Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc, Cross-Country Hardtail

The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc, while many mountain bikes fall into a gray area of usage. The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc is not one of them. The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc is made for cross-country racing.

The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc's frame, available in five sizes, is Specialized's own blend of carbon fiber called FACT 10M carbon. The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc's frame appears to have been sculpted rather than molded. It is a thing of beauty that almost obsoletes the notion of frame tubes, because every tube on this fram morphs into the next. The top tube and seat stays form one solid arch. The seat tube and downtube blend together at the massive bottom-bracket shell. In a word: stunning.

The frame uses forged disc dropouts with a replaceable derailleur hanger. An integrated, oversize bottom bracket was designed together with Specialized's S-Works oversized carbon crankset.

Specialized has decked out the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc with their own crank, fork, wheels, saddle, grips, water-bottle cage, handlebar, hubs, seatpost, tires, quick-release skewers and chain-stay guard. The only companies allowed to join the fun were Shimano for the derailleurs, shifters and cassette; Syntace for the stem; and Avid for the brakes. And even Avid had to agree to making a special version of their Ultimate SL Mag brakes with alloy-backed organic brake pads, a magnesium caliper and titanium hardware before they were invited to join the development of the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc.

Something important to note is that while some bike companies develop components to their own proprietary standards, Specialized went to great lengths to make sure aftermarket components will fit this frame. If you purchase an Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc frame, chances are most of your favorite components from or existing cross-country racer will switch over.

The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc is an easy to evaluate because Specialized established well-defined rules of engagement. The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc is a weapon whose trigger should be pulled when aimed at the start of a cross-country race.

While a hardtail race bike doesn't need a lot of setup time, the Specialized's Future Shock S90 needs some careful setup attention to achieve its full potential. The fork, which includes Specialized's Brain Fade technology, is not intuitive to set up. You need to carefully read the setup instructions in the owner's manual. Following Specialized's recommendations will get you close to the ideal setting for the get go.

If you decide to add the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc to your stable, one thing is for sure – you will have the most technologically advanced cross-country hardtail race bike that we have ever had the pleasure to write about.