Remarkably versatile in all kinds of situations. Efficient and hassle-free suspension. Great handling and grip. No corners cut in spec or finish.
Negatives
'Dangler' chain guide not needed with Type 2 derailleur. Jagwire cable housing is mushy when shifting.
[SV_VIMEO id=”59379854″]
Can a 29er out-perform a 26er when it comes to technical trail/all-mountain riding?
Specialized certainly think so; they’ve been espousing the virtues of a bigger wheel for many years and have been incredibly active in pushing 29ers into longer travel applications. In fact, Specialized are so convinced the big wheel is the right tool for the job, that in Australia they only offer one 26″ bike with less than 160mm travel. You can read more about the range here.
When we set out to test the beautiful carbon Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29, we had a head full of questions we wanted answered. Would a 29er with 130mm travel feel like ‘too much’ bike? Could this bike be manhandled in techy terrain? How would a 130mm-travel 29er compare the 150mm-travel 26ers we’d usually opt for?
This beautiful machine ended up bring full of surprises and possesses a versatility that few bikes can ever hope to match. Could this one be a quiver killer?
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