Some constructive comments please

FSR_XC

I am struggling to choose between to (quite different) bikes. I've tested both & like both for different reasons.

I ride XC and occasionally race XC / endurance events.

09 Cannondale Rush 4
Love the look of the bike and the carbon frame. There have been some documented issues (on the 08 bike) about the front mech cable rubbing the carbon frame, but it looks fine now. On test, found it accelerated very quickly, forks worked well, no obvious peddle bob and was very fluid down twisty, technical singletrack as well as being a good climber. The documented 'flex' in the rear suspension wasn't noticeable, but this may 'loosen' with use.

2010 Specialized Stumpy Comp
Already have a Spesh & have had no problems with it. I tested the Expert (actually raced it). Noticed a lot of similarities to my 07 FXR XC, and at first, couldn't see any reason to change it. Then I noticed I was taking little drops and technical sections with a lot less thought and they seamed easier than normal. I guess that's the sign of a good bike. After 4 hours riding I was still very comfortable. It climbed as well as the C - which surprised me with the suspension travel. 07/08 bikes bearing seem to get chewed very quickly - wonder how this (with a new linkage setup) will cope?

Notes:
Both bikes weigh about the same, so the carbon 'v' alloy argument seems pointless.
Kit is roughly the same - slx front mech, X9 rear with X7 shifters. Juicy (on the C) and Elixier on the Spesh. Mavic 317 rims on the C and DT rims on the spesh (similar hubs). BB is better on the C.
With the offer I have there is less than £50 in the price.
The bike needs to last me a min of 3 years of regular use (20-50 miles/ week)

Questions:
Spesh Comp has 130mm front 140mm rear - how will this affect the handling?
Do I need that much travel or will 120mm/110mm on the C be enough?
is 140mm too much for XC work?
Can anyone propose a good reason for getting one over the other or a reason why one wouldn't suit me?

FSR_XC

BTW, has anyone got either bike?

Struggling to find a review of the 2010 Stumpy comp on the web too . . . . .

Mark_K

I Tested and Loved the Dale and dont see many about unlike the spesh! Deffo on my list of possible new bikes for next year

Mark_K

Also sounds like you do the same type of riding as me along with the odd wales weekend but i don't think i could justify the 140mm of travel on the spesh tbh i just think 120 is a good compromise between xc and trail !!! However that's just imho !!!

racefaceec90

i have a 2010 stumpy fsr comp and love it.i mainly do trail riding on the ridgeway and find that the bike handles great on everything (way better than my skill levels).i have already commented on P1LTS what specialized question that you'll find in this buying advice section.but to sum it up if you want a great do it all bike the stumpy is definitely up there with the best (in my opinion).hope that helps.

el_cartero

dont u think it looks so much more RIGHT having the rear suspension on the specialized straight with the rear forks ......instead of cannondales angled way ?

biff55

el_cartero wrote:

dont u think it looks so much more RIGHT having the rear suspension on the specialized straight with the rear forks ......instead of cannondales angled way ?

i too have bugger all understanding of suspension set-ups ,
though i tend to say nothing and not give the game away.

FSR_XC

Thanks for the replies.

I was hoping to get more feedback from owners of both bikes

baba123

if your going to do some xc racing then i would pick the dale as the stumpys angle is quite slack for xc.one more thing if you do pick the rush make sure you tighten the bolts keeping the shock on regulary as they have a habit of lossening and sometimes falling( but thats quite rare)