Specialized Stumpjumper EVO 2021 on test – Rock ‘n’ roll all night, party all day

At first glance, the 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO looks a lot less radical than its predecessor. However, it performs even better and screams rock’n’roll on the trail! What makes it such a party animal?

The all-new Stumpjumper EVO 2021 in detail

The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. It’s radical geometry with a super slack head angle and very low bottom bracket made for quite a hot topic of conversation. However, the bike was only available in two sizes. The 2021 Stumpjumper EVO is much less radical on the first glance, but it fits better into the future line-up. It’s available in six sizes from S1 to S6, offering 160 mm travel up front and 150 mm at the rear, except for the smallest model, which only offers 150 mm travel up front and 145 mm at the rear.

All Stumpjumper EVO models roll on 29″ wheels as standard, though the bike can also be converted to a mixed setup with a 27.5″ wheel on the rear. This is made possible by an optionally available rocker link. However, the geometry of the new Stumpy EVO can be extensively adapted even without having to swap out the rocker link. Besides the flip chip on the chainstay, which allows you to adjust the bottom bracket height, the angle-adjust headset also gives you the option of adjusting the head tube angle between 63–65.5°.

Even if the bike looks very similar to the previous Stumpjumper, Specialized have overhauled the geometry as well as the rear end. The leverage ratio of the new Stumpy is more progressive and the wheel path is more rearward. The travel has also been increased to 150 mm. Specialized continue to rely on their proven asymmetric frame design to ensure optimal stiffness of the front triangle. The ingenious SWAT box is now 15% larger than on the previous Stumpjumper and Specialized have even created a 650 ml hydration bladder that fits perfectly into the box – awesome! As we’ve come to expect from Specialized, the Stumpy EVO is equipped with a thick chainstay protector that effectively dampens the chain and the cables are routed internally through foam sleeves to suppress any annoying rattling.

Your riding style decides, not the length of your legs

For several years now, Specialized have been designating their MTB frame sizes with S1, S2, S3 etc, which stands for style specific sizing. In other words, the rider can choose the frame sizes depending on their preferred riding style. Ideally, you can choose from up to three possible frame sizes. If you usually ride a frame size M, the S3 Specialized will make for a good all-rounder. You can also resort to the S2 model for more agile handling or ride the bike in S4 for maximum composure. This is made possible by short seat tubes with a length of only 385–465 mm, which also provides a lot of freedom of movement on the bike. Particularly short or tall riders have a little less choice.

Fully customizable – up to 12 different geometry options

As already mentioned, the new Stumpjumper EVO not only has a flip chip in the chainstay via which you can adjust the bottom bracket height by 7 mm, you can also use various headset cups to adjust the head angle in three positions from 63–65.5°. That already gives you six different configurations. On top of that, the bike can be ridden with a 27.5″ wheel on the rear with the help of an optionally available rocker link, which doubles the options. To stay within the scope of this review, we’ll stick with the factory settings.

The bike is available in a total of six sizes. At a height of 180 cm, we chose to go for the bike in S4. The 475 mm reach offered a nice balance. The seat tube angle is significantly steeper than its predecessor at just under 77°. The chainstays are 438 mm in size S4, growing to 448 mm in S5 and S6. With a drop of 35 mm, the bottom bracket is already quite low in the high setting, dropping by another 7 mm in the low setting. All models come with a 44 mm offset fork.

The geometry at a glance:

Size	S1	S2	S3	S4	S5	S6
Top tube	538 mm	564 mm	590 mm	623 mm	647 mm	679 mm
Seat tube	385 mm	385 mm	405 mm	425 mm	445 mm	465 mm
Head tube	95 mm	95 mm	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm	135 mm
Head angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat angle	78.0°	77.6°	77.2°	76.9°	77.0°	77.0°
BB Drop	40 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm
Wheelbase	1,167 mm	1,191 mm	1,216 mm	1,247 mm	1,285 mm	1,319 mm
Chainstays	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	448 mm	448 mm
Reach	408 mm	428 mm	448 mm	475 mm	498 mm	528 mm
Stack	613 mm	617 mm	626 mm	635 mm	644 mm	654 mm

