trek slash vs specialized stumpjumper evo

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Review | More adjustable, more refined, & more versatile for 2021

The not-so-minor details, 2021 specialized stumpjumper evo expert.

Specialized

https://www.specialized.com/

- Insanely floaty suspension performance - User-friendly adjustable geometry - The new SWAT accessories are brilliant - Highly adjustable fork and shock package - Code RS stoppers deliver enormous braking power - Overall attention to detail

- The sticky rubber and suspension are draggy - Rear tyre is on the light side for a hard-charging bike like this - We'd like to see a Star Ratchet freehub at this price

Wil reviews the 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO

It’s been a little over two years since the last generation Stumpjumper EVO was introduced, and barely a year since Specialized launched the carbon fibre variant. We expected them to hang around for a while, because in the world of mountain bikes, three-to-four years is a pretty standard lifecycle for a mountain bike frame. Once a new chassis is introduced, typically only the components and graphics change from year-to-year. And yet here we are with an all-new 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO in our hot little hands. Sure, it looks pretty similar, but we can assure you this ain’t just a new paint job.

Watch our review of the Stumpjumper vs Stumpjumper EVO here!

Hold on, who’s STEVO?

What originally started out as a bit of a niche model, the EVO (or STEVO as we affectionally like to call it) has always existed as a radical offshoot of the regular Stumpjumper. The EVO originally came to life as a sort of pumped-up version of the Stumpjumper, providing an opportunity for the product team to get spicy with the suspension and build kit to add a little extra kick to an otherwise mass-appeal trail bike.

The last Stumpjumper EVO was different though. Things got a bit wild with that one, which featured an entirely different frame that became something of a mad science experiment with some of the most forward-thinking geometry we’d ever seen from the Californian brand. Of course Specialized wasn’t the first to go uber-slack, long and low, but the Stumpjumper EVO still stood out as one of the bigger mainstream offerings on the market to really push the geometry needle.

The current Stumpjumper EVO (left) was introduced in 2018 as a freakish offshoot of the regular Stumpjumper. The carbon model then followed in 2019 (centre & right). Things have come a long way in two years though, as the new Stumpjumper EVO aims for a wider audience.

From niche to mainstream

While it was pretty bonkers at the time, the dust has settled on the Stumpjumper EVO over the past two years. More big brands are adopting new-school geometry, and more riders are seeking it out (which we could argue is both good and bad). As those previously radical numbers become less fringe and more mainstream, that’s helped to set the scene for Specialized to jump in feet-first with the Stumpjumper EVO.

Indeed for 2021, the Stumpjumper EVO is is no longer a niche offshoot. This little punk is all grown up, having evolved into its very own standalone model – a model that Specialized now refers to as the ‘ultimate trail bike’. Humble words indeed from our American pals. To see just how ultimate it really is, Specialized put a Stumpjumper EVO Expert into our hands for a week to test out on home dirt. Before we get into the ride review though, let’s take a closer look at what’s changed for Specialized’s newest trail bike.

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO overview

It might not look like it at first glance, but the Stumpjumper EVO is all-new from the knobbly tyres up. There’s a brand new frame, which features the distinctive asymmetric Sidearm profile and classic FSR four-bar suspension design. Kinematics have been refined and travel increases by 10mm over the previous model – there’s 150mm of rear wheel travel matched to a 160mm travel fork.

No longer will you find separate 29in and 27.5in models, with the Stumpjumper EVO now rolling exclusively on 29in wheels with clearance for up to a 2.5in rear tyre. It is possible to set it up as a mullet though – Specialized produces a specific rocker link that allows you to fit a 27.5in rear wheel, without adversely affecting geometry and kinematics. The Mullet Link will be available as an aftermarket purchase for around $200 AUD (price TBC).

There’s a new human range extender

Thanks to a larger diameter downtube, Specialized has increased the SWAT storage volume by a claimed 15%. To make use of that extra space, it’s also developed a new SWAT soft flask, which allows you to carry an additional 650ml of hazy IPA water on bigger days out. The soft flask is shaped like a Santa sack, and tucks in above the bottom bracket, keeping the added weight low in the frame.

Also included with the bike is a waterproof tool roll, which I packed with a tube, tyre levers, CO2 and a Dynaplug. The tool roll fits in above the flask, though there’s still heaps of room for a lightweight jacket, food, or any other essentials you think you might need.

Shock! Horror! It isn’t slacker and lower

You weren’t expecting that were you! But think about it – the last Stumpjumper EVO was absurdly low and slack already. And with Specialized having launched the new Enduro last year , which has reclaimed its title as the big-hitting hooligan of the range, the new Stumpjumper EVO has been refocussed to become a more versatile allrounder designed for a broader range of riders and trail types.

With that in mind, things have been tweaked accordingly. Specialized has moved back to 170mm crank arms (from 165mm). Out of the box, the bottom bracket actually sits a little higher than before, and the head angle is actually steeper too. Both of those can be adjusted though – more on that in a bit.

