Mountain Biking - Buying a Specialized Stumpy today... need last minute advice

Going for the "standard" 2006 Specialized Stumpjumper Disc (18") hardtail today. It's been a long road of saving pennies and making the old Cannondale last.

Any last minute advice before I go into the LBS? MSRP is $1600 and they are offering it to me for $1400. I've known them awhile and have bought 2 less-expensive bikes there for the family.

If there is anything specific I should be asking for please let me know. I've been riding a long time but am always open to ideas.

Thanks!

Chuck

If they are already giving you $200 off then you are ahead of the game. I wouldn't ask for anything else other than a water bottle and bottle cage. If there are any upgrades you are interested ask for them before you hand over the cash. They may be willing to swap out items pretty cheap while they are still new.

Oh, ask if they offer free tune-ups for a year or something like that.

I've owned four Specialized bikes over the years. I think you'll really enjoy it.

The only thing I can think of are the Specialized grips. They are HORRIBLE! Get them to discount a pair of ODI Lock-on grips for you. I like the Ruffians.

If they are already giving you $200 off then you are ahead of the game.


You know I'm glad to hear that. I like supporting my LBS and have stayed away from Walmart when buying bikes for the family. I'm just looking for a fair deal so to see that $200 off is decent makes me feel good.

As far as upgrades my guy there says the bike is ready to rock as it sits. Is there maybe an upgrade I should be looking for? Thanks for the fast responses!

Oh and now I'm buying the bike tomorrow as my guy is off today. That's actually a good thing so I can monitor this thread.

Thanks again.

Chuck

I've owned four Specialized bikes over the years. I think you'll really enjoy it.

The only thing I can think of are the Specialized grips. They are HORRIBLE! Get them to discount a pair of ODI Lock-on grips for you. I like the Ruffians.


OK I'm writing that down...

Chuck

Is it an '05 or an '06 so I can review the specs?

Sorry, I can't read today! 2006 I got it!

Sorry, I can't read today! 2006 I got it!


Hey I'm with you on that! Here's a link if anyone is interested:

http://specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12983


This is a for-sure purchase so I'm definitely listening.

Chuck

Are you going to be racing with this bike?

If so, it's pretty much "good to go"!

Your tire selection will vary depending on where you ride. They put a good "all-around" tire on the bike, but you'll need to find the appropriate tire for your trail conditions. Me, I ride through a lot of dry, sandy conditions. Don't know what you'll need.

If not racing, have you thought about switching to a riser bar? The more upright position will be more comfortable for "just having fun" type riding.

Really though, the spec is pretty solid.

You can focus on all the "touch points" to make this bike YOUR bike.

Grips, I've mentioned. Really the stock ones bite!

The saddle is another touch point. The stock saddle is good, not too cushy which you don't want, and pretty narrow. Good for racing. However, you might have already found the saddle that fits your butt better. Stick with that!

The other is the pedals. The Shimano 520 pedals are "so-so". Specialized puts those on because most people already have the "fav" pedal, or don't really care. Me, I'm a fan of Time pedals if going clipless.

Only ask if there is someone in the shop that is actually a MTBer, but have them help you figure out how to fine tune the valving on your suspension. Either that, or read the fork owner's manual cover to cover.

If you want to upgrade for the sake of upgrading, they put a pretty cheap headset on the bike.

First thing I did to my Enduro SX Trail when I got it about a month ago was to put in a Chris King headset.

Hey I'm with you on that! Here's a link if anyone is interested:

http://specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12983


This is a for-sure purchase so I'm definitely listening.

Chuck

I can't tell if the chainstay protector is a wrap around protector or the cheap vinyl thing that most manufacturers use. If it isn't a wrap around one, buy a Lizard Skin. ('Buy' it. They already gave you $200 off:) )

I agree that the grips suck but then I think all the grips out there suck. Most of them have about as much cushion as the aluminum bar underneath. I'd replace them with Grab-ons (http://www.foam-tubing-grips.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=21)but those are very old school. They feel better and grip better than any of the rubber ones I've ever tried but that's just my opinion;)

You might want to look at barends also. (Again 'buy' them!) They give you more options on hand position so that your hands don't go numb.

Keep the 520 pedals unless you have other bikes with different pedals. They are a good cheap pedal that do the job they were meant to do. There are lots of other pedals out there (Eggbeaters, Time, Speedplay, etc.) but few of them work as well for as cheap as the 520 (roughly $50). If this is your only bike, look into the others but if you have multiple bikes, go with the 520s.

