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Home > Product Reviews > Full Suspension > Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Reviews

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert

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Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert
More about Specialized

Average Rating: 4 out of 5
No. of Reviews: 29
RRP: £1,999.99
Year: 2007

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Description:

FSR M5 manipulated alloy frame with Transform monocoque TT & sealed cartridge bearing pivots.

Fox Brain Fade remote, adjustable trail tune & rebound, rear shock.

Fox Talas RL fork.

Avid Juicy 7, hydraulic disc brakes.

Shimano LX front & SRAM X.0 rear deraillures.

Shimano cassette, crankset & bottom bracket.

DT custom for Specialized X430 rims.

Specialized Stout disc front hub.

Shimano M-525 disc rear hub.

Specialized Resolution Pro 26x2.1" tyres.

REVIEWS

1 to 10 of 29 reviews, to post a review you need to be a member - Join now.Page: 1 2 3

Kev Fiske

Posted: 20/04/08

'SOLID ALL ROUND FULL SUSSER'

Strengths:
I live and got the bike overseas so the package and deal was superb. Introducing me to SRAM rear mech and shifters was a revelation - no matter what they just keep shifting - it'll take alot to get me back over to the big S, Avid 7's are superb, Fox Float is cracking, weight is incredible for the package and considering it's a 5ins full susser. Rear shock bob does seem to lock out on the flat, rear sus is smooth and well controlled, sometimes it scares me that when I'm about to give up it just keeps going - I have been known to talk to myself on climbs I really shouldn't make saying over and over "what a bike, what a bike..." This is a frame to build on, even with the revamped 2008 model coming in... The looks are sweet.

Weaknesses:
Either the rear linkage or the seat post binder can get noisy as hell. The binder works loose and creaks, the linkage needs checking and lubeing regularly. This can do my head in on a long ride. Not too good when the going gets muddy / claggy, rear tyre clearance in OK but not the best and the linkage is right in the line of fire for crud. I changed some of the Spesh own brand kit for WTB Rocket 5 saddle and Thompson, I should have changed the Bar too - waaay too narow for the bike for a larger bloke, changed it recently and have found a new dimension in the ride.

Overall:
Generally I love it, as my first susser it has opened my eyes to another riding style which is what I use this bike for. An XC/Marathon bike it isn't for me, mainly due to it not dealing with all weather conditions that well, but as a day bike for hitting the trails it'll go up, down and anything in between. Top bike, top kit on the whole - change the bar, ride is great, it's tuneable to any style I reckon, could do with being more adaptable for UK conditions but that wouldn't stop me getting one all over again. The new 2008 FSR must be something if it beats this..
PS: would have got a 5 on Performance if it didn't creak so much, 4 for reliability is fair as could do with being more UK specific, value isn't bad but there are a few spec clangers for me - narrow bar, spesh own brand kit is questionable, rear hub is a cost saver.. that said I'll keep upgrading this frame for a long time yet.

Performance		80%
Reliability		80%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

73%

Dave Hayden

Posted: 16/01/08

'BEST BIKE I HAVE RIDDEN'

Strengths:
Durabillity
Great sus travel
Great ride position
Soaks up the bumps

Weaknesses:
Spesh tyres and tubes not very robust

Overall:
I have been riding MTB's for ten years and this is by far the best all rounder I have ever ridden

Performance		100%
Reliability		80%
Value		80%

Overall Rating

87%

Rich Mck

Posted: 26/12/07

'DURABLE'

Strengths:
Quite nimble . Smooth going uphill

Weaknesses:
paint chips, tires that come with bike should be better considering the price of the bike,seat is not the most omfortable

Overall:
I got mines in a silver grey colour for a 2.400 euros at the end of the season, saving 700euros in Spain ! So, naturally I was enticed , but the shop let me try out the bike. At first it was slippery on the rear, the tires didn't feel right, I had to play around with the brain suspension, but it is one of the best concepts on this bike and the main reason for getting the expert.The avid juicy 7's stop at everything so to speak and I was impressed as I tried some ultimates on Cannondale Scalpel and to be honest I thrashed the brakes in order to see if it would be a good thing to fork out the extra cash, but the 7's are as good, for me anyways. I have been an avid fan of Specialized mtb's over the years going back to '88 with the rockhopper series, I suppose I should be on an S-Works by now, but I was apprehensive about the carbon frame factor, there are those who loathe the idea of carbon, and for obvious reasons, but after reading up and looking into the prospect of owning one despite the drawbacks of chipped paint or the chance of cracking the frame and then what..., I have decided to sell ( and only 'cos I have a Kona stinky as well ! and also in order to raise the cash... )it to get myself an Ibis Mojo which seems to be as good a choice if one does not go for an S-Works carbon pro frame. The downside is of course, that the Ibis doesn't have it's own version of the brain fade sus. But then again, it's elegance and componant spec sheet, depending on what you put on the frame is outstanding, and this brings me to a question. Has any member had or have a a Mojo ? Would you care to share your fantasy with a novice to these pages, Ivwould be mighty greatful... Meanwhile, it's time for some ZZzz's before getting back on the trail

Performance		60%
Reliability		80%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

67%

Rob Rattray

Posted: 25/10/07

'THAT IS WHAT UPGRADING IS ALL ABOUT'

Strengths:
Handling is sharp, acceleration is fantasic, lockout works well, brakes are fantastic, a huge amount of adjustability, brain works well, front suspension is good quality and handles the small and large knocks well.