More sizes for more riders

Rather than just S2 and S3, the new Stumpjumper EVO is now available in six sizes from S1 through to S6, accommodating a much bigger range of rider heights. If you’re not familiar with S-Sizing, it simply refers to ‘style-specific’ sizing. The general idea of S-Sizing is to choose the right size based on your riding style and preferred reach, rather than just how long your legs are. As a starting point though, here’s what those numbers translate to;

• S1 = X-Small
• S3 = Medium
• S5 = X-Large
• S6 = XX-Large

However, because Specialized keeps the seat tubes nice and short on the Stumpjumper EVO, there’s more leeway when it comes to choosing your preferred size. For example, if you normally fit a Large size in most brands, then S4 is what you’d be looking at with the Stumpjumper EVO. Prefer a more nimble and poppy ride for slicing up twisty singletrack? Go down to an S3. Looking for maximum stability for going flat-out on chunky, wide-open trails? Upsize to the S5.

6-way adjustable geometry

As with the previous Stumpjumper EVO, the new frame gets a High/Low geometry adjuster. However, the flip chip is no longer found in the lower shock mount. Instead, there’s an offset chip on each side of the Horst Link pivot, just like the current Demo downhill bike. From the factory the bike comes set in the High position. Flip the geometry chip by 180° into the Low position, and you’ll drop the BB height by 7mm.

The High/Low geometry chip is now located at the Horst-link pivot. It comes set in the High position, but flipping it around drops the BB height by 7mm, and it slackens out the angles a bit too.

Furthermore, you can also separately adjust the head tube angle. Included with the bike is a secondary upper headset cup, which features an offset bearing bore that allows you to steepen the head angle by a degree, or slacken it by a degree. The cup itself is keyed into the frame, so it’s easy to remove and reorient by hand with no special tools required. And since the lower headset bearing is able to gimbal within the head tube, it’ll align regardless of what head angle you choose to run.

With those two areas of adjustment, you have six different geometry setups at your disposal. Not only that, you can achieve those setups on the side of the trail with just a 4mm and 5mm hex key. Pretty neat huh?

You want numbers? Here, have ALL OF THEM

While there is a load of adjustment on offer, Specialized has picked the High geometry position and the neutral head tube position as the default setup for the Stumpjumper EVO, which is likely what most riders will leave it at. That setup delivers a 35mm BB drop, 64.5° head tube angle and 77.2° seat tube angle on our S3 test bike.

Chainstay length is 438mm on most sizes, though that grows to 448mm on the S5/S6 sizes to help keep weight distribution in check. For those who love numbers, get ready for a geometry-chart orgy with all six different setups. Yikes!

It’s a carbon only affair

There is just a single frame within the Stumpjumper EVO range, and it’s made of carbon. If you were hoping for an alloy STEVO, unfortunately there are none here. Or at least, none at the moment anyway.

Utilising FACT 11m carbon fibre for the mainframe and swingarm, Specialized claims the Stumpjumper EVO frame weighs in at just 2,750g. That’s for an S4 size with shock, hardware, axle, armour and seat clamp. It’s about 250g heavier than the claimed weight of Giant’s new carbon Trance X , though it’s still darn impressive for a bike with such hard-hitting intentions.

The suspension links are made from forged and machined alloy, and you’ll find sealed cartridge bearings at all pivot points. With the exception of the bigger double-row bearings for the main pivot, all the bearings share the same dimensions, which is useful from a replacement perspective.

Also nice to see is a threaded bottom bracket shell, a SRAM universal derailleur hanger, and internal cable routing with moulded-in guide tubes. There’s also a wee mudflap just above the main pivot where the cables pass through the mainframe into the swingarm, which is designed to prevent rocks and debris from getting wedged and causing damage.

While there’s no specific shuttle guard like on the new Trek Slash , the underside of the Stumpjumper EVO’s downtube does get a transparent protective sticker, along with a thick bolt-on armour plate down around the belly of the frame to protect it from rock strikes. Thick, soft density rubber is used around the drive-side chainstay and inner seat stay to pipe down chain slappin’.

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO price & specs

There are just two complete Stumpjumper EVO models coming into Australia for 2021 – the Comp and the Expert. Specialized will also be bringing in the S-Works frameset on its own, for those who have more specific tastes. As mentioned above, all options use exactly the same FACT 11m carbon frame.

You’ll find Fox suspension on both complete bikes, with a 36 fork and DPX2 shock. They also get an X-Fusion Manic dropper post, as well as the new Butcher T9 and Eliminator T7 tyre combo. Read on for a closer look at the specs, followed by our first ride review.

2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp

• Frame | FACT 11m Carbon Fibre, FSR Suspension Design, 150mm Travel
• Fork | Fox 36 Float Rhythm, GRIP Damper, 44mm Offset, 160mm Travel
• Shock | Fox Float DPX2, Performance Series, 210×55mm
• Wheels | Shimano MT400/510 Hubs & Roval Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Specialized Butcher GRID Trail 2.3in Front & Eliminator GRID Trail 2.3in Rear
• Drivetrain | Shimano SLX 1×12 w/30T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
• Brakes | Shimano SLX 4-Piston w/203mm Front & 180mm Rear Rotors
• Bar | Specialized 6061 Alloy, 35mm Diameter, 30mm Rise, 800mm Width
• Grips | Specialized Lock-On
• Stem | Specialized Alloy Trail, 35mm Diameter, Length: 40mm (S1-S2), 50mm (S3-S6)
• Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic w/SRL Lever, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S1), 125mm (S2), 150mm (S3), 170mm (S5-S5), 190mm (S6)
• Saddle | Specialized Bridge Comp
• Sizes | S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 & S6
• RRP | $7,300 AUD

