Thanks for the follow up Guy! I appreciate your honesty, although I have an s works stumpjumper frame that I built up and find it to be quite a good pedaling bike and stiff under power. I’m 203cm 90kg on an s6, so maybe the big frame is laid up differently. Also the carbon yoke on the s works is much more substantial looking than the alloy yoke. I did find specialized recommended pressure too be way soft, I’m at 300psi to get 27% sag, 50psi over the suspension app setup. When compared to the xxl tall boy v3 and v4 I would put it right in the middle, not quite as firm as the v3 but less mushy than the v4. Didn’t notice any detrimental loss in frame stiffness, but v4 tall boy feels overbuilt to me.
Recently picked up a 2024 T-type Stumpjumper Pro in the Specialized sale. Previous trail bike was 2014 (!) Camber Evo with a shock volume reducer: ride was very active but quite firm. Totally agree with the 'meh' under power. Feels very anaemic out the saddle or when pushing on the pedals. Bags of traction though and feels great on rolling / downhill trails. Have upped the shock pressure a bit beyond Specialized's recommended PSI but will keep going to see how far I can take that. Maybe I'll see if a volume spacer helps but suspect it won't as although (by design) its happy to use all its travel, it doesn't bottom out harshly at all. Bottom line is I guess I'll have to live with it and love its strengths and look past its flaws.
Did spacers help? I’m trying to decide as I have the same bike on hold. I don’t know what to do! Debating between this and the epic evo. Shop also said they like the shock on the epic evo better since it is higher volume. Wonder if that would do anything.
You should try the Norco Optic. I went back to back with my mates S Works Stumpy and I thought the same as you. Very controlled suspension but lacked punch. The Optic is quite opposite, very firm, very damped. I call it a hardtail lovers full sus. I'm not sure there is a more perfect bike out there for me!
Yeah I was lucky enough to have an Optic as a long termer. Suspension is insane on that bike. Like you say feels like it’s way too hard but it’s actually perfect for properly charging on.
So in summery: would you advise me the Stumpy Evo for western Europe xc/trail with bad knees and tricky back? The Epic Evo is too forward posture wise fo me. Would really appreciate your answer!
Hi, I managed to sort the pedal bob, but there’s still a softness about the bike that just seems to make it much slower under power than it should be. I had a YT Izzo straight after and that felt much more alive. Much better spec for the money too.
@@GuyKesTV Thanks! I wanted the Izzo, but they are completely sold out this year at least... The thing is that you are the only reviewer who speaks about this softness, everybody else raves about the climbing spirit and pedaling speed. Point is I trust your jugdement, but don't understand the others.... Do you?
@@btentusscher If you look around you can hear other people hinting at it bobbing or being a bit awkward to tune but in a lot of cases you'll see the super light S-Works version tested alongside lower spec or heavier bikes. I really really wanted to like the bike as it should be ideal for me but jumping back and forth between it and the Stumpjumper Evo on the launch it was very obviously mushier even with same tyres and less travel. The fact that I was the only one saying it publically was why I wanted to get it back and really dig deep to try and solve it too but whatever I tried whenever we swapped around with other bikes and my test crew it just always felt slow and saggy even with lighter wheels and faster tyres on so I can only think it's a structural thing. The Evo which is a lot lighter feels a lot sharper though. That's a pain about the Izzo and the Canyon Neuron is pretty spongey too. Giant Trance Carbon could be worth a look and the Scott Spark is still an awesome bike in 120mm and the Genius pedals really well in 150mm. Yeti, Pivot and Santa Cruz all feel good under power too but you're obviously stepping up a long way in price there.
@@GuyKesTV You are a great help, thanks! Are you talking about the Stumpy Evo or Epic Evo? The more XC bikes like Orbea Oiz TR and Scott Spark are too racy for my back... You think the Giant Trance is firmer/sharper while climbing?
Im thinking of getting the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy 29er 2022 . Have you rode this bike yet. ? Would love a bit of feed back . Thanks mate.
Yeah it’s weird isn’t it. Even with no obvious bob when it’s in pedal mode on the shock it’s just not that interested in going fast under power. Hope the Epic is working out for you. Evo?
