Submitted by
dalytle
a Weekend Warrior
from Redlands, CA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1999.00
Purchased At:
Redlands Cyclery
Strengths:
Solid bike, semi-lightweight, durable, hydraulic disc brakes, smooth shifting, high quality Fox Shox (front and rear).
Weaknesses:
Highly technical maintenance, rear brake seems to rub, a little heavy with all of the suspension components.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized RockHopper (1991).
Bottom Line:
This is a good bike, but pretty expensive. I like the way it rides and adjusting the suspension on the trail couldn't be easier. I really enjoy how this bike rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Stevens, WA USA Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything cross-country.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles West Lynnwood, WA
Strengths:
First off, I bought the 2007 model. The strengths of this bike are as follows: The Fox Talas RL with adjustable travel (100mm,120mm, and 140mm). Fox Triad rear shock with the pro-pedal, open, and lockout functions. Avid Juicy 7 hydraulic disc brakes (203mm rotor in front and 185mm rotor in back). DT Swiss X430 rims. XTR rear derailleur, LX front derailleur, LX shifters and XT cranks.
Weaknesses:
The front end tends to get a little light if you are climbing steep hills, but I plan to add some carbon fiber bar ends to help with this. Also, I have only noticed this problem when trying to climb very steep hills. I have had no problems on moderate grades. I see that the front hub, Specialized Stout, has got some mixed reviews, but I guess only time will tell whether it's good quality or not. Additionally, the rear hub, Shimano Deore M525, seems to run a little bit rough. Then again, it isn't a super expensive hub to begin with. However, I plan on replacing it fairly soon.
Mostly stock with the addition of carbon fiber bar ends. I also switched the pedals to Nashbar Clipless ATB pedals, which I have used for years.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this is one great bike. I had never owned a full suspension bike before I bought this one but I did a fair amount of test rides on the bikes listed above and found this one most to my liking. I am extremely comfortable with the geometry and love the way it rides. I have found the larger rotors with the Avid Juicy 7 brakes perform superbly on steep descents. Another thing that sold me on it was the Fox Talas front fork, which none of the other bikes I considered or tested had. Also, I have found the Fox Triad with the lockout function to be quite useful when climbing up long or steep hills. I have already had occasions to use all three functions of the Triad and found they all serve their purpose. I also think the brakes, derailleurs, and cranks on this bike are part of what made it so appealing to me. The weaknesses I listed earlier are really very insignificant when looking at all the other outstanding aspects of this bike. So, get this bike if you are a cross-country rider who wants a bike with high quality components that you won't have to upgrade later, and you want a bike with an extremely versatile suspension system that can also climb very well. I give this bike five flamin’ chilis for both value and overall quality, even with the cheaper hubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a
from Perth Date Reviewed: May 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pipe Line
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Force
Strengths:
Great spec.
Weaknesses:
Lots of bearings. Paint scatches easily
Similar Products Used:
None really. Had a Kona Stuff before which i used for everything except it's intended perpose and thourghly enjoyed, still do.
Bike Setup:
Factory standard. New black shadow derailer. Lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, Great spec but first full suss bike so nothing to compear too. Smashed the rear mech on third ride, replaced with black shadow, no probs since. Love the breaks and forks. Easy to throw around. Much esier to ride up hill than my last mount and a real blast to come down on. If I was buying again I may be tempted towards the new giant trance X but only because of value for $$, otherwise I am more than happy. I have mates with botiuqe framed bikes just quietly they wouldn't bother spending the extra dollars after riding the stumpy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan T.
