Issue #036, Review - December 21, 2018

Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29 Review

At first glance, the new Specialized Stumpjumper looks pretty conservative. You won’t find any extreme geometry or glaring designs here. Nevertheless, on the trail the bike is a party machine – how can that be?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best trail bike you can buy

**Specialized** S-Works Stumpjumper 29 | 150/140 mm (f/r) | 12.78 kg | € 8,999

For years, The Specialized Stumpjumper has been the benchmark to beat in the trail bike segment, and it’s already been revised several times. The latest version not only features revised and updated geometry but also – and this is the most striking feature – an asymmetrically designed front triangle. An additional brace between the top tube and the seat tube is intended to improve the stiffness of the frame. To make room for the brace, the shock had to be moved a little to the left. Specialized has also enlarged the SWAT box and created even more space for trail essentials. The S-Works Stumpjumper is equipped with lightweight Roval Traverse SL wheels, FOX Factory suspension with a 36 mm fork and a SRAM X01 drivetrain. Specialized has also specced a new 160 mm version of their Command Post dropper seatpost. Unfortunately, it often didn’t lock in the extended position during our review. Another feature typical for Specialized is the brilliant integration of the tool in the head tube of the S-Works model, always within reach with just a flick of the hand.

One for all – the Stumpjumper really can do everything.

The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29 in detail

Federgabel FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 150 mm
Schock FOX DPX2 Factory 140 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RSC 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle
Seatpost Specialized Command Post IRcc 160
Stem Syntace Megaforce 55 mm
Handlebar Specialized Trail Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset Roval Traverse SL
Tires Specialized Butcher/Purgatory
Weight 12.78 kg
Price € 8,999

**Very quiet**
You won’t find annoying rattling on the Stumpjumper. One reason for this is the specially developed chainstay guard.

**unreliable**
Despite all our efforts, the new Specialized IRcc Command Post seatpost didn’t stay locked in the extended position – annoying.

**Futuristic**
The asymmetrically positioned shock looks amazing. It is hard to say whether the brace really makes a significant improvement to the stiffness. One thing’s for sure: the bike looks damn good!

**Practical**
Specialized has integrated the most important tools directly into the frame, stowing a mini tool in the head tube. There is also a chain breaker on the bike as well as space for a spare tube and a pump in the downtube.

GeometrY of the Specialized Stumpjumper

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	380 mm	410 mm	455 mm	505 mm
Top tube	572 mm	595 mm	628 mm	662 mm
Head tube	95 mm	95 mm	125 mm	140 mm
Head angle	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°
Seat angle	74.8°	74.8°	74.8°	74.8°
Chainstay	437 mm	437 mm	437 mm	437 mm
BB Height	342 mm	342 mm	342 mm	342 mm
Wheelbase	1149 mm	1169 mm	1201 mm	1232 mm
Reach	405 mm	425 mm	445 mm	470 mm
Stack	614 mm	614 mm	641 mm	656 mm

**Helmet** Specialized Ambush | **Shirt** ION Traze_Amp | **Short** ION Traze_Amp | **Shoes** Specialized 2FO Cliplite

The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29 on the trail

One of Specialized’s strengths is that you immediately feel right at home when you get on one of their bikes – as is also the case with the Stumpjumper. You’ve hardly got your feet on the pedals and already everything seems very familiar. The sitting position is slightly stretched and very comfortable. Riders with long legs should push the saddle forward to avoid sitting too far above the rear wheel. Getting going, the Stumpy quickly picks up speed, not least thanks to the light wheels. In technical terrain, the bike offers a lot of traction, but due to the low bottom bracket, you have to pay attention to the position of the pedals. On long forest-road climbs, it’s worth reaching for the climb switch on the shock – with this kind of riding the suspension tends to bob slightly. Overall, however, the Stumpjumper is a very efficient climber.

**Tuning tip:** more powerful brakes / more reliable dropper seatpost

Though the low bottom bracket sometimes gets annoying on the climb, it also helps with the Stumpy’s excellent handling on the descents. The rider’s position is nicely integrated between the big wheels, distributing your weight perfectly between the front and the back. This makes the Stumpy’s handling extremely agile and intuitive. Changing direction happens almost by itself and the faster you go from left to right, the more the Stumpjumper is in its element. The suspension very successfully combines sensitivity, traction and support, and due to the freedom of movement you’re given on the bike, it constantly invites you to play with the terrain. Super rough, high-speed blasts, however, are not what the Stumpy is made for, informing its rider early on when it’s time to get on the brakes and slow down.

Conclusion

The Specialized Stumpjumper is still a great definition of how a trail bike should ride. It climbs excellently and is a lot of fun on the descents. Small weaknesses in the spec and the somewhat nervous high-speed handling cost it the group test victory this time.

Tops

very balanced and fun handling
plush and lively rear end
SWAT stowage is simply ingenious

Flops

sitting position a little far to the rear on the climbs
brakes and seatpost
a little nervous at higher speeds

Uphill

Downhill

Stability

Agility

Value for money

More info at: specialized.com