I find this review odd. Many, many reviews stating how snapy and firm this is. This one review is the outlier. Makes me wonder about a lot of things with this bike. In the end it comes down to shock tune not the bike itself i think?
Yep, don’t worry I know that this bike has had a LOT of love. Mainly on the S-works version though. Plus I’d say that having done everything possible with the shock tune/tyres/wheels etc. and the fact that its underwhelming when locked out too the softness comes from the frame. There’s a hint of it in the Evo too compared to the stiffest frames but overall I frikkin love that bike and it definitely pedals more positively overall.
@@GuyKesTV So it is a shock tune issue? Whats the difference to the sworks? Performance elite vs factory shock? Funny. The parking lot test showed the evo as better peddling. That was weird. Other tests say that you cover way more ground on the stumpy vs the Evo
Interesting - every other review on this bike states the opposite. I just read one review that said it was the best climbing bike in its class. I have 3-4 reviews that rave about the climbing.
Yep I know, I would point out that they're all related to the S-Works bikes which buy a lot of gravity avoidance and if you look into the detail they rave about the weight but not the pedalling characteristics. The one Pinkbike did with the power pedals is interesting though. All I can say is I tried for months to make it fly using every trick I knew as in theory it's the ideal bike for me. I had a lot of chats with the development team at Specialized during the process to try and dial the shock too. Back to back with the standard Stumpy though in my opinion there's just something missing under power and definitely a drag compared to the Epic Evo.
@@GuyKesTV I have the S-Works frame and assume the shock is the same? I think the tune works for me setting the lever in the middle. Looking at my times historically the bike is definitely one of the faster climbers I’ve owned and, by far, the best trail bike out of the saddle. Geometry is bang on as well. I’m definitely not jiving with the criticism at all. My own experience is completely the opposite. 🤷♂️
@@tinshield I’m really glad you’re getting on so well with yours, and yes sworks is same apart from the shock link which is carbon. At the end of the day reviews and rider responses are largely subjective and I just call it the way I see it. If it works for you though that’s awesome.
@@GuyKesTV no doubt and I appreciate you being frank in the review. I’ve also bought bikes with glowing reviews and after a ride or two was like WTF? So many variables.
I demo'd this bike with the hope I'd fall in love. I wasn't wowed. It felt dead and mushy on the climbs and more sluggish than I was expecting based on the reviews.
5:26 you could not be more wrong about the lockout on this bike. Thing feels like a hardtail on climbs even in the trail (middle) switch. This review is so far off from 95% of other stumpy reviews.
Every time I see a review that talks about how fast a bike feels I think how much slower my old FS felt compared to my much lighter hardtail. But when I looked at times, the FS was way quicker even on tracks that required loads of punchy sprints. Us rubbish humans are too easily fooled when it comes to judging speed. Hence why an original Mini feels faster and more exciting compared to a bigger modern car driven twice as fast. But if not racing or chasing Strava KOMs, then feeling faster may be better than being faster...if you just want some fun.
Yep totally agree, riding a 170mm full auto suspension Trek at the moment and it leaves everything for dead as soon as there's a downslope, while also feeling like its barely awake at the speeds I go. Canyon Spectral is the same. Utterly brilliant but so good it's actually as boring as hell. I wasn't just going on feel with the Stumpy though did tons of tweaking and comparative rides to try and get it to live up to its promise. It was still dramatically slower on timed runs after months of tweaking compared to the literally box fresh Izzo which I jumped on immediately after I shot this video (as in rode straight to the van, switched bikes and hit the same trails with the same people) and they're basically the same sort of bike. In the meantime a Blur, my Cotic FlareMax or even a gravel bike feels fantastic because we're both at the limit together.
@@GuyKesTV Glad to hear this. I assumed you'd done some very through testing, but as you only mentioned feel... So why do you think this bike falls flat when the Evo version is so highly regarded. As for "Utterly brilliant but so good it's actually as boring as hell." This is why I think gravel bikes have become so popular. The trails most folk ride in reality can be a bit dull and rather sanitised on a modern trail bike. Though my CX is still awesome fun on some incredibly technical trails and gets me some very fast times too. :D I think 'downcountry' bikes hit the fun quotient perfectly for me. Very capable on rough stuff, very quick without blanding the trail out.
