Stumpy Buying Advice - Rear Shock/ Carbon Frame/EVO question

Slow1

I am currently trying to make up mind on new FS bike and looking at 2011 and 2012 Stumpy.

Can anyone help.???

In 2011 the Stumpy FSR had three types of Rear Shock

(i) Fox Triad 2 (Basic "Comp" model) - "On the Fly" 3 positions inc (1) lockout, (2) open, (3) propedal assist damping
(ii) Spec/Fox Brain Shock (Elite/Expert/Pro/S-Works) - set up and leave
(iii) Fox RP23 (EVO) - Off + 3 position Propedal (light/med/Hard)

In 2012 the stumpy range had changed but basically

(i) Fox Triad - on Comp
(ii) Spec/Fox Brain - on Expert + S-Works
(iii) Fox RP2 on Comp EVO and Fox RP23 on Expert EVO

This implies the following:
(i) Triad is lesser model than the Brain - however you can totally switch off this version so maybe its better?...Any views?
(ii) The EVO models need something different (heavier duty) so the Fox RP2/23 come into play. Any views?
(iii) Is it better spend the money on a carbon frame than the Brain shock?
(iv) Am thinking of getting an EVO to tackle all UK and maybe even an odd Europe trip...any thoughts on this vs a normally stump?

Cheers

Slow1

Where are all the Stumpy owners?????

Pudseyp

I would not touch the Brain with a bargepole, try and get the RP2 or RP23 with the new Autosag.

Matt78

The RP23 is the best option out of this selection but saying that I have been running a Triad 2 since 2006 and and with annual servicing it still runs very well. The RP23 has two stages of pro pedal with no lockout whereas the triad is an RLC shock. Being honest I would upgrade mine to an RLC if it wasn't a £400 + custom upgrade, Fox do not make a RP23 in the correct size for my frame and Mojo would have to customise one.

Th Question is really budget related. The bike with the spec'd with the Triad is much cheaper than the RP23 spec'd machine. If you can justify the difference price go for the RP23 spec. If you want a cheaper starting point with something to upgrade in the future go for the Triad but don't touch the brain.

Matt78

Apologies in my previous post. It should have said I would upgrade to RP23 if it wasn't £400+

Slow1

Thanks Matt - Useful to have some constructive input.

I think the RP23 leans me further towards an EVO. Any thoughts on an 2011 Expert EVO or EVO in general?

I want the bike purely for fun (I have a decent XC hardtail for longer XC/trails etc) and wonder whether I shoudl spend the money on a carbon stumpy (Comp Carbon with Triad) or an Aliminium EVO (the carbon version is too much for me).

Cheers

Matt78

The only experience I have of carbon is my road bike forks and finishing kit. I have not ridden the new stumpy's but have ridden my mates camber, great bike. I would definitely go for the RP23 on the cheaper frame. Like I said there's not much wrong with the triad but I only really use mine in pro pedal and the pro pedal settings on the RP23 are awesome and if set correctly you will not miss the lock out which I have never used off road on mine.

njee20

The Brain shocks are personal - I think they're excellent, they allow you to set the bike up to ride as you want and just pedal it. Some people like to fiddle with things, if you're one of them then an RP23 is a bit more versatile.

Personally of the 2012 range I'd get the Comp Carbon, you pay a bit of a premium for the Evo, which I don't personally think is justified. 2011 it'll depend what deals are around.

Slow1

Matt - This is the conundrum...The RP23 is only available on the 2011 Expert EVO or £3800 2012 Carbon Expert EVO....not much choice. The 2012 Comp EVO only has RP2. The ordinary Comp has the Triad.


NJee - Sounds like you have been running a brain for a while....I guess its like running an automtaic instead of a manual?

The availbility and range of 12 bikes is limited and so am looking at 2011 Expert Carbon and an Expert EVO...both are virtualy identical on price with the discounting.

The 12 Comp Carbon has a Fox Triad on the back in stead of Brain or RP23. Its also another 500/600 quid more than the 2011 model prices and has cheaper components (brakes/shifters/rear Der). Doesn't seem great value but admittedly does have a slightly better fork and AutoSag (the latter looks good am not sure its as critical as the Shock/drivetrain).

The 2012 Comp EVO only has a Revelation Fork...any good?

Any others thoughts welcome....

Slow1

Went for a Stumpy Expert EVO in the end...

divingmoose

What you ended up paying for it if you don't mind me asking.

Slow1

2400

njee20

Sure you'll love it.

NJee - Sounds like you have been running a brain for a while....I guess its like running an automtaic instead of a manual?

Sorry, missed that at the time - I had 3 S-Works Epics from 2007-2009, and liked them. Not got a Trek Top Fuel with an RP23, and never use the ProPedal on that, good shocks.

Slow1

Am lovin it!!!!!!!!!! The EVO has a punk streak.

The RP23 is great, dare I say telepathic?