Interested to hear any feedback on the 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR M5 frame? Particularly with respect to the pivot and mount design; they changed it in 2008 and again last year, what are the perceived advantages/disadvantages of the 2007 design and what led to the changes in subsequent years (aside from the need to 'evolve' from a marketing perspective).
Bike Forum
2007 Stumpjumper FSR frame opinions?
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Posted 1 year ago #
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Hi
If I'm right the 2007 FSR has the split seatpost design, shock goes through it. I had an 06 that was the same and a mate has an 07 pro. We both found the shock bushes wore and the linkage is is bolted together and kept coming loose.
I am just about to sell a 2010 M5 Pro as I have just got a 2011 S-Works. I have found the new design more confidence inspiring with the slacker head angle. It also seems more supple than the older one, it is better climbing over square edge steps.
I've not ridden the verticle shock design so can't comment on those.
Hope that helps
Mike
Posted 1 year ago # -
2008 design has a longer, non-interrupted seat tube which allows you to drop your saddle more than the earlier designs.
I think in terms of suspension performance, geometry etc., there is little difference between the 2007 and 2008 frames.
Posted 1 year ago # -
What's it like changing the bushes on the frame?
Posted 1 year ago # -
I still have an '06 Stumpjumper and haven't had a problem with linkage bolts loosening but I do find that I need a new shock bushing during its annual service.
No problems with bearing to report.
It will never have the cache of the boutique bikes but I really like it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I've got an 07 stumpjumper fsr, it's my only bike so it has to be a jack of all trades, which it does really well. Ive had it from new and it gets ridden 3 to 4 times a week, I find it needs the bearings changing annually andits usually really ready for them, creaking and play are telltale signs of it needing doing. It's never needed a shock bushing, but usually needs a new bolt kit and it has had a new linkage (which is supposed to be stiffer and more reliable than the 06). The 08 model rides very similarly and isn't a huge advance IMO as it doesnt feel any stiffer, the 140mm 2010 model offers a similar riding experience but feels a bit more perched than the 07. My bike has 140 talas and the 120 triad rear shock, it's been a great bike over the last 4 years, as im from the midlands woodsy singletrack is where it does most miles and it's probably happiest in a trail centre environment but its great in the hills too ( just back from Torridon). If you find one at the right price then id recommend one.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi Tallpaul , dont know if an 05 stumpy fsr pro is the same as yours but i changed suss bearings , shock bushes and seals in shock in december and they all a do at home with a basic tool kit . Its my first full suss bought 2nd hand last year so was new teretorry for me but no problems and plenty of vidios on utube for reference
Posted 1 year ago # -
Cool, thanks for the replies.
How does the Fox Triad shock stack up against, say, an RP23?
Posted 1 year ago # -
I have been riding a 2007 Stumpy Expert for 2 years after I purchased in virtually new condition off ebay. I too have wondered why this frame was only produced for such short period.
I do not have an answer to that question but can report that I only just lost the Dropout Pivot Bolt at Nant Y Arian this weekend, the one that the first reply described as apt to come loose. The outstanding shop at Coed y Brenin had the FSR bolt (sold it for £2.50) but not the exact washer so Im trolling the net for a cheap kit without luck: kits are about £30.
I rode a 2001 S works FSR for 10 years without any linkage issues (any one remember when 3" of travel was pricey?) I suspect it is the frame design causing this but I dont think they changed the design for this reason. Im headed to the Specialised Concept store Meant to open in Convent Garden to try for a washers without getting rinsed for the full price of a whole kit and will ask their Darwin to explain the storey of FSR frame evolution. Ill try and publish how it goes.
Posted 12 months ago # -
The Fox Triad is not a reliable shock especially of that vintage (seal issues) and is not interchangeable with an RP23, I don't think, due to how it mounts the frame. Or you can only put in an RP23 after extensive modifications.
Posted 12 months ago # -
The Fox Triad is not a reliable shock especially of that vintage (seal issues) and is not interchangeable with an RP23, I don't think, due to how it mounts the frame. Or you can only put in an RP23 after extensive modifications.
Huh ? Its a straight bolt in affair to go to a 200x50 RP23 which fits without binding or issues, raises the BB by around 2/3" and increases travel by around 10 -15mm. Totally changes the character of the bike as well. Turns it into a very stable and smooth ride.
Between the family we have both the 07 with the above mentioned RP23 pushed shock, and an 08 Expert with the Brain. The RP23 makes for a far better ride, and being able to adjust pro-pedal etc while riding is a real bonus.
The neighbour has just swapped out his Triad on an 08 Stumpjumper after riding our 07. As the shock is slightly shorter than the 07 went with the 190x50 again without any issues and cost all of £99 on bay. The 200x50 did fit, but it was mm between the aircan and the frame so erred on the side of caution with it.
Posted 12 months ago # -
I found my old 07 stumpy neither climbed or descended well at all.
The descending was it's worst aspect I felt; this has been corroborated by at least five other mates who have ridden similar vintage fsr stumpy frames. I thought the TALAS RL forks were dreadful, partly contributing to the poor descending performance by blowing through the travel too easily; more air made them feel totally harsh.
My previous 02 stumpy was a nicer bike to ride.
I now ride a five and can't believe how much nicer it is going up and down.
Posted 12 months ago # -
That's strange, because my '07 Stumpy is the best climbing and descending bike I've ever ridden. I've demo'ed several newer bikes with a view to changing and concluded that the bike I have is the one I want. I'd agree with the TALAS performance though - I sold mine due to the stupid 15hr service intervals and replaced them with a Magura Thor which is much better.
My Stumpy has been to Scotland, Wales, Lakes, Peaks, Alps, Sierra Nevada etc and I have no problem keeping up with Epics and Sparks on the way up and Ransoms and Enduros' on the way down.
Posted 12 months ago # -
My old 07 Enduro was a far better climber, and the TALAS were rubbish on the descents.
But it's horses for courses and if you get on with your Stumpy then hang on to it I guess.
Posted 12 months ago #
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