2014 Specialized FSR Stumpjumper EVO 29er!

It's Everything You've Ever Dreamed About

Content and Graphics Posted by Rob Weaver of Bikeradar.com


Ride and handling: Confident and stable without loss of agility

Propelling the 12.1kg (26.6lb) Stumpy EVO 29 up climbs is a surprisingly sprightly affair considering the amount of travel you’re sitting on (140mm front, 135mm rear). With a decent length cockpit, things feel roomy enough without feeling overstretched.

While you’re seated, power delivery is efficient, thanks in part to the bulbous bottom bracket junction and meaty PF30 bottom bracket. Stand up out of the saddle and there’s a tiny bit of suspension bob that can easily be tamed courtesy of the CTD lever on the Fox rear shock. That said, we rarely found the need to use it, and were impressed with the controlled fashion and traction the Stumpjumper climbed with.

As the trail begins to flatten, the Stumpy EVO 29 really begins to come alive. The well-balanced suspension and more aggressive geometry help sit you in a great trail-attacking position, allowing you to react to terrain changes confidently and rapidly.

It’s this more neutral position that really bolsters confidence in tricky flat turns where grip is limited, allowing more intricate weight shifts in a bid to maximise traction.

Unlike the xx1 group, x01 uses a common 104mm bolt circle diameter. the stumpjumper fsr expert carbon evo 29 comes with a 32t x01 chainring:

Unlike the XX1 group, SRAM X01 uses a common 104mm bolt circle diameter

While we’re on the subject of flat turns, this was the bit we were most concerned about with regards to the height of the front end and the ability to weight the front wheel and maintain grip, especially considering the 29in wheel and lengthy, 140mm travel Pike fork. Although we dropped the stem down 10mm things never felt too lofty up front, even for our 5ft 8in (1.73m) test pilot.

When speeds pick up and the trails get rougher, the composure of the Stumpy EVO 29’s suspension, coupled with the big wheel rollover capabilities, lets you take riskier lines with an element of ease that leaves you thinking you should have gone even quicker.

There’s plenty of stability on faster, looser trails without things feeling cumbersome or the handling slow or sluggish. In fact, the Stumpjumper EVO 29 remains massively agile and playful, and can be picked up and planted on just about any line without hesitation. In tighter, slower sections we never had a problem flicking the from turn to turn or picking our way over stump-riddled paths.





We were massively impressed with the RockShox Pike fork, which smoothed the trail out effortlessly while providing stiff, accurate steering. The Pike, coupled with SRAM’s new X01 11-speed transmission, really sets the bike off, making for a fantastically capable machine that would be at home on lengthy all-day epics or more aggressive all-mountain hammering.


Frame and equipment: Similar geometry, new kit highlights

For 2014, nothing changes dramatically in terms of geometry for the Stumpjumper FSR EVO 29. Compared to the standard Stumpjumper FSR 29, the head angle remains one degree slacker and measures in at 68 degrees, while the wheelbase is stretched to 1,155mm compared to 1,147mm. The EVO also sits 3mm lower, sinking the bottom bracket to 335mm, which helps bolster cornering confidence.

The stealth 9M carbon front triangle gets new internal dropper post cable routing that, when paired with a Specialized Command Post IR (Internal Routing), makes for a clean, uninterrupted finish.




The rear M5 alloy triangle continues to use a 12x142mm axle to improve overall stiffness, and the FSR layout remains unchanged. A concentric link and shock shuttle is used to drive the Fox Float CTD Kashima-coated rear shock that controls the 135mm (5.3in) of rear wheel travel. Specialized say this configuration reduces weight and that, because the shock pivots on bearings rather than DU bushes, the suspension is more sensitive and durability is improved.

Other notable features include the PF30 bottom bracket, which is surrounded by ISCG 05 tabs, a tapered head tube and full cartridge bearing pivots.

The new rockshox pike fork is a solid performer and a good match for an aggressive trail bike such as the stumpjumper fsr expert carbon evo. the 29in evo shown here gets a 140mm travel pike, while the 26in version bumps the travel up to 150mm:

The RockShox Pike fork is a good match for an aggressive trail bike

Interestingly, Specialized have gone for a new take on how tools and water can be transported on the bike, integrating storage into the frame and component design. They’ve named the concept SWAT (Storage, Water, Air, Tools). The Stumpjumper gets stage two SWAT, meaning there’s a compact multi-tool under the bottle cage as well as a headset top cap with integrated chain tool.