• Fork | Fox 36 Float, Performance Elite, GRIP2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 160mm Travel
• Shock | Fox Float DPX2, Performance Elite, 210×55mm
• Wheels | Roval Traverse, Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Width
• Drivetrain | SRAM GX/X01 Eagle 1×12 w/30T Descendent 7K Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Code RS 4-Piston w/200mm Rotors
• Bar | Specialized 7050 Alloy, 35mm Diameter, 30mm Rise, 800mm Width
• Grips | Deity Knuckleduster Lock-On
• RRP | $9,900 AUD

2021 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO Frame

• Shock | Fox Float DPX2, Factory Series, 210×55mm
• Sizes | S2, S3, S4 & S5
• RRP | $5,300 AUD

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO sizing & fit

Specialized sent us out a Stumpjumper EVO Expert a week before launch, so we could put it to the test on our local test trails. That’s hardly enough time for a long-term review, but I’ve had ample time to get everything dialled in, try out some different geometry settings, and take it on a variety of trail types to get a solid impression of what the new STEVO is all about.

To suit my 175cm height, Specialized sent an S3, which gets a 448mm long reach. With the thick grips, high-rise bars and 50mm stem, the fit feels generous. I personally wouldn’t want to go to any longer – the S3 feels spot-on for my build and riding style.

I did chop the bars down to 780mm, and I also slid the saddle forwards a bit on the rails to steepen the effective seat angle a touch. Even with my stubby legs, there’s tonnes of wiggle room with the stock 150mm dropper post – at my height I could easily run a longer dropper, or even upsize to an S4.

With the tyres setup tubeless and the various SWAT tools removed, our test bike came in at 13.94kg – not bad at all given the alloy wheels, piggyback shock, big brakes and rotors.

Suspension setup

To suit my 68kg riding weight, I initially setup the Fox 36 GRIP2 fork as per the setup guide with 78psi in the main air spring. I found the fork to ride a touch firm for my liking though, particularly compared to the buttery plush performance of the rear suspension. I ended up reducing the pressure down to 70psi for a smoother ride and sped up the high-speed rebound to liven things up a bit. After chatting with the team at Specialized, it turns out we were on the same page. For that reason, the Specialized suspension calculator is a resource well worth utilising for baseline tuning.

As for the rear shock, Specialized recommends setting it up with 28% sag. Because there are no sag indicators, you’ll want to bring out the ruler for this one, as you’ll be measuring a very specific 15.5mm of displacement at the O-ring. I ended up with 175psi inside the air spring. As I’ve previously found the DPX2 shock to be a little sticky on the trail, I ran rebound damping on the faster side (11/14 clicks), and added a few clicks of low-speed compression damping. The DPX2 also has a 3-position compression lever, with Open-Medium-Firm settings, which I’ll talk about in more detail shortly.

Mini-Enduro vibes, so floaty

From the very first ride, the Stumpjumper EVO impresses with its smooth, active and floaty suspension performance. There’s a real bias here towards outright traction and high-speed response, which results in very little feedback through the pedals even when the trail gets choppy. Having tested the Enduro last year, I was having flashbacks on the Stumpjumper EVO – that floaty sensation gives off a genuine mini-Enduro vibe.

Drawing from the kinematics of those bigger bikes, the Stumpjumper EVO possesses a more rearward axle path to help the wheel move back and up over obstacles, aiding momentum over square-edge hits.

This makes sense. After all, Specialized’s engineering team injected considerable DNA from the Demo and Enduro into the new Stumpjumper EVO. Drawing from the kinematics of those bigger bikes, the Stumpjumper EVO possesses a more rearward axle path to help the wheel move back and up over obstacles, aiding momentum over square-edge hits. The overall leverage rate isn’t dissimilar from the Enduro either, and there’s notably more progression compared to the previous Stumpjumper EVO. That’s improved bottom-out resistance, and the frame is happily coil-compatible for those who are wondering.

Having developed the bike’s kinematics with the DPX2 specifically in mind, Specialized says it ended up right in the middle of that shock’s tuning range. This meant that there was very little need for any custom valving, though the rebound tune is slightly lighter on the S1-S3 sizes to suit lighter riders.

However, the shock does feature a smaller custom LCR (low compression ratio) air sleeve, which gives you more options for tuning with volume spacers. You’ll find a 0.6³ volume spacer inside as stock, and you’re able to downsize or upsize depending on what you’re after. I found I could very occasionally bottom out the rear suspension on the ugliest of hucks to flat, but otherwise the end-stroke support feels spot-on, and I like that the suspension is still responsive deeper into its travel – something that hyper-progressive bikes struggle with. Even riding with flat pedals, my feet were never ricocheted off of more seismic impacts.

Otherwise the end-stroke support feels spot-on, and I like that the suspension is still responsive deeper into its travel – something that hyper-progressive bikes struggle with. Even riding with flat pedals, my feet were never ricocheted off of more seismic impacts.

Part of the suspension’s sensitivity is owed to the brawny rear end. To keep things tracking true, Specialized has employed wide linkages, big bearings, a clevis junction for the upper seatstay pivot, and double bearings for each Horst-link pivot. The shock extender, which not only controls the leverage rate, also reduces side loading on the shock body itself. There’s clearly been a lot of attention paid to minimising twist and flex through this whole zone, allowing everything to slide smoothly and with less stiction.

