Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 650B: playful carelessness

Test: Specialized is breaking new ground for the coming year. For the first time, 650B wheels have been installed, replacing the 26-inch wheel size in mountain bikes. The new one was presented in the spring stump jumper, which we took on at the Specialized Test Days in Leogang, Austria.

At our first encounter with the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 650B the wheel shines in a bright, modern green - also known as Gloss Hyper Green. However, the rain of the previous days ensured that the bike would not stay clean for long.

The top model of Stump jumpers leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to equipment. A Rock Shox works at the front Pike RC and offers, like the Fox, which is tailored to the bike Float CTD Dampers, 150 millimeters of travel. The damper has the Autosag option, which is intended to simplify setting up the right setup, and the Kashima coating provides a visual highlight.

The brakes are based on the proven mid-range model XT by Shimano. The drive comes from Sram. With a 1×11 on the rear wheel, you have a wide range that, in combination with a 34 chainring, is designed more for speed than for a good climber.

The in-house chain guide above the chain ring is designed to prevent the chain from jumping off.

The remaining components come from our own production. Specialized tyres, seat post, saddle, handlebars, stem, grips - everything developed in-house and in a subtle black without a lot of frills. The wheels come from Specialized's subsidiary Roval.

However, the main focus is undoubtedly the frame. The carbon main frame, consisting of two monocoque parts, has a tapered head tube and should therefore offer the driver the best possible feedback. The linkage is based on the proven FSRconcept that has been in use since 1993 and has been further developed ever since.

The component mix seems a bit confusing due to the many different manufacturers, but above all because of the mix of Shimano and Sram, but turns out to be a successful combination in use.

Thanks to the Autosag, the setup was easy to find and immediately matched the rider's weight perfectly.

The first meters on the stump jumper are quite unusual. It's not a bike to sit on and feel comfortable in, so it takes some time to get used to the upright riding position and high front end.

The legroom is remarkable. The deep-drawn top tube offers a lot of space, so that you can move the bike under you as you like. The playful streak of the wheel can already be guessed here.

The bike is powerful on the climbs. Thanks to the platforms of the shock, there is almost no rocking of the rear triangle even when pedaling out of the saddle and every power transmission is converted into propulsion. With a little effort, steep ramps can be conquered despite the large 34 chainring, but the front wheel tends to lose contact with the ground.

The raised one Slaughter, Specialized's semi-slick tire, does a great job on the climbs. It rolls very well and offers good traction despite the flat profile.

The Slaughter also knows how to impress on downhills. On solid ground it is an absolute miracle of grip. The strong side lugs offer good lateral support and are very good-natured in most situations, but they quickly become clogged on deep soil.

The chassis fully demonstrates its strengths on the descent. The Blanket responds sensitively despite the lack of low-speed setting and the damper, which is adapted to the bike's characteristics, also does an excellent job. It responds very finely and offers a lot of spring travel, but has a pleasant final progression and thus offers small reserves for tricky situations.

The bike can be ridden nicely over the rear wheel, especially in corners, and you can generate good speed. The Stumpjumper is probably the most fun on slow sections. The fairly steep steering angle of 68 degrees gives the bike an extra portion of agility and in combination with the short chainstays it is extremely manoeuvrable. The front wheel can be lifted easily and so every little bump invites you to a nice manual or a bit of airtime.

The bike could certainly do with a little more smoothness, but for use as a trail bike it is perfectly balanced and a lot of fun.

Conclusion

The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon Evo 650B is one of the most playful bikes we have ever sat on. It's not a bike on which you feel extremely comfortable from the start, but once you get used to the riding experience, it turns out to be a guarantee for a lot of fun. Tight corners in particular suit the bike and it can be maneuvered over obstacles with ease. In addition, it can score with a lot of freedom of movement and excellent climbing properties.