It’s the componentry that really helps the latest Stumpjumper FSR EVO standout. Up front sits the impressive new 140mm (5.5in) travel Pike fork from RockShox. This, for many, has already helped re-establish RockShox as top contenders in the longer travel, single crown fork market.

Now internally routed, the Specialized Command Post IR has three fixed positions and uses a new single bolt head that Specialized claim offers a far more secure saddle fixture than before.

Helping to reduce weight without compromising on gearing is the new 11-speed SRAM X01 transmission. No guide is needed to keep the chain in place, and you get options to take you up or down the steepest climbs or fastest descents. Specialized have included a custom SRAM S-2200 crankset, though, rather than the alloy X01 offering.

Stopping is taken care of by powerful Avid Elixir 7 Trail brakes, while tyre grip is impressively dished out via the 2Bliss Ready 2.3in Butcher Control and Purgatory Control, both from the Specialized stable.




We know you want to see these brand new 2014 Specialized Bikes. Come on down to the Spoke Shop, and let us take care of you.

The Spoke Shop

1910 Broadwater Ave., Billings MT.

(406) 656-8342

www.spokeshop.com

2014 Specialized Epic Gets Tweaks to Boost Performance

2014 Specialized Epic: Fast, Firm, Aggressive 29er Geometry and Exceptional Components

The big change is a frame that's laterally stiffer and about .5 lbs lighter. The new carbon frame has lighter, more optimized materials yet thick chain stays to provide lateral stiffness. The seat post is now 27.2mm in diameter to save weight and make room for the brain shock cable that is fed in between the seat tube and the moving seat stays.

The cable routing is now internal. This is a big diversion for Specialized as they've stayed the course with their neatly organized external cable routing. Their old system tucked the cables under the down tube in a very organized manner and it worked well when set up properly. Specialized has designed a big port hole for the now internally routed cables and seals them off with big caps that guide the cable out of the frame. Inside, they house the cables in a foam 'noodle' material that prevents any kind of rattling noise inside the frame.

The latest Brain Shock still strives to lock out during pedaling and activate during trail bumps, but it is now smoother than ever during this transition.

The Epic World Cup is exclusively available with 1x drivetrains. In the case of the top shelf S-Works version, that means SRAM's XX1 group. The shifts are smooth and crisp, it is practically silent, and the unique 10-42T cassette provides more than enough range for the intended purpose.

Specialized pairs that awesome drivetrain with Magura MT8 hydraulic disc brakes, complete with their trick molded carbon composite brake lever bodies and calipers. The lightweight, 22mm-wide carbon fiber rims are quick to accelerate and reasonably stiff under hard cornering, lending a secure feel even when aggressively attacking smaller berms - helped further by the new 15-mm front thru-axle.

Specialized has used the Epic to roll out its new SWAT line of product, which will have benefits for both mountain and road cyclist. The acronym stands for "Storage, Water, Air, Tools," and refers to several on-bike storage options.

On the carbon frames, there's a sleeve that holds a specially shaped multi tool. On aluminum frames, the tool fits into a holder under the downtube-mounted bottle cage. There's also an 11-speed compatible chain tool, and storage for a spare link, which hides under the headset's pre-load cap.

SWAT also includes a removable flat repair pod that sits below the water bottle on the downtube. The small plastic box has enough room for a spare tube, tire lever, C02 inflator, and a cartridge. The whole thing bolts to a Specialized Zee water bottle cage and is secured by a third riv-nut on the down tube.

All new Epic models are compatible with the SWAT system, but only the highest end bikes come with the kit stock.

For 2014 Specialized has updated the bike's suspension by slightly reducing the leverage ratio, flattening the shock rate a bit, and revising the dampers shim stack. These changes make the locked-to-open transition smoother, the end of a stroke a bit more progressive, and the ride a bit more sensitive when open.

Beyond the suspension tune, Specialized made the shock's reservoir about 25 percent smaller to save weight. They have also revised the hose (it is more durable) and reduced the number of settings in the BRAIN threshold adjuster to five, to make it easier to balance the front to rear feel of the suspension.

There is so much more to be said about the 2014 Specialized Epic, and many more reviews to come. Why don't you come by The Spoke Shop and check out the great Specialized 2014 model year bikes!

