When the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo 2018 was unveiledit was intended to polarise. It was a Concept bike in raw aluminium, a wacky idea from the developers that somehow made it into series production. Super-slack head angle, long frame with super-low bottom bracket paired with only moderate suspension travel of 140 or 150 millimetres. Who would even want to ride that? But contrary to expectations, the bike sold like hotcakes.
Specialized is now completely redesigning the Stumpjumper Evo for 2021. What began in 2018 as an experiment with just aluminium and a single component variant quickly became a bestseller. Now a new bike is in the starting blocks that consistently implements the lessons learnt from the experimental predecessor bike. 150 millimetres of rear travel, which is now significantly more progressive, paired with a 160 millimetre fork. 29-inch wheels, a flat and highly customisable geometry - these are the most important key data.
The "ultimate trail bike" - lightweight frame and progressive suspension
To make the bike the "ultimate trail bike", as the marketing promises, Specialized has scrutinised almost every detail. The frame, which according to the manufacturer now weighs 2750 grams in size S4 with shock, has been redesigned from the ground up. Visually, it is modelled on the asymmetrical chassis of the "normal" Stumpjumper, but in terms of kinematics it is based on the Enduro. Accordingly, the rear axle should now move backwards and upwards at the same time during compression. This should make it easier to overcome obstacles with less loss of momentum. Thanks to the increased progression, the rear suspension should also offer more reserves for a fast pace, which the flat geometry invites anyway.
Geometry: From super flat to moderate
And speaking of geometry: the steering angle can now be lowered to a super-slack 63 degrees. However, if you want to be more playful, you can also raise the steering angle up to 65.5 degrees. This wide adjustment range is made possible by the combination of a flip chip in the chainstays and an angled headset supplied as standard. The former lengthens and shortens the chainstays by five millimetres and raises and lowers the bottom bracket by seven millimetres, which also changes the steering angle by half a degree. With the latter, the steering angle can be specifically adjusted in three 1-degree increments. This means that the new Stumpjumper Evo can be optimised for almost any riding situation: from pedal-heavy, flat trails to steep and fast descents. By the way: If you want, you can even ride the Stumpjumper Evo with a small rear wheel. However, this requires a new shock linkage, which is only available as an accessory (exception: Ltd model, see below).
Stumpjumper Evo: Sizes S1 to S6
As before, the Stumpjumper Evo will not be available in the classic frame sizes (S, M, L, XL), but in so-called S sizes (S1-S6). This is intended to encourage customers to select the bike not only according to their body size, but also according to their personal preference. The standover height of the bike is therefore deliberately low so that smaller riders can also choose larger sizes. An initial test showed that the concept actually works. With a height of a good 1.80 metres and a stride length of 87 centimetres, we were able to choose between the short and playful S3, the standard size S4 (roughly equivalent to L) or the long and smooth-running S5, without having to exhaust the insertion depth or the extension of the seat post at the upper or lower end.
Also worthy of praise: the frame that grows with you. If you opt for the S5 or the S6, the length of the chainstays increases by ten millimetres from 438 to 448 millimetres. This is intended to support the most balanced riding experience possible. The carbon layup of the different frame sizes should also be adapted to the different rider weights so that the S1 frame is not too stiff and the S6 frame is not too soft.
From 4499 euros - five equipment options in carbon fibre
There will be five model variants of the new Specialized Stumpjumper Evo, initially all in carbon. It starts with the 4499 Euro Stumpjumper Evo Competitionwhich, with SLX components for brakes and drivetrain and Fox 36 Rhythm and DPX2 shock, doesn't break any weight records, but is already solidly equipped. Even the Expert for 5499 euros offers the high-end Fox 36 Performance Elite fork with Grip2 damper unit (high and low-speed rebound and compression damping), a significantly higher quality drivetrain (Sram GX/X01) and Code brakes. Roval carbon wheels are then available from the 7999 Euro Pro modelThe Fox Factory suspension and many other carbon parts are beyond reproach. With Sram's electronic AXS components, the S-Works but goes one step further, but also costs 10499 Euro.
Somewhat out of line is the Stumpjumper Evo Ltd built in a wheel mixwith steel spring shock absorber (Super Deluxe Select Plus Coil), thicker Rockshox ZEB fork and a small 27.5-inch rear wheel is aimed at those who really want to let it rip. However, the special damper linkage, which enables riding with a small rear wheel, can also be purchased as an accessory for all other models. Otherwise, the equipment of the Ltd model with GX/XO1 mix in the drivetrain and code brakes is similar to that of the Expert.
SWAT box and tools
As is usual with Specialized carbon frames, all models feature a SWAT box under the bottle cage, in which smaller spare parts, bars, thin jackets and accessories can be stowed practically in the frame. A tool sits either on the bottle cage or in the stem and is therefore always ready to hand in case of doubt. New for this year is the slightly increased volume of the SWAT box and a water bladder, with which 645 ml of water can also be stowed in the down tube to refill the bottle on the go.
First ride impression Stumpjumper Evo Expert: Smooth running!
As part of the presentation in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, we had the opportunity to get to grips with the Expert model of the new Stumpjumper Evo for a day. The S5 model in particular, which we rode, shone with its exceptionally smooth ride and unagitated handling, yet remained surprisingly lively thanks to the poppy suspension. Big drops and bumpy straights at high speeds hardly scare the bike. Here it gives many an enduro bike a run for its money. The rear suspension is sensitive, but still utilises the travel well despite the increased progression. However, we didn't notice any hard bottoming out. In tight corners, the Stumpjumper Evo has to be ridden with a bit of pressure thanks to the long chainstays (448 millimetres) and almost 500 millimetres of reach on the S5 model. However, due to the large frame size, this is hardly surprising (dangers: S5 instead of the recommended standard size S4). With a bike in size S4 or even S3, the play instinct can probably be regained, even if the extreme confidence is then somewhat less pronounced.
The Stumpjumper Evo also demonstrates good manners on the climbs. Thanks to the steep seat angle (around 77 degrees), the centre of gravity is well balanced between the wheels and the pedalling is comfortable. Even when the trail points steeply uphill. The rear suspension only bobs slightly when pedalling and - unlike the old Stumpjumper - you only need to reach for the shock platform when pedalling in the saddle. However, the bike is not a real uphill rocket, but long tours should not be a problem according to this first impression. In combination with the fearsome downhill performance, this is a successful first performance.
All information about the new Specialised bikes for 2021 and the weights for the Stumpjumper Evo can be found in BIKE 12/20 - in stores and in the digital edition from 3 November.
All further information can be found on the Website of the manufacturer.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