Along with the future-forward geometry, incredible GRIP2 fork and the high-rise bars, the Stumpjumper EVO’s buttery suspension really encourages you to attack the trail. The long wheelbase and low-hanging bottom bracket keep your weight centred and low, maximising stability as momentum builds on the descents.

Overall it feels much more more enduro than trail. And while it isn’t a pig, Specialized has traded in some pop and zing for the grilled-cheese plushness. Compared to some other trail bikes, like the Giant Trance X  and Pivot Switchblade , you do have to work a bit harder here to springboard the whole bike into the air. A lighter rebound setting is key to preventing the DPX2 from feeling too lazy.

It’s an bit stodgy on the climbs

With the new Stumpjumper EVO’s kinematics, Specialized went more aggressive with anti-squat, again following in the Enduro’s footsteps. The main pivot sits quite a bit higher than before, which helps to get that more rearward initial axle path, while also increasing the suspension’s propensity to stiffen under pedalling inputs. Deeper into the travel, the anti-squat level drops below 100% to reduce feedback through the pedals on harder impacts.

While Specialized had big claims to extol about the Stumpjumper EVO’s pedalling efficiency, I can’t say my experience on the trail lived up to those expectations. In the Open position, the active suspension performance means the shock sinks a little too willingly into its travel, pushing your weight further back behind the cranks. Providing you’re pedalling smoothly, you can feel the anti-squat trying to control that shock movement. But as soon as your weight shifts on the bike, say if you pedal more raggedly, or out of the saddle, or you get a head-bob going on, or shuffle around on the saddle to get comfortable, the shock sinks and rises in unison with your body.

I wasn’t particularly surprised at this – the DPX2 provides exceptional damping control and traction, but I’ve always found it to feel a little stodgy under power, and it’s more obvious here because the Stumpjumper EVO’s rear end is so sensitive. Of course this active performance means that traction is outstanding, and there’s basically no tug on the pedals even when whacking the rear wheel into big rock ledges.

In search of less drag, I tried increasing shock pressure (by as much as 20psi) but that didn’t really help. What did help was flipping the blue compression lever into the Firm position. While this does reduce some of the energy loss through the pedals, the Firm setting also extends the shock, lifting the whole bike to increase pedal clearance and steepen the effective seat tube angle – good things for your climbing position.

Worth noting is that this setting isn’t a full lockout. The shock is a lot firmer, but it still moves, and it’ll still take the edge off jarring impacts. And with the shock’s head positioned between your knees, it’s quite easy to reach down and flick that lever back and fourth as needed. Consequently, I used it every time the trail turned upwards for a decent length of time, whether it was a road climb, a 4WD track, or on technical singletrack.

Even still, the Stumpjumper EVO isn’t the most enthusiastic ascender, and since there’s no lockout on the GRIP2 fork, there’s a lot of front end squish if you do attempt to sprint out of the saddle. Rather than rush your way up the climbs, I recommend picking a low gear, sitting, spinning smoothly, and taking the time to recover and enjoy your surroundings before embarking on the next round of downhill mayhem.

Seriously sticky rubber

Not helping matters is a decent amount of rolling resistance from the tyres. On that note, the Stumpjumper EVO actually debuts new rubber for Specialized – the Eliminator T7 on the rear and the Butcher T9 on the front. The tread patterns and casing constructions are carried over, but the rubber compound is all-new.

The T9 is Specialized’s softest and grippiest tyre compound, and it’s the same rubber you’ll find in the 2-ply downhill tyres. The gooey rubber feels similar to the softest Maxxis 3C Maxx Grip tyres I’ve ridden. It’s quite slow, but there’s a huge amount of damping control that keeps the tyre stuck to the ground in situations where other tyres rebound and bounce off. Along with the Butcher’s huge cornering blocks and siped centre tread, there’s an enormous amount of adaptive traction and braking bite on tap, even in loose conditions.

The Eliminator T7 uses a firmer trail compound that offers lower rolling resistance and greater durability, making it more suited to rear tyre use. The Eliminator’s tighter centre tread naturally rolls faster, but the cornering blocks still dig in confidently when leant over. Together with the Butcher, this is an excellent tyre combination that really highlight this bike’s aggressive riding intentions.

Worth noting is that both tyres size up bigger than claimed at 2.44in wide. It would seem that Specialized is no longer suffering from its tyres being grossly undersized. Weight is also competitive with the Butcher coming in at 1,070g and the Eliminator at 975g. I do think the rear casing could be tougher though, especially for the shenanigans this bike wants to involve you in. I put a tubeless insert into the rear wheel before I set foot out of the workshop, but even then I still managed to ding the rim and cause a slow leak. Habitual tyre splitters will want to consider rim protection and/or a 2-ply tyre for the rear.

Trailside geometry adjustments

In my opinion, one of the standout features of the new Stumpjumper EVO is the plethora of tuning options when it comes to frame geometry. There’s a load of scope here for modifying the bike to your needs.

I will say that I didn’t bother with the BB height adjustment, since the 35mm BB drop in the factory setting is already quite low. With my local trails being so choppy and raw, they punish poor technique and I was already clipping pedals enough that I didn’t want to lose any more height from the BB. Still, I can see the advantage of going lower for high-speed, machine-built flow trails, say if I took the bike on a trip to somewhere like Bright or Derby. All you need is a 5mm hex key to flip that offset chip, though I would recommend taking the rear wheel off first as the chips can get a bit fiddly.

