First rides: 2014 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon HT World Cup

I have been blessed with the ultimate tool for an aspiring MTB ninja:

2014 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon HT World Cup
• FACT IS 10m carbon frame
• Chisel carbon fork
• Roval Control Carbon 29 142+ carbon wheels
• Less than 20 pounds

This is surely a serious tool for XC racing on smoother trails, but how does it shred?

Check out the 2014 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon HT World Cup at specialized.com

Build

• Stock out of the box with Shimano XT pedals, a 50mm stem and a stubby seatpost.

• At The Fix Bike Shop scale in Boulder, with a headlight, the bike weighed 19.8 pounds.

• Soon this bike will have a dropper post, Shimano PRO DH stem/bar and Shimano XT brakes. As solid as the stock cockpit and brakes feel, I like having the same controls on all of my bikes.

Ride impressions

Weather and illness have been limiting. So far:

• This bike feels extremely composed on dirt roads and rough pavement. Railing corners, skimming over chatter, whatever, the bike feels quick but not sketchy. I can’t wait to try some green-blue singletracks.

• Fast on my pump track! I’ve been riding with some very strong, capable dudes on DJ bikes, and this XC machine is holding pace just fine.

• Despite the big wheels, I’m getting plenty of pop off backsides. 20-pound pump track bikes tend to be quick.

• Manuals are difficult compared to my P3 and Stumpy FSR. I think it’s the long/rigid rear end, but I’ll bet I can get used to it.

• Holy cow, this is a sexy looking bike. It feels light, tight and bright.

Next

• Timed runs on the Valmont Bike Park dual slalom. This is my current shred benchmark: ShredMark™.

• Ride local trails. I think I can pump the big rocks just fine, but I’m worried how my shoulders will handle random violence. Come on ninja skills. …

This bike will be awesome for riding/coaching at Valmont. I’m excited to learn with it!

Lee

Riding photos by Dustin Zeiss.

Know more. Have more fun!

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