40 years of the stumpjumper.

[grey-beard]

Specialized Stumpjumper – 40 years in the dirt - MBR

Specialized didn’t invent mountain biking, the Nobel prize for that should go to the Repack races in Marin County in the 1970s. What Mike Sinyard’s brand does lay claim to is the first production mountain bike; the Stumpjumper. Released in 1981, Sinyard’s gamble meant you could actually walk...

www.mbr.co.uk

Good article, which one would you choose? The 1982 or 2022 version?
Can I have both?

 

[dyna-ti]

Are you trying to imply that retro is no longer the hip young thing

I think it would still prefer the more affordable original. The new bikes are kind of samey these days, and always seem to be expensively maintenance hungry, and a complete faff to set up. Seems the newer is more about going at a million miles an hour and the original is about enjoying the outdoors for what it is.

 

[grey-beard]

There's definitely a place for both these bikes in my life and maybe in yours to? I agree that modern bikes are about speed and conquering ever more extreme terrain, but I like to do that sometimes, other times I want to be on a beautiful old bike enjoying the great outdoors at a leisurely pace. Life is great.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

To me, the question is akin to Picasso vs NFT. I would not hesitate to sell the 2022 for even one minute. I could finance a desirable Stumpy collection with the proceeds. I have no interest in conquering wilderness whatsoever. I just want to travel through it.

 

[slackboy]

this thread needs some pictures

I just want to travel through it.

I think a lot of people do still, hence the rise of gravel biking , which in many ways combines the off road ability of the original stumpy with the mile eating ability of audax/touring bikes. This is exemplified by Dom Masons "Fast, Far" ethos.

The current stumpy is a very capable trail/enduro bike, but its a million miles away from the purpose the original.

There are a couple of bike that spring to mind as spirtual successors of the stumpjumper. One is Stooges scrambler (check out the biplane fork - very 1982 stumpy)


And another is the cotic cascade




And then the absolutely stunning Mason ISO.

 

[grey-beard]

The Stooge Scrambler is an amazing bike, by all accounts, looks fantastic and comfortable too, I'm not a fan of drop bars, they really don't suit me.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Ooh the twin top tubes on the Stooge... Lots to like there!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I feel the bookends are not fully representative of the quality that is between. Although I would cherish an original, I would rather ride the middle era.
I guess that is why I am a Retrobike member as opposed to pinkbike or whatever the spot is for modern monstertruck bikes.

 

[slackboy]

There is a lot to love with a 90s steel or m2 stumpy. I've had couple recently and I missed out on a s works steel a couple of years ago which still pains me.

 

[clubby]

Seems like just yesterday I got my copy of the “25 years of Stumpjumper” book!!!