Two upper headset cups are included with the bike. The stock position is the neutral cup, which delivers a 64.5° head angle. By fitting the offset cup, you can steepen or slacken that by a full degree. The process is super easy to do trailside with regular hex keys on your multi-tool.

I did spend a ride trying out different head angles, which was brilliant. The stock 64.5° head angle felt fine to begin with, but after taking the bike around a short 20-minute loop, which featured a mix of smooth and technical climbing, as well as flat-out high-speed descending, traversing, steep pitches, and slow-speed techy jank, I repeated the same lap with the head angle at 63.5°, then again at 65.5°.

The process is super easy to do trailside. It took me about five minutes to complete, and by doing so you can feel an immediate change in the riding position and front-end handling.

Worth noting, the slackest position really pushes the front wheel out in front of you. That’s great for near-vertical chutes, and it keeps the bike super planted. But if the descents were fast without being mega steep, then you really have to concentrate on weight distribution, otherwise the front tyre could disappear from underneath you very quickly. Of course you can adapt to this with a forward-biased riding position, and like any bike, it’s the sort of thing that you get used to within a few rides.

For me personally though – and I know I’m the salmon swimming upstream in the cold waters of mountain bike journalism here – I preferred the steepest head angle. Despite the steeper head angle, I had no issues with stability on the Stumpjumper EVO, and I found I could still smash steeper descents with confidence. I simply had faster and more responsive steering everywhere else, and I was able to maintain a more central riding position that felt more comfortable while riding along undulating terrain.

This preference is also representative of my local trails, which are far from the steep alpine terrain found in other parts of the world. But that’s the beauty about this geometry adjustment – you can tweak the handling and vibe of the Stumpjumper EVO with no special tools needed.

Component highs & lows

In my limited time with the Stumpjumper EVO Expert, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how much Specialized has sweated the finer details on this bike.

As well as including the secondary headset cup for tweaking the head angle, Specialized also throws in two conical upper headset top caps with the bike. Once you find your desired bar height, you can swap some of the spacers for one of these caps. It has zero bearing on performance, it just looks neater.

I also love that you can genuinely go pack-less with the Stumpjumper EVO. You get a bottle cage and the EMT multi-tool included with the bike, as well as the SWAT soft flask and tool roll. I can’t think of any other brand that’s offering that kind of included accessorising with its mountain bikes.

The soft flask is dead brilliant too, and it gives you a total of 1.3L of hydration – good enough for a solid few hours of riding. I was worried things might get a bit tepid, but even while riding through the middle of a 28-degree day, the water was actually cooler inside the flask than it was in my bottle.

The contact points on this bike are absolutely dialled too. The SRL dropper post lever is light, snappy and tactile, and while the Deity grips are quite a bit fatter than I normally prefer, they offer excellent traction and vibration damping. As expected, the Specialized Bridge saddle was comfortable too.

The stock Roval wheels are a decent weight (1,947g confirmed), though the pawl-based freehub mechanism is cheap on a $9K+ bike. The 24pt engagement is also quite slow – I’d love to see a DT Swiss 350 hub with a 36pt Star Ratchet in its place.

Providing a great match for the speeds the Stumpjumper EVO is capable of, the SRAM Code RS brakes deliver lashings of power, though even more than I’m used to thanks to the sintered metallic brake pads and 200mm rotors front and rear. You normally find that combo on bikes with a battery and motor. Still, for bigger units bombing bigger mountains, you’ll be happy to know that the frame is rated for up to a 220mm rear rotor. I can actually feel the whiplash as I type that.

Flow’s Verdict

Specialized must have known it was onto something when it launched the last generation EVO, because not long after, the engineers had already begun scheming to build this bike here. The team took the same concept, broadened the size range, incorporated suspension knowledge learned from the latest Demo and Enduro, and brought a whole new level of refinement to the SWAT system and geometry adjustments. The result is a more versatile bike that is less on the fringe, and more appealing because of it.

The steeper seat tube angle and increased anti-squat levels have boosted pedalling performance over the previous Stumpjumper EVO, but it still isn’t the zippiest uphills. The sensitive suspension design and sticky front tyre temper the enthusiasm somewhat, but they’re also what makes this bike such a riot on the descents.

Despite the overall refinement, it’s still possible to engage full hooligan mode if that’s your jam. Go slack and low, and you’re basically there, albeit with more grip and bottom-out support than last time round. With the other geometry positions though, it’s possible to achieve a more balanced all-round demeanour that’ll be exactly what many Aussie trail riders and enduro racers have been looking for. If you’ve considered the current Enduro but thought 170mm travel may just be a little too much, then STEVO is the bike for you.

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Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Expert 2021 vs Trek Slash 9.8 2020

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Specialized Stumpjumper EVO vs. Stumpjumper - See How They Compare 75

Modern, aggressive geometry goes against tried-and-true performance. what is this evo thing all about.

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Trek vs Specialized MTB Brand Comparison: Which is Best?

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Trek and Specialized are two of the most famous mountain bike brands in the industry; if you’ve been looking for a reliable mountain bike, you won’t go wrong choosing from one of these brands.

When it comes to making a decision about which MTB brand is right for you, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. While both brands offer something unique to riders, some distinct differences will cater to specific riding styles and rider preferences. 

Depending on what you’re looking for in a mountain bike, Trek and Specialized have tons of premium selections for you to choose from. One of the most notable differences I came across when researching both of these brands was that Trek has a more extensive selection of products than Specialized does.

