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My New 2013 Stumpjumper FSR 29er

50K views 91 replies 43 participants last post by  GnarBrahWyo 
#1 ·
I thought I would post some pics and first impressions of my 2013 Sumpy FSR Comp 29. I was expecting to get a closeout 2012, but Cognition Bikes in Mountain View had a killer deal on a 2013 Stumpy FSR 29er Comp, so I was happy to take the last size large off of their hands. This is my first Specialized MTB. The bike is completely stock except for the the Command Post.

I've only done one 20 mile ride on it so far where I was making adjustments along the way. First impressions are that I LOVE the Command Post, the suspension is still getting dialed in, but the CTD settings are much easier than previous damper adjustments IMO. AUTOSAG on the shock makes setup wonderfully simple. The CTD switch on the rear shock has a bit of play in it, so I may take it back to the shop to see if they can do something about that or if it is the same on other new shocks.

The bike feels solid, rides beautifully, and climbs perfectly on these familiar trails. According to Cyclemeter, I rode the 20 mile route faster on the Stumpy FSR faster than on my Air 9 HT, but that could have been the rest I got when making adjustments and the new bike adrenaline.

The Elixir 5 brakes are making some warbling sounds, but I suspect that the pads need to be broken in more than anything. I also learned that the Command Post seat mount needs to be very tight, otherwise big hits may cause the seat to swing nose up.
 

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#44 ·
Thanks for the warning guys, I will report back any issues if they arise. I did speak t the specialised hq in England and they mentioned some upgrade or change t the brakes had happened but didn't say what.
Re the seat post, I have the spesh command and its brill - no question the right move for me
 
#45 ·
I just picked up a new 2013 Stumpy FSR Comp.today. I really hope it doesn't have brake noise issues. I had the loud brake noise issue on my 2009 Stumpy HT Comp. Nothing would fix it. I tried all sorts of combinations of rotors and brake pads. I even tried Formula brakes. It had something to do with the frame. If I have the same issue on this bike I will return it.
 
#46 ·
I just rode the black one yesterday on my local trails. This was my first time on a 29er also. One of the guys just bought one. It was a really solid feeling bike. The new fox shocks felt great. The shocks were set on trail mode and it was a flat area mostly i was riding on. The bike was heavier than my Trek Fuel EX8...probably due to the 29" wheels. He also had the command post. The X7 shifters were alittle different to my SLX shifters. His Elixer 5's were silent (my elixer 5's took a few rides to break in). Too bad I did not SPD shoes to clip in to really give it a go.
 
#49 ·
That is about 1 pound more than my Fuel EX8 (depending on the scale error). I saw the frame has a tapered head tube but is the fork steerer also tapered? Some models have a tapered head tube but not the steerer on the fork. I found a dealer not far from me that has a red/black for $2600. He said it was a black friday price but I am sure they would honor the price or get real close to it. I may take a look at it next week.

I have been poking around looking for a 29er. Not sure if it will be a HT or a FS. Or even if it will be another "trail" bike or a more XC bike. If it is a FS it will most likely replace my Fuel.

On my list of bikes is Cannondale F29-2, Trek Stache 8, Specialized SJ FSR comp. Kind of a wide range of bikes on the list.
 
#51 ·
So what was the conclusion on the loose CTD lever on your rear Fox shock?? I just picked up a new SJ FSR Comp, and the lever has positive stops in Descend and Trail, but when you try to put it in Climb, it just wobbles all over the place. Asked the LBS about it, and they say that it's normal.... I just figure for 3000 bucks it should be perfect??
 
#77 ·
I bought one a month ago and mine does the same thing. No problem...I usually leave it in Trail mode anyway. I am more worried about the squeaky front shock and super loud front brake. I have put a couple hundred miles on it and the brake is still really loud. The shock has quieted down a little but next week when I take it in for my check up/adjust I will find out what is up with it.
 
#61 ·
UPDATE on my SJ that you see in the pic above. When I picked up this bike, I am not gonna lie, it felt like a tank.
I put some ZTR Arch Ex 29ers and a newer light weight cassette and also went tubeless. I am sitting around 28 lbs,4 oz. My Kronolog already pooped the bed so I had to take it off (hope my LBS can fix that for me).
I got bike plans for this bike. Might take a while since it will spendy but I plan on putting a carbon bar on it, lighter weight pedals and carbon cranks eventually.
Eventually it'll be about as top spec as you can get without the carbon frame. Here is an initial review I made for it on YouTube.
 
#62 ·
Since you've got the dropper post, save another ounce or two and get a standard seat clamp instead of the quick release. Something like a Thomson, Hope or Salsa. That Specialized quick release adds a bit of weight.

What hubs did you get with the Arches, the Stan's?
 
#65 ·
Am looking to fit ztr stans flows on my XL comp carbon - think this should give a reasonable improvement for the money - quoted £250 for the wheelset with halo spin doctor hubs and go tubeless. Update on my rides, no regrets buying it, all pretty good - am faster over rough ground and up hill over obstacles, roots, steps, etc, just need to get used to tight turns and ensure pick line and stick to it, find it doesnt like to be leant into turns at slow speed ( I come off) - dropper post best upgrade so far - maxxis ardents improved traction and confidence on loose hard packed trails over ground control tyres.
 
#67 ·
Actually carbon cranks seem like a good investment to me. The specialized carbon cranks are only $250 + spider + rings and weigh significantly less (3-4 oz) than XTR cranks. Havent' heard of anyone breaking them either. This is based on my research last year so maybe something has changed but I was shocked how cheap and good these cranks were.
 
#68 ·
I ordered a pair. They are on back order so it will be a couple months but I will get them before Spring riding starts. I heard a guy on this forum who owns a bike shop say they can take up 6-7 ounces of your bike. He said the real beneift was the added stiffness. Never heard of S-works cranks breaking. I plan on putting the rubber boots on just for good measure though.
 
#72 ·
I have reported the listing to the cragslist people and flagged the ad.. I hope they can track they guy and bag him. It would be sweet if the New Haven police could "buy" the bike and take the guy into custody. Even though he's only asking $1900, it's grand theft. Hopefully the guy gets caught. Hate to see someone send money and get scammed.
Or worse, go to see the bike and get mugged or worse.
 
#80 ·
Hey GnarBrahWyo,

Any updates? I assume the snow has melted in Wyoming and you've had time to do some riding on the new sled. I have my sights on the same bike, with similar ideas on upgrades. I have ZTRs on my 26er and for the most part I love the feel of them. My friend has the carbon stumpy with carbon wheels and I'm trying to imagine how heavier the alloy bike will be in stock spec.

Thx.
 
#82 ·
Yeah,
I have ridden it quite a bit actually. My bike with upgrades (new wheels, carbon bar, carbon cranks, dropper) weighs a touch over 28lbs. Quite light for what the bike has. The carbon frame will get you less than a pound of weight savings. Your call on whether the extra $1k is worth that 1lb. I said no and have my bike lighter than most of the stock carbon models from my other upgrades. Bike has a learning curve I have found but I don't think it can be beat when it comes to chunky single track riding. It loves to carve too.
 
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