2012 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Expert

I have been lucky enough to accumulate a Specialized Stumpjumper. My first impression about the bike was "Wow this is amazing". Coming from a downhill backgorund and coming off a Specialized Enduro EVO i expected the bike to not handle as well or be as playfull. Boy was i wrong, being carbon it felt stiffer and was a very playful bike. It jumps very well and corners excellent. When you get to the top of the hill you can switch the rear shock out of climb mode and shred the DH. The rear shock has auto sag which has its pros and cons. If you are a more agressive rider and like less sag then it doesnt work the best for you. If you are a little less agressive then it will work perfect for you. Either way it gives you a good base to start from. Of course it has its limits just like every other bike. I found that it didnt like the lippy jumps or long rock gardens. The front fork doesnt come with Kashima coating and the stock rims are very soft. Other than that Specialized hit a home run on this one.


The first thing to go was the wheel set, i switched to the Mavic Crossmax ST which is lighter and stiffer.


I love riding the 1x10 system verses the 2x10. So i got a E-thirteen chain ring and xtr clutch rear derailuer. I also decided to go with just a top guide rather than doing a full guide. Because i have the XTR Clutch it reduces chain slap to almost nothing.


Carbon bars arent "better" they just make the bike lighter. ODI grips are a nessecity for a Downhiller.