Do you know what a hot rod is? The fiery red Ford truck of guitar rockers ZZ Top, for example. In bike terms, a hot rod is the Evo model within the Stumpjumper range. Evo means here: Tuning ex works. One centimetre more suspension travel, flatter geometry, telescopic seatpost, no lowering of the fork. The double crankset (36/24) with chain guide and bashguard is a tribute to the over-lying tree hopping. What the Stumpjumper thus loses in marathon suitability, it makes for even more good humour on technical trails. As soon as you sit on the bike, you become friends with it. The riding position and geometry are perfect. All testers described the integration of the dropper post lever into the handlebar grip as a success, and one rider even found the lack of fork drop a relief: "You have one less option to worry about and can concentrate fully on the trail - there's something to that. The wild mix in the groupset can be tolerated in view of the sensibly put together all-mountain equipment. On rocky trails, like on Lake Garda, the tyres are pleasantly grippy but borderline narrow, at least at the rear.
ConclusionIf you avoid forest tracks and endurance sessions, you've come to the right place. The SJ Evo is a unique fun bike for technical trails. For some riders, it is the definition of a "mountain" bike.
PLUS Great riding characteristics, clever All-Mtn. equipment
MINUS Fork cannot be lowered, limited gear ratio
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