Issue #052, Review - July 26, 2022

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works – In our 2022 trail bike group test

At what price point does a bike go from dentist to Jeff Bezos level? Specialized might have the answer with their Stumpjumper EVO S-Works, which enters our 2022 trail bike group test with a sleek, clean look and some very cool frame details. But how does it fare on the trail and how does it compare to its cheaper aluminium counterpart?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best trail bike of 2022 – 14 models in review

**Specialized** Stumpjumper EVO S-Works | 160/150 mm (f/r) | 13.8 kg in size S4 | € 13,200 | Manufacturer’s website

At € 13,200, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works is by far the most expensive bike in the entire test field. At first glance, it’s wonderfully understated and even the black-on-gray S-Works lettering only becomes visible upon closer inspection. The Stumpjumper was the first mountain bike in Specialized’s portfolio, but a lot has happened since 1981. The current Stumpjumper generation combines 160 mm travel at the front and 150 mm at the rear and tilts the scales at 13.8 kg – which still doesn’t make it the lightest bike in this test. But can it live up to its price on the trail?

The spec of the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works

The carbon frame of the Stumpjumper EVO S-Works features Specialized’s proprietary SWAT box storage compartment in the down tube, which comes standard with a pouch for all your trail essentials. However, this is made of thin plastic, causing metallic objects like a minitool or CO2 cartridge to rattle against the expensive carbon frame. For the record, this didn’t happen with the alloy version of the Stumpy, which features the same identical pouch. We attribute this to the fact that the carbon frame acts as a resonance body, thus significantly amplifying the noise. However, the storage compartment also takes Specialized’s special hydration bladder, which is as quiet as a mouse. The SWAT door is easy to operate and stays securely in place when closed. Together with the ingenious SWAT tool in the steerer tube, the SWAT box allows you to leave your backpack and hip pack at home.

The SWAT box in the down tube is spacious and easy to access, but metallic objects make a very annoying rattling noise.

Protective frame tape and a small TPU protector shield the frame from stray rocks and flying debris while an extensive seat and chainstay protector prevents chain slap and paint chips. A small mud guard above the main pivot protects the rear end from muck and water, which is exclusive to the carbon models.

**Open Sesame**
The SWAT tool is discreetly hidden in the headset but always within easy reach.

**Better safe than sorry**
A TPU plate and protective film shield the expensive down tube.

**Only the bare essentials**
With just two brake lines in the cockpit, the S-Works looks extremely clean.

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works

€ 13,200

Specifications

Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Factory 150 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 170 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 1x12
Stem DEITY Copperhead 35 50 mm
Handlebar Roval Traverse SL Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset Roval Traverese SL Carbon 29"
Tires Specialized Butcher GRID Trail T9/Specialized Eliminator GRID Trail T7 2.3/2.3

Technical Data

Size S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6
Weight 13.8 kg

Tuning Tip: push the saddle all the way forward for a more centered climbing position | wrap metal objects in soft material before putting them into the SWAT box

**As rare as they come**
The SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS derailleur is a rare sight on trail bikes because it was developed specifically for XC bikes.

**Almost perfect**
The SWAT box is easy to operate and stays securely in place. However, you should wrap all your metal objects in soft material to prevent them from rattling inside the frame.

As you’d expect from a 13-grand bike, the Stumpjumper EVO S-Works only has the finest, top-end components. The FOX 36 Factory fork employs the superior GRIP2 damper, allowing you to fine-tune the fork to your needs and riding style. The FOX FLOAT X Factory shock controls 150 mm travel at the rear and features external compression and rebound adjustments as well as a climb switch. The cockpit consists of 800 mm Roval Traverse SL carbon handlebars and a DEITY Copperhead 35 stem. Shifting is taken care of by a wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain, which is a rare sight on trails bikes as it was developed specifically for XC bikes and is only slightly lighter than its X01 counterpart.

