Anyone have any opinions on this bike. Looking for a step up from the entry level soft tail and I am looking at the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp, the Specialized FSRxc Pro, and maybe some of the trek models, but i feel like the specialized have better components for the price range of $2000. Thanks!

...for what type of riding?

It's definately a top choice. Don't think you can go hucking stair gaps with it, though. For trail riding...you'd be hard pressed to find a better bike at a better price.

Go for it!

I have last years model and it's great. I even do some jumps and stuff that it's not intended for and it's still held up superbly. The lock out on the shock is not quite a full lockout and is a bit annoying, but I never need it anyway because it pedals so well.

I want to be able to rip around the trails, but I also would like to use it for some off road adventure racing/off road triathlon type stuff. I am worried I should be looking at more of a hardtail for those things, but I am wondering if these types of bikes can do both?

I'd say it could handle the races too, by no means is it an xc racer hardtail, but it's light enough that unless you're a serious weight weenie it should be fine.

For trails it's great. The shock lockout indeed not a full lockout but it is almost never used as the pro-pedal feature works well for most situations. The components on the base stumpjumper are just about perfect. The tires aren't great for traction, but whatever just rip em and get new tires once they're worn. The bike rides rolls a tank since the tires are so wide, the howl on concrete is SWEET!

I also have last years model and love the bike. Perfect for XC and all mountain riding. Great components offered for the price. Good company stands behind its products. LOVE PRO PEDAL! What else do you need to know?

thanks a bunch for all the help, what exactly is "pro pedal"

Pro pedal is an internal function of the rear Fox shock that makes it easier to pedal efficiently while still letting the shock work as it was intended.

This weekend I found out that with some training, you can ride a Stumpjumper fast on pavement and even pass road bikers (never thought that would happen since I'm not skinny). I never imagined this bike would be so efficient and still have a few inches of travel to work with. As Borat would say, very nice.