Stumpjumper Evo Alloy vs Carbon.

Specifically weight. Does anyone have any direct comparisons between weight for the carbon & alloy frame? I’m struggling to find any real world info.

And any info comparing the two if you’ve ridden both,

I have an (irrational maybe?) fear of carbon frames, mostly because I’m worried about stones / rocks hitting the down tube and cracking it. My alloy frames always pick up a few dents.

Cheers

I’ve got a Carbon SJE. I fitted a Rockguardz underneath the stock downtube protector for this very reason. It’s taken some big strikes but is ok. I’ve also invisiframed it.

It’s a fabulous bike, the only thing I’d say is that you need some proper challenging terrain to reach its limits.

I don’t think the weight difference matters much, the downtube storage is massive and by the time I’ve filled that and attached a large Fidlock bottle it weighs a ton.

I have an (irrational maybe?) fear of carbon frames, mostly because I’m worried about stones / rocks hitting the down tube and cracking it. My alloy frames always pick up a few dents.

Just buy the metal one and don’t worry about it.

1.7kg difference according to https://enduro-mtb.com/en/specialized-stumpjumper-evo-elite-alloy-2022-review/

That fear isn’t so irrational with this particular carbon frame. There’s a thread on mtbr of issues with impact damage down there. Like Kramer I have a Rockguardz fitted and recommend you do the same if you get the carbon.

1.7kg difference according to https://enduro-mtb.com/en/specialized-stumpjumper-evo-elite-alloy-2022-review/

That’s the difference between two complete bikes with different components. The difference in frame weight will be less than that. The alu bike has GX groupset, alu handlebar and rims, the S-works has XX1 groupset, and carbon bars and rims.

Given the reputation these have for a paper thin downtube that cracks if you even look funny at it, stick with the alloy.

One of my sons has the alloy version.

He’s nothing bad to say about it.

1.7kg difference according to https://enduro-mtb.com/en/specialized-stumpjumper-evo-elite-alloy-2022-review/

🙄

I guess I should’ve really asked if anyone knows the frame weights?

Given the reputation these have for a paper thin downtube that cracks if you even look funny at it, stick with the alloy.

I have read about this 😬

Never given the frame impact damage a second thought. Been running Specialized carbon frames since they fetched out the S Works Enduro years ago and have had and still have quite a few between us including Stumpjumpers, Enduros and Levos. In all that time we have smashed two frames, Enduro and Stumpjumper, in the Alps on the same trip which would have also killed the alloy versions. Both frames were sorted by the Specialized crash replacement policy within a week of getting back.

Abigale has competed in Enduro all over the world and never damaged a frame. She then gets knocked off with a hit and run in NZ whilst in a cycle lane. Crushed the driveside seat stay. Again replaced the same week under the crash replacement scheme.

They sell a load of carbon frames world wide and you only hear about the few that are damaged by impact.

However if it’s going to be on your mind and impacting on the enjoyment then alloy may be the way to go as I don’t think you will notice the weight difference once on the trail.

At 35% off frame RRP crash replacement would still leave the rider thousands out of pocket. Much cheaper fitting a Rockguardz. I haven’t scoured the internet for evidence but people don’t seem to be complaining about other models.

I fitted a Rockguardz underneath the stock downtube protector for this very reason.

I would definitely fit one 👍 And a bash guard but think they come with one?

Just buy the metal one and don’t worry about it.

The “problem” is that the metal ones aren’t much cheaper at the moment with the current details.

It’s a fabulous bike, the only thing I’d say is that you need some proper challenging terrain to reach its limits.

I don’t think the weight difference matters much,

Sounds like it would make a great Alps bike then 😎

I’m not overly concerned about weight, as long as it’s not a crazy difference in the frame weight.

Specialized don’t list the weight on the framesets, just the complete bikes and it’s difficult to compare as the specs aren’t the same between the alloy/carbon versions.

One of my sons has the alloy version.

I’ve read plenty of good things about it 🙂

@phil5556

And a bash guard but think they come with one?

