Hey great reviews as always. I did pick up a SJ earlier in the year and immediately changed your same tires for some lighter Specialized Ground Control T7 tires. Months later switched to Fast Track T5’s and now bikes weighs even less, down in the mid 26lbs. Glad to see you upgraded to the new SJ. BE SAFE OUT THERE!!
I run mine in the middle position as well. Open is a little more compliant but bobs quite a bit. When I do long climbs in VT I’ll put it in the firmest setting. It’s not a full lockout and will compress on heavier hits.
Great first ride review Clint! I have been riding the same bike, a black ‘21 SJ Expert, for over year now and have been very pleased with it. The only downside I can think of is the low(ish) BB, I usually run it in the high setting because of all the pedalstrikes on rocky/rooty sections. I understand that you want to keep your bikes standard, for testing, but I strongly feel that this bike becomes so much more agile and ‘allround’, when fitted with good set of carbon wheels, a bit less aggro tires and some better/lighter parts here en there. A set of Roval Control carbon 29 wheels carbon wheels really sharpened it up for me. Second best upgrade was a Oneup carbon handlebar, the stock one was a bit harsh for me. Have fun in the mountains next week!
21 Expert owner here - I can confirm leaving it in the high position is a better time. I would like to try a set of 165mm length cranks on it sometime. My only other complaints are the rear shock heats up quick causing the flat tire effect, tire compound is a little hard, the grip2 damper is a little harsh on my hands (great performer though), and getting shifting to stay working 100% of the time is like dealing with late 90s 8spd XTR.
Cool, sounds like you are going to enjoy the Spec. ! I haven't had a new Spec. in several years, but picked up a 22 Diverge a few months ago. Compared to my other gravel bikes, it's heavier as well, but that weight is gone as soon as you start moving, and I love the SWAT for storage, the future shock for comfort, and the front end just feels more planted, allowing for faster and more-confident tight cornering. Spec is putting together good packages.
I have a 2021 model and it's awesome. The only thing I changed is the rear hub. The clanking sound was driving me crazy and the engagement has a lot of room for improvement. I ended up replacing it with a DT Swiss and it is noticeably better now.
Looking forward to hearing how it does on your road trip. Good 1 bike quiver by the sound of it. Side note, IMO it’s totally reasonable to change components out to suit your needs for reviews sake, as it’s relevant to the owners experience. I’m more interested in knowing about how the frame handles more than anything, parts can always get swapped out.
I switched from an Epic Evo to a ‘22 SJ a few months ago. I bought a frame, the copper color one with the Fox Float shock. I have a RS Pike Ultimate fork. I love the bike and it was the perfect move from the EE with the flex stays. I leave the shock open all the time now except when I’m on pavement riding to the trails. I’m in MSLA, MT so it’s mostly all up then all down and the geo is great for both and much more comfortable for long rides than the EE. It is far more capable going down than the EE too but of course weighs about 3 pounds more too. I don’t see changing bikes for quite a while.
Clint, I’m curious with all the bikes you’ve ridden now over the years, where do the giant bikes sit in your rankings? I have a Trance 2 alloy and looking at a Trance advanced 2 and curious your take now on those bikes. And if you have other recommendations (I know it depends on trails, I’m in the Midwest and mainly on xc/flowing single track) I tried to find your videos comparing the 27.5 trance 2 with the advanced but couldn’t find the comparison. Thanks! I love all your stuff! It’s fun to watch and great info!
Search RUclips for “Clint gibbs mid vs high price trail bike”. I did a whole series on it. I still like giant bikes but a couple years ago lost my connection with them. They are great value with some good design. I do like the brands I’m riding now a bit better, transition, Niner and recently specialized. But would still be happy on a giant
Good review, is that San Felasco? Definitely looking for a similar bike something I can run FL trails most of the time but still take up to NC quite a bit and even out west once in a while and don't really want two bikes at this point. I did try a Pivot Switchblade out last week and was really surprised how well it pedaled and felt even compared to the Stumpjumper, going to a be tough decision.
I'm considering to go all the way over to a short travel hardtail, but as a number 2 bike. So far I do feel that my Pivot Switchblade is too much for most of what I ride, so it just would make sense to have something light and zippy as well. I also want to do some bikepacking, so...
Great review. How does the stack height feel compared to the Spur? Just been looking at the geo charts and size for size, the Stumpy has on average 20mm more stack plus an extra 10mm on the bars.
