First, I liked BOTH bikes. Second, I liked the EVO more, which really surprised me. I like short travel, light weight bikes that can climb and get you back down safely (I own a Ripley V4 and love it). I rode the EVO 3 years ago - and hated it - too low, too floppy steering - hard to pedal. This new EVO was a delight. Amazing climber and pedaled well compared to the old version (shocked me). AND fun to fly back down. If I was not so in love with the Ripley, I'd consider the EVO. And as a bigger guy (6'2" 210 pounds), I like the extra suspension - and brakes. I really liked the Codes RSC on the EVO (much better than my current Levels with 200 rotors). RSC are great stoppers - even on super steep down sections. The regular Stumpy brakes worked great too (but did not take on super steep) - can not remember if G2 or SLX 4 piston. Hope that helps.
I’m glad I watched this video as I’m thinking of buying a 2022 SJ EVO frame. Really happy that you said it climbs really well. I’m a terrible climber and it doesn’t help I’m 5’8, 222lbs. My only other concern is, since I’m getting it used, how strong is the carbon fiber?
I really like the SJ EVO. Great feeling bike. Per carbon, check for frame CRACKS. For any expensive bike purchase, have a bike mechanic check it over at a local shop. Seller should agree (or look elsewhere). Buyer pays for inspection (so you get unbiased answer). I do this with all car purchases too.
Great question. No answer from me. I have not ridden the Hightower, so can not comment. Good luck with your decision. I recommend riding both (demo) if possible.
What did you think of the fit? I missed if you said it was an s5. I think you said in other videos you were about 6ft 2 in. Im the same. I went s5 as s4 felt slightly tight. I may just get a shorter stem because the s5 is def long. Might be a good balance and allow me to be slightly more upright and allow me to get back on the bike a bit more. Do you think there’s any value in going to carbon wheels? I have the expert and have always gotten carbon but this time I would’ve had to go to the pro. I also put the head tube in the most upright angle so It’s good as my only MTB. Seems like I can do some serious traversing.
Kenny, the Stumpjumper Evo is a wonderful bike. I was so impressed. Probably my favorite bike of the weekend. Blew me away on the improvements over the last version. It pedaled soooo well. Could not believe it had all that travel. And the downs were a confidence inspiring blast. I am 6'2" with a 32 inch inseam. So long torso and short legs. Loved the S5. Since my collarbone surgery (from bike crash), I like a longer more stable bike. I rode a S4 Stumpjumper Regular. It worked. Was small and flickable. But I like the S5 better. Continue to FIT the bike to you: different length stem and moving seat on rails forward and back and different stem rings (for rise). Carbon wheels are nice. I'm not enough of a nerd to feel the difference. I've always owned alloy wheels. So can't help there. Unfortunately, I do NOT know which settings the EVO was in, but I LIKED it a lot (wish I'd asked). Fiddle and test until you find the sweet spot. Base adjustments on your home trail that you ride most. Bottom line, good call. You are going to love the EVO. I'm a little jealous. : )
@@50mtb44 Haha thanks! I sold my epic Evo because I wanted a better all arounder. I was so torn between the stumpy and the stumpy Evo. I think I made a good call. It does pedal very well and that was my biggest complaint from my 2019 stumpy which I sold for the epic Evo. Now, hopefully I have a good balance and if I want to hit some jumps, I have some safety in having more bike but still able to pedal. Great videos. Thanks for your insight! Where is that trail btw? I’m in the Philly burbs so I know I am nowhere near that sort of terrain
@@kentao4 Use to ride an Epic for 15 years. Loved that thing. Like the geo on the new Epic EVO. Tempting, but not been able to ride one yet. Trail was in Fruita Colorado (just northwest of Grand Junction - about 3.5 hour drive west of Denver - on the way to Moab). Rode Zipitty Do Da Trail on 18 Road Trail System (BLM land). Super fun, super steep ups and downs.