a
from Graz, Styria, Austria, Europe Date Reviewed: April 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All Hills around Graz
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Andas Biken
Strengths:
my model: 2007 + Downhill + Fox Talas RL (100/120/140) + Brakes (Avid Juicy Seven) size M: + appearance + perfect for fun-riders and all mountain
Weaknesses:
- climbs very well, till the track is very steeply ascending , then the front of the bike will getting lighter. - cable routing: snaged with cables on a broken limb on the ground - the rear shock easily gets dirty (for a few dollars you can buy a mud flap (problem solved ;o) )
Rear Break Disc: changed to 185mm Tyres: changes: Rear: Albert 2.25", Front: Nobby Nic 2.25"
Bottom Line:
An excellent All-Mountain Bike. Goes down very fast - the limit is you, not that bike. Good for driving around for hours. If you are riding just for fun and you don't want to be the winner of a race, that bike is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Warehouse
Strengths:
Value Good Components Nice suspension
Weaknesses:
Pedals A little heavy Finicky Juicy 7 brakes
Bike Setup:
Primarily stock but now use Speedplay pedals
Bottom Line:
Great value for the price. Good components! Can't really complain about much other than the brakes. They work fantastically when they're tuned right but they can tend to get missaligned. Experienced some rubbing mid-ride that got very annoying. I've riden in two 10+hour races and have put on somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 miles. Nothing major to report. Fantastic ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, CA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Silver Moccasin, Angles Crest NF
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Incycle, Pasadena, CA
Strengths:
Well Balanced for fireroad and single track, climbs very well in loose rock and dry conditions. Precise control in steering and braking. Fox suspension components are easily tuned and work well, Talas fork travel adjustment a plus for techical trails and climbing attack. Good compliment of components with a few exceptions
Weaknesses:
Just a little light in the front end during ascents, but nothing I can't live with. Maybe the LX shifters.
Similar Products Used:
upgraded from Proflex 4000 (way over due)
Bike Setup:
upgraded to SPD 959 pedals, Lizard Skin shock rear boot and Specialized rear fender/mud flap to shield the shock from dirt.
Bottom Line:
I thought this bike was a great value in the Specialized line up, didn't feel the "brain" rear shock was worth another $800 on the SJ Expert, what sold me on the 2007 SJ Elite vs the 2008 model was the Fox Talas fork which can be lowered from 140mm to 100/120mm for techical trail work. The overall components are at a great starting point to selectively upgrade as time goes by, that's half the fun anyway.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne Larsen
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Oaks Fire Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Cycleworld Burwood
Strengths:
Fox Talas fork and triad shock are exceptional. Avid Juicy 7 brakes with large rotors will stop a Kenworth and XTR rear mech is silky smooth. The bike is light enough to ride uphills but plush enough to ride all day and soak up some big hits. Great handling inspires confidence on the technical stuff. The bike looks pretty cool also.
Weaknesses:
LX shifters and front mech are a bit of a let down. The wheelset is strong but heavy. Everything else on the bike is rock solid.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale rush and prophet. Giant trance.
Bike Setup:
Standard except for wheelset upgrade. I have changed the wheels for Mavic crossmax ST tubeless. Eliminates some weight and look even cooler!
Bottom Line:
Great allround performer. Bridges the gap between XC racer and all mountain bike with ease.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carbonlink
a Weekend Warrior
from Whittier, CA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Turnbull-7th ave trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Whittier Cyclery
Strengths:
Good Specs fork, brakes, crank etc combination except for the shifter and the skewer
Weaknesses:
Skewer and shifter
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Stock with XT front and ODI grip
Bottom Line:
Good climber, light around 27 lbs for medium I was able to conquer steep hills with minimal sweat and fast, and decend faster than my old enduro, i like the fox fork i had to expriment on the air preload though the stock recomdation was so hard for me i am 5' 9" 185 lbs i run it for 75 psi 2 clicks from fast rebound. cant ask for more, i love this bike. spec needs to change their skewer they are getting loose after 50 miles, i have to send this back to my LBS for check-up. other than that this is a good investment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JON ROYLE
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: September 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
great hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
great all round for me. I Have never had so much enjoyment and fun from a bike! It inspires confidence. even when I pedal my old Hardtail I am able to transfer my newly gained confidence. the combination of the adjustable Talas fork and the triad rear shock work really well and you can have control of both using the on the fly adjustments. I have found the bike to be an excellent climber with the front lowerd to 120 or 100. Down hill I use 140 on the from and fully open on the triad. Pedal pro on the triad works well for everything else and eliminates pedal bob as it should. I have found the SJ elite to be best rocky single tracks. I don't know how the Avid Juicy 7 brakes could be improved.
