The new (and only) Specialized Stumpjumper 29er built for racing.

Report by Conrad Stoltz:

This puppy has been specially built for me by the engineers at Specialized. (thanks Jason!) To save weight, the BB has been replaced with a large diameter shell to fit the Specialized Carbon road cranks. (Which I’m running 2×9) And most of the paint has been left off. In my opinion, the silver looks a lot faster than the green and brown on the standard bike. (the stock bike weighs in at 28lbs). This one weighs in just below 25lbs (11.3kg) (give or take- will update) vs my 26 inch Carbon Epic 23.7lb. (10.7kg) Nice.

The only tires I have are The Captain (S Works front 580g and Control rear. (a sturdier casing and few more g heavier)) They grip really well in loose and light mud, but looking forward to the release of the Fast Trak LK- which rolls really well.

As for wheels, Mavic pimped me with a set of C29ssmax. Indestructible and only 1750gr (as opposed to the 2300gr for the wheels the bike comes stocked with). Mavic is famous for a light outside part of the wheel. Where rotational weight hurts most.

The Rockshox Reba SL works great but its not the lightest. I tested a lighter new Reba in South Africa, but the fork is not quite ready yet.

Of course SRAM machinery, Avid brakes and Titec bars & stems rounds off the package.

Super light Specialized carbon cranks with 2 chainrings only… Legs of steel needed to make them work.

The best lube on earth: Squirt lube. Made in South Africa. (Like me) Works great wet or dry. (Like me)

The LOOK Quartz pedals weigh in at only 109gr. I have been testing them for a while, and “yes” they carry the “Caveman Roof” label.

Amber and I escaped the cold, snowy weather in Reno and drove to Forest Hill CA for some amazing riding. It rained, (which is better than snow) but the trails were absolutely stunning. Had great fun and nailed 4h3o with 3x 20minute climbs.

Note the removable plastic cover the Specialized helmet guys made in case of rain, cold weather or bird poop…