First rides: 2014 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon HT World Cup
I have been blessed with the ultimate tool for an aspiring MTB ninja:
2014 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon HT World Cup
• FACT IS 10m carbon frame
• Chisel carbon fork
• Roval Control Carbon 29 142+ carbon wheels
• Less than 20 pounds
This is surely a serious tool for XC racing on smoother trails, but how does it shred?
Check out the 2014 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon HT World Cup at specialized.com
Build
• Stock out of the box with Shimano XT pedals, a 50mm stem and a stubby seatpost.
• At The Fix Bike Shop scale in Boulder, with a headlight, the bike weighed 19.8 pounds.
• Soon this bike will have a dropper post, Shimano PRO DH stem/bar and Shimano XT brakes. As solid as the stock cockpit and brakes feel, I like having the same controls on all of my bikes.
Ride impressions
Weather and illness have been limiting. So far:
• This bike feels extremely composed on dirt roads and rough pavement. Railing corners, skimming over chatter, whatever, the bike feels quick but not sketchy. I can’t wait to try some green-blue singletracks.
• Fast on my pump track! I’ve been riding with some very strong, capable dudes on DJ bikes, and this XC machine is holding pace just fine.
• Despite the big wheels, I’m getting plenty of pop off backsides. 20-pound pump track bikes tend to be quick.
• Manuals are difficult compared to my P3 and Stumpy FSR. I think it’s the long/rigid rear end, but I’ll bet I can get used to it.
• Holy cow, this is a sexy looking bike. It feels light, tight and bright.
Next
• Timed runs on the Valmont Bike Park dual slalom. This is my current shred benchmark: ShredMark™.
• Ride local trails. I think I can pump the big rocks just fine, but I’m worried how my shoulders will handle random violence. Come on ninja skills. …
This bike will be awesome for riding/coaching at Valmont. I’m excited to learn with it!
Lee
Riding photos by Dustin Zeiss.
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Nice.
Is it just the rigid fork that makes it faster on the pump track?
Chris!
I think it’s a few things:
• Rigid fork. Although I feel like it’ll hold me back until I get used to it.
• Fast tires.
• Not even 20 pounds, with very light wheels.
• 29-inch wheels don’t give as much pump as smaller wheels, but I think for a regular guy in the real world, the leeway might make the bike more consistent and quicker overall. Maybe.
Right now this bike is getting Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, plus Shimano PRO DH stem and bar … and a dropper post. This is going to be a versatile, sharp tool.
BUT: We will soon have evidence. Timed runs tell all.
Is this out-of-the-box weight? Been looking all over for the weight of this bike, it’s like it’s some kind of secret 🙂
I’m waiting for mine, well swap out the riggid for for a Lauf TR 29″ fork. Going to be super long distance XC racing machine I think.
Regards
Oskar
Oskar,
Straight out of the box with XT pedals and a small headlight, the bike weighed 19.8 pounds.
With the dropper post, Shimano XT drivetrain, XT brakes and PRO downhill cockpit, this bike is getting heavier for sure, but it will suit my style better.
Ahh see that now in you’re original text, was hoping it would be a bit lighter, but we’ll see how heavy the large frame is.
Hoping to get it down closer to 8kg with some more S-works parts and the Roval SL wheels.
Lee, what size is that? I’ve been considering a Crave/Carve to use for the road. I know with the seat dropped it appears smaller. That thing is beautiful. Thanks, Don
Hey Don, it’s a medium.
We just got the bike dialed for me. Shimano XT drivetrain, brakes and pedals. PRO downhill stem and bars. Dropper post. 20.75 pounds. Thinking I don’t need my cross bike anymore!
I just bought a large 18.7 lbs out if the box.
Crazy: That’s lighter than my CX bike.
This bike now has Shimano pedals, drivetrain, brakes and cockpit, plus a KS dropper post. It weighs about 20.25 pounds — and it rips!!!
Very nice bike! In fact, I’m dying to buy one. I’ve called every Specialized dealer in my area and none of them have one. They claim they can special order only. I would like to see it in person before fully committing. You’re from Colorado, does the shop you deal with have one in stock?
Great review!
Brant!
What size do you need? I am checking with my Specialized CO sales contact.
I have a medium. You can come see it at Valmont Bike Park.
BTW: The more I ride this bike, the harder it shreds!
Thank you for the response. I’m really interested in the satin black and red size large. I appreciate the offer to look at yours and that may be the best option, if I can’t find one. If your contact has a black and white size medium, I may be interested in that for my wife as well.
That’s very cool that you’re loving that bike! The pics you’ve taken, make it look awesome!
Thank you for the help.
Brant, we’re looking into this. Stay tuned.
Lee