As our self-proclaimed shop “Clydesdale,” Sam is no stranger to finding a component's limits. Don’t let appearances fool you, along with being a hard-charging rider on the descents, he is an absolute diesel engine on the pedals. He completed last year’s High Cascades 100, a brutal 100-mile cross-country race in Bend, Oregon, featuring over 7,000ft elevation gain. With such a blend of endurance and strength, his current bike prioritizes functional durability, and is built to withstand a season’s worth of square-edge hits and then some.
Sam’s new Specialized Stumpjumper 15 is a perfect example of a quality manufacturer complete turned custom via some thoughtful upgrades. Starting with a Stumpjumper 15 Pro as the foundation of this build, he was already well set up with SRAM Maven Silver brakes, Fox suspension, and a SRAM X0 Transmission drivetrain. With the addition of a Fox 38 fork and a custom wheelset featuring Hydra 2 hubs and Reserve alloy rims, Sam has fine-tuned this bike to be an all-mountain rig that can withstand anything from alpine adventures to days in the park. I sat down with Sam to hear from the horse’s mouth how this bike has been performing out on the trail.
Bike Details
Frame: Specialized Stumpjumper 15
Size: S3
Wheels: Industry Nine Hydra 2 Classic 32H / Reserve 30|HD Alloy 29" 32H / Sapim Race Butted Spokes
Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial Gravity 29x2.5 (27psi) / Albert Radial Gravity Rear 29x2.5 (29psi)
Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission groupset / 165mm X0 Transmission cranks
Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver Ultimate brakes / SRAM HS2 200mm rotors front and rear
Cockpit: 760mm Specialized Roval Traverse SL Carbon bar / Industry Nine A35 40mm stem / Deity Lockjaw Grips
Seatpost/Saddle: Bike Yoke Revive MAX 185mm / Specialized Power Comp Saddle 155mm
Pedals: Shimano Saint SPD
Shock: Fox Float GENIE
(PSI: 249 LSR: 2 Spacers: Stock)
Fork: Fox 38 Factory GRIPX2 170mm
(PSI: 118 HSC: 4 LSC: 4 HSR: 4 LSR: 6 Spacers: 1)
What made the Stumpjumper 15 stand out to you?
I was interested in this bike cause I hadn't been on the previous Stumpjumper EVO or Stumpjumper 15, and those seemed to be the bikes we've sold the most over the years. The Pro Complete build was stellar and had everything I would want anyway. When I first got the bike, I barely changed anything, and that was the first time I've done that with a stock bike in a long time.
What changes have you made from stock?
The major changes were the wheels. I am currently running some Hydra 2 hubs laced to Reserve HD|30 rims. Those Reserve rims are newer to the shop, so we got some test wheels going to see how they would stack up to some other alloy options. So far, they have been great.
Which component on this build can you not live without?
The SRAM Maven brakes. I think at this point, just being a bigger rider, they are the standard for powerful brakes.
How has your experience been with Schwalbe's Radial tires?
They have been great. I've found I can run slightly higher pressures for support while still getting the grip of lower pressures. The combination of the Magic Mary up front and Albert in the rear has been a rad combo for dry summer conditions.
Do you think the Stumpjumper 15 is a good "do-it-all" bike?
I think so. Pro riders have been racing it at Enduro World Cups, and it still pedals exceptionally well. I don't see any reason why it couldn't be. It could be a bit undergunned for being a full-time park bike. If you are a rider who enjoys longer pedals but occasionally hits the park, it still wouldn't be a bad option.
You've been running a Fox 38 while your 36 was being serviced; how do those forks compare?
The Fox 38 is just a much beefier fork. Unless you are doing a lot of super hard charging, the 38 kinda felt overkill for the nature of the Stumpjumper 15 frame. I'm back on the latest Fox 36 now, and I am loving how it feels with less stiction with the new GlideCore air spring. The 36 matches the overall feel of this bike better.
How does the Stumpjumper 15 compare to your previous Evil Offering LS?
The Stumpjumper 15 feels a bit less planted, but it offers a wider range of geo and suspension adjustment to tailor it to different terrain.
If you could ride anywhere in the world right now where would it be, and why?
Probably just an alpine ride anywhere with some more elevation and an opportunity for a bigger day in the saddle. This bike is great for a longer ride where you'll potentially be getting into some hairy situations a long ways out. It is a very efficient bike for how confident it is descending, so it feels like a great choice for a long ride that has some sketchy rock rolls intermixed.
What song best describes your bike?