The Spoke Shop
1910 Broadwater Ave. Billings, MT

www.spokeshop.com

2014 Specialized CruX and Roubaix Range Bikes (Disc Brakes)

The 2014 Specialized Robaix SL4 Expert Disc comes equipped with Shimano's new hydraulic road disc brake and Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting.

They introduced these disc equipped Roubaix models last year, and the frame has now been designed around the disc brakes. The rear caliper is mounted inside the dropout and the hose, along with the gear cables, is routed inside the frame. The new fork has the hose mounted externally, and the rotors are mounted to the DT Axis 4.0 wheelset.

BB30 continues to be Specialized preferred bottom bracket standard, so FSA chainsets abound across the 2014 range. In this case, the Expert Disc comes with a carbon armed FSA SL-K light chainset.


Of course, the S-Works version of the frame comes with the amazing Shimano Dura Ace Di2 9070 electronic groupset, rolls on Roval CLX 40 hoops, and is powered by a FACT carbon chainset.

The Roubaix Sport is offered with a double or triple chainset, both FSA Gossamer, and both with Shimano 105 dual control levers and mechs and Specialized Axis 2.0 wheels.



At the Comp level, you will find the spec similar to the Elite, but with Ultegra dual control levers and mechs. The reintroduced Pro represents a more significant leap, with Dura Ace shifting, a FACT carbon chainset, and Roval Fusee aluminum clinchers.


Next is the 2014 CruX

Specifically the Sport E5 disc — is built around an aluminum frame and carbon fork will be slowed this year by SRAM S-Series hydraulic brakes. The mechs are SRAm Apex, the chainset SRAM S-Series, and the wehels, Specialized's own CHECK Axis 2.0 Disc.


 The Sport Carbon (pictured) comes with a FACT carbon chassis with cantilever brakes. Shimano 105 STI levers and mechs take care of the shifting. An FSA Gossamer chainset with cyclocross specific 46 and 36 tooth rings, and proprietary Axis 2.0 wheels.
 
The low end model - Crux E5 is built around the same aluminum chassis, but is fitted with Shimano Sora mechs and shifters and Tektro cantilever brakes.



Three frameset options will be offered, each in striking paint schemes. The Pro Carbon fameset will be available with disc mounts or cantilver bosses.

Check our blog later this week to see more about Specialized Bikes like the 2014 Allez and the 2014 Venge!

[VIDEO] 2014 Specialized Revamped FatBoy Fat Bike

The 2014 Specialized Fatboy Fat Bike Makes Waves At The Specialized Global Product Launch

This is Specialized’s entry in the fast-growing fat bike category. Long considered by many as a special purpose bike for snow or sand, the fat bike has surprised many riders with its versatility in any terrain and its ability to put a smile on the face of any rider.

image courtesy of www. MTBR.com

Some basic specs of the Fatboy are:

• Two Models called the Fatboy and Fatboy Expert
• Aluminum Frame
• Tapered Head Tube with Carbon Fork
• 5” Tire Clearance
• 26 X 4.8” TIRE – Ground Control Tread
• 90mm Wide Rim – 795 Grams Per Rim
• 135mm Front Hub
• 190mm Rear Hub
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• 100mm wide PF30 bottom bracket
• Weight is 29.9 lbs without pedals

BREAKING NEWS: 2014 Specialized Epic 29er Line Released!

We at The Spoke Shop are proud to present the 2014 Specialized Epic 29er (S-Works, World Cup, and Hard Tail)

STAY TUNED TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR A NEW VIDEO ABOUT A BRAND NEW BIKE FROM SPECIALIZED

Originally Posted on Velonews.competitor.com by  Logan VonBokel

Specialized has completely revamped its cross-country lineup for 2014. The S-Works Epic, Epic World Cup, and Stumpjumper hardtail now give Specialized riders three options when choosing a cross-country race weapon. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

DURANGO, Colorado (VN) — The venerable Specialized Epic full-suspension XC bike is getting a facelift for 2014. A complete frame redesign is on tap for the bike, which will only be available as a 29er, and for the first time ever, Specialized will offer two distinct frame lines under the Epic headline.

The Epic was the first full-suspension bike to win a world championship under Burry Stander. Last season, Yaroslav Kuhlavy piloted the Epic 29er to World Cup wins as well as Olympic gold, again, two firsts for a full-suspension 29er.

Two models, one name

The Epic has long been a single-frame design with a variety of builds and frame materials being offered. For 2014, Specialized will offer two frame designs: the classic 100mm travel Epic and the new 95mm, single-front-ring drivetrain specific, World Cup (WC).

