Heckler V Stumpjumper Evo

SoaringPanda

I think I've narrowed down my next bike to one of these two.

The Santa Cruz Heckler or the Stumpjumper Evo Comp. Both are a similar price and a similar spec (revelation fork/avid 5 breaks)

I'm losing sleep trying to decide which one to choose. Any advice ?

supersonic

Very different types of suspension. Can you test ride them?

danlikesbikes

supersonic wrote:

Very different types of suspension. Can you test ride them?

Very different indeed - would suggest that you try to get on them & test them out.

SoaringPanda

Test ridden the Heckler at my local trails and enjoyed it. The test bike only had the sektor fork so I can imagine it'd be even better with a revelation. I really like the durability the heckler seems to offer and I've really grown to love the understated look. The only thing I didn't like was the lack of a dropper post which made the steep descents scary as hell (I've kept the reverb from my old bike so wouldn't be a problem if I bought one) It climbed brilliantly too.

The Stumpjumper I can only take for a spin outside the shop so it's harder to judge. It seems to have a slighter longer top tube which I like and would make descents easier. It also looks far flashier and i'd get more for my money in terms of the spec.

rockmonkeysc

Specialized concept stores should have demo bikes that you can take out for a day.
The thing that would appeal to me about Santa Cruz is that I know several people who have owned their Santa Cruz bikes for several years and have no interest in changing them, you don't often see that with Specialized.
Does your dropper post fit the Heckler?

SoaringPanda

I'm in Ireland so there's no concept stores unfortunately. Dropper post is a 30.9 so it'll fit fine on the heckler.