2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Test Ride and Review 

Cool review..... Just got me a stumpjumper evo troy lee frame.....gonna build up the rig till spring😝🤘🏻🚲

@MTB yumyum: can you plz briefly list key modifications compared to the standard model? ZEB instead of Fox36 is obvious, but what else? e.g. stem, handlebar, ... Thanks.

Totally agree. I'll say I think yumyum is a bit misguided on this one. I live in CO where we have a few hills here... and have owned dw-link bikes and Yeti's (SI). This bike climbs really well, especially tech. I'll take it over the Ripley I used to own for climbing if that says anything.

Might help explain why it climbed not so well, along with the slacker headtube angle setup.

Totally. Would be a fun bike to have around for sure!

I put a coil on my too, though I've heard rumors about this bike being a bit of a coil shock killer. How has your Ohlins coil been holding up so far?

@@SnowShackboy Ohlins is fine, only coils that aren't is the Fox and Super deluxe. The Ohlins has been sick, no complaints at all! Have another friend who has a Push Ind on his Evo, that coil rips as well.

I actually just bought this bike brand new and the Zeb fork comes stock on this bike actually. It's crazy what this fork can eat up, I love it so far!

Yep!!

Bingo. Very good point. I have long sustained climbs that are steep but not overly technical. Efficiency is key if I want to ride 5-6 days a week and not get burnt out. Thanks!

Wow, sounds fun!

It was a fun one!

Glad you like them! Thanks

I didn't know they were doing swat box on alloy... that's awesome!!

Cool. I've never heard of Vitus... I know there are a lot of other brands in Europe.

Tempting for sure… this bike was a lot of fun. Wish I had more time to mess around w the different settings

haha me too.... just took a minute to get a bike to demo. Thank you!

Thanks for the support William. Welcome!!

Thanks for watching! And thanks for the kind words.... I really appreciate it!

Interesting, would the 29er wheel/tire fit in the back with the mullet link installed? I guess I just thought it wouldn't work with a bigger wheel back there... I've had a number of comments now showing disappointment for not spending more time swapping the bike around to the different configurations... it's just too much time for me to spend on a signal video review... in any case, thank you for the kind words and I'd be very interested to know if you're correct...

@@mtbyumyum if it had the 27.5 linkage in there, I suspect you wouldn't have had pedal strike issues in the low setting so I suspect its the 29 linkage. Also was wondering about the RS suspension...

I thought the RS stuff was really good. No complains as to the feel and control.... wish the shock had a middle setting for climbing instead of full open or locked out... That was my first time on a Zeb. Thought it was great!

It’s a lot of fun

I heard Salt picked up Evil... haven't seen any there tho....

I just rode my new Wreckoning on the weekend and am beyond stoked!! I was a bit nervous about the long travel and big wheels feeling too pigish but man for a big bike it's really sprightly/playful and can still plow. Highly recommend

Yeah. I’d like to get back to that… this format cuts my editing time significantly and makes a slightly more accurate review giving me more time to think about what I’m saying… we’ll see. Thanks!

Yeah, that would have been awesome. I’d love to ride a bunch more mixed wheel bikes next season

haha that's awesome! Thanks!

Yeah, I'd love to ride it

@@mtbyumyum I may end up getting one because it’s the only bike with decent amount of availability ( less demand , maybe people are concerned about the mullet setup )

Right on!

Yeah. It would have been nice to ride w a shock that had a proper climb switch. I think it would have helped for sure. Also wish I had more time w this bike to try other settings

Exactly why I don’t own my 19 Stumpjumper. Rocks box in my opinion didn’t feel great while pedaling. From a newbie perspective I’m like why is there a lockout switch if it doesn’t lock out?!

Dude… I got a quote on my epic evo this past week and they offered me like 3800 store credit, and even less for partner stores and cash. I literally laughed. I had less than 40 mi and I got it brand new for like 6000. I cleared 5800 after pp fees etc. They are the worst. I wouldn’t buy anything there just because of the sheer disrespect lol.

I totally understand what you're saying... If I only had one bike at a time it would be so hard to choose between the 120-130mm 29er category and the longer travel 29ers... so many good bikes out right now!

No and I don't see it making all that much difference... if you demand a better climbing bike that still has a 160mm fork, look to the Pivot Switchblade, Ibis Ripmo and Yeti SB130 in my experience.

