Specialized Stumpjumper 2016 – first look

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=760%2C988 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=831%2C1080 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=831%2C1080 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=45&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-247501 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Top of the tree (or should that be Stump) are the 650b and 29er S-Works models, with carbon frames, XX1 groupsets, Pike RCT3 fork and Fox Float RX shock" title="1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-8b485d8" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Top of the tree (or should that be Stump) are the 650b and 29er S-Works models, with carbon frames, XX1 groupsets, Pike RCT3 fork and Fox Float RX shock Tom Marvin/Immediate Media

Since its introduction in 1981, the Specialized Stumpjumper has been a regular sight on the trails, occupying a space between XC race and more gravity orientated bikes – its remit, in effect, is the all-day rider looking for fun.

This year sees the introduction of a number of new 2016 Stumpjumper models. Both carbon and metal-framed models feature in the range, from the top-dog carbon S-Works to the more value orientated alloy Comp. Specialized are offering the Stumpy across the range in both 29er and 650b options, as well as a new addition to the wheel-size battle. More on that later though. There’s also a women’s specific version called the Rhyme , we have covered this in a separate article.

There are three main stories across the range – SWAT, wheels, and a new back end.

SWAT SWAT (standing for Storage, Water, Air Tools) is Specialized’s kit carrying concept, whereby frames are designed to easily accommodate multi-tools, tubes, pumps and storage facilities – you see this pulled through to the clothing range with SWAT bibs and vests too.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573271-1cvnibdu4rftv-1000-90-47f5cdd.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573271-1cvnibdu4rftv-1000-90-47f5cdd.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573271-1cvnibdu4rftv-1000-90-47f5cdd.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573271-1cvnibdu4rftv-1000-90-47f5cdd.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573271-1cvnibdu4rftv-1000-90-47f5cdd.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573271-1cvnibdu4rftv-1000-90-47f5cdd.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The swat door hides a storage space, big enough for a tube and co2 wrap, food, and even a small jacket: On the carbon Stumpjumpers Specialized have created a SWAT storage compartment, located in the down tube. Accessed through the SWAT Door, a flip-off plastic covering that doubles as a water bottle cage mount, there’s room inside for tool rolls, tubes and food, or even a packable jacket or jersey. At the bottom of the compartment, a bulkhead stops items slipping down into the BB area, while the internally routed cables have full length internal guide tubes to prevent tangling and rattling.

Early prototype versions started with Specialized engineers cutting a hole in an Epic’s downtube, but as the tech has progressed, the hole is now cast into the frame so no carbon yarns have been cut. While exact figures weren’t available, the Specialized engineers said that there was a slight drop in stiffness of the front triangle – single figure percentages, but when coupled with the new back end, no significant loss of stiffness between the axles.

The SWAT storage compartment can be complemented by the mini-tool hidden in the frame’s shock mount and the steerer tube based chaintool. Alloy models don’t have the SWAT compartment, because manufacturing the hole in the alloy tubes would have too big an effect on its integrity. Instead a bottle-cage mounted multi-tool is included.

Wheels <source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573274-tajp5dy8zv32-1000-90-816ce74.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573274-tajp5dy8zv32-1000-90-816ce74.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573274-tajp5dy8zv32-1000-90-816ce74.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573274-tajp5dy8zv32-1000-90-816ce74.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573274-tajp5dy8zv32-1000-90-816ce74.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573274-tajp5dy8zv32-1000-90-816ce74.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> All models have either 29 or 30mm internal width rims for a great tyre profile – these are the carbon roval traversee sls found on s-works models: We’ve known for a while now that wider rims give great profiles for wider (2.3in+) treads, and while higher end bikes have been coming with wider rims in the past, for its 2016 range Specialized has the whole Stumpy family running on either 29 or 30mm internal width rims. On cheaper models, the 29mm wide Roval alloy rims are present while higher up the range it’s the 29mm Roval Traverse rims. On the top S-Works bike, 30mm wide Traverse SL carbon rims make an appearance.

These rims are matched to 2.3in wide Butcher (f) and Purgatory (r) tyres, all of which are the 2Bliss 60tpi versions. Having ridden the bikes around the trails in Rotorua, New Zealand, in a range of conditions, we can confirm ridiculous levels of grip across the board, as well as great tyre stability even with slightly lower than normal pressures.

New back end <source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573282-udffuq4k93ru-1000-90-3430e34.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573282-udffuq4k93ru-1000-90-3430e34.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573282-udffuq4k93ru-1000-90-3430e34.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573282-udffuq4k93ru-1000-90-3430e34.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573282-udffuq4k93ru-1000-90-3430e34.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573282-udffuq4k93ru-1000-90-3430e34.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The back end has been updated, shaving valuable millimeters of the chainstay lengths: While the front end might have lost stiffness thanks to the SWAT compartment, Specialized has both stiffened and shortened the back end to improve handling. No longer are there seatstay bridges, which help keep the rear ends down to 420mm (650b) and 435mm (29er). This has been enabled by new seat tubes and shock linkages which are stiffer, meaning the bridges weren’t required.

