2022 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro Review & Demo on Zippity Do Da Trail at Fruita Fat TireFestival 

I really like the SJ EVO. Great feeling bike. Per carbon, check for frame CRACKS. For any expensive bike purchase, have a bike mechanic check it over at a local shop. Seller should agree (or look elsewhere). Buyer pays for inspection (so you get unbiased answer). I do this with all car purchases too.

First, I liked BOTH bikes. Second, I liked the EVO more, which really surprised me. I like short travel, light weight bikes that can climb and get you back down safely (I own a Ripley V4 and love it). I rode the EVO 3 years ago - and hated it - too low, too floppy steering - hard to pedal. This new EVO was a delight. Amazing climber and pedaled well compared to the old version (shocked me). AND fun to fly back down. If I was not so in love with the Ripley, I'd consider the EVO. And as a bigger guy (6'2" 210 pounds), I like the extra suspension - and brakes. I really liked the Codes RSC on the EVO (much better than my current Levels with 200 rotors). RSC are great stoppers - even on super steep down sections. The regular Stumpy brakes worked great too (but did not take on super steep) - can not remember if G2 or SLX 4 piston. Hope that helps.

Lots of great bikes to choose from.

I'm just going to buy it

@@fuseman_ cool bike. good call.

Kenny, the Stumpjumper Evo is a wonderful bike. I was so impressed. Probably my favorite bike of the weekend. Blew me away on the improvements over the last version. It pedaled soooo well. Could not believe it had all that travel. And the downs were a confidence inspiring blast. I am 6'2" with a 32 inch inseam. So long torso and short legs. Loved the S5. Since my collarbone surgery (from bike crash), I like a longer more stable bike. I rode a S4 Stumpjumper Regular. It worked. Was small and flickable. But I like the S5 better. Continue to FIT the bike to you: different length stem and moving seat on rails forward and back and different stem rings (for rise). Carbon wheels are nice. I'm not enough of a nerd to feel the difference. I've always owned alloy wheels. So can't help there. Unfortunately, I do NOT know which settings the EVO was in, but I LIKED it a lot (wish I'd asked). Fiddle and test until you find the sweet spot. Base adjustments on your home trail that you ride most. Bottom line, good call. You are going to love the EVO. I'm a little jealous. : )

@@50mtb44 Haha thanks! I sold my epic Evo because I wanted a better all arounder. I was so torn between the stumpy and the stumpy Evo. I think I made a good call. It does pedal very well and that was my biggest complaint from my 2019 stumpy which I sold for the epic Evo. Now, hopefully I have a good balance and if I want to hit some jumps, I have some safety in having more bike but still able to pedal. Great videos. Thanks for your insight! Where is that trail btw? I’m in the Philly burbs so I know I am nowhere near that sort of terrain

@@kentao4 Use to ride an Epic for 15 years. Loved that thing. Like the geo on the new Epic EVO. Tempting, but not been able to ride one yet. Trail was in Fruita Colorado (just northwest of Grand Junction - about 3.5 hour drive west of Denver - on the way to Moab). Rode Zipitty Do Da Trail on 18 Road Trail System (BLM land). Super fun, super steep ups and downs.

@@50mtb44 oh ok nice. I spent last week in co spring at the broadmoor. Beautiful area.

@@kentao4 cool. Hope your rode some MTB trail. Broadmoor is high class.

Great question. No answer from me. I have not ridden the Hightower, so can not comment. Good luck with your decision. I recommend riding both (demo) if possible.