The air pressure table on the fork reveals the correct fork setup. We'd always like it to be that easy. Specialized leaves no doubt that the green speedster is built for the downhill. The Americans consistently orientate every component towards downhill fun. Wide rims, stable, grippy tyres, short stem, 200 mm front brake disc. The other side of the coin is the 14.2 kilos ready to ride, which makes you sweat a lot more on the climbs than the Cube, for example. Downhill, the Stumpi slips into the role of mental trainer. The feeling of absolute safety and superiority over the trail comes directly at the entrance to the terrain. In difficult sections, the bike even encourages you to open the brakes and tackle key sections faster and more safely than the rest of the test field. The componentry is not competitive with Sram X7/X9 parts.
Conclusion: King of the descent! Steep terrain, nasty boulders, high speed - the Stumpjumper doesn't shy away from anything except an endless climb.
The alternative: Can you cope with less suspension travel? Then the Camber Comp 29 Carbon is the right choice. 120 mm suspension, carbon chassis, SWAT opening in the down tube for tools and tube. Price: 3999 euros.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 2/2016 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
