TLDR - Great bike just be prepared to replace some parts if you ride aggressively First and foremost, let me say that this bike is a ton of fun to ride. I came from a XC racing background so adjusting from a light, twitchy race bike to this took some time. Once I did though I never want to go back. The bike capably conquers most anything you would want to throw it at with confidence to spare. HOWEVER, while I love the bike overall there are a couple items that you should be aware of: 1.) If you ride aggressively you will likely need to replace the Deluxe shock to really unlock this bike. Once I put on a Fox DPX2 the bike transformed into a trail eating machine. For my style of riding the stock shock did not have enough compression support, even loaded up with maximum volume spacers. I also blew up the stock shock damper in less than 100 hrs of riding. After about 70-80 hrs of riding the damper sounded like it had a substantial amount of air in it that just destroyed the performance. I have never had this occur on three previous shocks (2 fox, 1 x-fusion) and is why I went away from RS for the replacement. Unfortunately, I realized this was a warrantee issue about a week after I passed the 1 yr date from purchase. 2.) The rear hub sucks! This is an issue I have with the build kit. It is awesome to have a carbon rim BUT the hub it is laced to is terrible. I have already had to warranty the freehub, and we (myself and my LBS) cannot find a sweet spot on with hub tightness; either there is a ton of drag or there is play in the hub...pick your poison. I will be replacing the hub soon. 3.) Buy cush cores if you ride aggressively!! During the first two weeks I took a poor line through some rocks and hit one so hard it caused a rim strike which dented and cracked the rim (tire at ~20 PSI). Specialized refused the claim and I had to pay for a new rim. On my XC carbon race wheels I rode for 5 years and never had this happen despite numerous rock strikes.

I had the 2016 Stumpy and lived the bike. I deiced to spend a not insubstantial amount of money on the expert 2019. Wow it is definitely worth it. Everywhere i have ridden the bike in the UK it is so much more fun than my previous bikes. The bike instills confidence and is much more capable than I ever will be. I was dubious about the carbon hoops, but again it is a revelation and I love it

I bought this bike about 5 months ago and I love it. We have some amazing track where I live. From flow, to technical and insane downhill tracks. This beautiful beast takes me everywhere I want to go. I cannot praise this bike enough, if you want one bike to do it all then this is the bike for you.

I think it is true. I mean I have not ridden everything out there but I do know after a month on this bike it is making me shine. That's the main reason to have a great bike! Technically, the long, slack 29er with 2.6 knobbies at low pressure is a perfect machine for the hardest climbs and the longest rocky descents. And for tight switchbacks it is like the perfectly sized ski to ark though the turn. It is so stable on tight corners in a low speed climb- the front doesn't get twitchy and cut too tight inside or get airborn- it just smoothly rounds the arc over roots, rocks and pine cones . On the downhill switchbacks you can lay into it and if the front tire starts to drift it is way easy to pull it back under you for a controlled exit on the turn. This gives confidence and becomes a playful aspect in this bike that must be state of the art geometry. Over the little airs that I like it just stays true and straight and lands so soft. It is not sluggish edge to edge and pumps and rolls beautifully with a traction reaction that has helped me drift on trails sort of like smearing a rockered ski in powder. I'm 150 lbs, 5'10"" and 53 years old but feeling younger everytime I ride. Perfect bike for me to ride Tahoe and the Yuba drainages. It does pay to play with your suspension. For me at least the computer results were too stiff for my style and I've found the rebound is good to learn so as to optimize whatever you are riding.

This bike is fast and planted. It turns on a dime and rolls over everything I've thrown at it so far. Granted mid-Atlantic trails aren't extreme but it handles all the tight turns, roots, and everything else I've thrown at it. I would easily buy this bike again and recommend it to anyone that wants to spend the money on a great bike. Hoping to travel with this to find some trails worthy of the Stumpjumper name.

Bought this for my wife, however I might keep it for myself! Its so composed effortless and suspension is fantastic I think its as good if not better than my vastly more expensive 2017 Trek Slash.

Just bought this bike and have nothing but great things to say about it. This bike is the perfect bike for everything. Much better than the 2017 6400 bike.

After five Stumpjumpers over the years, this is my next one. I only wish the color options were better. Can I have the Expert in the Comp color? :)