Weaknesses:
weight distribution is mainly at the rear of the bike which can make keeping the handle bars down tricky, especially with the large and x-large frame size. Paint job durability, I have had this bike for 5 months now and alot of the wording has been rubbed off already. The LX front mech is a shame since the XT only costs a little more and would be better suited to a bike of this calibre.

Overall:
Fantastic frame with lifetime warranty..... should work well with future components. I would not change this bike for another, not even the new 08 stumpy expert. Time will tell how reliable to Brain remains.....

Performance		100%
Reliability		100%
Value		80%

Overall Rating

93%

BigSi

Posted: 20/06/07

'WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT????'

Strengths:
Great going up, stiff, efficient, no messing with pro-pedal switches as the Brain takes care of it all, just set the trail tune to soft or firm and ride. The XO rear derailluer is crisp and precise, the TALAS fronts are stiff and steer well but really open up on step downs and the like. Going down just open up the TALAS fork and off you go!! It is just great going downhill and inspires confidence in average riders like me! Oh and it stops as well with juicy 7's bedding in well.

Weaknesses:
The rather complex paint job/colours make it hard to touch up any scratches. err thats it. Honest!

Overall:
I took it to Mabie (Red) and Ae forest(red) last week and it was just fantastic. At everything. Full stop. I challenge you to find a better specified bike at the price!!

Performance		100%
Reliability		100%
Value		100%

Overall Rating

100%

Ben Mullard

Posted: 02/01/04
Updated: 23/05/07

'GREAT ALLROUNDER'

Strengths:
The seat tube goes around the shock strengthening the frame so there isnt so much flex. Forks are soooooo smooth and really adjustable. The shock has 3 different settings (open, pro pedal, Locked) for every style of riding. The disc brakes are nice and powerful and ver reliable in all weather.

Weaknesses:
Handlebars are too wide and not enough rise on them for me but I bought myself some Easton EA50's to settle that. Nothing else wrong though.

Overall:
Very responsive and brilliant finishing kit all over. Best bike Ive ever had and you can do every type of offroad with it.

Performance		100%
Reliability		100%
Value		100%

Overall Rating

100%

Stij Monkey

Posted: 05/03/04
Updated: 23/05/07

'STILL TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING IT CAN'T DO...'

Strengths:
Spesh's usual high build quality and attention to detail. Fantastic fork/shock package. Pro-pedal setting that WORKS!

Weaknesses:
Seatpost QR tends to slip a bit unless really REALLY tight. That's it!

Overall:
Had pretty much decided upon the Enduro when I spied this red beauty. Borrowed the test bike one weekend and fell in love! Will do anything I ask it to, be it merrily bouncing down boulder-fields or belting uphill (twin lockouts rule!). The 3 position Triad shock was one of my main reasons for choosing the stumpy over the Enduro, but the pro-pedal setting is so good that I don't flip the wee lever to 'fully open' quite as often as I did during the first few rides. Plus- there's NOTHING I want to upgrade, which is an incredible feat as I'm a sod for buying new kit I don't need! Can't wait for summer!

Performance		100%
Reliability		100%
Value		80%

Overall Rating

93%

Graeme MacLean

Posted: 08/05/04
Updated: 23/05/07

'QUITE DISAPPOINTED'

Strengths:
The fork is great, it goes and stops really well. Fairly comfy, fairly light.

Weaknesses:
"Pro-pedal is so good"? Maybe the Evans demo bike I rode had something wrong with it, because while the back end didn't bob too much, it just felt really slow at the back, and was like riding a boat in the open setting. Compared to the fully active back end on a Marin Rift Zone or the Swinger on the back of my Fisher Cake and I'm afraid it doesn't compare.

Overall:
So nearly there. If they put a decent shock on it, it could be great. As it stands, I woulnd't buy one. In fact, I didn't.

Performance		60%
Reliability		80%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

67%

Alistair Robinson

Posted: 08/05/04
Updated: 23/05/07

'DO IT ALL FULL SUS'

Strengths:
Front and rear lockout make it an excellent climber. Quality forks, plush and rigid with plenty of adjustment.

Weaknesses:
LX levers for £1800?

Overall:
Brilliantly comfy, strong but still light and a good climber. Pro-pedal worked well but the lockout was useful if your up in your pedals.
When fully active felt solid on dodgy wet downhill single track. Excellent spec groupset and quality finishing kit. No corners cut. If your in the market for full sus which is racey and still capable of handling the tuff stuff then the Expert is definatly worth a test ride.

Performance		100%
Reliability		60%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

73%

Paul Allen

Posted: 24/05/04
Updated: 23/05/07

'AWESOME BIKE'

Strengths:
Smooth front and rear shocks with lockouts and pro-pedal on the rear. Good spec groupset and finishing kit.

Weaknesses:
Not sure about the paint-job durability - only time will tell.

Overall:
I have only been out for a couple of rides so far but this is a fantastic bike. It climbed & descended equally well and felt fast & responsive on all terrains.

Looking forward to many more rides over the coming months!!