Ride before you buy Part 3

The third bike that was tested was the Specialized SWORKS Stumpjumper FSR 29. I knew from the start that I will not buy this bike as it is currently retailing at about R80 000. Specialized's philosophy is that they take their time to set up the test bikes properly and they put you on the best bikes in their line-up. While not ideal when looking to evaluate a specific model in the range, it does afford riders the opportunity to see and feel what cutting edge bikes are like. The bike sports 130mm travel which is adjustable downward to 105mm. To adjust the travel you simply change the dial on the crown and you place some pressure on the handle bars. It then adjusts downwards. The 130mm Fox Float provide ample confidence on the test track and while the bike was kitted out in an XX drive train, the X9 / X0 drive train on the Expert would provide very capable shifting and the added advantage on the Expert is that the bike comes stock standard with Formula T1 brakes and the Command Seat Post. I rate these brakes and currently ride the Formula R1's on my Zula, so spares for this brake set could easily be doubled up on both bikes. The bike was surprisingly capable on the technical sections of the test track and the difference between this bike and the Stumpjumper FSR Comp tested in January was small, but notable. There is very little that I would change on the Expert which makes it a very attractive option. The other difference between the EVO and the Expert FSR is that it comes with the Specialized Brain technology on the rear suspension. The concept of setting up your rear suspension and letting damper valves decide when you require an effective system (valves closed with light and quick knocks, as when climbing) and when you require a responsive system (open when you are taking hard impacts on the suspension) is an appealing one. The Brain could also be set on how sensitive it would be for these differences in impact, so it is possible to change the bike from a 130mm trail bike to a rather efficient 105mm fully locked out XC bike, all be it on the slightly heavy side compared to say the Specialized Epic. I like the look and feel of the rear suspension as it seems to be the complete package with regards to setting it up and basically forgetting about it. The riding position does not differ much from the EVO and with the added brain technology and comfortable riding position this bike may well be a very comfortable multi stage bike, provided that you are not riding for a podium. The bike is positioned as an aggressive XC bike with a solid trail pedigree and the bike will afford me the opportunity to expand my technical skills to the extent where I will truly look forward to the more technical sections on the trails. I rate the bike as follow: Design 8/10 Ride quality 8.5/10 Value for money 7.5/10 Suspension tech and feel 9/10 Overall 9/10 In summary the Stumpjumper FSR proved to be a versatile bike that excels in technical, rocky, "rooty" trails provided that you are not airborne for long periods. It was surprisingly nimble, but not as nimble as my 26inch Zula. It climbs well and will be rather light at below 12kg's. The adjustable travel and brain system on the rear shock makes this a great choice of bike for riders that can only have one bike. My concern that this would be a Jack of All Trades, but a Master of none was expelled very quickly and at a Price tag of approx R45 000 (I'm sure that I can get the bike shop to sharpen their pencil a bit) it does not exactly fall into the affordable price range, but I could not find any area where Specialized skimped. The wheelset (Roval Control Alloy Disc 26mm 29inch and Roval Control Hubs), suspension and drive train are all solid choices and would suffice for most riders .