One commonality that both of these brands have is that they offer various mountain bike types, including full suspension bikes , hardtails , and hybrids. 

Unless you are an experienced mountain bike rider, it can be hard to tell the difference between Trek and Specialized as the differences can be very subtle. Both brands will also have a very dis tinct riding feel, which is something you’ll want to consider and try out yourself before making a decision.

For those of you who are in the market for a new mountain bike and are struggling to find which one is the perfect match, this comprehensive comparison will provide you with all of the essential information you need to make an informed and educated decision. 

Table of Contents

Main Differences Between Trek vs Specialized MTB 

The main differences between Trek vs Specialized MTB are:

• Trek bikes use a full-floater and active breaking pivot rear-suspension system, whereas Specialized MTB use Future Shock Rear.
• Trek offers entry-level bikes that tend to be expensive, whereas Specialized MTB come more affordable.
• Trek bikes come with a more conventional design, whereas Specialized MTB have a mode modern design.
• Trek bikes tend to integrate more functionality focused design elements in their bikes, whereas Specialized MTB are focused more on efficiency and durability.

These are some of the primary differences between Specialized and Trek bikes that you can expect to encounter when choosing between the two. While both of these brands are well-known for their high-quality manufacturing standards, they each offer tailored MTB experiences based on the rider’s preference. You can’t compare a low-end Specialized bike to a high-end Trek bike and vice versa. 

Brand Comparison

Trek mountain bikes focus heavily on trail riding. They incorporate several innovative elements such as OCLV carbon and Alpha Aluminum to deliver stunning mountain bike performance that often times far outperforms the competition. Specialized focuses on a similar approach however their approach is more cohesive. 

Specialized offers a wider array of innovative riding accessories and add-ons you can add on to elevate your riding even further and the company prioritizes aerodynamics and performance over durability. These are all factors to consider when making a decision about which brand is right for you.

Core Feature Comparison

Trek and Specialized have a lot of similarities when it comes to the core features you can expect to find when choosing between the two brands.

However, the variants between the two that do exist can have a massive impact on your ride’s quality.

Below, I’m going to cover all of the most critical aspects that riders need to know when it comes to the overall usability of the various bikes offered by Specialized and Trek. 

Build Quality/Frame Material   

An interesting thing to note about Trek and Specialized mountain bikes is that both companies use premium quality aluminum to craft their bikes.

However, in certain instances, the particular type of bike you buy will determine what material it is made from.

On high-end model mountain bikes, you can expect to find bikes made from carbon fiber materials. Keep in mind, the higher quality the material is that you get, the more expensive your mountain bike will be. 

Whether you’re all about climbing or bombing nasty descents (or both), Specialized has a bike for every style of mountain biking you could want. Road cyclists have just as legendary of a lineup at their fingertips with the Tarmac, Venge, Roubaix, and other aero machines ready to flatten mountains and dart to the head of the pack. 

Selections Offered 

Both Specialized and Trek offer a wide range of different mountain bike options ranging from full-suspension bikes, hardtail bikes, electric bikes, and more.

Both of these companies also offer a wide range of color options, designs, and configurations in their bikes for you to choose from, making it easy to find the exact mountain bike for you, regardless of what you are looking for. 

Gear Functionality 

Smooth gear transitions can be the difference between a great ride and a gnarly crash. Without the proper gear ratio installed on your mountain bike, you will risk losing serious performance and functionality on the trail.

Both Specialized and Trek provide various mountain bikes that use high-quality gear components , which will enable you to achieve smooth shifts regardless of how gnarly the trail is. 

Braking System 

While both brands have similar set-ups in terms of the way that the brakes function on their bikes, Trek bikes come with this unique feature known as an active braking pivot, which keeps the suspension on your bike busy when you engage the rear brake.

Specialized mountain bikes also use premium brake set-ups that are fast-acting, accurate, and powerful. 

Overall Value 

All in all, both of these mountain bike brands utilize innovative design and premium grade components that combine to deliver smooth actioning and hassle-free rides.

When it comes to making a decision about which one of these bike brands is best for you, the final answer will really depend on what your personal riding preferences and needs are. 

If you’re someone looking for versatility, functionality, and power for beginners and intermediate riders, Trek has many more options for you to choose from when compared to Specialized.

For those that want more modern looking and pre-built bikes built for racing and bombing mountains, Specialized offers more options than Trek. It’s all a matter of what you need out of your mountain bike and what you’re willing to pay. 

Make A Decision: Which brand is better? 

I would say Trek just due to the fact that it offers the most variety and selections. If you want a more modernized approach to mountain biking in general. 

To put it simply, Trek is a titan in the industry. The company is currently rated as the #1 mountain bike brand in the world, and for good reason!

At the end of the day, it’s your decision, and you should only choose the mountain bike that meets your needs the best according to whatever specific ride style you rock!

Top Alternative Recommendations 

#1 trek slash 8 mountain bike.

The Trek Slash 8 Mountain Bike is made from an aluminum frame that provides lasting durability and ultra-stability while out on the trails.

It comes packing a RockShox Yari RC fork that has 160mm of travel.

The rear shock system is a RockShox Deluxe DebonAir RE: AKTIV Thru Shaft that is very responsive yet capable of providing solid support when tackling tougher trails.

This bike also has SRAM Guide R brakes which deliver powerful stopping under all conditions.

