a begginer like me picking my first mtb from diffrent travel short and longer , geometry, models, components shimano or sram, price point, carbon vs alloy, warranties lifetime warranties on frames etc. This might be a good long new video topic for you focused on begginers wanting to join the hobby. I just hit like and subscribe Thanks!!

[@LoamRoamer]

This is great feedback! Thank you.

[@manuelg7475]

Great Review, What are your thoughts on putting a 150mm on the fork to increase the capability and making it more of a quiver killer and be ok at an occasional bike park?

[@LoamRoamer]

I think this is exactly what I would do!

[@franciscofelice6765]

@@LoamRoamer so.. You are saying a fork 36/150mm, it would be OK??

[@shannonduggan9816]

What would you pick between the Stumpjumper, yeti sb130 or teh SC Tallboy for what you describe the Stumpjumpernis perfect for?

[@LoamRoamer]

The Stumpy can be made the lightest from what I can tell and will have the best pedaling platform. The Tallboy will be a little softer going down with the vpp, but will not likely climb as well, and the SB130, which I had, is an amazing climber, and descender, but you need to like to be on all the time. It is a heavy handed bike and if you do not intentionally weight the front you find the ground from time to time. Of these three the Stumpy is my favorite of the trail bikes. based on the question you asked.

[@michalwiktorow2188]

We need much more such analysis videos, it clearly seems that manufacturers nor reviewers (mainstream and paid) will not provide us this info, I am a bit confused, as overall 'more bike fits your need' more you are happy as a consumer/client. However, it seems that manufacturers do not do it properly. Why? I am confused, I am in awe , well because this is their best interest to 'be spot on with fullfilling clients needs' isn't it?

[@LoamRoamer]

This is why I started this channel, to share the things I wanted to know versus what the marketing says.

[@thebiblicaldigest]

With an evo, can you make the rear shock a little stiffer to make the evo behave a little more like a regular stumpjumper if needed?

[@LoamRoamer]

You could, but that will mean trail chatter and damping changes. Plus lack of travel use. So mid stroke will be higher in the travel. And the bike will never be as light to be as fast on climbs and rollers. So not sure I would see the benefit.

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

Good info. ps - 4 seconds downhill is a big difference. But I'd rather have 27 seconds uphill. 😃 the more efficient climber.

[@LoamRoamer]

Same here!

[@hb7030]

If you are racing cross country I guess. Who cares if you are not.

[@eatnpooter1634]

That evo has sooo many adjustments.

[@LoamRoamer]

I think once the settings are done you will likely not change them, or just change between low and high. The settings lead to issues when people mess with their bike and it is not right, say leave the headset loose then a rough ride, will have a bad impact potentially.

[@Hook1fred]

Not really. I switch between slack, neutral, high and low depending on where I ride. I do about 6-7 park days a year and put dial it into low slack and rip turns. I when I shuttle rock trails like noble canyon I run slack and high because the rocky terrain and when I just do miles on my XC-ish ride I do neutral high. It take my around 15 minutes to make adjustments and I’ve done it 15 + times already

[@tobiaslord]

Nice opinion

[@LoamRoamer]

Thank you

[@IvanLopez-rv7wh]

Helloo good video I learned good stuff if you would buy a stumpjump today what model would you choose? Comp alloy , alloy , expert or comp ?? Considering to ride it for jumps average 10ft long , trails located mostly Southern California and 2 or 3 trips a year to big bear lake. What could be your suggestion??

[@LoamRoamer]

I would buy an Evo, especially SoCal and Big Bear. Alloy or carbon is really a cost preference. They ride so similarly it is weight. My bike is an alloy rear triangle and works awesome.

[@IvanLopez-rv7wh]

@@LoamRoamer great thanks so much for your comments and recommendations I want to make sure to do the correct investment since I m not that guy who change bike every 2 years so this help me a lot for correct decisions

[@jlj547]

So i have the stumpjumper and where I live there is a lot of climbing on the trails and they are steep, but also really tight downhill sections, and the stumpjumper is a monster on both.

[@LoamRoamer]

Thank you for replying. I agree it is the better overall purchase. I would think until it got Enduro like or bike park style riding the Stumpjumper is king here. My experience was it was better overall and only felt compromised when it got really rocky and you needed that extra squish.

[@SammyG852]

Thanks for the great review! I actually have a 21 Stumpy Evo Comp that I can pick up this week, but I feel like it's just SOO big. I ride mostly North Texas area so a lot more trails. I'm not super convinced this is perfect for me, as the type of riding you are describing in the video is more my style. Any chance you can check with your rep to see what's available around me in the regular Stumpy Comp?

[@LoamRoamer]

I will ask! Thank you for the response.

[@LoamRoamer]

What size are you looking for and where in TX? Closest Town.

[@SammyG852]

@@LoamRoamer S5 seems to fit well. Frisco, Tx (just North of Dallas)

[@LoamRoamer]

@@SammyG852 In gloss white the S5 closest... And says they have them. THE BIKE ROUTE 3660 NORTH FRONT STREET SUITE 3 FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 [phone] HIGHROLLER CYCLERY INC 402 S METRO PARKWAY ROGERS, AR 72758 [phone] In the black looking/charcoal color, they call Smoke Grey. Several shops show stock, but still not real close. THE BIKE ROUTE 3660 NORTH FRONT STREET SUITE 3 FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 [phone] HIGHROLLER CYCLERY INC 402 S METRO PARKWAY ROGERS, AR 72758 [phone] GEARHEAD OUTFITTERS INC 501 SW A ST. BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 479-657-2135 ARKANSAS CYCLING AND FITNESS 315 N BOWMAN SUITE 6-9 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72211 [phone] JAMES BROS BIKES 1199 S DONAHUE, SUITE D AUBURN, AL 36832 [phone] Let me know if you get one and what color! Hope this was helpful.

[@SammyG852]

@@LoamRoamer I’m picking up an S5 Evo comp today in Clay, but I may look to pick up a Stumpy Comp after looking into them further. With nothing close to me at the moment I may just ride the Evo for a while until the other pops up closer. Does your rep have insight into anything coming to a local shop near me?

[@Drogos79]

Both Expert build right ?

[@LoamRoamer]

Yes

[@mohammadhairudy3626]

Hi, would it be ok if I were to increased the front travel to 150?

[@LoamRoamer]

Should be just fine!

[@Earthmover511]

What size bikes did you review?

[@LoamRoamer]

Mediums.

[@Earthmover511]

@@LoamRoamer thanks and thanks for the review excellent!

[@MrTikdo]

ive been thinking about getting Stumpjumper$6000 or Stumpjumper EVO$6500, im not sure which to get im not a pro but want to do everything from going to the local trails to decent jumps and drops to chill rides ?

[@MrTikdo]

also how tall are you and what size bikes did u test with this ??

[@LoamRoamer]

@@MrTikdo Based on your ride description the Stumpjumper sounds like a good bike. Unless you are doing things over 6 ft drops the regular Stumpjumper will be really good for everything else. I am 5'8 or 172 CM. I rode an S3

[@mattschneider4976]

Yut!