Weaknesses:
Cable routing as mentioned in other reviews makes cleaning a pain. Paintwork looks good but is easily scratched right through to the metal. Not sure how well the LX shifters are matched to the XTR rear Mech. XTR rear mech not as good as I expected but this could be down to the LX shifters.
Similar Products Used:
Used to ride Upgraded Kona Explosive. Tried Cannondale Rush 1000 but opted for the SJ Elite.
Bike Setup:
Stock. May consider upgrade to XT shifters later.
Bottom Line:
It's a great bike that nobody would regret buying.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Kovaly
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
The Fox Talas shock with its on the fly 100/120/140mm adj works incredibly well and the Fox Triad (SPV) rear shock works as advertised to eliminate bob and work only when it is supposed to. Avvid Juicy 7 brakes with the large rotor in front works almost too well, be careful ! This bike really eats up the bumps and lets you blasts down rocky descents! I am 6'0", 190lbs and the L is a perfect fit.
Weaknesses:
Cable routing is questionable with most of it going under the bottom bracket still in the housing. The rear shock constantly gets covered with dirt and grime, should have come with some sort of shock boot, will need to get one. Although this bike is perfect for rocky downhills and big hits, not such a good climber due to the relaxed angle of the front causing it to get way too light on the uphills. Adjusting the Fox Talas to 100mm helps a bit but the angle is hard to overcome. Specialized should have at least spec'd XT instead of LX shifters mated to the XTR rear derailleur, especially on a bike that cost nearly $3,000 !
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock for now, first items to be swapped will be LX shifters and the wheelset
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for hitting the big bumps, rocks and rough terrain out here in Colorado. The Santa Cruz Superlight I had before I moved from Georgia was excellent for your basic cross country trails but would not have done well on many of the trails here. This bike is really a compromise between a free-ride/all-mountain bike and a cross-country bike. At 28lbs the weight is not too bad considering the suspension capabilities. If you are looking for a superior climbing or superfast cross-country machine this is probably not for you. If you are looking for a bike that lets you blow past others going over tough terrain, dominate 1-2ft drops and rocky downhills and still be able to ride to the top without wearing yourself out on a 30lb+ free-ride bike, then this is your bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Naugle
a Weekend Warrior
from Palo Alto, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with Redwoods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Mike's Bikes
Strengths:
Well right off the bat, it’s one of the coolest looking bikes out there. It has a great component set. My last bike was a no suspension tank; rough and heavy, so up hills on my 2007 SJ are a piece of cake. There is no shortage of breaking power on the SJ Elite with the Juicy 7’s. Down hills are fast with great response and the Fox Triad shock (custom for Specialized) and Fox Talas fork handle 1-2 ft drops with no problems. I consider myself pretty much a beginner but I go for it where I can. This bike has more to give then I can take and that is exactly what I want; room to grow.
Weaknesses:
I don't think I like the "Custom for Specialized" parts. But compared to the 2008 the 2007 has next to none.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I think I got a smoking deal at 2K.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Arizona or BC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Dukes
Strengths:
The bike has proven itself to be a ton of fun to ride, a good parts selection, bearings on all pivots, and on-the-fly adjustibility round out a great machine. The brakes are great, Jucy 7s with the full sized 203mm rotor in the front and the 180mm in the read providing no shortage of stopping power. The bike feels comfortable at speed and is stable to the point where my other XC bike feels sketchy by comparison, it climbs very well in pro-pedal mode and decently in open mode.
