FIRST LOOK: Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 6Fattie

With a name that is long enough to match the width of the tyres, the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 6Fattie is a sight to behold. We first laid eyes on one of these last year, when both the Stumpjumper and Camber trail bikes were re-launched by Specialized, along with their 6Fattie line.

The 27.5+ plus standard is taking off. We had a great time testing the Norco Torrent, as the increase in traction that the larger tyre makes is phenomenal. New lines appear, trails become faster – and it’s fun!

However, this “plus bike” is at the other end of the spectrum. With a full carbone fibre frame and 150mm of suspension, the Specalized bears the S-Works monicker, which basically means no expense is spare in the pursuit of making an excellent bike. The mainframe is the same as the standard Stumpjumper and Camber, so it has the S.W.A.T. box in the downtube, and the longer reach. But with the 6Fattie rear end, and a plus-sized fork, it’s set for Specalized’s PLus sized wheels and tyres, and the gobs of traction that brings.

Specialized say that when you  ”add-in an aggressive, trail-eating geometry that features ridiculously short chainstays, a roomy top tube, a low bottom bracket, and a slacked out front end, our proprietary Rx Trail Tune at the shock, and a build spec that spares no expense, you have a bike that, without a doubt, is going to change the way that you ride trail.”

Photo: Robert Conroy

That’s a big call, and we’ve handed the bike to Adam Macbeth, who’s been on fat bikes, trail bikes, trials bikes, ‘cross bikes and now loves to ride plus sized – so we’re looking forward to his review. You can catch the review in Issue 154, which is out in June.

From: Specialized

RRP: $10999