The Specialized mountain bike line is nothing without the Stumpjumper, but when the new Stumpjumper 15 was released in July 2024 , it made some serious noise. It had a new set of geo numbers, bucked the Evo name entirely, had no routing for a mechanical rear derailleur, and introduced a new Genie shock. Most of these updates were well received, but there was one glaring issue that comments sections and social media threads discussed with fervor: the lack of mechanical shifting compatibility.
While Specialized was able to back up its decision to offer the new carbon Stumpjumper 15 as an electronic-groupset-only platform, the masses still had their torches lit and pitchforks in hand. It all comes down to the target demographic, and those who would spend more for the carbon frames likely wouldn’t mind paying just a bit more to have the bike clad in the latest and greatest kit—it makes sense on paper. I can understand where they are coming from, but proscribing those who still appreciate the familiar feel of a mechanical drivetrain from using their preferences on this new Stumpjumper is a bold move.
Specialized might have known what they were doing; it was a brilliant marketing play and an excellent way to generate buzz across the industry. However, they undoubtedly had plans to release an alloy Stumpjumper 15 that appeased the mechanically inclined masses, and on September 17, they announced the Alloy Stumpjumper 15. We can all take a deep breath.
Three Build Options
The Stumpjumper 15 Alloy brings all the latest and greatest changes from the carbon variation but allows for installing a mechanical drivetrain. It may not be as light or stiff as the carbon Stumpy 15, but it is the same bike at the core. This alloy iteration of the praised Stumpy 15 is available in three distinct flavors and is designed to fit all skill levels, from the beginner mountain biker to heady jibbers who only stack clips on their dad cams.
Riders can get in on the new Stumpy for as low as $3,000 USD. Although this budget $3K build does not have the new poppy yet bottomless-feeling GENIE shock, it instead employs a Ride Dynamics tuned X-Fusion 02 Pro RL shock as the translator of the new suspension kinematics. If you already have the finishing kit, riders can spend $2,300 for an alloy Stumpjumper 15 frameset , which does get the new GENIE shock.
It is not until you reach the “Comp” level build that riders will be given the GENIE shock on a complete build, a feature that will set them back $4,500. This build also gets riders rolling on a Fox Float 36 Rhythm fork, Shimano SLX drivetrain, and TRP Trail EVO 4-piston brakes, which is a really solid build, in my opinion.
The top-end build of the alloy Stumpjumper 15 shows that Specialized is paying attention to who wants what. For $5,500, you can get a very aggressive and gravity-oriented build. This option sits on Roval Traverse alloy wheels with DT Swiss hubs, a Ride Dynamics Tuned FOX DHX Factory coil shock, a FOX FLOAT 38 Factory fork with GRIP X2 damper, a Shimano SLX drivetrain, TRP Trail EVO 4-piston brakes, and a reliable PNW LOAM dropper post. One thing to remember with this model is that it is the only complete build that comes out of the box with a 27.5 rear wheel, whereas all other models are full 29.
The Brushed alloy Fox coil build knows what it's built for.
Photo&colon Specialized Bicycles
Who is the Stumpjumper 15 Alloy for?
With builds for everyone from the beginner mountain biker just trying to figure out what mountain biking is to the seasoned shredder who is frothing for jib laps in their oversized Carhart workwear, the Stumpjumper 15 alloy is a great option for anyone. Specialized is a brand that has been making mountain bikes since mountain biking started, and they continue to offer some of the best mountain bikes for those who want a consistent bike right out of the box. Seeing the recent updates implemented on a more affordable frame is not surprising, but it is great to see Specialized maintain its consistency; even though these are not “budget mountain bikes,” they are available with all of the benefits of the new carbon model, for a price that is easier to digest.
Take a look back at Bike Mag's history with the iconic Stumpjumper here:
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