Switch from Epic 29 to Stumpy 29?

Hi Lee,

In the middle of Mastering Mountain Bike Skills book, great reading. I’m thinking of getting a Stumpy FSR 29er. I’ve got an Epic 29er and I’m really happy with it but would like something for rougher trails and that I could do some jumps on. I can’t quite swing the Expert and was wondering if the Comp with the Triad is still compliant to root sized bumps in the propedal position. I’m not a fan of FSRs in fully open position but I think they are great with the Brain. Thanks, Bob

Hey Bob,

The Epic 29 is a true weapon, as is the Stumpy 29. They’re just weapons for different fights. If you want a bike that’ll inspire more confidence on bigger terrain, the Stumpy is your tool.

In my opinion, the Brain shocks are phenomenal (See Brains for braaap). They let you dial in a firm pumping platform yet plow through the violence. But Brain-equipped Stumpies are awfully expensive.

Good news: I recently spent a week on a Stumpjumper FSR 29 Comp, and it was great everywhere, especially on rough trail and in the jumps. Given the inherent smoothness of the big wheels, I think DHing with ProPedal on makes sense.

See Stumpjumper Comp 29 test: Picture Rock Trail and Stumpjumper Comp 29 test: Valmont Bike Park.

Specialized Stumpjumper Comp 29, with upgraded wheels and cranks, and my seatpost, pedals and stem. Graffiti by my 2-year-old Fiona. She and her twin sister Finley are geniuses.

Our regional Specialized rep rides a Stumpy Comp 29 with a Triad. He can ride any bike he wants, and this is his “big trail” weapon of choice.

Rock that Stumpy Comp 29.

Lee

I am gathering parts for a Stumpy 29 of my own. It’s the carbon Expert frame with the (non-Brain) Fox RP23. It’ll have a Fox 34 up front and hopefully some Roval carbon wheels. The result will be somewhere between an Expert and an EVO in weight, geometry and braaap. Pretty excited.

Know more. Have more fun!

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