which stumpjumper?

Question

I'm getting ready to purchase a new stumpjumper, but I can't decide which one to buy. I definitely want a full suspension, but I don't know enough about bikes to decide if it's worth the money to make the jump from the basic to more advanced bikes. I'm not even sure what the difference is between the comp, pro, expert, s-works, and elite. Obviously, there is a weight difference, but what is the component difference? Is this difference worth the money to a novice biker who now has the time to start riding a great deal and hopes to be racing this summer?

Answer 1

First of all, you're guetting a very, very good bike.

There's a lot of difference in price between the basic entry and the S-Works.

S-Works is the model where Specialized puts the most stuff, sometimes better frame material, etc.. In this case, there is a Carbon S-Works, while the rest is aluminium.. But just ocmpare prices and the basic goes at 2,200 usd msrp, while the carbon goes for 6,500..

Honestly, between the Comp and the Elite models, I don't think there's much difference. You'll get a fork where you can change the travel on the elite (Fox Talas), and on the comp you can't (Fox Float). I had the Talas a while back, and while it was nice to switch travels when climbing and when descending, usually I left it alone, so maybe that's not a big concern.

Both models use the same rear shock and wheels, which would be the next thing I'd consider, so, advantages to none.

Brakes, on both you'll get basically the same brakes, but on the -7 you can adjust how far you want to pull the level before the caliper hits the rotor, nice but probably not worth it.

On the drivetrain (cranks, deraileurs and such), while the Elite have some components better (crankset), overall you're choosing between Shimano and Sram. Both are good and work fine, but I'm hearing better reviews on the SRAM stuff.

On the Expert (3,300 usd), you'll basically just get the Brain Fade rear shock. This might be good for racing because it will make pedaling a little better on XC stuff ( I don't know how well the Brain works overall).

The pro (4200) you get a slightly better fork (Talas RLC vs Talas RL), better rear hub and wheels.

I don't know your budget, but I would really think you have more than enough bike on the Comp (entry level). If you have some more money that you don't want, or want a better bike, skip the Elite and go for the Expert.

Answer 2

If you are planning on racing this summer, you might want to check out the epic from specialized. It is definitely a more race-inspired bike. I have ridden both...there is a difference in pedal efficiency, rider position, and the ride in general.
The stumpjumper is for the rider who enjoys the big jumps and loves the downhill.
The epic is for the rider who wants a hardtail, but knows he/she is faster on a dual suspension.
Check out www.specialized.com for more information. Weigh your options...entry level stumpjumper you have disc brakes, but lose the brain(an inertia valve that keeps pedaling efficient); entry level epic lose the disc, but keep the brain.
If the website doesn't help any, search around the bike shops for a specialized dealer that has demo stumpjumpers and epics. It's free.