Getting a Specialized 08 Stumpy FSR Comp, what upgrades should I go for?
 

I finally saved up enough for a new bike, I'm getting a 2008 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp in the silver/black. The LBS will go down to $2050 ($2400 MSRP) for it. I think some of you on the forum have gotten better deals but since I'm ordering it and not buying from what they have in stock, I think it's reasonable plus the LBS has treated me pretty well. Unfortunately it's 20 below outside so I don't know how much riding I'd do but I'd rather buy it now while there are still 2008s left in stock with Specialized. The 2009 SJ FSR Comp is $100 more and is almost identical in components wise except for the brakes.

Specs on the 08 bike

Here's what I'm putting on it so far:
SRAM X.0 RD
SRAM X.0 Trigger shifters
Oury Lock-on grips
Avid Matchmaker brake/shifter clamps
Crank Bros. Candy SL Pedals (from my old bike)
Spec. Rib Cage Pro MTB bottle cage


What I'm considering (what do you guys think?)
1. I'm talking to the LBS about changing the brakes out to Avid Elixir R, that's essentially the only difference between the 08 and 09 Comp. But I'm trying to figure out pricing, I think they're just going to charge me the difference of the two prices.
2. Also, I've been reading a lot of negative feedback about the tires, should I replace them with the Panaracer Fire XC Pros from my old bike?
3. Is it worth it to upgrade the LX front der. to XT or XTR? I use the middle ring 90% of the time I ride, so I don't shift much plus money is a bit tight right now but I'm already putting on X.0 components so I kinda feel like I should upgrade it too.
4. Anything else I should consider?

Are you buying a whole bike? If you are and money is tight, why are you upgrading at all?

Yes, it's the whole bike. I can still afford to upgrade but I'm already pushing the limit of the budget that I set for myself. Plus I might not necessarily upgrade immediately, if it's a pricey upgrade I'll consider now but probably wait until later to buy it.

Save money, upgrade your skills.

I would ride it first to see what you like/dislike about it and then consider upgrades at that point.


Otherwise, you could just upgrade the whole bike to another brand. Anyone who reads these forums knows that Specialized sucks.

What's sucks so much about Specialized? I know some people don't like their higher end stuff for proprietary components and others seem to just hate it because it's a huge corporation. Other than that, is it really that bad? I don't have many opportunities in my town to test ride bikes on trails but I've ridden a Trek Fuel EX and Gary Fisher HiFi besides the Stumpjumper. I found that I preferred the Fisher and the Specialized for different reasons, but I went with the Specialized because of price and because the LBS that sells Fisher bikes in my town is awful.

I would suggest upgrading your technique and skill level. After all, isn't that what mountain biking is really about?

Al

I agree with what the others have said about upgrading the components at this point. That's a pretty solid build that comes with the bike. It's not flashy but it's good. Ride it hard, build up your bank account, and when stuff starts to wear you can upgrade to the newest shiznit. If you must upgrade now I'd skip the drivetrain items and upgrade that rear shock. I haven't heard too many positive things about the Triad. Either buy a new RP-23 from your shop or start combing Craigslist and EBay for a bargain on one. That would be an immediately noticeable improvement.

I will say that what you've heard about the tires has some merit to it. I had S-Works Captains on my Stumpy when I got it and they're a very good tire in dry conditions on hardpack or slightly loose trails. It rains occasionally in the winter up here in Seattle and I fought those tires a lot on wet trails. I swapped them out for the Purgatorys and feel like I've got my feet back under me now. It's got a grippier tread pattern and is a 2.2 while the Captain is a 2.0.

Have fun with the new bike.

Mike

Put a saddle, grips and peddles on it that you like and ride. IMO the XO stuff will lighten your wallet a lot more than the bike.

This is exactly what I was going to say. It's a solid build and it's ready to go. I see the weakest links as the pedals(which you already said you were changing) and the fox triad. Isn't it a shame when a Fox component is considered as one of the bad things on a bike? Really man, ride the snot out of it, cause Specialized sucks!

I was merely perpetuating a long standing joke on the forum.

What!?!?! I thought it was about having the coolest looking and most expensive bike around. Crap, now I wasted all my money for nothing :(

Of course improving technique and skill are important, but it doesn't hurt to have a nice bike. I've been riding a crappy Trek hardtail for a couple of years, I am becoming a better rider and I feel that he bike just can't take the level of riding that I want to do.

I got an amazing deal from a friend on the X.0 for his new take-off parts when he was switching to XTR. If I didn't, I'd probably just upgrade the shifters to X.9 and leave the X.9 rear mech.


Isn't the Triad specifically made for Specialized? If that is the case, you can blame Specialized instead of Fox.

Ahhhhhh, the suckage of Specialized.Oh how we could spend all day spinning tales of how the Specialized brand sucks..........but I do like mine.

If you got a sweet deal on the X0 that's cool because it is nice stuff. If you're moving to that from something else you're going to notice that it shifts very nicely.

As for the Triad, I don't know if that's something that Specialized spec'd and Fox built I just know that I've heard a lot of ho hum reviews on it. Ride it but keep an eye out for an upgrade. I had a Manitou Swinger 3-way on the back of my Cannondale and thought it was decent until I upgraded to a Fox DHX Air 5.0 and felt what a really great shock will do for the ride quality of a good bike. I had to wait for the right deal but I finally got one on EBay for $250. If Santa asks you what you want to see under the tree tell him an RP-23 would do nicely!

Mike

Mike

Where can I even get a RP23 that fits my bike? The shock size is 7.25x1.75 which the RP23 doesn't come in.

If it isn't made in that size then you'll hve to look for something else. I'm just saying that the shock is something I'd think about.

Mike