Maybe you can answer this..
 

Why does the Specialized Stumpjumper front fork only have 80mm of travel?

What is the stumpjumper line of bikes made for?

It's an XC hardtail, hence the 80 mm travel fork.

Because thats the way Manitou made it...However, I think it is an Axel super, which can go to 100mm. But either way, 100mm for an XC bike isn't really needed.

I would say that the amunt of fork travel is up to the rider's preference. Remember some XC riders ride FS rigs. After all if oe can say that 80mm of travel for Xc is not neeeded then how about XC FS bikes?

We said 100mm isn't needed. I've got a 100mm fork on my XC bike, and it's way more than I need, I never ever use that much unless I am doing drops..which I don't do very often. I would much rather have 80mm of travel and save some weight, plus have the lower front end, which would make my climbing geomtery better.

FS would add travel to the back not the front..You need a some up front, and a little in the back.

I just changed my mind though. It depends on how big you are..I know for some guys they could blow right through 80mm just because they are big, hard riders. I'm 150lbs and tend to be pretty easy on stuff.

To further extrapolate on Fubar's point regarding FS XC rigs. In XC racing a lightweight bike is critical. The ideal bike is one that weighs as little as possible while being strong enough to make it through the course w/o a mechanical failure. As full suspension technology has advanced, there is a strong desire to now have a lightweight FS bike. In order to keep weight down, most XC bikes have a limited range of travel usually no more than 3.5", with most between 2.5 to 3". Now, in order to keep a bike feeling balanced and performing well, the front suspension should match the rear. Most XC racers and Fork manufacturer's have settled on 80 mm as the desired amount of travel to meet these requirements. Any more it too much weight and not needed for most XC courses, and any less would not be enough!

L8R

Thanks, I try to be grammatically correct whenever I can. You up for another ride this weekend? My bro-in-law (Scott) wants to head somewhere and camp overnight. Contemplating (how's that for a 4 syllable word?) Santos, RazorBack or HardRock.

L8R

80mm would probably be the maximum travel the frame was designed for.

You would need mighty big tents :)

Fubar,
I am not trying to argue here but I am fully aware of what a FS bike is. However as a shop owner I see alot of various opinions and get a huge chance to see and test products that work and those that do not. Most Manitou forks I have ridden on with the exception of triple clamp DH forks bottom out real easy. Of course I am 210 lbs, and can test the limits of most components real easy. Especially all the feather weight stuff some of which is down right scary.

I figured you did know what a FS is.. I just meant that while 100mm may be too much up front, that doesn't mean you don't need any in the back. From what you said I thought you were saying that if you don't need 80mm up front, then why do you need any in the rear...

I noticed that Manitou stuff feels a little soft also. I've got an X-vert that's not bad, but I have the preload up.

I was messing around with a Rockhopper FSR and I didn't like the Axel at all. It made the enitre bike feel wierd, plus it was flexy.

With both my girlfriend and I being 6'4" and change. That's a given!:beer:

Putting a Duke on it makes a WORLD of difference. :D

:D...I always lover sleeping in those 4 man circle ones. 4 men my ass...anyone under 5'6 please apply. My head and my feet both hit the edges of the tent...I always end up soaked :D

Your gf is 6'4...I haven't dated a girl that tall since high school. I am reserved now to 5'6 girls...all the tall ones don't live in BC :)

The nighttime in the woods always scares me :beer: