This article is part of the Mtbr's Enduro Compare-O. See all the stories in this special section here--https://reviews.mtbr.com/category/enduro-compare-o-2014

If your idea of buying a bike includes heaping helpings of bleeding-edge technology, revised frame designs, hot trends, and a cool new name, then stop reading right now. The $9000 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29 is not for you. The FSR suspension design carries over from last year. The wheels are not 27.5. They're 29. And the name, well that's been around since 1981, when it was given to the world's first mass-produced mountain bike.

However, if you're simply looking for one bike-albeit an expensive one-that does a lot of things very well, then read on. For the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29 is one kick ass piece of two-wheeled machinery that can climb with the grace of a mountain goat, and descend like an Austrian ski racer. And that's why it was such a hit in Mtbr's Enduro Compare-O bike test.

"This was one of the most plush, stable, predictable and endearing bikes in the test," gushed one tester, echoing a sentiment held by nearly everyone who rode the bike. "It's so capable, so forgiving, and so smooth. It rewards anyone regardless of skill level."

This is exactly what Specialized had in mind when it concocted the EVO designation, which essentially means that the bike takes a normal model and gives it a gravity-friendly make-over. In this case, that means wider bars, Avid XO Trail brakes, and the much-loved, 35mm-stanchioned RockShox Pike RC 29 fork. For a full preview click over to our First Look from a couple weeks ago.



If It Ain't Broke, Why Mess With It?

Thirty-three years ago, when the Stumpjumper debuted, it was a mountain bike suited for anyone looking for a mountain bike. Today, that mandate is more refined, residing at the mid-point of Specialized's expansive fat tire line, between lithe XC race steeds and gnar-munching downhill demons.

The four-bar FSR suspension design remains unchanged from year's past, utilizing a concentric link and shuttle that propel the Fox Float CTD Kashima-coated rear shock. Other features of the FACT 9m carbon front triangle/M5 alloy rear triangle frame include an efficiency-enhancing PressFit30 bottom bracket, ISCG 05 tabs, full cartridge bearing pivots, and a tapered head tube.

The net effect is a bike our tester's found to be imminently capable of dealing with just about anything you could throw at it - including user error.

"The bike rewards everyone regardless of skill, but I felt like I had plenty of room for mess-ups in technical downhills," wrote one tester. "I could make mistakes and get away with it. It's so smooth and stable at high speeds that even bonehead lines can be navigated by someone with minimal skill."

This is in part due to the slacker 68-degree headtube angle and 5mm difference between rear and front travel (135mm rear/140mm front), which conspire to keep you in attack mode. The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29's downhill handling also benefits from a low 13.2-inch bottom bracket height-and its Pike fork, which was universally loved by our testers.

"I'm still scratching my head at how good this bike descended," added another tester. "I guess the Pike IS as good as everyone says, and 29-inch hoops DO flatten out the sharps, though on the Stumpy these parts transcended their individual attributes. Braking bumps-erased. Drops and jumps-bottomless landings. Rough patches and roots-just point-and-shoot."



Multi-Talented Machine

That point-and-shoot ability was not limited to the downside of this equation. At 26.16 pounds (size Large), the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29 proved to be a capable climber as well. Multiple testers commented on how well it ascended, though in some cases it took a little getting used to.

"Lifting the front wheel up on ledges/logs was a little more difficult than other bikes I tested-the Bronson Carbon and Ripley in particular," explained one tester. "But rear wheel performance was excellent even under uneven power input. Given the way the bike handled in almost every other condition I'd chalk up the wobbly performance to lack of familiarity."

Fire road climbing produced more of the same anecdotal evidence, with testers calling the Stumpy "sprightly" with no noticeable bob and virtually no performance variation whether the bike's rear shock was in Climb, Trail or Descend mode. "Even with the shock wide-open the bike remained very neutral," said one tester. "It took some intentional erratic pedaling to induce detectable bob."

Continue to Page 2 for more on the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29 and full photo gallery »



Race To The Bottom

But it's when the trail tilted the other way that this bike really began to shine. Balanced suspension, big-wheel rollover, and the more-aggressive EVO geometry resulted in enhanced rider confidence-and increased miles per hour.

"This is a bike that requires the rider to look farther down the trail than normal because you'll be going a bit faster," exclaimed one tester. "It easily transferred from climbing to descending, so you could concentrate on where you wanted to go, and not be worried about what you needed to do to the bike."

And despite its bigger wheels-and the associated stigmas-there were not major complaints about lack of flick'ability or nimbleness. The low BB height and shorter, 17.9-inch chainstays helped the bike track nicely, even through the few tight turns on our test track. But, as one tester noted, it would be interesting to see how it fared in tighter, more techy switchbacks.



You Get What You Pay For

For nine grand you'd rightly expect a top-shelf parts spec, and while we could argue all day about whether or not any bike is worth that much, the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29 certainly doesn't skimp on parts.

Besides the plush, bottomless Pike fork and Fox CTD shock with AUTOSAG, boost valve and Kashima coating, highlights include 2x4-stiff Roval Traverse SL 29 carbon wheels, Specialized's 3-position Command Post IR with 125mm of travel, and SRAM's ever-popular XX1 drivetrain. The cockpit is a menagerie of Specialized house brand parts, including 750mm wide bars with 10mm of rise, and lightweight, lock-on Sip Grips.



