Stumpjumper FSR Suspension

First Look: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert EVO Trail Bike

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert EVO

For 2011, Specialized Bicycles came out with some modified versions of their popular mountain bikes and coined them with the term EVO. In the case with the Enduro and this Stumpjumper, Specialized made some suspension and component tweaks to bridge the gap between lines. Specifically, this alloy version of the Stumpjumper loses the brain shock, gets 5mm more travel in the rear (145mm), 10mm more travel in the front (150mm), a lower bottom bracket and slacker headtube angle. The addition of ISCG05 tabs also allows for a chain guide and some beefier components are spread throughout.

Some comparison stats to give you an idea of what we are dealing with…

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert EVO:

  • Head Tube Angle: 67 degrees
  • Bottom Bracket Height: 338mm (13.31″)

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon

  • Head Tube Angle: 68.5 degrees
  • Bottom Bracket Height: 335mm (13.19″)

Stock Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Picture

By the specs, the Expert Carbon actually has a lower BB height by 3mm, but when you add in the increased travel front and rear on the EVO, you can see how they tweaked the geometry of the EVO to get the low BB height. All things created equal, the increased travel would have increased the BB height more substantially without this geometry changes.

When we were talking with Specialized about getting in another mountain bike to review on Bike198, the EVO drew my attention immediately. Since it’s release, I have wanted to get a leg over the bike that promises to be in between the Stumpjumper and Enduro in technical riding and downhill situations. Having previously reviewed the Specialized Enduro, we already know that it rips technical DH. Where it starts to struggle is on really long technical climbs where the really slack angles and gravity tuned suspension start to work against efficiency.

The Stumpjumper FSR on the other hand, is a proven trail bike for the masses. However, for more technical riding like we find in the southeast US, it wasn’t quite slack enough to really let loose on the downhills like we wanted. The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert EVO is that medium balance between the two and should fit my personal riding style to a T. Now we just have to get it dirty and find out.

Stumpjumper FSR Suspension

From Specialized.com

More travel and meatier spec on the EVO allows this Stumpjumper FSR to blur the lines between fast & flowy XC trail and more technical all-mountain riding.

  • M5 manipulated alloy frame for SJ Evo features slacker HT and lower BB with 145mm of travel, aluminum rocker link, sealed cartridge bearing pivots and ISCG O5 tabs
  • Custom Fox RP23-S shock features position-sensitive Boost Valve damping, low-speed compression damping with 3-way adjustable “open” and “climbing” settings – meaning, great bump performance and solid climbing efficiency
  • Fox F150 RL air-sprung alloy fork with 15mm thru-axle, external lockout, and rebound adjust can handle the biggest drops with ease
  • Roval Control AL wheelset, newly revamped for increased stiffness, with butted DT Swiss spokes and rear hub, gives riders more control to power over the bumpy stuff
  • Both 2Bliss Ready, the S-Works Purgatory 2.2″ front tire works in concert with the Purgatory Control 2.0″ rear tire to deliver exceptional traction for pinpoint cornering and braking in intermediate conditions
  • Specialized Command Post is a 3-position adjustable-height seatpost with remote lever for on-the-fly changes to riding position; 125mm travel
  • Component Spec Highlights: X.0 Rear Derailleur, X.9 Shifters, Avid Elixer CR SL Brakes
  • Built Weight as Tested: 28.20 lbs.
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Riding down 400 South - Photo from AJC.com
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