@@JeremyLawrence-imajez all I can think is that the lay up they’ve used for the back end just sucks up the power somehow. They’re very coy about the anti squat figures but when it’s open there’s a noticeable lack of thrust compared to the Stumpy Evo and it still feels ‘soft’ even when it’s locked out.
Guy - great review and refreshing to have a true/balanced critique. I am looking at this category of bike and considering the Transition Spur, Evil The Following V3 and the Stumpjumper Expert. How would you say they compare? Any feedback would be super helpful. Many thanks again
@@GuyKesTV Moving from road bikes and gravel bike so looking for light weight, good climbing but also able to handle descents. I am not going to be hitting any big stuff (too old for that!) but I am fit and want something that will go all places. Riding in Forest of Dean, Mid/S Wales and Cotswolds mainly. Thanks for the quick reply. Cheers
Very interesting feedback, which I haven’t seen on any other review. Appreciate the honesty.
Super helpful. Thanks for the follow-up review.
Thanks for the follow up Guy! I appreciate your honesty, although I have an s works stumpjumper frame that I built up and find it to be quite a good pedaling bike and stiff under power. I’m 203cm 90kg on an s6, so maybe the big frame is laid up differently. Also the carbon yoke on the s works is much more substantial looking than the alloy yoke. I did find specialized recommended pressure too be way soft, I’m at 300psi to get 27% sag, 50psi over the suspension app setup. When compared to the xxl tall boy v3 and v4 I would put it right in the middle, not quite as firm as the v3 but less mushy than the v4. Didn’t notice any detrimental loss in frame stiffness, but v4 tall boy feels overbuilt to me.
Also the best geometry for a really tall customer that I have experienced
Recently picked up a 2024 T-type Stumpjumper Pro in the Specialized sale. Previous trail bike was 2014 (!) Camber Evo with a shock volume reducer: ride was very active but quite firm. Totally agree with the 'meh' under power. Feels very anaemic out the saddle or when pushing on the pedals. Bags of traction though and feels great on rolling / downhill trails. Have upped the shock pressure a bit beyond Specialized's recommended PSI but will keep going to see how far I can take that. Maybe I'll see if a volume spacer helps but suspect it won't as although (by design) its happy to use all its travel, it doesn't bottom out harshly at all. Bottom line is I guess I'll have to live with it and love its strengths and look past its flaws.
Did spacers help? I’m trying to decide as I have the same bike on hold. I don’t know what to do! Debating between this and the epic evo. Shop also said they like the shock on the epic evo better since it is higher volume. Wonder if that would do anything.
Guy, Thanks for the honest review. Pinkbike gushes over every bike, I don't think I've watched an honest review on that site. cheers
Thanks for your honest reviews guy!
Thanks went with the Evo expert model
@GuyKesTV Hi Guy, have you tried the alloy version of the stumpjumper? ...and if so what is your impression of that?
Love your channel good work
Thank you!
You should try the Norco Optic. I went back to back with my mates S Works Stumpy and I thought the same as you. Very controlled suspension but lacked punch. The Optic is quite opposite, very firm, very damped. I call it a hardtail lovers full sus. I'm not sure there is a more perfect bike out there for me!
Yeah I was lucky enough to have an Optic as a long termer. Suspension is insane on that bike. Like you say feels like it’s way too hard but it’s actually perfect for properly charging on.
@GuyKesTV, what volume spacer did you settle on and how much sag were you running when you got it sorted out?
What were you suspension set up numbers
Thanks for the great videos
Sorry Walter, I can’t remember now but I went through all sorts of different set ups
Sorry Walter, I can’t remember now but I went through all sorts of different set ups
So in summery: would you advise me the Stumpy Evo for western Europe xc/trail with bad knees and tricky back? The Epic Evo is too forward posture wise fo me. Would really appreciate your answer!
