Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy Review – Why This Bike Just Works

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy Review – Why This Bike Just Works

I’ve been lucky enough to ride some genuinely good mountain bikes in a relatively short space of time. I only started riding properly around two years ago, but being married to someone who’s completely bike-mad meant I had access to some very decent bikes early on including a Santa Cruz Hightower and a Bold Linkin. Both are excellent bikes with strong reputations in the trail and enduro world.

Now though, this is my bike the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy  and it genuinely feels like the right bike for me and the riding I do, I love it.


Why I Chose the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO

Working at Gorilla Brakes, I was lucky enough to be given a set budget for our demo bike, which meant I could properly choose something that suited both the riding I do and the kind of riding we showcase. I spent a lot of time looking at different options, weighing up value, spec, and real-world capability, and the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy stood out as the best all-round package within budget.


What drew me in was how well it fits into the all-round trail / enduro mountain bike category. It also helps that it’s a great-looking bike clean lines, no unnecessary fuss  and it’seasy to live with and maintain. After owning bikes with fully internal routing, having a frame that’s straightforward to clean and work on is something I now really value.

It’s also much easier to keep on top of after muddy UK rides, which my husband definitely appreciates when it comes to cleaning time. Its his favourite job 😄


Climbing is still climbing 😅 but compared to my previous bikes, it often feels noticeably more efficient. On the descents, the bike feels planted, stable, and I feel confident. It doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard and that’s exactly why it works so well.


Mullet Setup (29” / 27.5”) – Why It’s Been a Game Changer

The Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy comes mulleted, with a 29” front wheel and a 27.5” rear, and this has made a huge difference to my riding.

Since switching to a mullet setup, my confidence on drops has massively improved. The smaller rear wheel gives more clearance behind you, which makes steep roll-ins, step-downs, and technical features feel far less intimidating. I no longer feel like the rear wheel is constantly too close, and that alone has helped me commit more confidently.

Other benefits I’ve noticed from the mullet setup:

  • Easier body movement on steep terrain

  • Better control when trails get technical

  • Quicker direction changes in tight corners

  • A more playful feel while keeping front-wheel stability

For smaller riders especially, this balance is ideal. You still get the grip and rollover of a 29” front wheel, but the bike feels easier to manage overall particularly on steep descents and technical UK trails.


Fit & Sizing – Ideal for Smaller Riders

I’m 5ft 2 and ride an S2 frame, and the fit feels spot on. I don’t feel stretched, cramped, or overbiked. The reach feels right, the standover height gives confidence, and the bike feels manageable without ever feeling too small.

On the trail, that translates into:

  • Confident cornering

  • Steep descents that feel far more controlled

  • A ride that’s playful and fun, not just capable

For anyone searching for a small rider trail bike, a short rider mountain bike, or guidance on S2 frame fit, this is a setup that genuinely works.


Ride Feel

What matters to me is how a bike actually feels on the trail.

The Stumpjumper EVO suits me down to the ground. That’s the honest truth. I finish most rides feeling confident, happy, and keen for the next one. It gives me confidence, which is exactly what I want from an all-round trail bike.


Spec & Value

One of the biggest strengths of the Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy is value. You’re not paying the carbon tax, but you’re still getting a tough, capable frame and a sensible, well-chosen build kit.

Why the Elite Alloy spec works so well:

  • Strong components where it matters

  • A durable alloy frame that inspires confidence

  • Plenty of upgrade potential over time

The Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy is specced really sensibly for real trail and enduro riding. The Roval Traverse alloy mullet wheelset (29” front / 27.5” rear, 30mm internal) feels strong and confidence-inspiring, paired with a DT Swiss 370 rear hub that’s reliable and easy to live with.

Tyre choice works brilliantly in UK conditions, with a Butcher T9 up front for grip and confidence and an Eliminator T7 on the rear that rolls well while still offering predictable braking. Combined with the mullet setup, it keeps the bike playful without sacrificing stability.

Suspension is a real highlight. The RockShox Lyrik Ultimate with Charger 3 RC2 and ButterCups up front and the Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock deliver a smooth, controlled ride that soaks up rough trails without feeling harsh or overwhelming.

The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain is tough, reliable, and offers plenty of range for long climbs, while the threaded BSA bottom bracket is a big plus for durability and maintenance. Finishing kit is spot on too, with a OneUp V2 dropper post, Deity stem and grips, and wide alloy bars that suit the bike’s confident trail feel.

At 15.55kg, it’s not pretending to be ultra-light, but it feels solid, planted, and built to be ridden hard — exactly what you want from an alloy all-rounder.



For riders who don’t want to spend £7–9k on a carbon trail bike, this is a very reassuring option.

Full bike details here:

👉 https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/bikes/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/specialized-stumpjumper-evo-elite-alloy-mountain-bike-2024-silverblack__407678


Brakes – SRAM vs Shimano (Rider Preference)

The bike comes fitted with SRAM Code brakes, and to be clear there’s nothing wrong with them. They offer strong power, good consistency, and are well suited to trail and enduro riding.

Personally, I’ve always preferred Shimano brakes. I like the lever feel, the bite point, and the modulation I’m used to. That’s not a criticism of the bike — it’s simply personal preference. Brakes are one of the most individual components on any mountain bike.

I’m currently running Gorilla Brakes Enduro Pro Ultimate pads, which pair really well with long descents and demanding UK conditions:

👉 https://gorillabrakes.com/products/enduro-pro-ultimate-sram-motive-db8-re


Who the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy Is For

This bike makes a lot of sense if you:

  • Want one bike that does everything well

  • Ride mainly UK trail centres, natural trails, and enduro terrain

  • Are a smaller rider looking for confidence and control


Final Verdict

I’ve ridden bikes that cost more, bikes that look flashier, and bikes that excel in very specific situations. But as an all-round trail and enduro mountain bike, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy just works.

It’s balanced, confidence-inspiring, well-specced for the price, and easy to live with. Specialized delivers a bike that genuinely helps you ride better. And for me, that’s exactly what matters.

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