Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy: 10 Years Riding the Trails

In my bike collection, one of the most ridden is the Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy full suspension bike. I was gifted the Stumpjumper in 2012. Until then, I had been using a Trek 4300 hard tail mountain bike. That was, and is, very capable and powerful bike, which opened the mountain biking world to me.

It’s been 10 years since buying my Stumpy. What better way to celebrate a decade on the trails together than a 10-year review of the Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy?

Introducing the Alloy Full Suspension

The Stumpjumper Alloy, or Stumpy as it’s affectionately known within the mountain biking community, is a full-suspension mountain bike designed for adventure. It features a lightweight frame made from premium material, making it sturdy and durable on any terrain. My Stumpjumper features an aluminum alloy chassis and rear triangle. The idea of a rear suspension was new to me, and I loved the smooth riding experience.

A Brief History of the Specialized Stumpjumper

The Specialized Stumpjumper was first introduced in 1981. It quickly became a popular choice among mountain bikers due to its innovative design and cutting-edge performance.

Here’s a brief history of its evolution through the years:

• 1981: The first Specialized Stumpjumper was introduced, featuring a steel frame, 26-inch wheels, and a 15-speed drivetrain.
• 1984: The Stumpjumper Sport was introduced, featuring a lighter and more responsive frame design, as well as upgraded components.
• 1989: The Stumpjumper Pro Carbon was introduced, featuring a carbon fiber frame and high-end components. The Stumpjumper Pro Carbon was one of the first carbon fiber mountain bikes on the market.
• 1995: The Stumpjumper M2 was introduced, featuring an aluminum frame and a suspension fork. This was one of the first mass-produced full suspension mountain bikes.
• 2001: The Stumpjumper FSR (Full Suspension Range) was introduced, featuring a more advanced suspension system and a lighter, more efficient frame design.
• 2008: The Stumpjumper Carbon was introduced, featuring a full carbon fiber frame and a top-of-the-line component group. This bike is for serious cross-country racing.
• 2012: The Stumpjumper Evo was introduced, featuring a more aggressive geometry and a longer travel suspension system. This bike was designed for more aggressive trail riding.
• 2019: The Stumpjumper was redesigned again, featuring a new frame design and updated suspension system. This bike is available in both aluminum and carbon fiber, and is designed for all-around trail riding.

Throughout its history, the Specialized Stumpjumper has been a leader in innovation and performance in the mountain bike world. It has won numerous races and awards, and has been ridden by some of the world’s top professional mountain bikers.

2012 Stumpjumper Alloy Specs

The 2012 Stumpjumper Alloy model year saw some significant updates, including a new frame design, improved suspension system, and upgraded components.

Here are some key features and highlights of the 2012 edition Stumpjumper Alloy:

Stumpjumper Alloy Frame:

The 2012 Stumpjumper frame was redesigned with a tapered head tube and a slightly longer top tube for improved handling and stability. The frame is made from Specialized’s proprietary M5 alloy, which is lightweight and durable.

Stumpjumper Alloy Suspension:

The 2012 Stumpjumper features a Fox Float shock with 140mm of travel in the rear, and a Fox Float 32 RL fork with 140mm of travel in the front. The suspension system provides a smooth and controlled ride on a variety of terrain.

The rear shocks were known as the “brain” since the design simulated a hard-tail bike while climbing/ ascending. The shocks cushioned the ride during flat and downhill sections.

Stumpjumper Alloy Drivetrain:

The 2012 Stumpjumper came with a 2×10 drivetrain, featuring a Shimano XT rear derailleur and shifters, and a SRAM S-1250 double crankset. This setup provides a wide range of gearing options for climbing and descending.

Stumpjumper Alloy Wheels and Tires:

My 2012 Stumpjumper Alloy came with Roval Traverse 26″ wheels, which are lightweight and durable. The tires are Specialized’s own Ground Control and Purgatory models, which are designed to provide excellent traction and control on a variety of surfaces.

Stumpjumper Alloy Brakes:

My alloy came equipped with Avid Elixir brand of hydraulic disc brakes, which provided reliable stopping power and modulation. The Avid line of brakes has a poor reputation, but I had no negative experience with mine.

Each component combines to allow for aggressive riding on technical terrain. I found the Stumpjumper alloy very versatile and capable, handing both my local trails and new adventures far from home.

 

 

The Future for My Stumpjumper Alloy

I had recently written about my old Trek 4300, and how I am passing it on to my son. So he has his own mountain bike now. I foresee him using his for a few years. Maybe by then the 26″ would be back in style, and I can pass on my Stumpy to him. So till then I continue to enjoy this on the trails for years to come.

I hope you liked this latest biking post! Check out my other posts from the bike trails as well! You might like to read through my riding experience with the Poseidon X mountain bike!