Since the fork has 20 mm more travel, the stack height is going to be there. It’s honestly not that noticeable. I just feel like I have a bit more confidence with more travel upfront on the descents.
I have a Stump Jumper Comp Carbon 2022. I ride it everywhere. Trail centres, Natural trails and Bike parks. It can do it all but you will notice the limitations of the mid travel and flex stays when it gets really chunky. I’m quite a light weight rider at 67kg and I blow through the travel easily even with a 15% sag setting. I am running a spacer in the shock too. Attempt any mid sized drop offs and it bottoms out. I like the bike and I’m maybe pushing it out of its intended zone? I wanted the Evo but couldn’t get one at the time.
3.5 lbs difference? I assume 3lbs of that is the fork, the wheelset and spare tube, correct? I assume the frames are within 0.5lbs of each other - safe assumption?
I built the same bike (S4) size with a Fox 34 Fit4, XT all around and carbon wheels and bars and weighed in under 28 with pedals. XT isn’t the lightest so I’m sure more could be done but it’s a stout build and climbs well.
I think this bike will serve you well. I have also been curious about trying a Specialized bike based on how much I am loving a few of their accessory products recently.
Depending on where you live Specialized has several "experience centers" where you can demo any of their bikes for a fairly reasonable price (as far as the price of bike demos goes). The ones I know of are in Boulder, CO, Downieville, CA, Bentonville, AR and Squamish, BC. There may be more now.
Hi Clint, I also have a new Stumpjumper. I was wondering whether you can recommend a good front mudguard for the Stumpjumper. Mine has the Fox 36 front fork. Do you know of the Mudhugger Evo Bolt On mudguard? It looks like it would work on this bike, but I was curious whether you had any personal experience with this particular mudguard. Any info you could pass along regarding quality mudguards for a Stumpjumper would be appreciated. I enjoy your channel!
I actually don’t use a mud guard very often, so can’t give you really a lot of personal experience. But bolt on ones, in my opinion, are the way to go. I don’t like strapping things on my bike with zip ties, unless I absolutely have to.
Starting out on a hard tail will really develop your skills. That’s what I always recommend. If you’ve got some miles under your belt I would say full suspension.
I really do need to do that. I’ve really been meaning to get more involved with my Patreon’s. Thanks for the message. I think it will inspire me to start getting more involved to include rides.
Nice review...but your camera lost it's stabilization part way through it seems? I really like the specialized tires, I've started to use them now instead of Maxxis for 1)specialized tires are about 20-25$ less 2) they have excellent traction/rubber compount and 3)seem to last longer.
Shimano have more initial bite but SRAM have a bit better modulation. Can’t go wrong with either. But it is harder to switch between the two if you have more than one bike. Shimano brakes have mineral oil which means they’re easier to work on because you don’t have to worry about the fluid getting on things.
Even with a couple of extra cm suspension, im not sure at the end for 90% of he trails compensate against Spur...Stumpy probably around 800gr more....for just 1-2cm ...not sure if in tough dh that difference matters. Also i read stumpy uphills out of the saddle suspension can bob too much. SWAT its amazing ☑️
I think that the 130/140 travel bike is kind of the worst of both worlds. Not light and sporty like a Downcountry bike nor burly and capable like an All-Mountain bike. I would rather Specialized dumped the current Epic Evo and Stumpjumper and created an in-between 120/130 travel bike. Give the lightweight Epic Evo a smidge more travel with the geometry of the Stumpjumper and then you would have a truly great bike. Think Specialized's version of the Rocky Mountain Element with the single pivot flex stay suspension. I've ridden the Epic Evo and the Stumpjumper. The Epic Evo was lightweight but had XC geometry. The Stumpjumper was heavy but had good trailbike geometry. I felt like both bikes had some significant drawbacks.
Specialized tried that before, with the Camber, and later the Stumpjumper ST. I owned a Stumpjumper ST, thought it would be the one bike to do it all. It didn’t dissapoint, but the new Stumpjumper is so much better that I understand why Specialized choose to discontinue the ST.
@@basrutten2381 it’s funny. I grabbed a 21 S-Works frame from a shop in NY. They shipped it out. My build was right about $7k without the dropper (I had one). Looking at the prices right now I’m glad I built it when I did.