These short back ends are coupled with a traditionally low 335mm BB height and 67/68 degree head angles for aggressive handling. Controlling the back end is the custom tuned Fox Float Rx Trail Tune shock with Specialized’s AutoSag feature for ease of set up.

Models As mentioned above the Stumpjumper models come in both 650b and 29er versions, and all come with the new Specialized Command Post IRcc – the usual three main positions are complemented with 10 micro-adjustment points.

The 650b bikes come with 150mm travel at each end, while 29in versions come with 140/135mm travel front and back.

Up top is the S-Works, with a FACT 11m carbon frame, RockShox Pike RCT3 fork, the custom Fox Float shock, SRAM XX1 groupset with Shimano XTR Trail brakes. Roval’s carbon Traverse SL wheels and Specialized’s finishing kit finish the build.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-1000-90-567fc6c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-1000-90-567fc6c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-1000-90-567fc6c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-1000-90-567fc6c.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-1000-90-567fc6c.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573262-8xwr72a1lvbc-1000-90-567fc6c.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Top of the tree are the 650b and 29er s-works models, with carbon frames, xx1 groupsets, pike rct3 fork and fox float rx shock: Stumpjumper S-Works

The FSR Expert is next, with a FACT 9m frame, Pike RC fork, SRAM X1 group and Shimano XT brakes

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431602139238-1e893gqrujn01-1000-90-12f1403.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431602139238-1e893gqrujn01-1000-90-12f1403.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431602139238-1e893gqrujn01-1000-90-12f1403.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431602139238-1e893gqrujn01-1000-90-12f1403.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431602139238-1e893gqrujn01-1000-90-12f1403.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431602139238-1e893gqrujn01-1000-90-12f1403.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Stumpjumper fsr expert 650b: Stumpjumper FSR Expert

The FSR Elite is the top alloy bike, again with a Pike RC, X1 group and SLX brakes.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573310-pq5g1ca76l25-1000-90-c0e5cb2.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573310-pq5g1ca76l25-1000-90-c0e5cb2.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573310-pq5g1ca76l25-1000-90-c0e5cb2.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573310-pq5g1ca76l25-1000-90-c0e5cb2.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573310-pq5g1ca76l25-1000-90-c0e5cb2.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573310-pq5g1ca76l25-1000-90-c0e5cb2.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The stumpjumper fsr elite is the top flite alloy model, with a sram x1 groupset and pike rc forks: Stumpjumper FSR Elite

Next is the FSR Comp Carbon with a RockShox Revelation RC3 fork, and a 2×10 groupset from Shimano SLX and XT, running around a SRAM chainset. Deore brakes bring them to a stop.

Finally the FSR Comp, with the alloy frame has much the same build as the Comp Carbon, but a SRAM X7/X9 groupset.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573313-15g8ybeaf9m0d-1000-90-793fe22.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573313-15g8ybeaf9m0d-1000-90-793fe22.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573313-15g8ybeaf9m0d-1000-90-793fe22.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573313-15g8ybeaf9m0d-1000-90-793fe22.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573313-15g8ybeaf9m0d-1000-90-793fe22.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573313-15g8ybeaf9m0d-1000-90-793fe22.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> This is the base level comp 650b which retains many feautures but comes with a revelation fork and 2×10 groupset: Stumpjumper FSR Comp 650b model

Stumpjumper ‘6 Fatty’ <source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573321-he6tsqyqknqo-1000-90-a7af389.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573321-he6tsqyqknqo-1000-90-a7af389.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573321-he6tsqyqknqo-1000-90-a7af389.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573321-he6tsqyqknqo-1000-90-a7af389.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573321-he6tsqyqknqo-1000-90-a7af389.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1431599573321-he6tsqyqknqo-1000-90-a7af389.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The ‘6fatty’ models are also new, based around a 3 As alluded to up top, there’s another platform that’ll likely make waves in 2015/6 – plus-sized 650b bikes, or, as Specialized calls it, 6Fattie.

In essence, take a 29er Stumpjumper, widen the back end to accept the new Boost 148 axle standard, add the new Fox 34 with 110mm front hub spacing and bang 3in rubber onto your 30mm rim.

The effect is something that looks like the lovechild of a trail bike and a fat bike.

While Specialized say 29ers are to go fast and 650b is for fun, 6Fattie is for grip and control. It’s been testing the system down to around 11psi – apparently without any puncture or roll issues, vastly increasing grip, cornering and braking control on loose trails. At the moment only two tyres exist, the Ground Control and Purgatory, both with the thinner Control casing, but as yet, thanks to the larger footprint, they’ve not needed more aggressive treads, nor have they had puncture issues, apparently.

While we’ve seen other ‘+’ sized bikes running on rims as wide as 50mm+ Specialized reckons around 30mm is the sweet spot. Specialized believe they’re wide enough to give a good tyre profile, without the weight or strength issues found with wider rims. In fact, Specialized says there’s very little weight penalty with its plus sized wheels over a 29er, with the 6Fattie wheels coming in at only around 7mm less in diameter than a 29×2.3in tyre.

With a release date later in 2015 than the rest of the range we didn’t get a chance to garner too much info on the bikes, nor time to inspect them properly, but rest assured, as soon as we get our mitts on one, we’ll give you the full run-down.