The five different builds of the 2021 Stumpjumper EVO in detail

The new Specialized Stumpjumper EVO is available in five different builds at prices ranging from € 4,499-10,499. Admittedly, that’s a lot of money. The reason for this is that the bike is initially only available with a carbon frame. The Comp, Expert, Pro and S-Works models all rely on air suspension consisting of a FOX 36 fork and DPX2 shock. Of course, these will come from FOX’s higher or lower end range, depending on the model. We’re happy to report that all bikes come equipped with four-piston brakes and, apart from the Comp model, they’re paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear. In addition, Specialized have specced long-travel dropper posts across the range. The Butcher and Eliminator tire combo has been revised too, using a softer rubber compound on the front tire for more grip.

The best value for money is certainly the Expert model for € 5,499, which already comes equipped with a GRIP2 fork, a SRAM X01 drivetrain and CODE RS brakes. There is a Ltd version of the Stumpjumper EVO going for € 5,699, featuring a coil shock and a RockShox ZEB fork.

The different models at a glance:

Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO | 10.499 €

Fork FOX FLOAT 36 Factory GRIP2 150/160 mm
Rear shock FOX FLOAT DPX2 Factory 150 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 1×12
Brakes SRAM Code RSC, 4-Kolben 200/200 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS (S1: 100 mm, S2: 125 mm, S3: 150 mm, S4-S6: 170 mm)
Bars Roval Traverse SL Carbon 800 mm
Stem Deity Copperhead
Rims/Hubs Roval Traverse SL 29/Roval Traverse SL
Tires Butcher GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″/Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″

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Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro | 7.999 €

Fork FOX FLOAT 36 Factory GRIP2 150/160 mm
Rear shock FOX FLOAT DPX2 Factory 150 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12
Brakes SRAM Code RSC, 4-Kolben 200/200 mm
Seatpost Fox Transfer Factory (S1: 125 mm, S2/S3: 155 mm, S4-S6: 175 mm)
Bars Roval Traverse SL Carbon 800 mm
Stem Deity Copperhead
Rims/Hubs Roval Traverse Carbon 29/DT Swiss 350
Tires Butcher GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″/Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″

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Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Expert | 5.499 €

Fork FOX FLOAT 36 Performance Elite GRIP2 150/160 mm
Rear shock FOX FLOAT DPX2 Performance Elite 150 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12
Brakes SRAM Code RS, 4-Kolben 200/200 mm
Seatpost X-Fusion Manic (S1: 100 mm, S2: 125 mm, S3: 150 mm, S4/S5: 170 mm, S6: 190 mm)
Bars Specialized Trail 7050 alloy 780 mm
Stem Alloy Trail Stem
Rims/Hubs Roval Traverse 29 Alloy/Roval
Tires Butcher GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″/Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″

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Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp | 4.499 €

Fork FOX FLOAT 36 Rhythm GRIP 150/160 mm
Rear shock FOX FLOAT DPX2 Performance 150 mm
Drivetrain Shimano SLX M7100 1×12
Brakes Shimano SLX M7120, 4-Kolben 200/200 mm
Seatpost X-Fusion Manic (S1: 100 mm, S2: 125 mm, S3: 150 mm, S4/S5: 170 mm, S6: 190 mm)
Bars Specialized 6061 alloy 780 mm
Stem Alloy Trail Stem
Rims/Hubs Roval 29/Shimano MT400
Tires Butcher GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″/Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″

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Specialized Stumpjumper EVO LTD | 5.699 €

Fork RockShox Zeb Select Plus DebonAir 150/160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select Plus Coil 150 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12
Brakes SRAM Code RS, 4-Kolben 200/200 mm
Seatpost OneUp, Dropper Post-V2 (S1: 120 mm,S2/S3: 150 mm, S4: 180 mm, S5/S6: 210mm)
Bars Specialized Trail 7050 alloy 780 mm
Stem Deity Copperhead
Rims/Hubs Roval Traverse 29/Roval Traverse
Tires Butcher GRID TRAIL casing 29 x 2.3″/Eliminator, GRID TRAIL casing 27.5 x 2.3″

