Does anyone race xterra or mountain bike races with a 2008/2009 Stumpjumper? I just put some money down on a new 2009 Epic Expert; however, the guys at the LBS keep telling me the stumpjumper is the way to go for someone who is new to mtb riding/xterra and that it is just a lot more fun to ride. I don’t think the 2008 Stumpjumper has changed at all while the new Epic has changed a lot. I can test ride the stumpjumper; however, until the 2009 Epic comes in, it will be tough to compare. I am new to xterra and do not have a lot of skill in the way of mtb riding. I live in eastern Va so not too many trails like in Colorado or out west. Lots of technical stuff…roots and debris. Big race will be Richmond Xterra. Any thoughts?
I race with an Anthem 1. I’m a Giant fan for life. But this guy loves his stumpjumper (I asked him about it at the Snow Valley Xterra last august)
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l80/dherr005/ConradBadass.jpg
but to tell you the truth, my friend did rent a stumpjumper comp (whichever one has teh brain rear shock) from a local bike shop and he let me take it out on a spin one day. The rear suspension worked like a charm but I found it kinda heavy. I’ve never ridden east coast trails, but I’ve seen the pictures, and therefore I recommend the stumpjumper.
Aren’t the suspension systems basically the same, except for the Brain auto lockout in the rear on the Epic? I think that’s correct: The Epic has the “Brain” that locks out until it feels a significant bump, while the SJ has active suspension that never locks out. My take on the two is the Epic is a pure full suspension xc racing bike, while the stumpjumper is a race-able trail bike. True xc fs bikes are becoming a dying breed with the longer suspension trail bikes getting lighter and suspension systems getting more efficient at eliminating pedal bob, etc., without the need for a Brain-like lockout.
Riding on the East Coast, with lots of roots and rocks, I would lean toward an active suspension system. I’ve heard comments on the epic that the suspension can be unpredictable. Sometimes it will stay locked out, and sometimes it won’t. I think Specialized updated the brain for the 2009 model to fix that issue, though; I haven’t heard if it worked.
How many inches of travel on the Epic, compared to the Stumpjumper?
Most of the good xc guys I know either have a hard tail and avoid the weight of the Brain, or go with a longer travel and don’t worry too much about the weight.
FWIW.
There is a little difference in the trail; however, not much and the new frame of the Epic is supposed to be better for racing and even all around. The Specialized rep for this area thinks the Epic will be the best bike for me, knowing how I ride… and if I crash and burn, it will still be fun. I am just think that if I am not racing I can still ride the epic and just not be as aggresive. I will test out the Stumpy next week and maybe will change my mind; however, right now, it looks like the Epic is the one.
he could probably win on my wife’s 40 pound Townie; however, that being said, he could also ride any bike out there and the fact he choose a Stumpjumper says something.
the Stumpjumper would be a great choice. The '08 & '09’s can be had in carbon and built around the 23lb mark - plenty light enough.
The Brain has been an issue, but it seems *better *now. I rode a carbon Stumpy (w/the Brain) for a weekend and could compare it to my '05 Stumpy (tweaked w/a Push rear shock and Maverick fork - a very nice plush, active, but not “bobbing” ride). The new design is definitely more firm w/the Brain (not harsh). I know it doesn’t seem like there’s a big diff between 3" & 4" of travel, but it is.
If you’re only going to have 1 bike and plan to do more than race the Stumpjumper should be a better choice - Ned Overand still races the Stumpjumper most of time, that’s a pretty strong testament.
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