Specialized fought its “purchased” horst link technology like Armstrong his innocence, and it was all smoke?!! Goes to show the industry, in hands of giant merchandisers is more about image than substance. 5 or 6 thousand dollars for a 29 pound bike? The merchandisers, specially specialized have been pushing for years the idea that weight is overrated. When the industry was in the HANDS of smaller manufacturers, and cyclists were also nerds who could assemble and disassemble their own bikes, there was a better sense for the real value of things. A top of the line road bike can sell for as much as 16 thousand dollars, it is just ridiculous or money has become worthless. From nerdy, we cyclists have become trendy and pay a price to be seen or associated with the trend, no logic to that, no logic to the pricing of current bikes.
The ‘real value of things’ Pedro, is what people are willing to pay. Nothing has an inherent monetary value. When no one wants it, it’s worthless. When everyone wants it, it’s priceless. Stop whinging and ride more.
Hey great reviews as always. I did pick up a SJ earlier in the year and immediately changed your same tires for some lighter Specialized Ground Control T7 tires. Months later switched to Fast Track T5’s and now bikes weighs even less, down in the mid 26lbs. Glad to see you upgraded to the new SJ. BE SAFE OUT THERE!!
I run mine in the middle position as well. Open is a little more compliant but bobs quite a bit. When I do long climbs in VT I’ll put it in the firmest setting. It’s not a full lockout and will compress on heavier hits.
Thanks for the expert review of the Expert!
Great first ride review Clint! I have been riding the same bike, a black ‘21 SJ Expert, for over year now and have been very pleased with it. The only downside I can think of is the low(ish) BB, I usually run it in the high setting because of all the pedalstrikes on rocky/rooty sections. I understand that you want to keep your bikes standard, for testing, but I strongly feel that this bike becomes so much more agile and ‘allround’, when fitted with good set of carbon wheels, a bit less aggro tires and some better/lighter parts here en there. A set of Roval Control carbon 29 wheels carbon wheels really sharpened it up for me. Second best upgrade was a Oneup carbon handlebar, the stock one was a bit harsh for me. Have fun in the mountains next week!
21 Expert owner here - I can confirm leaving it in the high position is a better time. I would like to try a set of 165mm length cranks on it sometime. My only other complaints are the rear shock heats up quick causing the flat tire effect, tire compound is a little hard, the grip2 damper is a little harsh on my hands (great performer though), and getting shifting to stay working 100% of the time is like dealing with late 90s 8spd XTR.
Just got my 23… I don’t know anyone rides this bike in low setting.
@@bpisanI also ride it in the High Position in Switzerland, It feels so much better for me :)
Good camera work and audio. Puts you right there.
Cool, sounds like you are going to enjoy the Spec. ! I haven't had a new Spec. in several years, but picked up a 22 Diverge a few months ago. Compared to my other gravel bikes, it's heavier as well, but that weight is gone as soon as you start moving, and I love the SWAT for storage, the future shock for comfort, and the front end just feels more planted, allowing for faster and more-confident tight cornering. Spec is putting together good packages.
I have a 2021 model and it's awesome. The only thing I changed is the rear hub. The clanking sound was driving me crazy and the engagement has a lot of room for improvement. I ended up replacing it with a DT Swiss and it is noticeably better now.
I noticed that too.
Great video! I rode a stump jumper a few years ago when visiting florida and really enjoyed it! Keep the reviews coming!
I do struggle with some pedal strikes with my SJ comp carbon…….nice review, your Chanel is quickly becoming one of my favorites!
Your road trip sounds awesome! Have fun!
Great video Clint, this is one of the bikes on my radar after I’ve paid of the revolt
Looking forward to hearing how it does on your road trip. Good 1 bike quiver by the sound of it. Side note, IMO it’s totally reasonable to change components out to suit your needs for reviews sake, as it’s relevant to the owners experience. I’m more interested in knowing about how the frame handles more than anything, parts can always get swapped out.
That looks like a lot of fun 😄
I switched from an Epic Evo to a ‘22 SJ a few months ago. I bought a frame, the copper color one with the Fox Float shock. I have a RS Pike Ultimate fork. I love the bike and it was the perfect move from the EE with the flex stays. I leave the shock open all the time now except when I’m on pavement riding to the trails. I’m in MSLA, MT so it’s mostly all up then all down and the geo is great for both and much more comfortable for long rides than the EE. It is far more capable going down than the EE too but of course weighs about 3 pounds more too. I don’t see changing bikes for quite a while.
I'm thinking about the copper frame myself. How does it look in person compared to the photo's?
How does it compare to the Spur?
