Three years has passed since we saw the release of the last Stumpjumper and Camber models, which were first unveiled to the public back in 2015 in Rotorua. About 12 months after that launch, the team at Specialized began testing and development of some new frame concepts in the search to increase chassis stiffness, without necessarily adding weight.
During the two-year development, it had also became apparent that trail bike geometry was marching forward at a very rapid pace. Led by mostly smaller brands, trail bike geometry has evolved with slacker head angles and longer wheelbases for greater descending capability. The implementation of steeper seat angles means that climbing quality has also been retained, if not improved on these new generation trail bikes.
Although Specialized wouldn’t consider the previous models to be long in the tooth, there was no denying that newer trail bikes were starting to make the Stumpjumper and Camber look a little old school in terms of geometry.
In response to those changes, Specialized has brought out a new line of Stumpjumpers for 2018/2018.5/2019 that features an all-new stiffer frame, and reworked geometry and suspension that’s designed to create a more technically capable bike.
If you want to know more about the three new Stumpjumper models and why the Camber is gone, then make sure you check out our First Look story here, which goes into detail about the new frames, suspension designs, geometry and spec between all three models – including that radical new EVO.
During the three-day Specialized launch in Ainsa, Spain, Wil had the opportunity to spend a load of time aboard a new Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29, which features a 150mm travel fork, 140mm of rear travel, and big 29×2.6in tyres. In the above video, Wil takes you through some of the details of the new bike to show off that lovely asymmetric frame design that has been brought over from the Demo downhill bike.
If you like what you see, there’s also a much more detailed first ride review on the Stumpjumper 29er, which you can check out here.
Disclosure
Travel and accommodation costs for the press launch were covered by Specialized.