As one of the best-rated mountain bikes on the market, the Stumpjumper Expert has undergone updates while maintaining its stellar reputation. In this review, we'll explore its key features and performance.
Design and Build
The Stumpjumper Expert features a robust carbon frame, combining strength and lightweight construction for optimum performance. Its 29er platform offers improved rolling efficiency and stability, ensuring a confident ride across various trail types.
Performance on the Trails
Equipped with Grid Trail casing tires, the Stumpjumper Expert offers enhanced puncture resistance and sidewall support, instilling confidence during aggressive riding. The suspension system incorporates Flex seat stays, deviating from Specialized's signature 4-bar design to deliver 130mm of travel. The Fox 34 Performance Elite fork with Grip2 damper controls the 140mm front travel, providing exceptional response and stability.
Climbing Efficiency
The Stumpjumper Expert tackles steep climbs with efficiency. Its SRAM 10-52t Eagle cassette offers a wide gear range, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted pedaling even on the steepest ascents. The bike's geometry and suspension design maintain traction and minimize energy loss, enabling riders to push through challenging uphill sections.
Handling and Control
Specialized has prioritized handling and control in the Stumpjumper Expert's design. The bike features adjustable geometry via an asymmetric insert in the shock eyelet, allowing riders to fine-tune the head angle. In the low setting, the head angle measures 65.1º, offering stability and confident handling. The oversized 35mm cockpit, including the forged alloy stem and alloy bar, further enhances control and precision.
Componentry
The Stumpjumper Expert is equipped with high-quality components that contribute to its overall stellar performance. The SRAM G2 4-piston rear brake provides reliable stopping power, although riders weighing over 75kg may consider upgrading the rear rotor for optimal performance. The OneUp dropper seatpost, combined with the Bridge Comp saddle, offers comfort and versatility during long rides.
Weight and Frame Design
The Stumpjumper Expert impresses with its weight-saving measures. Weighing in at an impressive 13.5kg, making it lighter than its counterpart, the Stumpjumper Expert Evo, and comparable models in its class. The weight reduction is achieved through thoughtful component choices, including the Fox 34 fork and lighter inline Fox DPS shock, but much of the weight saving can be attributed to the carbon frame.
Suspension and Flex-Stay Design
Specialized's decision to adopt a flex-stay rear end in the Stumpjumper Expert offers weight savings and increased reliability. The rear suspension's behavior, similar to a single pivot system, enhances traction while the flex in the seat stays acts as a secondary spring, requiring increased force to compress the suspension. This design choice contributes to an active suspension that provides grip and support without compromising full travel potential.
Conclusion
The Specialized Stumpjumper Expert stands as a testament to its legacy and reputation as a top-tier full-suspension mountain bike. With its lightweight carbon frame design, precision handling, and top-notch components, it delivers exceptional performance on the trails. Whether you seek agility on climbs or confidence on descents, the Stumpjumper Expert is a winner in our eyes.