Slightly better descending and not as good of a climber, all to be expected.
Will you ever go back to giant ?
That’s a long story. But it’s really up to them.
Clint, I’m curious with all the bikes you’ve ridden now over the years, where do the giant bikes sit in your rankings? I have a Trance 2 alloy and looking at a Trance advanced 2 and curious your take now on those bikes. And if you have other recommendations (I know it depends on trails, I’m in the Midwest and mainly on xc/flowing single track) I tried to find your videos comparing the 27.5 trance 2 with the advanced but couldn’t find the comparison. Thanks! I love all your stuff! It’s fun to watch and great info!
Search RUclips for “Clint gibbs mid vs high price trail bike”. I did a whole series on it.
I still like giant bikes but a couple years ago lost my connection with them. They are great value with some good design. I do like the brands I’m riding now a bit better, transition, Niner and recently specialized. But would still be happy on a giant
This trail is an epic evo trail if that
Right. I definitely did not get the Stumpjumper for that trail system. I mainly ride my XC bike there.
Good review, is that San Felasco? Definitely looking for a similar bike something I can run FL trails most of the time but still take up to NC quite a bit and even out west once in a while and don't really want two bikes at this point. I did try a Pivot Switchblade out last week and was really surprised how well it pedaled and felt even compared to the Stumpjumper, going to a be tough decision.
Yep, San Felasco.
Please do a giant trance review.
Check his older videos, he had a Trance 29er for awhile.
@@icthus13 I am interested in a new review of a 2022 bike.
I'm considering to go all the way over to a short travel hardtail, but as a number 2 bike. So far I do feel that my Pivot Switchblade is too much for most of what I ride, so it just would make sense to have something light and zippy as well. I also want to do some bikepacking, so...
Great review.
How does the stack height feel compared to the Spur? Just been looking at the geo charts and size for size, the Stumpy has on average 20mm more stack plus an extra 10mm on the bars.
Since the fork has 20 mm more travel, the stack height is going to be there. It’s honestly not that noticeable. I just feel like I have a bit more confidence with more travel upfront on the descents.
I don't even look if stack height isn't close to 630 or more. 80mm riser bar for me still,if in the 620s.
Following this journey. Maybe my next bike in the PNW. Or a Hightower
Sounds absolutely dialied out there. Woohoo!!
I have a Stump Jumper Comp Carbon 2022. I ride it everywhere. Trail centres, Natural trails and Bike parks. It can do it all but you will notice the limitations of the mid travel and flex stays when it gets really chunky. I’m quite a light weight rider at 67kg and I blow through the travel easily even with a 15% sag setting. I am running a spacer in the shock too. Attempt any mid sized drop offs and it bottoms out. I like the bike and I’m maybe pushing it out of its intended zone? I wanted the Evo but couldn’t get one at the time.
3.5 lbs difference? I assume 3lbs of that is the fork, the wheelset and spare tube, correct? I assume the frames are within 0.5lbs of each other - safe assumption?
Yes, most likely that’s where most of the weight is
I built the same bike (S4) size with a Fox 34 Fit4, XT all around and carbon wheels and bars and weighed in under 28 with pedals. XT isn’t the lightest so I’m sure more could be done but it’s a stout build and climbs well.
Curious how you find it on the longer descents in GA and NC. At 190 lbs, that 34 fork makes me weary.
I think this bike will serve you well. I have also been curious about trying a Specialized bike based on how much I am loving a few of their accessory products recently.
Depending on where you live Specialized has several "experience centers" where you can demo any of their bikes for a fairly reasonable price (as far as the price of bike demos goes). The ones I know of are in Boulder, CO, Downieville, CA, Bentonville, AR and Squamish, BC. There may be more now.
@@mrvwbug4423 Nice! I am in the Boulder area, thanks for the heads up!
Clint
Love the review. Does it pedal more efficiently without the rear Horst link pivots at the end of the rear swing arm?
Hard to really say but the bike does pedal very well.
@@ClintGibbs I had the same 19’ model you had and thought seated it pedaled fine, but out of the saddle was total mush
Come to Freedom Park here in VA!
Hi Clint, I also have a new Stumpjumper. I was wondering whether you can recommend a good front mudguard for the Stumpjumper. Mine has the Fox 36 front fork. Do you know of the Mudhugger Evo Bolt On mudguard? It looks like it would work on this bike, but I was curious whether you had any personal experience with this particular mudguard. Any info you could pass along regarding quality mudguards for a Stumpjumper would be appreciated. I enjoy your channel!
