It’s time I upgrade from my hardtail (2023 Roscoe 7) and I’m looking for an all-rounder full suspension bike.
While I’m only a year into mountain biking, so far I prefer downhill tech but still enjoy flows and want a bike that can do a bit of everything.
I am based in NJ (home parks are Allaire State Park and Hartshorne) and can see myself traveling to parks throughout the Northeast and the occasional bike park or trip out west.
I’ve narrowed down my search to last year’s Fuel EX 9.7 (https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-9-7-gen-6/p/36355/?colorCode=grey) or the 2024 Stumpjumper EVO (https://www.cyclesport.com/product/specialized-stumpjumper-evo-alloy-ltd-22304.htm). Both are similarly priced so it comes down to what’s a better bike, especially for the Northeast and for the variety of trails I’m looking to ride.
I’m leaning towards the Trek just because it’s my LBS and I love my Roscoe, but can be swayed.
Any advice would really be appreciated!
by ssss1111yyyy
3 Comments
I think you’re on the right track. If you’re between bikes (most bikes are pretty good these days), I think finding a good shop you trust is more important.
FWIW I ride the Trek you’re looking at, my brother rides the Specialized. We both love our bikes.
I did get to ride at Mountain Creek last summer and there were definitely some trails that were more than the Trek could handle, but they were black tech trails, and part of the problem was me as I’m not used to riding such rocky terrain.
Stumpjumper Evo’s are 50% off right now and are widely considered one of the most versatile all mountain bikes around.
The Evo you linked is alloy. So, you’re comparing a carbon to an allow which is not apples to apples. The Evo has an infinitely better spec of components. Carbon ones can be had for 50% off.
I recently just got the Stumpy in alloy after my carbon bike was stolen. I was definitely apprehensive but that bike absolutely rips. The few pounds don’t make that big of a difference and as others have pointed out, it’s well spec’d. Love this bike so much and on my first ride I PR’d multiple segments that I’d ridden 20+ times on my old bike.