In for test: A pair of fraternal twins, from Specialized

You might have thought we’d never get here, but here we are: A 26/29 comparison test. No, we’re not going to pick which one is "better", but with Specialized offering its legendary Stumpjumper in both flavors for 2012, it’s a great time to compare and contrast the two models and see how they fit with our riding style.

We chose the Stumpjumper FSR EVO models for their bumped up travel and all-mountain versatility. The bruisers of the Stumpy line, the EVO bikes have different geometry and parts specs for more aggressive riding. Check out the specs below.

Stumpjumper FSR Expert EVO 29 Aluminum front triangle 135mm of travel Fox RP23 shock with Autosag RockShox Revelation RL 29 fork Formula The One R brakes SRAM X7/X0 drivetrain 20mm thru-axle front 142mm rear axle Specialized Command Post dropper seatpost 28.7 lbs. Link

Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon EVO Carbon front triangle 150mm of travel Fox RP23 shock with Autosag Fox Factory 150 air-sprug fork Formula The One R brakes SRAM X7/X9/X0 drivetrain 15mm thru-axle front 142mm rear axle Specialized Command Post dropper seatpost 26.8 lbs. Link

The most obvious difference – besides the wheel size – is the frame material. The 26-inch model has a carbon fiber front end, while the 29er uses Specialized’s M5 aluminum tubing. No doubt a bit of the weight saved in the 26 is here in the frame.

 

However, both models use the same linkage design and Fox RP23 shock with Kashima coating and Specialized’s exlusive AutoSag feature that makes setup a breeze. The amount of travel between the two is different, of course.

Up front is another difference: The 29er has a RockShox Revelation and the 26 a Fox Factory 150. Both have tapered steerer tubes and thru axles as well.

We plan to have two (or more) testers switching back and forth between these bikes to get a feel for not just how they handle the trail, but how they are different and could compliment your needs and riding style. Stay tuned for our first impressions here online and the full review in a future issue of Dirt Rag.