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?"

Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™

[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.

[youtbehandletobedetermined]

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

[YanDoroshenko]

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

[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!

[yumcaxion]

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.

[csabakarai]

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.

[harrygrimley]

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

[rookieboy]

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

[mrvwbug]

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.

[garyharmon]

Great video. Enjoy that new bike. Pedal safe

[whatnomadtravelnursemtb]

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.

[celticcoach]

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.

[goatlocker]

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

[blakbanshee]

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

[rdlineplug]

Can’t decide between this or a SC Hightower.

[kentao]

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?

[sethrich]

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

[qwertz]

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

[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"