2019 Specialized Stumpjumper ST Expert 29 Bike

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Got the Stumpjumper ST to replace my Enduro Race bike since I stopped racing and wanted a bike that is better suited for my home trails which are not as demanding. The Stumpjumper ST ticked all the boxes, especially since it can be converted to the longer travel version going all the way up to around 155mm of rear travel, just in case I wanted to go back to racing on more technical terrain across Europe.

The frame:

The frame is close to perfect, although the geometry might look a little conservative compared to other modern trail bikes. However, I find that this is not necessarily a bad thing. For general trail riding, when not chasing the clock, a nimble and poppy bike can be more fun than one that just wants to go in a straight line and sticks to the ground. The interner cable routing is great, as is the threaded bottom-bracket and the now standard shock sizing and mounting hardware. A big selling point for me is also the SWAT box where one can stash all the necessary spares. Since they live inside the bike, there is no way of forgetting them. Even with a full-sized spare tube and decent pumpt there is still space for a couple of bars. I now carry a Tubolito spare tube, which frees up even more space. So snack-wise there is space to fuel a whole-day adventure! A nice touch is also that the bike comes with a bottle cage including a small SWAT multi-tool. Unfortunately the tool misses some key features such as a chain-tool and some small hex keys, which one would have to carry with the spare tube and pump inside the frame. (I installed a OneUp EDC system in the steerer tube which comes with everything I need, freeing up even more space in the trunk). Still, not many brands include multi-tools with their bikes! The frame also comes with a well-sized down-tube protector and the ribbed chain-stay protector.

There are only three minor short-comings on the frame. It only has two ISCG-tabs, allowing for the installation of a lightweight top chain-guide (included with mine), but does not allow for the correct mounting of a guide with a bash-guard. There are also no cable-routing options for a remote shock lockout. Finally, the choice in color options is limited as there are usually only two options specific for each model although more options exist across the line-up. Mixing a Comp Carbon paint-job with the Expert build, for example, is not possible.

The components:

I was originally in the market for a Comp Carbon but got a great deal on an Expert due to an error in the shops stock. So for me the value was great, but what about someone who has to pay MRSP or close to it? The original price tag on the Expert was 5699€ over here in Europe, but "only" 5000$ in the States if I'm correct. Here in Europe Specialized is know as a high-end brand, so the value is never going to be the same as with some other brands.
The components chosen are thus on the lower end of what I would consider acceptable. Most parts come from the other big S: SRAM GX Eagle drive-trail, Guide R brakes, RockShox Pike PC and Deluxe RT3 shock. Cockpit and tires are in-house components from Specialized, as are the Carbon wheels. The main selling point of the Expert over the Comp Carbon are the Wheels, and the upgrade from SRAM NX to GX. The Fox suspension on the Comp Carbon seems just as good to me as the RockShox setup on the Expert, although it has been a while since I've ridden the budget-end of the fox lineup, but I've not heard many complaints. So are the upgrades you get on the Expert worth 1300€? In my opinions they're not. If the Pike came with the RCT3 damper and at least the shifter and derailleur would have been upgraded to XO1 or alternatively a lighter weight crank - maybe. As it stands now, I think most people are better off with the Comp Carbon model and keeping the difference or investing it in a decent set of carbon wheels or other nice components of their liking. (could nearly get you the SRAM AXS kit!) That's the way I would have done it if it wasn't for that great deal I got.

So how to the components hold up? I threw the brakes out for Shimanos new XTs, but that's personal preference. Apart from that, everything has been fine. The only complaint from my side it the Specialized dropper post. It works fine but it's just not as smooth as others out there as it is not infinitely adjustable and pretty much works like a mechanical post instead of a hydraulic one. I've also heard quite a lot of people complain about the hubs that come on the Roval wheels, mostly stuck pawls in the freehub. I think they are no-name SRAM hubs, but might be mistaken. Mine have worked fine but it's something to keep in mind. So another reason to go with the Comp Carbon and upgrade to reliable wheels. That is if carbon wheels are something you are into.

The riding:
I've never ridden a comparable trail bike, so take my riding impressions with a grain of salt. But so far I like it. I mostly ride in the Ardennes Mountains in the North of Luxembourg where we have some ofter overlooked single trails, but no continuous downhill longer then four minutes.
The bike handles well and feels quick and nimble. Just what I was after! The climbing is good too and I very rarely find myself reaching to the mode lever on the shock. I added one volume spacer in both the shock and the fork, and the gained progression helped keeping things under control on the rough stuff. While ST is not a bike made to rip long and rough descents, it holds its ground pretty well if you take a little care with your line-choice. It's on mellower, flowy trails and long all-day rides that the Stumpjumper ST really makes sense to me.

In short: The Stumpjumper ST in general is a great platform for general trail riding and if you want to cover a lot of ground. The frame itself is nearly perfect in my opinion. Versatile, because you can convert it to longer travel, practical because of the SWAT storage, and easy to live with because of the internal cable routing, the threaded BB, good frame protection and the lifetime warranty. A standard 3-point ISCG mount and options for a shock-remote would put the icing on the cake as would more color options. 9/10 on the frame.
Personally I think the Expert model is a little over-priced for the spec. While the Roval Wheels also have life-time warranty, the hub reliability seems to be questionable. 6/10 on the spec and value