I think that the SWorks and Pro do, but my Expert didn’t. I have fitted one, forgot to mention it.

Sounds like it would make a great Alps bike then

Yeah it is. I find it perfect for Alpine Enduro style riding.

Ah, I noticed in pictures it had one and assumed it was on all of them.

Both frames were sorted by the Specialized crash replacement policy within a week of getting back.

Presumably they sell a frame at a reduced cost? They don’t go as far as swapping it over for you?

as I don’t think you will notice the weight difference once on the trail.

This is probably true 🙂

While I’m asking about them, what length droppers fit, is the kink in the seat tube an actual issue? I like a long dropper, presumably a 200mm doesn’t fit slammed in an S4?

Yes it’s at a reduced cost. Seem to think it was quite a bit more than stated above when we had to use it.

We have a 170mm dropper fitted in the s3 and s4 with quite a bit of leeway on the s4

Cool ta. So might squeeze a 200 in or at least 180 👍

While I’m asking about them, what length droppers fit, is the kink in the seat tube an actual issue? I like a long dropper, presumably a 200mm doesn’t fit slammed in an S4?

There’s a discrepancy between the insertion depth quoted on Specialized website and in the manual. Long story short, I’ve currently got a 180 on my S4, but think I can get a 200 or 210 in when my seatpost on my parts bike gives up the ghost and I swap everything over.

This might be of interest to someone: Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Expert in carbon was £5750 now <£3500

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7E0cNbIyoA/?igsh=MW5pam0yMWhjcWRlOA==

Sean and the gang at Ark Cycles are a great bunch.

Cheers. That’s the same good price as Leisure Lakes has them for, which really makes the Carbon the sensible choice, it’s only £200 more than the alloy.

And that £200 probably covers the AXS vs mechanical GX.

There were some LTDs going very reasonable earlier in the month

Rumour has it that the Stumpjumper is about to be refreshed, and the Evo will disappear, so it may be worth making a cheeky offer?

https://support.specialized.com/home/warranty/en/warranty-policies/assisted-replacement

I know someone who had a Epic replaced recently and the discount was inline with what’s stated in the link. Would have been a lot cheaper to get the frame repaired, but Specialized let him get the newer model and that’s what he wanted. Dunno what the dealer gets out of a replacement frame for sale/workshop swapping parts, but if it’s not much then Specialized aren’t being overly generous as it’s near trade pricing.

I was going to say there’s a rumour the new Stumpjumpers are sat in boxes waiting to go, but being held back because there’s so much older stock still around. Good time for deals.

@Tracey looks like they were going for £3250 – none left though apart from an S1 & S5 that I can find.

I went for carbon as I’m a lightweight, intend to hike-a-bike it, liked the feel on the demo SJEVO Comp Carbon model, also GuyKesTV alloy v carbon comparison video of this bike (both riders preferred carbon for handling and climbing). It feels a tad lighter than my alloy hardtail (S2/S). Alloy was a struggle to get on my shoulders hike-a-bike style in shop, no problem with carbon. My SJEVO Expert Carbon model (40% discount!) came with a stock bash plate bolted on. I intend to ride rocky stuff in Peak/Lake District etc, bought a Rockstop Frameguard but not sure its gonna fit over the stock bashguard (I think removing stock bashguard would invalid warranty). Fingers crossed it holds up, I heard elsewhere the most recent frames may be better as Specialized became aware of the few reported earlier downtube cracks and someone later got warranty claim approved as they acknowledged the issue (but don’t believe everything you read 2nd hand on forums/Facebook). First ride heard a couple of stone dings, no damage I can see (haven’t looked under bashguard yet but it looks fine itself), had a full frame, fork and crank protective film done by ShackWrap.

With. Bit of modification I’ve fitted my Rockguardz underneath the original bash guard. It just took a bit of filing of the bold holes of the Rockguardz.

I managed to fit mine underneath. It was a struggle as the Rockguardz didn’t want to sit flush and the bolts could have done with being slightly longer.