Approximately 5 minutes read time
If you’re trying to make a choice between two good mountain bikes, the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp Alloy Mountain Bike vs Stumpjumper Comp Alloy, at first glance there doesn’t seem too much to differentiate them…except the price! The Evo Comp Alloy, above, is around £1,100 more expensive than the Comp Alloy, below.
However, there ARE differences.
Key Differences between the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp Alloy vs Stumpjumper Comp Alloy
| Feature | Stumpjumper Evo Comp Alloy | Stumpjumper Comp Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | M5 Alloy | M5 Alloy |
| Geometry | Adjustable (with flip chip and headset) | Standard Geometry |
| Suspension Travel (Front/Rear) | 150mm / 150mm | 140mm / 130mm |
| Fork | Fox Float 36 Rhythm, GRIP damper, 150mm | Fox Float 34 Rhythm, GRIP damper, 140mm |
| Shock | Fox Float X Performance | Fox Float DPS Performance |
| Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed | SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Code R, 4-piston | SRAM G2 R, 4-piston |
| Wheels | Alloy, 30mm internal width | Alloy, 30mm internal width |
| Tyres | Butcher/Eliminator, 29×2.3” | Butcher/Purgatory, 29×2.3” |
| Dropper Post | Specialized Command Post | Specialized Command Post |
| Weight | Slightly heavier due to geometry adjust | Slightly lighter than Evo due to simpler geometry |
| Purpose | More aggressive trail riding, enduro | Trail riding, all-around versatility |
| Adjustability | High/Low flip chip, Head Angle adjust | No geometry adjustability |
| Price | More expensive (~£3,200+) | Less expensive (~£2,100+) |
What Does the Above Mean for You, the Rider?
- Geometry: The Evo model has a more aggressive, adjustable geometry, making it better suited for enduro-style and technical trail riding.
- Suspension: The Evo has more suspension travel (150mm front and rear) compared to the Comp (140mm front, 130mm rear), which makes it more capable on rougher terrain.
- Drivetrain: The Evo comes with a slightly higher-end SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, while the Comp has the SRAM NX Eagle, which is slightly more entry-level.
- Brakes: The Evo has SRAM Code R brakes, which are more powerful, while the Comp has SRAM G2 R brakes, which are more all-around.
- Purpose: The Evo is designed for more aggressive riding with its longer travel and geometry adjustability, while the Comp is a versatile trail bike suited for a wider range of conditions.
As you can see above, there are higher-end components on the Evo and one of the most significant differences is the standard geometry on the Comp Alloy and the ability to make adjustments on the Evo. We’re beginning to see why there’s such a difference in price!
Stumpjumper Evo Comp Alloy Adjustmentss Explained
Adjustable geometry on mountain bikes allows you to fine-tune the bike’s handling and fit, depending on the terrain and your preferences. In the case of the Stumpy Evo Comp Alloy, the geometry can be adjusted in two main ways:
- Flip Chip Adjustment (High/Low setting):
A flip chip is a small, adjustable component located at the rear shock mount or rear axle. By flipping this chip, you can change the bike’s geometry in two settings:
High Setting: Increases the bottom bracket height (the distance from the ground to the cranks) and steepens the head tube angle (the angle at which the front fork meets the frame).
Low Setting: Lowers the bottom bracket and slackens the head tube angle.
How Those Settings Affects Ride:
High Setting: Makes the bike feel more responsive and nimble, ideal for climbing and less technical trails.
Low Setting: Lowers the center of gravity, making the bike feel more stable and planted on descents and in technical terrain.
- Adjustable Headset Cups:
On some mountain bikes like the Stumpjumper Evo, the head tube angle (which affects how slack or steep the front of the bike is) can be adjusted via adjustable headset cups. You can swap out these cups to change the angle by ±1 degree, allowing the bike to be set up for different riding styles.
How it Affects Ride:
Steeper Head Angle: More agile handling, better for tight, technical trails.
Slacker Head Angle: More stable on steep descents and high speeds but can feel sluggish on flat or uphill terrain.
Why Adjustable Geometry is Useful:
Adjustable geometry makes the bike more versatile, meaning you can switch between a more aggressive, downhill-focused setup and a more all-around trail riding setup. This way, you can customise the bike to handle a variety of terrains and riding styles without needing a completely different bike.
What’s the Conclusion?
“Stumpjumper Comp Alloy suits me fine for aggresive singletrack/flow trails. Light and playful on the trails and no problem on the drops/small jumps.”
“I’d go with the Evo. It’s a perfect jack of all trades, master of none kind of bike, imo. I absolutely love it.”
Those above are opinions of individual mountain bike riders on these bikes. Both models are generally well thought of if you research opinions. It ultimately comes down to whether you want to pay around £1,100 more for the versatility in its geometry and higher tech spec with the Stumpjumper Evo Comp Alloy or will be just as happy with the standard geometry and spec of the Stumpjumper Comp Alloy.
Specialized bikes are high quality, very well designed and engineered bikes. It is a proven brand that wins a lot of championships so neither model is likely to disapppoint.
Check the best UK prices today by clicking on the model below. You might just find a bargain!