NEW STUMPY VS. OLD ENDUROS?
Gear related question: How does the new Stumpy compare to the Enduros of yesteryear? 2003 vintage, and 2005-6 vintage? I know you’ve rawcked them all, and I’m wondering where the new Stumpy fits in, particularly on the strength/durability side.
Sly
 2003 Enduro. |
Hey Sly,
Nice question.
I’ve rocked (rawcked) a long line of Specialized trail/all-mountain bikes:
- 1997 FSR Pro (~100mm travel; still being ripped by my buddy Peter)
- 2002 Enduro (100/130mm travel)
- 2006 Enduro (150mm travel)
- 2007 Stumpjumper Pro Carbon (120mm travel)
- 2007 Enduro Pro Carbon (150mm travel; still riding it)
- 2008 Stumpjumper Pro Carbon (120mm travel)
- 2010 Stumpjumper Pro (140mm travel; current bike of choice)
All those machines are listed only to establish some sort of credibility. I’ve ridden them all to the best of my ability, which has improved alongside the technology.
Build note: My 2010 Stumpy is built more like an all-mountain bike than a trail bike. It has burly wheels (Sun Charger 27s), meaty tires (Specialized Eskar Control 2.3s) and a short stem (70mm Point One Racing). It currently has a triple chainring, but my chain isn’t being cool, and I’m likely to slap a Gamut dual ring chain guide on there.
Comparing the 2010 Stumpy to the 2003 and 2006 Enduros:
Travel: Stumpy is right in the middle.
Geometry: The 2010 Stumpy is similar to the 2006 Enduro, which, after being PUSHed, is still one of the best-riding bikes I’ve ever experienced.
 2006 Enduro. |
Durability: It’s too soon to say. But the bike feels solid, and Specialized isn’t gonna make a new bike weaker.
Rear suspension: The Stumpy feels more supple at the top of the travel, and it has a nice ramp-up. I rode DH trails at Left Hand Canyon pretty aggressively the other day, and while the shock used full travel I don’t remember any kind of clank or horrible violence.
Feel: The Stumpy feels lighter (which it is) and also stiffer and more precise from a lateral braaap standpoint.
Overall: It all comes down to how your bike and body perform together. I only have a handful of rides on the new Stumpy — from smooth trail to DH gnar — and it’s already fitting me well. I’m climbing just fine, and I have yet to find the braaap limit.
And consider: I have a splendid 2007 Enduro, and I currently see no reason to ride it when I can rock the 2010 Stumpy. A 2010 Enduro should be coming soon; that’ll be an interesting comparison.
– Lee
 2010 Stumpjumper. |
From the archive:
|
Dr. Jim Norman pilots a 2002 Enduro down Santa Barbara’s [in]famous Tunnel Trail. Jim now does OEM for Fox Racing Shox. |
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Slyfink Says March 17, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
ha! front page. cool!
Thanks for the write-up. My question is more theoretical because I see no need to replace my 2005 Enduro currently. I was mostly wondering what my options could be in the future. I’ve been pining for a lighter bike with maybe less travel. Now that I have a proper DH bike for gravity oriented fun, I don’t need my xc bike to be able to take all that abuse.
keep up the braaap, on the bike and with the twins…
Sly
Chuck Says March 22, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
I had a 2003 Enduro which was the best handling bike I’d ever owned. Unfortunately, somebody apparently needed it more than me and it came up missing when I wasn’t looking. I saved some cash, and bought a 2007 Stumpy and thought that it was the best bike ever made–until I rode a 2008!! I’m riding an ‘08 right now, and would be willing to bet that the 2010 (or ‘11 which I hear is coming soon!) would handle even better!
I’ve nailed Pisgah trails, DuPont trails (both NC), technical and smooth trails, big drops and long climbs with this bike and can honestly say it handles as good as the ‘03 Enduro.
I must say, the old enduro was a helluva bike… I miss it!
Petey Says March 26, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
1997 FSR Pro (~100mm travel; still being ripped by my buddy Peter) =)
leelikesbikes Says March 26, 2010 @ 8:23 pm
Yeah Petey! Rock that thing!
And the Marzocchi Z.1 … still bombproof?
Burgertron Says April 4, 2010 @ 6:37 pm
G’day Lee
I have an ‘06 Enduro and I love it too…
How is your DHX-A setup??…still trying to find the sweet spot.
I’m 85kg and dont mind sending it
cheers
MK
leelikesbikes Says April 4, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
Hey,
I ran a PUSHed RP23 on my 2006 Enduro. Awesome setup.
leelikesbikes Says April 4, 2010 @ 7:35 pm
BTW: I’ve never used a DHX Air. There is so much adjustment. I’d just sent it to PUSH then remove the knobs.
Burgertron Says April 4, 2010 @ 8:01 pm
Haha…probably the best thing I could do
cheers
MK
Burgertron Says April 4, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
Boo Hoo ;-(
Push don’t do DHX-Air
bummed…
erinn Says April 6, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
Hey Lee. I’m stuck between the 2010 Stumpy and Enduro. Can’t wait til you ride the enduro and compare the two of them. Hurry! I need to buy one soon!
leelikesbikes Says April 6, 2010 @ 9:19 pm
I’ve been riding the Stumpy a lot and liking it more and more.
But check this out:
The new Enduro Pro Carbon got built today! With a 36 Float, DH wheels, heavy pedals and Speedball seatpost it’s only a pound heavier than the Stumpy. It feels great on the street; the first mission is Sea Otter!
The Mighty Stumpy is sitting out this trip. I’m bringing all my pump track building equipment, plus the P.3 (pump), SX (DS) and Enduro (trail and DH).
Oh yeah!
Erinn Says April 7, 2010 @ 9:26 pm
Have mercy! I want both. Sooo hard to decide which one. Spesh should design a Stumpy/Enduro hybrid.
leelikesbikes Says April 8, 2010 @ 9:15 am
This is why I have so many bikes!
Erinn Says April 8, 2010 @ 9:22 am
Any pics of the enduro:)????
leelikesbikes Says April 9, 2010 @ 12:51 am
I shot one in Green River, WY yesterday, but I’ve been driving all day and have not processed it. Dude, I’m at Laguna Seca right now. 1 a.m. and getting settled. I’ll post pics as soon as I can.
Martyn Says July 24, 2010 @ 8:51 pm
Hi Lee
On another note for 2011 as the 2010’s are scarce around here;
The Brain, I’m considering either the 2011 comp carbon stumpjumper w/o brain or the aluminium elite with brain, both about the same price. Flick the coin for me?
leelikesbikes Says July 24, 2010 @ 9:23 pm
If you want a more DH-ish/plush ride, do the non-Brain.
If you want a firm ride for pedal/pump efficiency that opens up to a firm ride, do the Brain.
My 2008 Stumpy with Brains front and rear is an amazing bike. Firm when you want it to be firm, plush when you want it to be plush. Yeah man, an incredible bike.