**Hop on and feel good!**
That’s the motto of the S-Works, which makes you feel at ease from the get-go.

Specialized also rely on electronics for the wireless 170 mm RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post, which is the most travel you’ll get with the AXS dropper lineup but still is on the short side for trail bike in size L. The electronic components and Matchmaker clamps ensure a tidy cockpit. SRAM CODE RSC brakes do stopping duties. The top-end RSC version offers tool-free reach and bite point adjustments, and features SRAM’s SwingLink lever, which was designed to minimise deadband while improving control. A bash guard with chain guide protects the chainring and prevents the chain from falling off. For the wheels, Specialized rely on their own components, combining a Roval Traverse SL carbon wheelset and Specialized tires, with a Butcher with soft T9 rubber compound at the front and Eliminator with harder T7 rubber compound at the rear, both in the GRID Trail casing – finally a combination that does justice to the bike’s character and intended use!

The geometry of the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works

The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works is available in 6 sizes, S1 to S6. Specialized combine a short 425 mm seat tube and 475 mm reach, ensuring plenty of room for movement and free choice of sizes. A flip chip in the chainstays lets you change the bottom bracket height and chainstay length while different headset cups let you slacken the 64.5° head angle by 1°. We rode the Stumpjumper EVO S-Works almost exclusively in the high setting with the slack head angle.

Größe	S1	S2	S3	S4	S5	S6
Seat tube	385 mm	385 mm	405 mm	425 mm	445 mm	465 mm
Top tube	538 mm	564 mm	590 mm	623 mm	647 mm	679 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°	77,6°	77,2°	76,9°	77°	77°
Chainstays	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	448 mm	448 mm
BB Height	335 mm	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm
Wheelbase	1.167 mm	1.191 mm	1.216 mm	1.247 mm	1.285 mm	1.319 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

**Helmet** Giro Tyrant | **Glasses** Ray Ban Erika
| **Jacket** Patagonia Dirt Roamer | **Pants** Fox Ranger | **Shoes** Five Ten Kestrel Lace

The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works on the trail

On level ground, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works puts you in a comfortable and upright pedalling position, albeit with a slight pressure on your hands, which doesn’t make it the most comfortable option for long tours. Uphill, you sit far back over the rear wheel, causing the rear suspension to sink deep into its travel when pedalling. Unfortunately, the wallowing intensifies on steeper climbing sections or when riding with the dropper post fully extended. We recommend pushing the saddle all the way forward and reaching for the climb switch on long climbs. However, the carbon Stumpy EVO is far nimbler than its alloy counterpart, mainly because its 1.7 kg lighter.

The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works is precise and direct yet intuitive to ride.

When you drop into the valley, the S-Works is intuitive and easy to ride from the get-go. As a rider, you’re nicely integrated with the bike while the suspension provides generous amounts of travel. As a result, the Stumpjumper inspires huge amounts of confidence, allowing you to rip down the mountain as if sitting on a sofa. At the same time, it offers enough reserves for big hits and huck-to-flats. Compared with its alloy sibling, the carbon Stumpjumper is nimbler, more agile and easier to pop into the air, proving the better option for riders who like to play with the trail and pop off ledges. Thanks to the carbon components, it’s also more direct, implementing direction changes more willingly but still requires a fair amount of physical effort. All in all, the Stumpjumper EVO S-Works is sufficiently precise without being as demanding as other bikes, like the Mondraker Raze RR SL.

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

The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO S-Works convinces with a discreet and clean look and high-quality finish. However, the eye-watering price makes it more of a luxury item than a humble trail bike. That being said, we still love the excellent all-round qualities and ingenious SWAT box. Despite the low system weight, the S-Works isn’t the best climber in this test. However, it’s very easy to ride and conveys huge amounts of confidence on the trail and is more agile and direct than its aluminium counterpart.

Tops

intuitive handling
clean, understated look
sophisticated tool and storage integration

Flops

price
not a great climber
metal objects rattle in the SWAT box

You can find out more about at specialized.com

The test field