When it comes to the new 2019 Specialized Stumpjumper, there are a lot of options. Just look at how long the name is – it has to be that long because there are that many configurations. When it came time to get in a bike for a review, I had the opportunity to not only try the new platform, but also a new build option. The Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29 12 speed checks in as the least expensive option for the new carbon Stumpjumper with a 1×12 drivetrain. Which is to say it seems like a pretty great starting point if you’re considering the new Stumpy but can’t afford the top levels.
Most importantly with this or any Stumpjumper above it, you’re getting the all new 2019 Sidearm chassis with a FACT 11m full carbon chassis front and rear. Not only does this mean a stiffer frame with a better connection from the rear to the front of the bike than previous models, but you’re also getting a frame with improved cable routing, SWAT, improved geometry, and more. Not to mention, if you pick the Gloss Chameleon/Hyper color way, you get a bike that changes color from blue to purple depending on the light. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how much I’d like the Chameleon paint, but after seeing it in person, I love it – and it seems almost everyone who sees it agrees.
I haven’t had to mess with it since the bike comes pre-built, but the cable routing on this bike is just as magical as the frame we demonstrated on while in Ainsa. Just push the housing through the front, and it pops out the back – no fussing to get it through tight spots in the frame or from the main triangle to the chainstays. Initial impressions also seem to indicate that it keeps it completely silent and free or rattles.
The Sidearm design helps connect the suspension linkage mounting points for better suspension performance, but the design also gets rid of any proprietary mounting hardware for the shock. That means that should you want to upgrade the Fox Float DPS Performance shock at some point, most 210 x 50mm shocks will fit.
Matching the rear, the front features a Fox Float Rhythm 34 fork with a Grip damper set at 150mm of travel with a 51mm offset. The standard Stumpjumper (or LT for Long Travel) features 150mm/140mm of travel front/rear. This same build is also available in ST or Short Travel which decreases the travel to 130mm/120mm front/rear with 29″ wheels. The same bikes are also available with 27.5″ wheels for even more options.
The 29″ version that I’m riding includes 29 x 2.6″ Specialized Butcher/Purgatory tires, both in the lightweight 2Bliss ready Grid casings. The bike is shipped with tubes installed, but tubeless valves are included in the box and the tubeless rim strips are on the rims, so all you have to do it pull the tubes, install the valves, add your own sealant and you’ve got a tubeless set up out of the box.
The tires are mounted to Roval Traverse 29 aluminum rims which have a 30mm inner width, and are built to Specialized Boost 28h hubs with DT Swiss spokes.
As the model name would imply, this build includes a SRAM NX Eagle 12 speed drivetrain complete with a 170mm NX Dub crankset and threaded bottom bracket. It’s certainly not the lightest group, but so far it offers impressive performance for the price. Note that the NX Eagle cassette includes an 11-50t spread, and the crank is equipped with a steel 30t chainring.
The NX shifter is mirrored by the SRL LE dropper lever that actuates the X-Fusion Manic 34.9 dropper post. On medium frames and above, you get a 150mm travel post, while the small sticks with 125mm. The post offers infinite travel adjust, and thanks to a low seat tube, there is plenty of room to run the full post height for my short 690mm saddle to BB height. On the higher end models, you get the Specialized Command Post which comes in 160mm – which I was also able to fit on this frame as well. On top of the post is a Body Geometry Phenom Comp saddle in 143mm width.
Even things like the Specialized Sip Grips are size specific – the S/M frames get the regular thickness, while the L/XL frames get the XL thickness grips. Details like these are a nice touch.
Slowing the bike down are a pair of SRAM Guide R brakes with a huge 200mm rotor up front and 180mm rotor out back. The cockpit is a pretty basic aluminum Specialized Trail bar that measures 780mm wide, with an 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 27mm rise, and 31.8mm clamp. The matching stem is a 6° rise and 50mm length.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a new Stumpjumper without the SWAT door. For 2019 the SWAT system has been improved by removing the plastic bezel and offering 20% more space inside the downtube.
Even at this price point, the Stumpjumper includes an impressive amount of extras including the Zee Cage II with the EMT Cage Mount multi-tool, and the tube and pump wraps. It doesn’t include a pump, but it does include two spare tubes if you convert to tubeless! On my bike I’m currently running a full size 29er tube in the tube wrap, an MTB pump, chain tool, Dynaplug pill, and spare chain link – all inside the downtube.
The Stumpjumper also includes a set of basic but functional flat pedals, a sag meter (small black plastic square that’s labeled with a few different Specialized bikes), multiple frame protection stickers, and a surprisingly comprehensive User Manual. More companies should include this with their bikes as it includes all of the torque values, shock sizes, maximum tire and chainring sizes, instructions for servicing suspension, installing cables, setting suspension, and even providing part numbers for replacement parts. Sure, you can probably find most of this info on a company’s website, but having it in one place for quick reference is far more convenient.
As mentioned, I’m on the medium frame which came in at just over 31lbs set up tubeless, and without anything in the SWAT box, but with the bottle cage and multi tool installed. The Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29 12 Speed sells for $4,520, and is available now.