Good question. I actually think the Rocky Mountain Instinct would make an excellent 1 bike for my terrain if I were to only own 1 bike at a time. I would likely be looking at, Yeti SB130, RM Instinct, Trail 429 with Pike/Fox 36, SC Tallboy or Stumpy with Pike/Fox 36 or maybe.... just maybe, an Ibis Ripley with a 140mm Pike... maybe. As for JL descent... having a bigger fork is the key there... the fox 34 gets pushed to hard at those speeds and starts to feel a little scary. A longer bike at those speeds is really nice too... T429 and Ripley get pushed a bit on that trail but a bigger fork could make up the difference... in the end, the Instinct, SB130 and Stumpjumper are better get everything done sort of bikes.... but they're maybe not as much fun as the Ripley's of the world on all the other trails I ride each week

I’ve owned both. Last season I started out on a 21 Stumpjumper Comp Carbon. Although the EVO was my first choice, it’s what was available and ended up being a killer bike and there are many things I miss about it. I picked up a 22 SJ EVO S-Works frame, built it up, and only have 25 miles on it so far. I for sure needed the extra travel of the EVO and am stoked on the bike, but it’s definitely more of a tank and is not nearly as nimble and playful. If I could have built up the EVO without having to sell my reg SJ to cover it, I totally would have. Completely different bikes, in my opinion.

Pivot Switchblade, Yeti SB130, Revel Rascal and the new 130mm Stumpy are all excellent. Ripley and Trail 429 climb a little better but give it up on the descents compared to these others.

I bought a prime last spring and I'm switching out to (most likely) an Evo. I found the prime climbed poorly and the reach/TT lengths are just too short. I would have gone XL but the seat tube is too long. For comparison, I have a 180 one up v2 dropper in the large and it is as far in as it can go and the saddle is at the perfect hight. I have a 2014 rune XL and I have a 180 one up dropper on that and it isn't slammed. So really don't the changes they made to the V3 frames and seat tubes but they didn't build the frames to accommodate long droppers. I'm 6' with bike shoes for reference which puts me at the shorter side of their L sizing. BB to saddle height is 750mm. Also, they have a progressive linkage that is coil compatible but then ship the OE DPX2 shock with 0.8 volume spacer (IIRC). This is max for the shock making it as progressive as it possibly could be. At my sag I could not get anything beyond about 75% travel. And even with this, I couldn't get it to be good while climbing. Again, the 2014 rune was an excellent climber and better than the v3 prime. Im really not sure what they were going for but I do not recommend. Maybe someone else milage will vary. Edit: also, it's a little bit of a porky. I didn't think this would matter but at 36lbs with carbon rims, fox 36, slx 12 speed drive train I'm not sure I understand the frame weight reasoning. In addition, the bottom of the shock is almost impossible to get to. I have to use a multi tool to adjust the rebound adjusters on the shock I have. Edit 2: don't know why I came back to look at your post. But I just realize you said "technical climber". The prime is 100% that. Mountain goat like climbing. I rode up thinks that I shouldn't have been able to. The long rear end really get you that planted and stable feeling. If that's what you do, the prime is the bike for you.

Thank you @@Jgalaski8438 ... There are bikes I like more... But I can get a great deal on a new frame. I had the V2 prime and liked it ... But the Revel Rascal and Pivot Switchblade just look so good!

Thank you @@mtbyumyum.... Those bikes are high on my list... Will see if I can throw a leg over them.

@@pedalhound I bought a V2 large frame (good deal) in fall 2020 and I loved it, it was just too small. Same experience as you, it climbed amazing and was exceptional overall. I don't find the V3 is that at all. I can't explain it. I did go from a 28 chainring on the v2 to a 30 on the v3 so maybe I decreased anti-squate some, but can't believe it was that much. I also think the frame is about 2 or 3 lbs heavier, which I'm sure doesn't help. I don't know....

Thank you!

Thanks ✌️

Most similar to the Ripmo. Not sure about the geo adjustability... not sure the average dude would take the time to mess with it but it's cool that it has it. I thought the bike was a lot of fun!

Thanks!

I just sold my Bronson MX for this SJ EVO. Miles better on climbing and more stable on downhill plus it’s much faster on the straight aways. I like this SJ better. Bronson jumped a little better, that’s it.

@@cherryhilldrums5334 Iv been looking at the Alloy EVO frame for a build. Seems like a burly do it all rig. Thanks for the input. New EVOS are super nice.

I have requested it as well!

@@oakleypayne-meyer7534 I imagine it is probably hard to get a hold of one to test right now.

There are also a lot of Rock shox forks and shock which have 100% lockout with one switch... Besides that, fox getsnot 100% locked

Good question, without having spend much time in technical terrain with the Stumpy, I would say the Switchblade would get up more techy stuff better.... but, the Stumpjumper zips up the trail nicely and might feel more efficient... I'd have to ride them back to back.

