Specialized Stumpjumper 2022

I'm looking to replace the short travel Ibis Ripley I just sold. I could get an XL Ripley which is available but I think I want more travel. That Ripley is a fantastic climbing bike. Mid Travel bikes: Revel Rascal? Specialized Stumpjumper? Both are 130 rear 140 front travel. I won't buy a complete bike this time- frame only. Stumpjumper frame is 2,700.00. Ripley size XL $ 3,400.00. I will be climbing Black Star on it mostly and other places like Skyline in Big Bear. What are your thoughts?
Thanks, Hawt Dawg Steve

 

I love the Stumpy I picked up... It's a great all arounder. And the newer ones are longer and slacker, which I know is something you like. I didn't realize they shortened the travel, though. Mine is 135/150 and it feels at home with the bigger fork.

I like it so much, it’s making me sign up for some crazy big rides in the near future…

 

While I think Revel has the best rear suspension design in existence, the Rascal didn’t climb nearly as well as ANY bike I demo’d and I also ended up with a 2021 V4 Ripley.
You can demo the Rascal from Pro Bike Supply. I did all my demo runs on the Whiting/Luge loop and I was slowest on the Rascal on the climbs, it just had no “snap” at all. I was actually fastest on the Yeti SB130 but it was my least favorite going down, especially when things got bouncy.

 

Id think that the SJ is going to be a better sustained climber than the Rascal. Both are very popular when the bike is pointed downhill.

 

Keep sending the thoughts... Not that I am thinking about anything...ya know

 

My Lynskey 29-140. Front travel 140mm- Rear travel 140. Head angle 67 deg. Seat angle 74 deg. Titanium frame weight.. 7.2 lbs. Stumpy? Head angle 65 deg. Seat angle 76 deg. Frame weight 5.3 lbs. So what would I gain with the Stumpy? 2 lbs. of weight savings? Back to the Ripley- that bike is a climbing machine. If you can fall out of bed that's how much effort the Ripley takes to climb up hill. My Lynskey climbs quite well and descends even better. It's just a heavier bike. I want a bike that climbs like a hardtail and descends like a downhill bike... ( doesn't everybody? ) Head scratching continues...

 

Part of making climbing better is to have a lighter weight bike to pedal up the grades. I'd wager that the SJ performs better through the rough at speed than the Lynskey does. The Lynskey is your bikepacking rig.

 

A bike that climbs great and descends great doesn’t exist. Or - it defines most modern trail bikes. All bikes have some compromise baked in.

Also, demo-ing bikes is great, but suspension setup is an art, and I would submit that most of the time, the shop will set your demo bike too stiff using the recommended air pressure settings that are notoriously too firm.

Then there’s tire pressure. And rim material, and grips and…

Good luck with the search for the perfect bike. They all are. Just find the one that ticks your boxes and makes you want to ride!

 

LOL, like this makes it any easier.

 

It does make it easier when you have “permission” to not hunt for the perfect bike, but to buy the one (in your category) that ignites your passions and/or is a great deal.

 

Mondraker Raze?

No one has one, so you could be unique around here!

 

What's the deal with your saddle? When I stare at it without blinking I get annoyed!

 

I LOLed..

 

Its one of them new-fangled, dingle/dangle, fragilistic saddles.

 

Only highly evolved riders with impeccable taste can rock the ISM.

 

Or those with special needs...

I may give one of these a try.

 

No comment. Ok... Maybe one comment. My junk never gets numb with the ISM.

@Stkx66 - We're derailing your thread. Sorry... If you want to test an older Stumpy, you're welcome to come and give mine a try. Strawberry loop?

 

I had numbing issues in the beginning. Faust29 suggested this ISM 2.0 saddle so I rented one and after trying it I couldn't give it back fast enough. Its like sitting on a 4 x 4 piece of wood. Then another ride on the old saddle and more numbing. So, I bought the ISM 2.0 saddle and forced myself to like it and is now on all my other bikes. You'll notice its set way back which helps my case of being more comfortable with a longer cockpit.

 

Oh no..... I'm all about the Mondraker now! Seriously, can't hurt to look right? Thanks for the ride offer of a test spin!

 

I'm pretty sure that the original inspiration for ISM saddles was from the 50's sci fi film This Island Earth.

 

The rotation I will probably looking at
Revel Ranger
Transition Spur
Ibis Ripley perhaps V5

Looking at the 120/130 - 29

I agree buy the bike "you want" not the bike "you should".

When I demo I am looking for natural fit and enjoyment... Or least to that is what I am telling myself... And I usually take it home and fiddle with the suspension before I ride it.