Specialized Stumpjumper FSR review on first outing

Sunday was my first date ride with my 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert since posting its arrival last week. I’d like to give you a huge review about an epic all-day bonding between man and machine, but Afan Argoed on Sunday was the wettest it’s been all year. One of my two riding colleagues thought he’d beat the weather by not wearing a jacket – how the hell does that work? Despite my Kona Primo jacket being up to the task it appears neither I, nor my fellow riders were.

But the Stumpjumper was great. I find you really sit in a Stumpy, rather than on it. You set the sag right (20-25%) on the rear and you’re immediately in the groove. The X-0 shifters give new meaning to rapid-fire. I’ve been a Shimano fan for donkeys’ but these things were incredible. I wasn’t used to the setup so I hit the wrong paddle on a couple corners. This wasn’t a biggie I could go from 4th to 5th back to 4th and through to what I really wanted, 3rd, all way before the bend. Despite the weather and a rider with empty legs (still not recovered from the marathon) the Stumpy felt great. I need to adjust the rebound – it was kicking me up on the bigger dips – and the front brake needs more give, but I think we’re onto another great love affair. More reviewing soon I hope.