First Look: 2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 650B & 29

Introducing Specialized's 2016 Stumpjumper FSR, a classic trail bike redefined for the new year.

Available as a 135mm travel 29er and 150mm travel 650B bike, the all-new Stumpjumper was born from the ground up.

We spent a few days aboard the new bikes doing our best to chase down the Specialized boys on the incredible trails in Rotorua, New Zealand.

You won't find an EVO model in the lineup anymore, not that it'll hold you back. Slacker angles for 2016 encourage you to let it rip, with the 650B head angle landing at 67-degrees and 29 at 67.5. Ropelato approves.

The combination of a low 335mm bottom bracket height and extremely compact 420/437mm chainstays make the Stumpjumper a blast to ride, encouraging you to pick up the front end and dice your way through turns.

It was only a matter of time before the short stay technology used on the Enduro 29 made its way into the rest of Specialized's lineup. The removable "Taco Blade" is just part of the equation.

Going this short meant saying goodbye to the seatstay bridge, freeing up more room for suspension movement and tire clearance.

What about times when you land sideways or smash into a turn? Drastically beefed up stays and larger pivot bearings contribute to the stiffness equation, without adding weight to the frame.

The rocker and shock extension around the seat tube have also seen some modifications.

The end result is actually stiffer than the previous design, missing seatstay bridge and all. Smashing into a few tacky turns and off camber ruts verified the claim.

Specialized continues to make 29ers that defy our expectations. We found this one to be an incredibly fun, lively, and quick handling ride that maintains speed very well.

Sayonara, downtube routing! New internal cable routing uses molded tubes inside the frame to eliminate rattling and make maintenance as pain free as possible.

The Rx Trail shock tune is intended to suit the bike's all-around disposition. It still features Autosag for easy setup.

The tune offers a supple ride with loads of traction and enough bottom out support for bigger hits.

Specialized's in-house team can thrown down with the best of them. Guys like Brandon Sloan were instrumental in the testing/tuning process.

Bikes come with the new Command Post IRcc, which adds several 5mm stop increments in the center portion of its travel, making it easier to find that perfect seat height.

Carbon Stumpjumper models hold a little secret. Tucked away beneath the bottle cage, inside the frame, is the latest in Specialized's evolving SWAT system.

Simply flip a few clasps, remove the bottle cage/door, and viola! You're able to discreetly store essentials in the downtube. Leave that clumsy backpack or fanny pack at home.

The included wraps prevent rattling or wear inside the frame, and serve as a convenient place to stash tubes, C02, a pump, or tools.

Raining outside? The downtube SWAT compartment is large enough to fit a light raincoat. It's molded into the frame, not cut out.

With guys like Ropelato, Keene, and Benedict testing out new concepts behind the scenes, you know they've done their homework.

The multi-tool is now conveniently stored by the upper shock mount. It slides into place with a reassuring snap.

Even on the most affordable Comp 650B aluminum model, we were impressed by the bike's balanced, controlled feel and ability to charge head-on into unfamiliar terrain. Good tires, Roval's Traverse Fattie wheels, a dropper post, and well-tuned suspension carry through the entire line.

Every ride ended up like this. All smiles, all the time.

Whether you're looking to set fast laps on your local XC loop or wanting to blast descents, the new Stumpjumper FSR bikes truly are great all-arounders.