I actually don’t use a mud guard very often, so can’t give you really a lot of personal experience. But bolt on ones, in my opinion, are the way to go. I don’t like strapping things on my bike with zip ties, unless I absolutely have to.
You stopping by blankets Creek? They have some big new jumps.
Yeah, rode there yesterday. Had planned a ride in Blue Ridge but the forecast did not look good so I did three hours at blankets
If mostly riding in north Georgia, would you recommend mid-level hardtail or entry level full suspension?
Starting out on a hard tail will really develop your skills. That’s what I always recommend. If you’ve got some miles under your belt I would say full suspension.
Hey Clint , do you ever do any Patreon rides? Would love to put some miles in with you when you come to Georgia.
I really do need to do that. I’ve really been meaning to get more involved with my Patreon’s. Thanks for the message. I think it will inspire me to start getting more involved to include rides.
How do you go about selling old bikes? Ebay, Craigslist, Facebook? That might make for an interesting video to give us advice on.
I actually sell them to my subscribers now. But Pinkbike classified is where I’ve sold bikes in the past.
Nice review...but your camera lost it's stabilization part way through it seems? I really like the specialized tires, I've started to use them now instead of Maxxis for 1)specialized tires are about 20-25$ less 2) they have excellent traction/rubber compount and 3)seem to last longer.
😎 Cool review how were the sram brakes compared with shimano brakes I'm looking at buying the stumpjumper Pro or the Trek top fuel 9.8 can't decide? 🤔
Shimano have more initial bite but SRAM have a bit better modulation. Can’t go wrong with either. But it is harder to switch between the two if you have more than one bike. Shimano brakes have mineral oil which means they’re easier to work on because you don’t have to worry about the fluid getting on things.
Thanks for the advice 👍 😁
The new Anthem is flex stays also
Even with a couple of extra cm suspension, im not sure at the end for 90% of he trails compensate against Spur...Stumpy probably around 800gr more....for just 1-2cm ...not sure if in tough dh that difference matters.
Also i read stumpy uphills out of the saddle suspension can bob too much.
SWAT its amazing ☑️
I think that the 130/140 travel bike is kind of the worst of both worlds. Not light and sporty like a Downcountry bike nor burly and capable like an All-Mountain bike. I would rather Specialized dumped the current Epic Evo and Stumpjumper and created an in-between 120/130 travel bike. Give the lightweight Epic Evo a smidge more travel with the geometry of the Stumpjumper and then you would have a truly great bike. Think Specialized's version of the Rocky Mountain Element with the single pivot flex stay suspension. I've ridden the Epic Evo and the Stumpjumper. The Epic Evo was lightweight but had XC geometry. The Stumpjumper was heavy but had good trailbike geometry. I felt like both bikes had some significant drawbacks.
Specialized tried that before, with the Camber, and later the Stumpjumper ST. I owned a Stumpjumper ST, thought it would be the one bike to do it all. It didn’t dissapoint, but the new Stumpjumper is so much better that I understand why Specialized choose to discontinue the ST.
Stumpy can be built up pretty light and pretty close to some DC bikes.
@Greg Katz: Yes indeed, my Stumpy Expert is now under 12 kg (26.4 pounds) without pedals, and still cheaper than a Stumpjumper Pro build.
@@basrutten2381 it’s funny. I grabbed a 21 S-Works frame from a shop in NY. They shipped it out. My build was right about $7k without the dropper (I had one). Looking at the prices right now I’m glad I built it when I did.
Specialized fought its “purchased” horst link technology like Armstrong his innocence, and it was all smoke?!! Goes to show the industry, in hands of giant merchandisers is more about image than substance. 5 or 6 thousand dollars for a 29 pound bike? The merchandisers, specially specialized have been pushing for years the idea that weight is overrated. When the industry was in the HANDS of smaller manufacturers, and cyclists were also nerds who could assemble and disassemble their own bikes, there was a better sense for the real value of things. A top of the line road bike can sell for as much as 16 thousand dollars, it is just ridiculous or money has become worthless. From nerdy, we cyclists have become trendy and pay a price to be seen or associated with the trend, no logic to that, no logic to the pricing of current bikes.
The ‘real value of things’ Pedro, is what people are willing to pay. Nothing has an inherent monetary value. When no one wants it, it’s worthless. When everyone wants it, it’s priceless. Stop whinging and ride more.