Stumpjumper 15
Origin
The Stumpjumper is the bike that started mountain biking — Specialized released it in 1981 as the world's first mass-produced mountain bike, and an original is now in the Smithsonian. Forty-three years later, in July 2024, Specialized launched the Stumpjumper 15 — the 15th generation and a major consolidation: the previous split between Stumpjumper (130mm) and Stumpjumper EVO (150mm) was merged into a single 145mm-rear / 150mm-fork platform with adjustable geometry (65.5° to 63° head angle) and the all-new GENIE rear shock co-developed with Fox. The GENIE is the headline: a dual-chamber air shock that behaves like a coil in the bump zone and ramps up like an air shock at the end of stroke — losing 57% less traction than a standard air shock per Specialized's data.
Specifications
- Frame
- FACT 11m carbon fiber (Pro/Expert); FACT 12m carbon on S-Works; M5 aluminum alloy on Comp Alloy. FSR (Horst-link) 4-bar suspension layout, SWAT in-frame storage.
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- SRAM X0 AXS T-Type Transmission (1×12 wireless) on Pro; GX AXS / XX AXS on other trims, Shimano XT on select builds
- Brakes
- SRAM Maven Silver 4-piston hydraulic disc, 200 mm rotors front and rear (Pro build)
- Wheels
- 29" Roval Traverse SL II carbon (Pro); MX/mullet (29"/27.5") on smaller S1/S2 sizes, 27.5" rear compatible via aftermarket link
The verdict
- GENIE shock delivers class-leading descending traction — Specialized data claims 57% less traction loss vs a standard air shock; reviewers consistently praise rear-wheel ground contact
- Exceptional versatility: one adjustable platform that replaced both old Stumpjumper and Stumpjumper EVO, covering mellow trail to aggressive enduro-lite riding
- Wide geometry adjustability — ±1° head angle via headset cup plus chainstay flip-chips for BB height — without proprietary tools or angle-set chaos
- Lighter, stiff carbon frame with practical SWAT in-frame storage; efficient pedaling, especially in the shock's Firm mode
- Custom-tuned Fox 36 GRIP X2 fork and tunable mid/end-stroke shock suit a broad range of rider weights
- Rear tire (Eliminator) sidewall support is too light for the bike's downhill capability — many riders will want to upgrade
- Premium pricing; GENIE shock is a Specialized-exclusive part, so service and replacement options are limited vs a standard shock
- Coil-spring/mullet variants alongside the air models create confusing spec overlap across the lineup
- Front end can feel vague/floppy when fully slacked-out for climbing in the slackest setting
- SRAM Maven brake bite point reported to wander; launch-spec saddle comfort faded on long days
Who it’s for
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