It’s also outfitted with SRAM GX Eagle shifters that I like because they deliver versatility to the bike.

• Responsive suspension, durable frame.
• Lack of customization.

Slash 8 is an aluminum enduro mountain bike with fast-rolling 29er wheels, a 160mm RockShox fork, and Trek's exclusive RE:Aktiv with Thru Shaft shock. 

#2 Trek Fuel EX 9.9 Mountain Bike

The T rek Fuel EX 9.9 Mountain Bike is outfitted with a Fox 36 Factory Series Float Grip 2 fork that works well in tight corners and large drops.

The SRAM X01 Eagle shifters work great for maintaining balance when engaging in quick speed changes.

The frame is made from carbon fiber which provides ultimate durability and longevity throughout the life cycle of the bike.

The fork has 140mm of travel which is perfect for taking on steeper trails requiring fast adjustment. 

Check out how the Fuel EX 9.9 compares to the Fuel EX 5.

• High-quality frame build, relatively lightweight.
• Not comfortable for all body types.

Fuel EX 9.9 makes no compromises. A carbon frame, carbon wheels, SRAM's X01 Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, and FOX Factory Float suspension make this the one carbon full suspension mountain bike that rules every trail.

#3 Specialized STUMPJUMPER EVO PRO 29

The STUMPJUMPER EVO PRO 29 is made using a FACT 11m carbon frame and has a beautiful asymmetrical design.

It features fully enclosed internal cable routing which delivers a smooth and clean finish to the look of the bike overall.

It’s also equipped with a FOX FLOAT 36 Performance Elite fork that delivers maximum responsiveness. The rims are Roval Traverse Carbon 29s and they look great out on the trail.

• Durable frame, responsive suspension.

#4 Merax 26″ Mountain Bike

The Merax 26″ Mountain Bicycle comes with integrated suspension forks that provide lots of cushion for those rough rides and windy trails. This bike also comes outfitted with a 24-speed Shimano shifter that makes it easy for you to change gears efficiently and smoothly.

This particular MTB was designed to meet all of your riding needs thanks to its dual-braking system that delivers accurate and responsive stopping power at the drop of a dime.

• 24-speed derailleurs, dual-brake system, and full suspension fork.

Only comes with a limited 1-year warranty. 

This Merax Finiss Aluminum 21-Speed Mountain Bike Racing Bicycle features a lightweight heat-treated aluminum mountain frame. The 26-inch double-wall aluminum rim wheels make for easier rolling. 

Answer: While I wouldn’t consider Specialized as the best bike brand, it is definitely one of the best mountain bike brands on the market today.

Answer: Both Specialized and Trek use premium grade aluminum materials to craft their bikes; on higher-end models, the materials are upgraded. Because of this, both bikes meet the same durability standards regardless of which option you decide to go with.

Answer: As of today, Trek is rated as the best all-around mountain bike brand on the market. 

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• Biking Gear Reviews
• Best Mountain Bike Reviews

The 10 Best Trail Mountain Bikes

Are you searching for the best new trail mountain bike? We constantly research the latest and greatest models and buy and compare. Our review currently focuses on 22 of the best trail mountain bikes you can buy, focusing on mid and short-travel options for everyday riding. We want to help you find the model that best suits your intended riding style, geography, and budget; with so many options on the market, we understand the challenge. Our team of professional mountain bike testers spent countless hours riding and testing these bikes while focusing on and scrutinizing every aspect of their design, performance, and component specification. We hope this review helps you find your next bike no matter where or how you ride.

Finding the right mountain bike can be challenging with so many models. In addition to the trail mountain bikes reviewed here, we've also tested hardtail mountain bikes , mountain bikes under $3000 , the best electric mountain bikes , and even the top-rated gravel bikes , the best fat bikes , and our comprehensive best mountain bike review covers all of the above. If you've already chosen your bike, check out our must-have top bike gear (like the best bike shoes !) to help you prepare for your ride.

Top 21 Product Ratings

Best overall trail bike, ibis ripmo v2 xt.

• Fun Factor 9.0
• Downhill Performance 9.0
• Climbing Performance 9.0
• Ease of Maintenance 7.0

Read more: Ibis Ripmo V2 XT review

Best Mid-Travel Trail Bike

Revel rascal xo transmission.

• Fun Factor 10.0
• Climbing Performance 8.0

The Revel Rascal XO Transmission is more than it would appear on paper. The 130mm carbon framed bike doesn't look exotic or have wild geometry numbers, but don't judge this book by its cover. The Canfield Brothers Suspension design gives this bike tremendous traction and a spry, playful feel. A solid pedaling platform, deep stroke support, and uncoupled sensitivity are hallmarks of this design. Focusing pedaling forces around a center of curvature instead of an instant center creates a consistent feel everywhere in the travel. The bike has modern geometry values but resists the super long and slack treatment that is so ubiquitous. This gives the bike a shorter wheelbase and snappy handling, keeping it fun when the trails aren't extreme. This Rascal is a better climber than the outgoing model, given its steeper seat tube angle, especially on larger models. Equipped with the SRAM XO Transmission drivetrain and Revel's RW30 Thermoplastic Carbon wheelset using Industry Nine Hydra hubs, your inputs are quickly rewarded. Top-notch suspension from RockShox and a thoughtful selection of parts leave little to be desired. The Rascal's numbers, suspension, and specs all come together to create a bike that is more than the sum of its parts; synergy comes to mind.