Fun from the first revolution of the cranks – the 2021 Stumpjumper EVO on the trail

We had the opportunity to test the brand new Stumpjumper EVO for a day on the various trails surrounding Saalbach Hinterglemm. Due to the short duration of the test, we left the bike in the factory settings, i.e. with a high bottom bracket and medium head angle. At a height of 180 cm, we opted for size S4. Among others, we were accompanied in Saalbach by Fanie Kok who is the head behind Specialized’s Soil Searching Program, supporting trail builders around the world. If you want to learn more about Soil Searching and Fanie, you should definitely read our story on him here. Fanie arrived in the perfect vehicle for a trail builder, a UAZ Buchanka.

Since we relied almost exclusively on the lift on our test day, we could only test the bike’s climbing properties very briefly. However, we immediately noticed the central riding position without having to adjust the saddle. Before, you almost always had to push the saddle forward to avoid sitting too far over the rear wheel, but that’s no longer the case. Even on steep climbs, the bike doesn’t wallow and we barely felt it bob. In contrast to the predecessor, you can almost always spare yourself the effort of closing the compression lever. It is only worthwhile on long, monotonous climbs, which puts in a slightly more central riding position due to the reduced sag. Overall, the Stumpjumper EVO climbs a lot more efficiently and comfortably than the previous Stumpjumper without the EVO addition – excellent!

The Stumpjumper has always been about shredding trails and having fun. Thanks to the balanced geometry, we never had to get used to the bike in the past and it is not necessary with the new EVO either. As a rider, you feel super confident on the bike right from the start as you’re nicely integrated between the wheels. Due to the more moderate geometry compared to the previous EVO, you’re able to generate plenty of grip on both wheels and the bike’s handling is good-natured and predictable. The new Stumpy EVO is direct and precise as it changes direction. The bike is pleasantly agile in tight sections. Fast line changes are easy, inviting you to play with the trail.

The biggest difference to all previous Stumpy models can be felt in the suspension. While the old Stumpjumper was too linear for most active riders, the new model offers a lot of support and a good amount of progression. However, the response off the top is even more sensitive, allowing the bike to filter out small bumps much more effectively and provide more traction. The rear end uses the available travel very efficiently and though the sag indicator shows that you used all of the travel after a descent, you never notice it bottoming out while riding. Brilliant! In addition, the bike allows you to pop off of things more easily and you’ll be able to get it airborne without much effort, which is lots of fun!

Rock ‘n’ roll all night and party every day! You’re guaranteed to have fun aboard the new Stumpjumper EVO!

Thanks to the 170 mm dropper post and low-slung top tube, you have plenty of freedom of movement even on the steepest terrain. The latest generation of Specialized’s tires offer lots of grip and predictable handling.

Specialized Enduro or Stumpjumper EVO?

This is the question many riders who are looking for a new, versatile enduro bike will ask themselves. The latest evolution of the Stumpy EVO has become significantly more capable and, thanks to the variable geometry and the performance of the suspension, it doesn’t have to shy away from the nastiest trails either. Yet, the bike is fun to ride on flat trails too and climbs more efficiently. Compared to the Enduro, that makes it the better all-rounder for most riders. On the other hand, the Specialized Enduro is even more capable on the descents. It’s more composed and stable and is especially interesting for all those riders who either have really demanding trails at their doorstep or who spend every weekend in the bike park.

Our initial conclusion on the 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO

This bike rocks! The new Specialized Stumpjumper EVO is like a firework on the trail. The suspension is brilliant and the handling successfully balances composure with agility. In addition, the bike is bursting with smart details and innovative features such as the short seat tubes, the SWAT box and the variable geometry. Anyone looking for a do-it-all enduro bike that cuts a fine figure on everything from extended rides to full-throttle bike park days should take a closer look.

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For more information head to specialized.com