I'm printing out this thread and highlighting all the suggestions. Please keep them coming... I've learned a lot already. I've been MTB'ing for 20 years and yet am still learning. I haven't bought a new bike for myself in over 10 years...

Things have changed... for the better!

Keep the ideas coming.

Chuck

That's all I can think of for the bike.

The next train of thought would be your safety gear. Do you need a new helmet? New Gloves? New Shorts?

Then how do you carry your tools and spare tubes? Saddle bags that can hold a tube, a mini-tool, and a chain tool. Or do you throw that all in a Camelback / Hydration pack?

Small first aide kits are good to carry for longer rides. Oh don't forget a mini-pump.

I have two hydration packs. One is more streamlined and smaller and I use it for shorter trips. I have a bigger pack that I use for my 2 to 3 hour rides.

In the smaller pack, I keep the bare essentials. Spare tube, patch kit, mini-tool, chain tool and mini-pump.

In the bigger pack, I bring all the above items but include a first aide kit, a spoke wrench another tube, some zip-ties, spare derailleur hanger, spare crank bolt, spare Sram chain link, some toilet paper, a windbreaker and some power bars.

That's all I can think of for the bike.

The next train of thought would be your safety gear. Do you need a new helmet? New Gloves? New Shorts?

Then how do you carry your tools and spare tubes? Saddle bags that can hold a tube, a mini-tool, and a chain tool. Or do you throw that all in a Camelback / Hydration pack?

Small first aide kits are good to carry for longer rides. Oh don't forget a mini-pump.

I have two hydration packs. One is more streamlined and smaller and I use it for shorter trips. I have a bigger pack that I use for my 2 to 3 hour rides.

In the smaller pack, I keep the bare essentials. Spare tube, patch kit, mini-tool, chain tool and mini-pump.

In the bigger pack, I bring all the above items but include a first aide kit, a spoke wrench another tube, some zip-ties, spare derailleur hanger, spare crank bolt, spare Sram chain link, some toilet paper, a windbreaker and some power bars.

All good stuff. I'd suggest looking for a Topeak Mountain Morph as your pump. A little heavier than most minipumps but it works better and faster than most minis.

That's all I can think of for the bike.

The next train of thought would be your safety gear. Do you need a new helmet? New Gloves? New Shorts?

Then how do you carry your tools and spare tubes? Saddle bags that can hold a tube, a mini-tool, and a chain tool. Or do you throw that all in a Camelback / Hydration pack?

Small first aide kits are good to carry for longer rides. Oh don't forget a mini-pump.

I have two hydration packs. One is more streamlined and smaller and I use it for shorter trips. I have a bigger pack that I use for my 2 to 3 hour rides.

In the smaller pack, I keep the bare essentials. Spare tube, patch kit, mini-tool, chain tool and mini-pump.

In the bigger pack, I bring all the above items but include a first aide kit, a spoke wrench another tube, some zip-ties, spare derailleur hanger, spare crank bolt, spare Sram chain link, some toilet paper, a windbreaker and some power bars.
I always bring this.. teheheh

All good stuff. I'd suggest looking for a Topeak Mountain Morph as your pump. A little heavier than most minipumps but it works better and faster than most minis.

Awesome pump. Sadly, they don't seem to make them with the gauges anymore, though.

Most people that come in for bikes and want something different will trade out the pedals, stem, handlebars, tires, or grips. That's basic, but then some go for cranks, wheels, fork, brakes, etc. Ask what the riders there recommend for certain parts and see what they can do for you in terms of trading out things.

I plan to go in armed with all this good info. This forum has been a huge help and I appreciate the friendly and helpful atmosphere!

Thanks to all.

Chuck

Above all... be sure to enjoy your new ride and most important, post pictures of it once you do get it

Wow, you sure get a deal in the US. The best I can do for an 06 with V brakes is probably close to $1900 Cdn with taxes. I have ridden a bunch of Stumpjumpers in the last few weeks, and I think the first thing I'd do is get a riser bar, as I found my weight was farther forward than felt comfy.....but I am a Noob, what do I know!!. Those Stumpjumpers have worked slickly. I love the fork too.

setting the sag (Front/Rear) will be much eaiser if they do it (while you sit on the bike)
Make sure to do this when you buy

setting the sag (Front/Rear) will be much eaiser if they do it (while you sit on the bike)
Make sure to do this when you buy


Will do! I'm heading down to the LBS in about 2 hours. I really do appreciate all the help. Any other last-minute things to think about?

Chuck

Make sure you post some pics of the new ride for us to drool over... ;)