Great review which bike do you prefer the evo or the original stumpjumper and how did you like the sram codes vs sram g2 rsc brakes? 🤔
First, I liked BOTH bikes. Second, I liked the EVO more, which really surprised me. I like short travel, light weight bikes that can climb and get you back down safely (I own a Ripley V4 and love it). I rode the EVO 3 years ago - and hated it - too low, too floppy steering - hard to pedal. This new EVO was a delight. Amazing climber and pedaled well compared to the old version (shocked me). AND fun to fly back down. If I was not so in love with the Ripley, I'd consider the EVO. And as a bigger guy (6'2" 210 pounds), I like the extra suspension - and brakes. I really liked the Codes RSC on the EVO (much better than my current Levels with 200 rotors). RSC are great stoppers - even on super steep down sections. The regular Stumpy brakes worked great too (but did not take on super steep) - can not remember if G2 or SLX 4 piston. Hope that helps.
I’m glad I watched this video as I’m thinking of buying a 2022 SJ EVO frame. Really happy that you said it climbs really well. I’m a terrible climber and it doesn’t help I’m 5’8, 222lbs. My only other concern is, since I’m getting it used, how strong is the carbon fiber?
I really like the SJ EVO. Great feeling bike. Per carbon, check for frame CRACKS. For any expensive bike purchase, have a bike mechanic check it over at a local shop. Seller should agree (or look elsewhere). Buyer pays for inspection (so you get unbiased answer). I do this with all car purchases too.
I was looking at Trek Fuel EX, but you can’t beat the $4999 sales price. I think I’ll go with Specialized.
Lots of great bikes to choose from.
What do you think about the Stumpjumper EVO?
I'm just going to buy it
@@fuseman_ cool bike. good call.
What do you think this vs the Hightower?
Great question. No answer from me. I have not ridden the Hightower, so can not comment. Good luck with your decision. I recommend riding both (demo) if possible.
What did you think of the fit? I missed if you said it was an s5. I think you said in other videos you were about 6ft 2 in. Im the same. I went s5 as s4 felt slightly tight. I may just get a shorter stem because the s5 is def long. Might be a good balance and allow me to be slightly more upright and allow me to get back on the bike a bit more. Do you think there’s any value in going to carbon wheels? I have the expert and have always gotten carbon but this time I would’ve had to go to the pro.
I also put the head tube in the most upright angle so It’s good as my only MTB. Seems like I can do some serious traversing.
Kenny, the Stumpjumper Evo is a wonderful bike. I was so impressed. Probably my favorite bike of the weekend. Blew me away on the improvements over the last version. It pedaled soooo well. Could not believe it had all that travel. And the downs were a confidence inspiring blast.
I am 6'2" with a 32 inch inseam. So long torso and short legs. Loved the S5. Since my collarbone surgery (from bike crash), I like a longer more stable bike. I rode a S4 Stumpjumper Regular. It worked. Was small and flickable. But I like the S5 better. Continue to FIT the bike to you: different length stem and moving seat on rails forward and back and different stem rings (for rise).
Carbon wheels are nice. I'm not enough of a nerd to feel the difference. I've always owned alloy wheels. So can't help there.
Unfortunately, I do NOT know which settings the EVO was in, but I LIKED it a lot (wish I'd asked). Fiddle and test until you find the sweet spot. Base adjustments on your home trail that you ride most.
Bottom line, good call. You are going to love the EVO. I'm a little jealous. : )
@@50mtb44 Haha thanks! I sold my epic Evo because I wanted a better all arounder. I was so torn between the stumpy and the stumpy Evo. I think I made a good call. It does pedal very well and that was my biggest complaint from my 2019 stumpy which I sold for the epic Evo. Now, hopefully I have a good balance and if I want to hit some jumps, I have some safety in having more bike but still able to pedal.
Great videos. Thanks for your insight!
Where is that trail btw? I’m in the Philly burbs so I know I am nowhere near that sort of terrain
@@kentao4 Use to ride an Epic for 15 years. Loved that thing. Like the geo on the new Epic EVO. Tempting, but not been able to ride one yet. Trail was in Fruita Colorado (just northwest of Grand Junction - about 3.5 hour drive west of Denver - on the way to Moab). Rode Zipitty Do Da Trail on 18 Road Trail System (BLM land). Super fun, super steep ups and downs.
@@50mtb44 oh ok nice. I spent last week in co spring at the broadmoor. Beautiful area.
@@kentao4 cool. Hope your rode some MTB trail. Broadmoor is high class.