Big 3in-wide tyres promise to elevate the performance of the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie even higher than the standard version - James Huang / Immediate Media
When viewed in profile, the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie actually doesn't look that unusual - James Huang / Immediate Media
Scoff at the plus-sized revolution as much as you want – but only after you've tried it - James Huang / Immediate Media
The rear end features 135mm of travel via Specialized's long-running FSR four-bar layout - James Huang / Immediate Media
The molded carbon fiber frame is shapely and svelte - James Huang / Immediate Media
The rear shock is driven by a separate yoke - James Huang / Immediate Media
One of the neatest features of the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie is the so-called SWAT box, which basically lets you carry whatever you can stuff inside the down tube - James Huang / Immediate Media
The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie sits second fiddle to the top-end S-Works model but uses the same frame - James Huang / Immediate Media
Whereas many plus bikes come with low-profile tyres to boost their rolling speed, Specialized wants to maximise the traction of the Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie with properly meaty treads - James Huang / Immediate Media
Out back is a lower-profile Specialized Ground Control tyre where cornering grip isn't quite as critical - James Huang / Immediate Media
One questionable decision is the use of 29mm-wide rims (internal measurement) for the 3in-wide tyres. Time will tell if this helps or hampers performance on the trail - James Huang / Immediate Media
The flat alloy handlebar is usefully wide at 750mm - James Huang / Immediate Media
Up front is Fox's recently revamped 34 Plus Performance Elite fork with 150mm of travel - James Huang / Immediate Media
The Fox Float Factory DPS rear shock is impressively supple - James Huang / Immediate Media
SRAM outfits the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie with a custom S-2200 carbon fiber crankset, fitted with a direct-mount 30-tooth chainring - James Huang / Immediate Media
The SRAM X1/XO1 1x11 transmission is so far proving flawless as usual - James Huang / Immediate Media
The seating arrangements are all Specialized, including a comfy Henge Comp saddle and Command Post IRcc dropper post - James Huang / Immediate Media
The remote lever for the dropper is especially outstanding, faithfully mimicking the shape and position of a trigger shifter for quick and easy actuation - James Huang / Immediate Media
Key SWAT accessories come stock with the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie – never leave home without the necessary tools ever again - James Huang / Immediate Media
A multi-tool is hidden inside the forward shock mount - James Huang / Immediate Media
Fox's latest damper uses a simple three-position lever to control compression firmness - James Huang / Immediate Media
Specialized wisely specs a 180mm-diameter front rotor for extra stopping power - James Huang / Immediate Media
Both ends feature the latest 'Boost' hub spacing - James Huang / Immediate Media
The rear thru-axle is admirably tidy but just be sure to have a mini-tool handy in the event of a puncture - James Huang / Immediate Media
The main pivot is neatly tucked just behind and above the bottom bracket - James Huang / Immediate Media
The PF30 bottom bracket shell is a busy piece of real estate, including molded-in chain guide tabs and nearby housing exit ports - James Huang / Immediate Media
It was just a few weeks ago that I was smitten by Specialized’s flagship S-Works Stumpjumper FSR 6fattie plus-sized trail bike – the copious grip, the cushy ride, the freakishly composed feel of those 3in-wide tyres… and a price tag well beyond reach of most riders.
The second-tier Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie is still a lot of money but with so few performance compromises made in the process, it’s akin to hitting the trail packing only a teensy bit extra around the middle the day after Thanksgiving – while having a fair bit left over in your wallet.
The Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie boasts the exact same carbon fibre front triangle, welded aluminium rear triangle, and 135mm/150mm front/rear suspension travel (albeit with a slightly downgraded Fox rear shock and fork) as its top-end sibling. Naturally, the build kit is also subtly toned down, most notably with the aluminium (instead of carbon) Roval Traverse wheelset, SRAM X1/XO1 transmission, and Shimano Deore XT disc brakes.
The rear end features 135mm of travel via specialized's long-running fsr four-bar layout: the rear end features 135mm of travel via specialized's long-running fsr four-bar layout
The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6fattie continues on with the company's long-running four-bar suspension layout
As a result, you get essentially the same great handling, proven suspension design, and tyre traction features of the top model but with a bit of extra weight. Fully equipped with a bottle cage and Specialized’s neatly hidden SWAT chain tool and mini-tool, actual weight is just 12.92kg (28.48lb) – less than a pound heavier than the S-Works version and still remarkably light all things considered.
I’m just a few days into testing but so far, that initial revelatory experience is carrying over. Simply put, this thing is outrageously fun to ride. There’s incredible traction, it’s ridiculously comfortable, and most surprisingly, it’s proving to be silly fast with very noticeably reduced rolling resistance as compared with even top-end conventional trail wheels and tyres, particularly on bumpier and rockier trails.
Whereas many plus bikes come with low-profile tires to boost their rolling speed, specialized wants to maximize the traction of the stumpjumper fsr expert 6fattie with properly meaty treads: whereas many plus bikes come with low-profile tires to boost their rolling speed, specialized wants to maximize the traction of the stumpjumper fsr expert 6fattie with properly meaty treads
While many plus bikes come with low-profile tread designs to help with rolling speed, Specialized thankfully specs meatier tyres for better grip
I have also noticed, however, that getting the tyre pressure right on this plus-sized beast is absolutely critical. Too little and you end up with heaps of casing roll and uncomfortably vague handling; too much and you miss out on the traction benefits of ‘plus’ but still have to carry the extra rotating weight. That window is exceptionally small, too – just 1-2psi, and it’s conditions-dependent.
Further complicating that game is Specialized’s decision to spec such comparatively narrow rims on the 6fattie. Whereas other plus-bike makers are going with rims with internal widths of around 45-50mm, these are a scant 29mm and offer minimal support to the balloon-like tyre casings.
One of the neatest features of the specialized stumpjumper fsr expert 6fattie is the so-called swat box, which basically lets you carry whatever you can stuff inside the down tube: one of the neatest features of the specialized stumpjumper fsr expert 6fattie is the so-called swat box, which basically lets you carry whatever you can stuff inside the down tube
So just how much stuff can you put in the SWAT box?
Ultimately, it’s a bit of a paradox that ‘plus’ is pegged as the ultimate solution for newer riders but that setup is so tricky, at least in this case.
That all said, now that I’ve got the pressure pegged for my local conditions (15-16psi here on the Colorado Front Range), it’s all systems go. Check back soon for a full review but given that I’m not exactly eager to give it back, be warned that this one might take a little longer than usual.
