Originally Posted by Loose Chain

I have a classic Stumpjumper M2 and compared to my Surly Cross Check or either of my 80s steel Italian racers it is like peddling through molasses even on smooth pavement much less off road but then, save for the Surly CC, none of my others bikes would hold up to rough trails etc. So it is what it is, fat, heavy tires and wheels and 26 inchers at that and a heavier bike all add up and the front suspension that sucks up energy also. It is mostly the wheels and TIRES, the squishy, knobby tires suck.