Endurance test performance: 3,384 km, 73,000 metres in altitude
I had already heard a lot about the legendary reputation of the "Stumpy". My favourite 29-inch bike was sold out, so I had to switch to the 26er carbon Expert with 140 mm suspension travel. Equipped with the latest trail technology, the 2012 Stumpjumper has nothing in common with the hardtail classic of 30 years ago. The in-house Brain rear suspension system forms the centrepiece of the entire Stumpjumper system. This is where you can feel all the years of development most clearly: the suspension of the carbon bike is one of the finest I have ever ridden. Once you get used to the feeling of the automatic lockout, the rear suspension inspires with its fine response behaviour and full traction in every situation. The set-up with the auto-sag function worked more than simply for me. Only the fork without a thru-axle doesn't fit in with the stiff chassis and 142 mm thru-axle. I only used the lowered fork on extremely steep ramps, as the geometry of the Stumpjumper is just as balanced as its suspension. I was able to get over the fact that the gears lacked precision and the tubeless system was a little twitchy. The only thing I didn't like was the constant squeaking of the Formula stoppers.
ConclusionTrail bike in a class of its own with a fine Brain rear triangle; the more than positive overall impression was not spoilt by the shifting and braking problems.
Defects and material changes
- 50 km - SQ-Lab saddle and grips fitted
- 70 km - Formula Matchmaker clamp broken
- 1750 km - brake pads worn out, change on tour
- 2100 km - Flats because tubeless failed, tubes in
- 2700 km - Worn brake pads and chain
