Real-World Testing

We loved the last Stumpjumper, but we wanted to make it an even more capable descender—this meant adding stiffness to the frame. To do it, we developed our own mountain-specific stiffness test that examined the connection between a rider's hands and feet. When each get different signals, you get confused.

Extensive field-testing was performed in order to fine-tune the front-end stiffness. Our team would go ride a working version of the frame, provide feedback, and then we'd overwrap the frame with carbon plies, test it in the lab to record the stiffness value, and then give it back to the rider. We did this exact fine-tuning process over and over until we hit the perfect balance of stiffness and handling. And the result is a bike that feels like it's riding on rails. Point it where you want, and you're going there. This is Rider-First Engineered™ for mountain, and it delivers the ultimate trail ride—regardless of size.