Hi, I managed to sort the pedal bob, but there’s still a softness about the bike that just seems to make it much slower under power than it should be. I had a YT Izzo straight after and that felt much more alive. Much better spec for the money too.
ua-cam.com/video/slV838E41U8/v-deo.html
@@GuyKesTV Thanks! I wanted the Izzo, but they are completely sold out this year at least... The thing is that you are the only reviewer who speaks about this softness, everybody else raves about the climbing spirit and pedaling speed. Point is I trust your jugdement, but don't understand the others.... Do you?
@@btentusscher If you look around you can hear other people hinting at it bobbing or being a bit awkward to tune but in a lot of cases you'll see the super light S-Works version tested alongside lower spec or heavier bikes. I really really wanted to like the bike as it should be ideal for me but jumping back and forth between it and the Stumpjumper Evo on the launch it was very obviously mushier even with same tyres and less travel. The fact that I was the only one saying it publically was why I wanted to get it back and really dig deep to try and solve it too but whatever I tried whenever we swapped around with other bikes and my test crew it just always felt slow and saggy even with lighter wheels and faster tyres on so I can only think it's a structural thing. The Evo which is a lot lighter feels a lot sharper though. That's a pain about the Izzo and the Canyon Neuron is pretty spongey too. Giant Trance Carbon could be worth a look and the Scott Spark is still an awesome bike in 120mm and the Genius pedals really well in 150mm. Yeti, Pivot and Santa Cruz all feel good under power too but you're obviously stepping up a long way in price there.
@@GuyKesTV You are a great help, thanks! Are you talking about the Stumpy Evo or Epic Evo? The more XC bikes like Orbea Oiz TR and Scott Spark are too racy for my back... You think the Giant Trance is firmer/sharper while climbing?
Im thinking of getting the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy 29er 2022 . Have you rode this bike yet. ? Would love a bit of feed back . Thanks mate.
It’s due very shortly mate so if you can hold on a bit I’ll be all over it.
Ey up Darren, just heard from Spesh that I should have it within the week. Excited!
@@GuyKesTV nice one mate. And thanks for keeping me posted . Looking forward to the viewing 😀
Guy, I had the exact same experience, I got fed up after 6 month with the soft feel, I just sold it.. onto the Epic
Yeah it’s weird isn’t it. Even with no obvious bob when it’s in pedal mode on the shock it’s just not that interested in going fast under power. Hope the Epic is working out for you. Evo?
@@GuyKesTV yes, got the Epic Evo, totally impressed, maybe even better than the Blur TR I was considering.
@@McDaidVideo thanks, I’m deciding between the epic evo and stumpy atm
I find this review odd. Many, many reviews stating how snapy and firm this is. This one review is the outlier. Makes me wonder about a lot of things with this bike. In the end it comes down to shock tune not the bike itself i think?
Yep, don’t worry I know that this bike has had a LOT of love. Mainly on the S-works version though. Plus I’d say that having done everything possible with the shock tune/tyres/wheels etc. and the fact that its underwhelming when locked out too the softness comes from the frame. There’s a hint of it in the Evo too compared to the stiffest frames but overall I frikkin love that bike and it definitely pedals more positively overall.
@@GuyKesTV So it is a shock tune issue? Whats the difference to the sworks? Performance elite vs factory shock? Funny. The parking lot test showed the evo as better peddling. That was weird. Other tests say that you cover way more ground on the stumpy vs the Evo
Interesting - every other review on this bike states the opposite. I just read one review that said it was the best climbing bike in its class. I have 3-4 reviews that rave about the climbing.
Yep I know, I would point out that they're all related to the S-Works bikes which buy a lot of gravity avoidance and if you look into the detail they rave about the weight but not the pedalling characteristics. The one Pinkbike did with the power pedals is interesting though. All I can say is I tried for months to make it fly using every trick I knew as in theory it's the ideal bike for me. I had a lot of chats with the development team at Specialized during the process to try and dial the shock too. Back to back with the standard Stumpy though in my opinion there's just something missing under power and definitely a drag compared to the Epic Evo.
