UPDATE: Specialized posts details of 27.5 Stumpjumper FSR EVO

This morning we brought you news that Specialized was readying the release of the new 27.5 version of the Stumpjumper FSR and now the brand has posted photos and details of the two models on its website. There are two models, both of the EVO persuasion, which get extra travel and a more enduro focused build kit than the standard Stumpjumper FSR. Both feature 150mm of Specialized’s FSR suspension system with PF30 bottom brackets, ISCG-05 tabs, internal dropper post routing

The $6,500 Expert Carbon EVO will come spec’d with a carbon front triangle and an M5 aluminum rear, paired with a RockShox Pike RC fork and SRAM XO-1 build kit, Fox Float CTD shock with Kashima, and a stealth-routed Command Post dropper. An interesting spec choice is the Shimano XT brakes, as Specialized has traditionally spec’d SRAM, Magura or Formula brakes.

The $3,400 Comp EVO is a full M5 aluminum frame with a Fox Float CTD Evolution shock, matched with a RockShox Revelation RC3, a SRAM X7 and X9 2×10 build kit, Shimano Deore brakes, and externally routed Command Post.

Still no official word on availability, but expect them to be hitting dealerships in the near future.

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Original post

The internet is ablaze today with rumors and spy shots of the 2015 Stumpjumper FSR with 27.5 wheels. It should hardly come as a surprise since Specialized quietly released 27.5 tires a few weeks back, and it is certainly clear at this point that the wheelsize will sweep 26-inch aside.

Our guess is that the new bikes will replace the 26-inch Stumpjumper and Stumpjumper EVO in the 2015 lineup (ok, we were a little off on this point -Ed.), though we expect them to be available in the near future, as soon as this summer.

In addition to the photos sweeping message boards today, Specialized’s Curtis Keene also posted a picture of an S-Works model on his Instagram account:

Why is Specialized so late to the game you ask? There’s more to it than just marketing. A big company like Specialized wants to spec its own wheels, tires, even tubes on its bikes and can’t rush products to market as quickly as small brands. That said, once it goes, it goes all-in. Just look at how 29ers dominate its lineup.

We have been told to expect an announcement, but we might not get details until Sea Otter. Stay tuned.