I currently own the sj evo and been riding it for more than 6 months now.... unless you ride them back to back you'll be subject to what other people (me, pb or any other publication) have to say about it.... I personally don't value pb reviews. They receive thousands of dollars in advertising and marketing money from basically all major bike brands... what do you think they're going to say. I have nothing to gain from saying what I say. I have a day job and this youtube channel is a hobby... I like the sj evo, it doesn't climb as well as many other bikes in the category and it didn't keep me from buy the bike and riding it for more than 6 months now... in the category, the sb140 lr is the best bike available right now and they're on sale!

I was thinking the same thing. Not only that. The parts spec is what you would see on a LTD. I own the 2021 sworks and debated between the two for a long time and as such I got to intimately know both specs.

I've had a few people mention this in the comments now... it was sent to me like this, as a 29er

@@mtbyumyum if you’re going to have the bike for a while, look into the cascade components link, makes it sooo much better!

Yep. Wish it climbed like its flex pivot counterpart

@@mtbyumyum BTW am I right to assume your Rocky Altitude climbs better even though it's a 160mm bike?

@@smoothmoose I've been on both a fair bit and I would say that they're not far apart. For some reason I had more pedal strikes on the rocky. Felt like the evo back end didn't get caught up as much. Evo felt like more of my pedaling energy went into the acceleration of the bike too, but that's hard for me to evaluate. I DIDN'T find the altitude C50 to climb poorly at all! I liked the feel of the stumpy more because I could feel that more rearward axle path more on bumps.

No, I wouldn't say the Altitude climbs better than this Stumpjumper EVO... probably about the same I'd say.... My Altitude was the only bike at the time that I could mullet and feel like I wasn't messing w the geo too much.... there are other options available now and I actually plan to sell the Altitude in the early spring and start shopping for a replacement.

Austin Pierce, I had a number of pedal strikes in the slackest setting on the Altitude... not an issue in the neutral setting or steeper

hard to know for sure.... I've got a few hundred miles on mullet bikes at this point and I wouldn't say they're all the much worse...

@MTB yumyum but not better or the same? I hear steep climbs is when they lift up more on you.

I had no problems with the front wheel lifting when climbing on this bike

@@seano218 many mullet bikes use flip chips to help address the reduced radius of the 27.5 tire. I haven't seen any that fully offset this 100% so in those cases, the seat angle will be slacker which can cause easier looping out. The SJ Evo changes the lineage which presumably, fully compensates for this difference. As such. Lopping out shouldn't be an issue.

@@mtbyumyum on steep climbs?

Troy Lee Design Speed Sleeve Knee Pads: bit.ly/2Qirrpb

5'8" medium/S3

good question.... I'll try and find out and get back here... Thanks! I know they have a 30 day money back guarantee... but that's more of a return policy than a warranty.

@@mtbyumyum I Appreciate what you are doing for us! But buying a used bike at close to new prices, and without a warranty, to me seems to be a very bad decision. Good riding to you and your family!

N+1,always the same 😁🙄. Get the new evo elite alloy as one for all. Coming from a transition spur

SB150 climbs almost as good as RipmoAF. Climbing wise it will be RipmoAF > Yeti SB150 > Stumpjumper EVO

@@pjsanab thanks!!

I’d have to ride them back to back… I don’t think the sb150 climbs as well as the ripmo. Ripmo is better than the evo

Thanks for your comment. Reminds me that I need to remember to mention in these videos that my climbs aren't overly technical but rather long, steep and sustained efforts... so for me and my terrain, pedal efficiency trumps traction for tecky sections. Thank you!

About the Transition Spire, does it make a downhill bike obsolete? Tell me the good and bad about it.

@@pjsanab It feels like it climbs better than my Stumpjumper Evo and is the most comfortable bike I've tried for the bike park. I ride Angel Fire bike park quite a bit and its just so fun there. For now it will be my only bike, I will get a shorter travel bike next year.

@@luckyguy19 I disagree on poor climbing. Maybe my float x has different tune but my evo alloy climbs with absolutely no bob.

I hear you! And totally wish I had more time to spend on this bike... and this channel. I had no idea this was "pinkbike bike of the year" and you have to understand, they can spend a lot of time on a bike for a review... it's their job. You can't even begin to imagine the hurdles in the way of me doing this channel... first, if I was the pinkbike guy doing reviews I'd have the bike for a 2 months or more just to noodle around on before even having to get out the camera gear to start filming and writing a script. All the while getting paid... I make like $2 an hour here lol, have a full time job and family along with other obligations and hobbies. Second, there are no bike companies sending me bikes to demo... I spend a lot of time trying to get bikes to ride and film. I don't have 80+ hours to dedicate to a video once I get a bike so, you get what I had time to do and that's the best I can do. In all reality, I gave people a look at the bike, and was able to compare it with other bikes I've ridden in the category... and that's more than what most other reviewers do... pinkbike, bikemag and many others area complete jokes in my opinion.... they likely didn't even dog the bike for not climbing all that well... because then they would get the ever important BIG S marketing money spent on their website... They say what they're paid to say.... basically reading from a script regurgitating bike jargin bs.... To your point, you're right... I didn't get a chance to discuss the depth of the bike geo and offerings..... I'll bet ya 80% of the people that buy this bike never change it from the configuration I rode it in anyway. And last of all, if I was on the payroll of most other reviewers making a promising living and able to provide for my family doing this, I would have delivered... but this channel isn't anywhere close to paying the bills so I give it the amount of time and attention I can and try not to beat myself up for not doing as well as the other deep pocketed legit bike reviewer channels or websites.