@@GuyKesTV I have the S-Works frame and assume the shock is the same? I think the tune works for me setting the lever in the middle. Looking at my times historically the bike is definitely one of the faster climbers I’ve owned and, by far, the best trail bike out of the saddle. Geometry is bang on as well. I’m definitely not jiving with the criticism at all. My own experience is completely the opposite. 🤷♂️
@@tinshield I’m really glad you’re getting on so well with yours, and yes sworks is same apart from the shock link which is carbon. At the end of the day reviews and rider responses are largely subjective and I just call it the way I see it. If it works for you though that’s awesome.
@@GuyKesTV no doubt and I appreciate you being frank in the review. I’ve also bought bikes with glowing reviews and after a ride or two was like WTF? So many variables.
I demo'd this bike with the hope I'd fall in love. I wasn't wowed. It felt dead and mushy on the climbs and more sluggish than I was expecting based on the reviews.
5:26 you could not be more wrong about the lockout on this bike. Thing feels like a hardtail on climbs even in the trail (middle) switch. This review is so far off from 95% of other stumpy reviews.
I came here hoping to see this comment. Coming from a 150/150 stumpy, this thing feels like a rigid bike lmao
Every time I see a review that talks about how fast a bike feels I think how much slower my old FS felt compared to my much lighter hardtail. But when I looked at times, the FS was way quicker even on tracks that required loads of punchy sprints. Us rubbish humans are too easily fooled when it comes to judging speed. Hence why an original Mini feels faster and more exciting compared to a bigger modern car driven twice as fast.
But if not racing or chasing Strava KOMs, then feeling faster may be better than being faster...if you just want some fun.
Yep totally agree, riding a 170mm full auto suspension Trek at the moment and it leaves everything for dead as soon as there's a downslope, while also feeling like its barely awake at the speeds I go. Canyon Spectral is the same. Utterly brilliant but so good it's actually as boring as hell. I wasn't just going on feel with the Stumpy though did tons of tweaking and comparative rides to try and get it to live up to its promise. It was still dramatically slower on timed runs after months of tweaking compared to the literally box fresh Izzo which I jumped on immediately after I shot this video (as in rode straight to the van, switched bikes and hit the same trails with the same people) and they're basically the same sort of bike. In the meantime a Blur, my Cotic FlareMax or even a gravel bike feels fantastic because we're both at the limit together.
@@GuyKesTV Glad to hear this. I assumed you'd done some very through testing, but as you only mentioned feel...
So why do you think this bike falls flat when the Evo version is so highly regarded.
As for "Utterly brilliant but so good it's actually as boring as hell." This is why I think gravel bikes have become so popular. The trails most folk ride in reality can be a bit dull and rather sanitised on a modern trail bike. Though my CX is still awesome fun on some incredibly technical trails and gets me some very fast times too. :D
I think 'downcountry' bikes hit the fun quotient perfectly for me. Very capable on rough stuff, very quick without blanding the trail out.
@@JeremyLawrence-imajez all I can think is that the lay up they’ve used for the back end just sucks up the power somehow. They’re very coy about the anti squat figures but when it’s open there’s a noticeable lack of thrust compared to the Stumpy Evo and it still feels ‘soft’ even when it’s locked out.
@@GuyKesTV Curious to see what next iteration of bike is like then. Have you ridden any other copies of same bike model to see if you have a duff one?
Guy - great review and refreshing to have a true/balanced critique. I am looking at this category of bike and considering the Transition Spur, Evil The Following V3 and the Stumpjumper Expert. How would you say they compare? Any feedback would be super helpful. Many thanks again
What are your priorities Jamie? In terms of firm pedalling, blasting through big stuff, weight, traction, super confident handling.
@@GuyKesTV Moving from road bikes and gravel bike so looking for light weight, good climbing but also able to handle descents. I am not going to be hitting any big stuff (too old for that!) but I am fit and want something that will go all places. Riding in Forest of Dean, Mid/S Wales and Cotswolds mainly. Thanks for the quick reply. Cheers
@@jamiecole3254 sorry forgot one vital question. Budget?
@@GuyKesTV £5k ish