Nothing's Perfect

It's hard to find fault with super bikes such as the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29, but we were a little surprised that even at $9000, you're still getting an alloy rear end. We'd like to see the Big Red S go full carbon at this price point, which would knock off a little more weight. As it is, if you want full carbon, you have to drop another $500 to get the standard S-Works Stumpjumper FSR, which has the Fox/Specialized remote Brain rear shock, but not a Pike fork.

The 3-position dropper post also caused consternation with testers who prefer infinite adjustability. And the SWAT system left a few other testers scratching their heads. Sure it's nice to have a compact multi-tool under the bottle cage and a chain tool integrated into the headset top cap. But as one tester noted, "in most cases you're still going to need to carry a real multi-tool, so I'd ditch the SWAT stuff to save the weight, particularly on a bike like this where you're going to be wearing a pack anyway."

And finally, if you're dying to take the leap into the tweener-wheel world, you're out of luck. Specialized offers 26- and 29-inch versions of this bike, but no 27.5s. Not yet anyway. The company quietly added 27.5-inch tires to their product line last week, which could mean wheels and bikes won't be far behind. And none too soon for one test rider.

"It definitely wasn't the quickest in tight corners due to the wagon wheels and a slightly longer (45.5-inch) wheelbase," argued one tester.

Who is This Bike For?

Well, if you have a trust fund, that helps. As for rider type, a lot will depend on your skill level and what you're seeking in a bike. One tester, who generally isn't a huge fan of 29ers, called the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29 the ideal bike "for those riders with moderate skill looking for a plush, comfortable, capable and predictable bike that lets you ride all day long and arrive home without feeling you got endlessly beaten over the head with bongo bat."

Another tester, who loves big wheeled bikes, called it his "favorite bike of the bunch-if I could also own a more XC-oriented rig such as the Ibis Ripley. It climbed well enough and was simply awesome on the descents, giving this intermediate descender a huge boost of confidence."

While not everyone has nine Grover Clevelands kicking around that they can drop on a new bike, the good news is that you can pick up the frame (with seatpost) for $2950, then build it up the way you like. Or opt for the one of the down-the-line models, which range from $2900 (full alloy frame) to $6200 (same carbon/alloy frame, lesser spec), and still reap the all-around benefits of this proven design.

The Last Word

Bottom line, this bike proves that change isn't always for the best. We loved it just the way it was.

The Good

  • Great climber
  • Great descender
  • "Easy" ride quality
  • A+ parts spec
  • Proven design and wheel size

The Bad

  • You may need a second mortgage
  • Not bleeding edge
  • Non-infinite seat post

Price and Trickle Down Versions

S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29: $9000 (as tested)
Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon EVO 29 frame: $2950
Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon EVO 29: $6200
Stumpjumper FSR Comp EVO 29 (alloy frame): $3300
Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29 (alloy frame): $2900



2014 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29 Key Specs

  • MSRP: $9000
  • Weight: 26.16 lbs.(size large)
  • Wheel size: 29 inches
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Color: Gloss Liquid Silver/Black
  • Frame Material: FACT 9m carbon front triangle, M5 alloy rear triangle
  • Fork: 140mm Pike RCT3 29
  • Rear Travel: 135mm
  • Rear Shock: FOX Float CTD Factory w/ AUTOSAG and Boost Valve, Kashima coating
  • Headset: 1-1/8 and 1-1/2" threadless, Campy style upper with 1-1/2" lower, cartridge bearings
  • Handlebar: Specialized XC mini-riser, alloy, 750mm wide, 10mm rise
  • Stem: Syntace F109, 6-degree rise, 31.8mm clamp
  • Grips: Specialized Sip Grip, light lock-on, half-waffle aramid-infused
  • Seatpost: Specialized Command Post IR, 3-poistion with 125mm of travel
  • Brakes: Avid X0 Trail World Cup, 200mm front, 200mm rear
  • Brake Levers: Avid X0, hydraulic disc, carbon blade w/ bearing
  • Shifters: SRAM XX1, Trigger Shift
  • Front Derailleur: N/A
  • Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX1, Type-2
  • Cassette: SRAM XX1 10x42, 11-speed
  • Crankset: S-Works OS carbon, custom SRAM XX1 32t chainring
  • Rims: Roval Traverse SL 29 carbon
  • Hubs: Roval Traverse SL 29
  • Spokes: DT Swiss Super Comp, 2.0/1.65/1.8 stainless
  • Tires: 2.3" Specialized Butcher Control (front), 2.3" Specialized Purgatory Control (rear)
  • Bottom bracket type: PressFit 30
  • ISCG Tabs: Yes
  • Chain guide: No
  • Head tube angle: 68 degrees
  • Seat tube angle: 68.8 actual, 73.5 effective
  • Chainstay length: 17.9 inches
  • Bottom bracket height: 13.2 inches
For more information visit https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/stumpjumper-fsr/sworks-stumpjumper-fsr-evo-29.

This story is part of Mtbr's 2014 Enduro Compare-O. Check out our intro story here for all the ground rules and goings ons.