Issue #042, Review - February 4, 2020

Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper SRAM AXS on test – the classic among trail bikes

On paper, the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper looks quite outdated. The geometry is rather compact, the suspension is linear and yet this bike remains an excellent choice for the majority of riders. How come?

Click here for an overview of the best trail bike in test.

Any rider who has ever enjoyed the convenience of Specialized’s SWAT system won’t ever want a bike without it. Specialized’s current Stumpjumper also features the practical storage space in the down tube and a mini tool stowed in the head tube. But that isn’t the only special feature of the carbon frame. An additional side arm connects the top tube with the seat tube to optimise stiffness on the carbon frame. But this attention to detail is also reflected in the price. At € 10,699, the Stumpjumper is the most expensive bike on test. As you might expect, that also means top-notch componentry throughout. The 150 mm RockShox PIKE Ultimate RC2 fork is just as impressive as the powerful SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 200 mm rotors front and rear. Lightweight Roval Traverse SL wheels cut the weight to a slender 13.32 kg on the scales. The 170 mm RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post guarantees maximum freedom of movement on the bike. There is nothing to complain about on the cockpit either, though we would recommend removing the spacers under the stem to compensate for the long head tube and the rise of the bars.

Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper SRAM AXS 29

€ 10,699

Specifications

Fork RockShox Pike Ultimate RC2
Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 170 mm
Brakes SRAM Code RSC 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 30/10-50
Stem Deity Copperhead 50
Handlebar Specialized Trail FACT Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset Roval Traverse SL
Tires Specialized Butcher/Eliminator GRID Trail GRID 2,6/2,3

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 13,32 kg
Wheelsize 29"
Travel (f/r) 150/140 mm

**To the front!**
Because of the slack seat tube angle, we recommend pushing the saddle all the way forwards.

**Lower is better**
Coupled with the low bottom bracket and high rise handlebar, the front end is rather tall and we recommend removing the spacers under the stem for a more balanced ride.

**Awesome!**
Specialized’s SWAT system is still a unique selling point and for a lot of customers it’s likely a key reason for buying

**A good combination**
The Roval Traverse SL wheels are nice and light, making the climbs that much easier

**Good choice**
The 30 tooth chainring underlines the bike’s all-round character. Like this, the Stumpy is perfectly equipped for all-day epics.

**Very quiet**
Thanks to the specially designed chainstay protector, the Stumpjumper is super quiet going downhill – that’s how it should be!

**Covered**
Specialized have covered up the gap where rocks and dirt used to get caught

**Powerful**
The SRAM CODE RSC brakes combined with the 200 mm rotors front and rear provide maximum stopping power while still being easy to modulate

Geometry of the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper

Long reach and slack head angle – these are the two indicators of modern geometry. While some brands battle it out with increasingly radical values, Specialized have kept the Stumpjumper conservative. The 445 mm reach on the size L is short and the 66.5° head angle is steep. The seat tube angle is also rather slack at 74.1°. Only the short 455 mm seat tube and the low bottom bracket are evidence of the fact that the frame hasn’t been on the market that long.

An absolute classic – the Specialized Stumpjumper lives up to its reputation, but it’s starting to show signs of ageing!

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°
Chainstays	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

The S-Works Stumpjumper on test

Before doing anything else with the Stumpjumper we recommend sliding the saddle all the way forward as otherwise, the slack seat tube angle puts your weight too far towards the back. Once you’ve adjusted the saddle, the riding position is very comfortable and perfectly suitable for long outings. The rear suspension underlines this, being tuned more for comfort than maximum efficiency. This means that the bike does suffer from pedal bob, but it also provides a lot of traction and sensitively absorbs all bumps. Thanks to the light wheels, the bike climbs easily.

Super comfortable! Both the rear suspension and the geometry of the Stumpjumper are designed with comfort in mind.

Going downhill, you’ll immediately feel comfortable aboard the Stumpjumper. Due to the compact geometry and the low bottom bracket, it is very easy to generate an even amount of grip with both wheels, making easy work of quick direction changes. The suspension performs as sensitively on the descents as it does on the climbs. It provides a lot of traction, but active riders will want more support at the rear. When pumping the bike and on hard landings, it uses up its 140 mm travel too readily. To compensate for this, it helps to increase the low-speed compression of the rear suspension slightly. In steep terrain, the bike’s ample standover clearance and tall front end instil you with confidence, though the Stumpjumper lacks composure at high speeds.

Tuning tips: push the saddle forwards | remove the spacers under the stem

**Helmet** iXS Trigger AM | **Glasses** Oakley Jawbreaker | **Shirt** Fox Ranger | **Short** POC Resistance Enduro Light Shorts | **Kneepads** FOX Launch Pro | **Hip Bag** USWE Zulo 2l

How does the Specialized Stumpjumper compare to the competition?

Despite similar numbers, the Specialized Stumpjumper and the SCOTT Genius couldn’t be more different. While the SCOTT focuses on efficiency, the Specialized is all about comfort and confidence. The Genius is livelier and more direct as you accelerate, while the Stumpy conserves your energy on long rides and instils you with confidence in demanding terrain. Unfortunately, neither can keep up with the Ibis Ripmo. The latter offers a better pedalling position on the climbs and covers ground efficiently, as well as offering a lot more reserves on the descents while remaining highly agile.

Riding Characteristics

Uphill

sluggish
efficient

Agility

cumbersome
playful

Stability

nervous
confident

Handling

demanding
balanced

Suspension

harsh
plush

Fun Factor

planted
poppy

Value for money

terrible
very good

Intended Use

XC

Trail

Enduro

Downhill

Conclusion of the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper SRAM AXS

The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper is still one of the most fun and versatile bikes on the market. It impressed us with its intuitive, stable and easy handling and is very comfortable to ride. However, active riders will want more mid-stroke support and composure. The SWAT system is still brilliant, but the hefty price of the whole package is a flop!

Tops

intuitive handling
very comfortable
SWAT system

Flops

price
inefficient suspension on the climbs
slightly nervous at higher speeds

For more information head to specialized.com

The test field