The time has come for me to buy a full suss but im having trouble deciding which way to go. Having demo'd an orange 5 i fell in love but as im about to become a dad i feel a little put off by the 2.5k asking price. I then noticed that the stumpjumper 09 is only around £1800 which has had some good reviews and is a great looking bike. However as im 18stone i would like to know if the stumpy would take my weight. i assumed the five would hold up against my huge mass but was wondering if anybody had any experience in this area. I ride afan and cwmcarn and tend not to hold back on the rough stuff. Any views much appreciated.

No idea about the weight problem but shop around, I paid £1400 in the end of year sales.

I think the wheels may not last long as they are light XC jobs. The shock and fork will probably go up to your weight.

At 18 stone I think you might be a bit heavy for most lighter full susses and would be better suited going to a more burly bike as it will last.

Something like the enduro or pitch from specialised would seem better.

I weigh c.18.5 stone (fat ex rugby player) and have had in order –

Stumpjumper Comp 07
Epic Expert 07
Stumpjumper Expert 08

Now have a mint 08 Giant Trance X0 which is a 25lb build with no problems. I ride hard XC and apart from the odd wheel needing truing I have genuinely had no issues. Set your shocks up right and all will be cool. (PS – avoid carbon frames and bars, just in case!)

Enjoy mate