@@mtbyumyum not OP, but just a random viewer wanting to say thanks and your review did exactly what it was intending with your limited available time. You put it in the common setting and provided a review based on that. Tried the low setting but I understand the dislike of pedal strikes. I will comment that I do think that PB did review this with a "it's not the best climber" comment. As OP stated, part of the reason it got BotY was because of its adjustability and thus it's versatility while having stellar down hill capability. That was what was more important to them, climbing efficiency is for you. Thanks again

Brandon,.....What are your thoughts of how the La Sal climbs? And also the Delano Peak if you have ridden that one?

@UClPQstHx-qJe-bPc-fAENcg ,....Very good. Thanks. Living in Utah, I kinda want to get a Utah bike. But the La Sal looks a little funky to me, but if it climbs really well, I guess I can overlook that.

@@tonybasoni8443 I really liked the la sal. I think it's one of the better climbers for that travel range. My buddy and I switched bikes the other day so he could ride my evo. The seat angle of his la sal was very apparent next to my evo. If you're only taking pedaling platform into account then it's definitely not quite the rocket ship that the ripmo is. But the very steep seat angle and minimal pedal bob for a Horst link bike put it just below the ripmo on fire road climbs. On a technical climb I think the seat angle and increased grip of the Horst link give it the edge. I haven't ridden the Delano. My understanding is that it has all the goods of the la sal in a shorter travel package. Either way the Fezzari is such a great price it's sometimes hard to justify much else in it's class.

A number of people have mentioned this... it showed up to me as a 29er... got it from The Pro's Closet

I'd prefer a 175mm

Some body else mentioned that same thing... It showed up to me as a 29er....

@@mtbyumyum I mean no disrespect, but that's definitely a mullet, the rear wheel is visibly smaller than the front. Also, I have a 29" wheel on mine and there's noticeably less tire clearance against the swingarm. Do enjoy your videos though, please keep 'em coming!

Lot's of variables here.... wheels size and what sort of riding you want to do...

The SJ is more easy going, maybe climbs a little better and probably a little more fun. Sentinel is crazy stable for the amount of suspension it has, holds a line really well but so does the EVO

I'd go carbon... there are alloy wheels out there available that are light weight and fast rolling...

More fun on the descent. Not as nimble and doesn't climb quite as well

For your sizing comment, can you elaborate on the adjustments you felt needed to fit the S4 size?

@@leeabbott4713 I moved all but one of the spacers on the head tube under the handlebars to raise it up some and scooted the seat as far back on the rails as much as was allowed. The seat tube isn't slammed all the way down, I raised it up a couple of inches but it still stays clear to move around when I drop it down.

I’m 6’2” and felt like my knees were at the handlebars on s4. Other than that @ 220, I have found exactly the same.

Yep... rode it for a week this same time last year.... never got around to publishing the video tho

Kevin, thanks for your comment. This evo had a rs super deluxe shock, with a lock out and open setting... no middle setting. I switch between the two setting and ultimately left it open. Full lock out is meh in my opinion.... of course it climbed better locked out but feels like riding a 2x4

@@mtbyumyum I wish the bb was just a tad higher on the evo, next stop RM altitude 🤘

@@klassyken i just received evo alloy. In open shock position with correct sag, there is no pedal bob. Lockout is not necessary on this bike. It is light years better than my giant and previous stumpjumper fsr.

@@TheJjyoung333 🤥 hahahah

Really depends on your speed... Ibis Ripmo, Pivot Switchblade, Rocky Mountain Instinct, S Stumpjumper.... really comes down to trail speed

@@mtbyumyum had a Ripmo af and currently on an offering I’ve only been riding serious for about a year. I’d consider myself intermediate, top speeds on average 25-30mph

Easier to ride than the Sentinel, maybe not as stable and feels shorter... not sure if it is or not haha

MTB yumyum climbs about same?

I'd have to ride them back-to-back...

Many comparisons of those 2 online. Sentinel is more progressive and therefore climbs a bit more efficiently but the tradeoff is it feels harsher on the chatter (or less mid bump compliance). Now the Sentinel V2 do to the progression has more reserves for landing bigger jumps/drops.