In essence, riders will now have a choice: the standard Epic, similar in design intention to the one currently on the market, or a stripped-out, race-day version.

The bottom bracket of the 95-mm World Cup bikes is 2mm higher, the chainstays are 9mm shorter, and the headtube is a half a degree steeper when compared to the standard Epic, which carries over a nearly identical geometry from the 2013 Epic.

The World Cup offers an extremely aggressive platform. The chainstays are nearly a centimeter shorter, making the bike feel compact and whippy. The seat stays are the same length as the standard Epic, as the 5mm reduction in travel allowed frame designers to recycle those.

The steeper headtube of the WC paired with 5mm reduction in travel of the Rock Shox Sid World Cup makes the front end feel much more aggressive. Specialized claims that both models of the Epic are stiffer than the current model. The increased front-end stiffness could be easily attributed to the new wheels or the 15mm thru-axle that Specialized has finally come around to stocking on its cross-country bikes.

Build specs

As always with the Epic, every model comes equipped with a Fox shock and Brain inertia valve, which firms up the suspension when it is not needed — on smooth trails, or when climbing, for example. The Brain is relatively unchanged, though it is supposed to have a smoother opening action from the firm setting. Additionally, there are now only five positions, making it easier for riders to tune it to match the RockShox Sid fork with Mini Brain that is spec’d on every model, save the entry level Comp.

The S-Works carbon framed models (both the 95mm and 100mm versions) come equipped with Kashima coated Fox shocks, RockShox Sid World Cups, and Roval SL 29 wheels, making for extremely lightweight, and expensive builds. However, the best balance between build specs and price will be the Marathon, which comes with slightly heavier Roval carbon wheels, SRAM XO, and Magura MT6 stoppers. The Marathon build is only available in the 100mm-travel frame version.

The World Cup will be available in two builds, an S-Works equipped with SRAM XX1, a custom 95mm RockShox Sid World Cup. The Epic Expert WC will be offered with XO1, a RockShox Sid, and Roval carbon 29er wheels. The S-Works WC will also be available in a frameset.

The standard, 100mm version of the frame will be available in S-Works, Expert, Marathon, and Comp builds, spanning a price range of $10,500 to $3,300. The S-Works will use the same 11m carbon as the World Cup model of the same name, while the Marathon and Comp will use lower-grade carbon and the Comp has an aluminum rear triangle.

Builds and prices

Epic S-Works Carbon World Cup: $10,500
Epic S-Works Carbon: $10,500
Epic S-Works Carbon framesets (World Cup or Standard): $5,500
Epic Marathon Carbon: $7,250
Epic Expert Carbon: $6,300
Epic Expert Carbon World Cup: $6,750
Epic Comp Carbon: $4,200
Epic Comp: $3,300

The full-suspension: re-imagined

Until now, carrying two bottles on most full-suspension bikes has been impossible, at least without getting bottles caked in dirt under the down tube or on the back of the seatpost. Riders had to retrofit their bikes in order to carry enough water and tools for an all day adventure; that is, without carrying a pack or stuffing jersey pockets.

The engineering team at Specialized, headed up by Eric Schuda, sought to make the rider’s life easier. The result is what the company is calling SWAT (Storage, Water, Air, and Tools). The SWAT system took three years to engineer, a full year longer than the new Epic took.

The SWAT system, which mounts at the bottle cage using an extra mount bolt on the frame, allows for the use of two water bottles and hides away a multi tool, CO2 canister, and has storage space for a tube. It’s all tucked neatly into the frame.

The first step was to fit two bottle cages inside the front triangle of the Epic, a goal achieved by tucking the custom Fox shock into the top tube and moving the new concentric pivot — like that of the Specialized Camber from last year — higher up the seat tube.

The new shock placement also acts as a storage point for the SWAT multitool. The multi tool has bits for everything a rider should want, including a specially machined 8mm driver for pedals that still fits in the tool without being too bulky. The multitool pulls double-duty as the driver piece for the chain tool, which is integrated into the top cap, along with a spare masterlink.

The World Cup frame will not come standard with the SWAT kit, but the standard 100mm S-Works, Marathon, and Expert carbon models all come equipped with the system.

The SWAT kit can only be used on SWAT Level 3 prepped frames, or frames which have an extra bottle cage bolt on the downtube. As of now, only the Epic, Epic WC, and Stumpjumper are Level 3 bikes.