Weaknesses:
The stock LX shifters were the first thing to get replaced, the guys at Dukes swapped them for XT units for a few bucks when it was new. Mud and crap does head in the rear shocks direction, I threw a lizard skin over the rear shock and solved that issue. My only other gripe is the cable routing down the maintube, makes cleaning a pain once in a while.
Similar Products Used:
Santa-Cruz: Nomad, Heckler, Blur Cannondale: Rush 3, Pro Carbon Kona: Dawg Deluxe, Kikapu Deluxe Gary Fisher: Sugar
Bike Setup:
Stock except for; XT shifters, Time ATAC pedals, and a Lizard Skins shock cover..oh yeah, a water bottle cage too.
Bottom Line:
This bike can handle pretty well anything thrown at it, I think of it as a lightweight all-mountain bike: It handles the climbs efficiently and loves to be pushed on the downhills where it loves to be railed through corners. Its no standard style XC race bike at 28lbs with 5.5 inches of travel but it does make an excellent 24 hour or enduro event bike as it remains comfy all day long and can erase any mistakes you make along the way all while not feeling heavy at all. It feels like a 23-24lb bike when riding, with a set of CrossMaxx wheels I know it will fly. That will have to wait till next year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Conner Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Eden, Utah Date Reviewed: June 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
OgdenBench
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
this bike is good for all kinds of riding
Weaknesses:
i havent found any
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this bike is the best
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, Utah Date Reviewed: June 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Pro Deal
Strengths:
Seems to be well built with a solid component group. I am 5'8" with a 30" inseam and this bike(size M) fits me perfectly right out of the box. If you are any shorter you will need to trim the seatpost or go for the small. I opted not to go for the Pro with the brain and save a few hundred $$$. I got accustomed to using the lockout on my 2000 SJ Pro and this one has the lockout plus the propedal mode. I am not sure yet what I think of propedal as I am still dialing in the shock pressure for the perfect balance between climbing and descending. When I heard of adjustable travel front forks I thought, why would you not want all the travel all the time. Now I know why, it's more about body and bike positioning than travel adjustment. Reducing the travel when climbing helps keep the front wheel down and makes the bike more responsive.
Weaknesses:
Specialized does not publish bike weights on their website. Either the shifters or brake levers seem to rattle on bumpy downhills, an annoyance not a performance issue.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Stumpjumper FSR XC pro
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Times change....In 2000 when I got my SJ pro, this bike would have been in the freeride category. If you are more into speed than comfort, get something lighter with less travel, like an Epic. A bit slower on the climbs than my 2000 SJ pro, perhaps because it is about 3.5 pounds heavier. With the Juicy7's and 5" of travel it goes downhill about 10 times better than the 2000 SJ pro. The extra travel and disc brakes must be where the 4 extra pounds come from. Since it is a little heavier and therefore slower on the climbs, it is a little slower overall as time lost on the uphill is usually impossible to regain on the down. But then who is keeping track of time, so far I have enjoyed every moment spent on the saddle of this bike. The stock tires seem too fat for XC tires. When they are toasted I will put some 1.9's on to glean a little zip from the wheels.
I like the way this bike feels and performs. All around very fun and comfy bike to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: May 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Reno, Flag, Bear, Deadman's (Crested Butte, CO)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Shop Form
Strengths:
BIKE:
Plush. Great over bumpy terrain. Suspension works great while braking (doesn't stiffen up, like some other designs).
PARTS:
Adjustable Talas fork greatly improves climbing (dropping it to 100mm).
Juicy 7 brakes are fantastic(easy to reach levers for smaller hands).
XT cranks - Much stiffer than Truvativ cranks that were on my '06 Stumpjumper FSR Comp.
Weaknesses:
Shifting (Plan on upgrading to XTR shifters). I tried a S-Works Epic last week with XTR shifters AND derailers (a huge improvement over the LX shifters + XTR rear derailer). Not the best climber, but not horrible either. Wheelset (another planned upgrade).
