Specialized Stumpy HT vs Cannondale Flash riding qualities?

[Lefty V]

Hi I will refrain from the "which should I choose" question, but I would like some background input since I can not find a way to ride both bikes on reasonably technical terrain back-to-back.

So, I am looking for some input from anyone who has ridden both the Specialized Stumpjumper Carbon hardtail and Cannondale F29.

 

Handling characteristics, "comfort" and climbing efficiency? - are they pretty much close enough that it would make no difference to a weekend worrior and occasional stage racer or are there distinct differences that shine through?

 

Much appreciated.

V

[niterider]

These are both XC race bikes suited to flat-out lap racing. Why not get a bike better suited to marathon and weekend-warrioring?

 

The Specialized Epic and Camber, or Cannondale Scalpel and Trigger might be more worth looking at?

[Spinnekop]

I bought the Stumpy in January and sold it a few moths after.

Bought the F29 Flash

 

LOVE my Flash.

 

As for the differences. Mainly in the fork. Stumpy had the "brain". Very racing and hard ride compared.

Frame differences not so much.

 

Flash is lighter.

And prettier.

 

For a weekend warrior like myself, not much of a difference. So it boils down to personal taste.

[Lefty V]

These are both XC race bikes suited to flat-out lap racing. Why not get a bike better suited to marathon and weekend-warrioring?

 

The Specialized Epic and Camber, or Cannondale Scalpel and Trigger might be more worth looking at?

 

Yes, don't worry - the dual sus option is a question I am struggling with since the fun factor is decidedly higher, but right now I am leaning towards a HT especially for riding Transalp next year.

[Johny Bravo]

These are both XC race bikes suited to flat-out lap racing. Why not get a bike better suited to marathon and weekend-warrioring?

 

The Specialized Epic and Camber, or Cannondale Scalpel and Trigger might be more worth looking at?

 

I own a spez stumpie ht. Its a hard bike, not ideal for doing long distances. I also own a spez camber and that is the bike I do 80% of my riding with. If you however want the spez or Cannondale, they are very evenly matched. I however dont like lefty forks, they look wrong to me, and thus I am not confident on a Canondale. Both are great bikes, flip a coin.

[Lefty V]

I bought the Stumpy in January and sold it a few moths after.

Bought the F29 Flash

 

LOVE my Flash.

 

As for the differences. Mainly in the fork. Stumpy had the "brain". Very racing and hard ride compared.

Frame differences not so much.

 

Flash is lighter.

And prettier.

 

For a weekend warrior like myself, not much of a difference. So it boils down to personal taste.

Thanks, good to hear from someone who owned both.

What made you jump ship after such a short time?

Which stumpy and F29 did/do you have?

[niterider]

Yes, don't worry - the dual sus option is a question I am struggling with since the fun factor is decidedly higher, but right now I am leaning towards a HT especially for riding Transalp next year.

 

I wouldn't choose the dual sus for "fun factor", but because its comfier over longer distances, and gives you some margin for error when you get tired.

[Lefty V]

I wouldn't choose the dual sus for "fun factor", but because its comfier over longer distances, and gives you some margin for error when you get tired.

 

I am currently quite ok on a 26 HT after 100+km. The move to 29 is my concession to comfort.

[_David_]

I own a spez stumpie ht. Its a hard bike, not ideal for doing long distances. I also own a spez camber and that is the bike I do 80% of my riding with. If you however want the spez or Cannondale, they are very evenly matched. I however dont like lefty forks, they look wrong to me, and thus I am not confident on a Canondale. Both are great bikes, flip a coin.

 

Agree, imo both are great bikes and it comes down to personal taste.