Ok another annoying n00b question from me, sorry. 😀 I've been testing out a load of bikes over the last couple of weeks and of the 8 bikes i've tried...i've liked them all! Admittedly only riding on the street or carpark rather than a proper demo weekend so not the best test of their capabilities but its all i can do just now. For 120mm travel i've really liked the Boardman pro fs but i made the mistake of leaving the decision for a few days and since then have been tempted by a few 140mm bikes too. Which i've also tested and liked. Anyway two that have stood out a bit from the 140mm pack are the spesh stumpjumper elite (2010) and the rocky mountain altitude 50 (2009). Both approx £1800 so i was wondering what one has the best value at that price point.
Here are the specs and the main differences. The stumpjumper has a Fox Talas fork which while having the advantage of adjustable travel im a bit concerned about it being more prone to problems as a result? And would it be more difficult/expensive to service?
And is a Fox Triad or Fox RP23 the better rear shock?
Are the brakes yay or nay on either model?
here are some Stumpjumper specs_______
Fork:
Fox Talas RL 140/120/100mm
Front Derailleur:
Shimano M660 SLX, DMD, top swing, dual pull
Rear Derailleur:
Shimano RD-M972 XTR, Shadow, long-carbon cage
Shifters:
Shimano SL-M660 SLX, trigger, 9-speed
Brakes:
Custom Avid Elixir R SL
Some altitude specs________
Fork:
Fox 32 Float RL
Shock:
Fox Float RP23
Front Derailleur:
Shimano SLX
Rear Derailleur:
Shimano XT
Shifters:
Shimano SLX Rapid Fire
Brakes:
Formula ORO K24 Hydraulic Disc
Thanks for any help and sorry for the irritating questions! Life would be so much easier if i didnt end up wanting to buy every damn bike ive sat on 😀
stumpy elite is £2200, the main difference is the talas fork though. Stumpy comp comes in at £1800.
The triad shock is a spesh only custom job made by fox. It only differs (apart from the lack of end bushing) in that it has an open/propedal/lockout switch rather than an adjustable propedal.
Rather than focusing on spec though, get which one feels the best. I'd rather have the bike feel 'right' then build on that than the best spec in the shop.
i can get a discount of about 20% so that makes it a bit more affordable.
both bikes feel very nice, i'd be happy with either. at the rate im going at im going to be making a choice based on colour 😀
with the triad being a custom job does that mean replacement parts for it will be more difficult to get than a standard one?
nope. Absolutely standard spares apart from the fact it has lockout
The triad is a great shock imho, and it was a straight swap onto my bike done for free by the nice specialized people!
went to have another look at them both today and instead of clarifying the matter the choice just gets harder and harder. 😀
do rocky mountain have a good reputation for frames and warranty support? i know specialized are pretty damn good when it comes to that sort of stuff.