2023 Specialized

Stumpjumper EVO Frameset

Specialized’s Stumpjumper Evo has been a hit here at MBR since it was first introduced over ten years ago. And the last time we tested it, it walked away with the title of best full-suspension trail bike. The latest Stumpy Evo Elite model gets a sleek aluminium frame and top-tier Fox Factory suspension components; so, as ever, this riders’ favourite prioritises ride quality over outright weight saving. Not that it’s a heavy bike. At 15.99kg (35.25lb), with our Maxxis control tyres fitted, it’s less than 500g heavier than the full carbon Trek Fuel EX 9.7 that it’s going head to head with in this hyper-adjustable trail bike test.  And because the Evo frame is made from good old aluminium, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo features like the internal SWAT storage in the down tube. In fact, the hatch in the down tube is only marginally smaller than on the carbon Stumpy Evo, so it’s still way bigger and more useful than most of the carbon bikes we test, the Trek included, making it one of best trail bikes for anyone wanting to ditch the riding pack.  Frame and geometry The real USP on the Stumpy Evo though, is the degree of geometry adjustability, and how easy it is to implement. By using a conical insert in the bottom of the head tube, and a drop in headset cup up top, you can adjust the head angle by +/- 1.25º. Best of all, you can do it trailside with nothing more than the multi-tool that’s attached to the bottle cage which comes supplied with the bike. Flip-chips in the Horst link pivots in the chainstays are used to adjust rear centre length and BB height simultaneously. The 5mm longer chainstay setting lowering the BB height by 7mm. Taken together with the independent head angle adjustment that gives you six unique geometry settings. Specialized even has a geometry calculator so you can see how each change impacts every other aspect of the geometry too.   Don’t want full 29in wheels? Well, Specialized also has a different shock link for an MX set-up. And when you factor in the five unique frame sizes, from S2 to S6, if you can’t find a Stumpy Evo to suit your needs then there really is no hope for you.  Suspension The Sidearm frame design on the Stumpy was developed to ensure that all of the suspension travel comes from the shock, not frame flex. Something that can be an issue on larger frame sizes. Claimed travel on the Stumpy Evo is 150mm and we measured it at 151mm of vertical travel. So you’re definitely not getting short changed here.  On the trail there’s tons of support in the rear suspension, so even though the Fox Float X Factory shock has a low speed compression adjuster and a climb switch, the Stumpy Evo pedals perfectly well with the shock in the fully open position. If anything, some riders will prefer a softer/plusher baseline setting just to help …Continue reading »

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In our 2023 enduro group test, we’ve pitted the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy against 13 of the hottest carbon enduro bruisers of the season.

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Can the Enduro's little brother hang in the steeps and deeps of The North Shore?

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