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe (destroyed the SJ FSR on climbs, also steered much better). S-Works Epic (best all around bike I've been on, but obviously a lot more $$$).
Bike Setup:
Stock (for now).
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic bike if you want the option to go fast downhill, but still have a XC bike. I really liked the HiFi for climbing and steering, but over larger bumps it was pretty bad. The Epic was great too, although not as plush as the SJ FSR on the big stuff.
I did prefer the Stumpjumper FSR Elite for the most varied types of riding. It is pretty good at everything, but doesn't do anything the best. It is nice to have the option to bring it on rides with larger bumps. It's a great bike, if you ride everything. I am getting into racing, so I may go with the Epic next year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gideon van Praag
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
North Vancouver
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
John Henry
Strengths:
Excellent geometry, components top notch, accurate steering
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bottom Line:
Great Bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerard Monks
a
from Perth WA Australia Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Little Ovens
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
TBE Willerton
Strengths:
The Fox Talas RL Front end are lovely 100 to 140mm , Also like the Avid Juicey 7 brakes are great . Love the FSR suspension
Weaknesses:
The design of the rear suspension leaves mud and crap all over the rear shox . The bike does not climb as well as i thought .
Similar Products Used:
06 Giant Reign 2
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The FSR Stumpy elite is great for trail riding i wouldn't quite call it an all mountain bike .Its not a XC climbing machine but it rails on tight twisty single track . I suggest spending the dollars on the next model up the " Pro " if want a more XC orientated Bike ( it has the brain fade shox on the rear ) .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
plum
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester, NH Date Reviewed: January 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bear Brook
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
I really like the look of the frame. Talas RL fork has gobs of adjustability. The bike eats up just about everything in your way, uphill or downhill.
Weaknesses:
Bike just feels heavy to me. Tires seem huge. LX shifters do no justice to the XTR rear derailleur. Color is kind of tame for my taste. Cable routing is more about form than function.
Similar Products Used:
1996 Cannondale Super V 900, if you call that similar.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The Fox Talas RL has so much adjustability it's almost too much. Rebound, damping, and travel adjustment from 100-140mm leaves you with room to adapt to anything. It's fun to flick the adjustment from 100-140 and watch the fork magically rise. Incidentally, if you're only riding XC and technical singletrack, this is way too much fork for you, and probably not your bike. I really think this is more of an all mountain setup.
Nothing special about the rear suspension. You can look down and see it working, but you don't necessarily feel any bob. The lockout isn't particularly solid but it does the job.
I realize stock setups are about price compromises, but LX shifters mated to an XTR rear derailleur is just ridiculous. The shifters have a cheap feeling action to them and spoil any benefit from running all that money out back.
I had a nasty chainsuck happen in mid-sprint that sent me hurtling into the woods. I was not shifting and I was somewhere in the middle of the rear cog on the middle ring. I really have no clue why it happened but it has me a little shy about hammering on this bike now.
Specialized has opted to run cabling underneath the downtube and bottom bracket shell to spare the looks of the frame. Unfortunately, if you have a Thule Criterium rack, you'll be cringing as you pinch the lines. As well, there are cable routing stops on the underside of the downtube that are awfully pointy and sharp for a bike that costs almost 3k. Not to get too picky about frame details here, but there's nothing too special about the welds on my rear triangle. They don't look particularly elegant.
My size L bike weighed in at 28.5 pounds, and it just feels heavy to me. It rides heavy. I am left to wonder if a change of tire and wheel wouldn't do wonders for this bike. Unfortunately, it's a lot to ask to drop almost 3k and then immediately get yourself into serious money on a UST wheel/tire set.
For $2800, at this price I would trade a lesser fork for a tubeless setup and better shifting. I guess going into this I thought the Stumpy FSR was going to be more of an XC-oriented rig. The Elite really seems all mountain to me. I suppose a bike spec'd with a fork that has 5.5 inches of travel should be a clue there, but hey, my only other bike is over ten years old. What do I know.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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