The geometry is not adjustable, and the frame doesn't have downtube storage, which may be on some rider's must-have lists. While adjustable geometry certainly adds to a bike's versatility, the Rascal sits in a Goldilocks zone that we'd be reluctant to mess with. We found some nits to pick with the saddle and some excessive play in the dropper, but nothing that stands in the way of wholeheartedly recommending this bike. Aggressive riders looking for a courageous bike with a big mountain appetite will be thrilled; Revel actually guarantees your happiness with their bikes.

Read more: Revel Rascal XO Transmission review

Best Technical Trail Bike

Yeti sb140 lr t2 turq.

• Downhill Performance 8.0
• Ease of Maintenance 8.0

The Yeti SB140 is a mid-travel trail bike that's down for any trail, any time. This 140mm 29er will impress you with its ride quality, delivering performance beyond what the geometry table explains. The feel of this suspension is sublime; it's immediately clear that you're on a premium product. Whether you're riding fast-rolling flow trails, hard scramble climbs, all-day alpine missions, or airing out the jump line, Yeti has you covered. Climbing traction is outstanding, while positioning is predictably ideal; the rear wheel tracks through technical terrain and rough climbs with magnetic grip. Pointing it downhill is equally impressive; the Yeti maintains incredible small bump sensitivity throughout its travel. Accurate and confidence-inspiring, the SB140 devours all but the nastiest sections of vert. The bike embodies precision and balance; it has that trail bike swagger but feels a bit more mature.

There are a lot of "perfect, do-it-all bikes," but this is a connoisseur bike, and the nuances of its performance may not be apparent to novice riders. If your list of demands for a new trail bike includes frame storage or adjustable geometry, the SB140 won't make the cut. Similarly, keep shopping if you're trending toward more aggressive trail bikes. The Yeti feels agile, athletic, and wildly capable; it never feels like it relies on its big fork to do the talking. It delivers heroic levels of traction, allowing you to find new limits to cornering and braking. The Yeti SB140 will slay the vast majority of singletrack trails in North America; what are you waiting for?

Read more: Yeti SB140 LR T2 TURQ review

Best Aggressive Trail Bike

Specialized stumpjumper evo comp.

The newest version of the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO stands out for its unprecedented adjustability and confidence-inspiring downhill performance. The carbon-framed 150mm travel 29er is a ripping longer travel trail bike with an innovative design that allows the user to adjust the head angle between 63.5 and 65.5 degrees and raise or lower the bottom bracket by 7mm. This allows the rider to choose the geometry that best suits their riding style or terrain and quickly and easily switch it back and forth. In its steepest and highest settings, it's an aggressive yet highly versatile trail bike. When dropped into low and slack, it changes character and becomes a gravity-eating machine. You can take it on a long trail ride today and crush bike park laps the next; the Stumpjumper EVO has you covered. This bike is very stable and confident descending, and the updated FSR suspension platform delivers a refined ride that is both supple and supportive. Considering its downhill prowess, it also climbs comfortably and efficiently. Its length isn't an asset in tight spots, and its slacker geometry settings can seriously alter its uphill handling. Specialized continues its on-bike storage dominance, and now you can store water and tools in the SWAT compartment. The Comp build we tested is the least expensive in the range, yet it comes ready to rip at a competitive price.

Read more: Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp review

Best Short Travel Trail Bike

Ibis ripley gx eagle.

• Downhill Performance 7.0

The Ibis Ripley GX underwent a complete overhaul for the 2020 model year. Besides keeping the same travel as the previous version, 120mm in the rear and 130mm in the front, the Ripley was fully redesigned. Building on the success of the longer travel Ripmo , Ibis took many of the design features of that bike and applied them in this shorter travel package. The reach and wheelbase were extended significantly, the head tube slackened, and the seat tube steepened to bring Ripley's geometry up to date. The result is an impressively well-rounded bike that climbs even better and descends far more confidently than the previous version. It still maintains much of its lively and playful trail manners, though that is no longer its defining characteristic. This versatile short travel ride scampers uphill and charges back down, only limited by travel length. If you're looking for a short travel trail bike that can do it all, check out the Ibis Ripley.

Read more: Ibis Ripley GX review

Best Aggressive Short-Travel Trail Bike

Norco optic c2 sram.

• Fun Factor 8.0
• Climbing Performance 7.0

The Norco Optic joins a growing list of aggressive short-travel trail bikes and is at the head of its class. This 29er has 125mm of rear-wheel travel and a 140mm fork paired with a modern long and slack geometry that you'd normally find on a bike with more travel. Despite its modest travel numbers, the Optic prefers steep and rough trails and comes to life as speeds increase. The Horst-Link rear suspension design feels dialed, and this bike feels like it has more travel than the numbers suggest. On the climbs, it can't quite match the liveliness or efficiency of some of the more XC-oriented bikes out there, although it is comfortable and capable in most uphill situations. It makes up for whatever ground it loses to other bikes on the climbs with its supernatural descending capabilities. The C2 SRAM build we tested is competitively priced, and it comes with a shred-ready component specification that won't force you to shell out any extra cash on immediate upgrades. If you're looking for a shorter travel trail bike and prioritize downhill performance above all else, the Norco Optic is worthy of serious consideration.

Read more: Norco Optic C2 SRAM review

Best Consumer-Direct Bike

Fezzari delano peak elite.

• Ease of Maintenance 6.0

In recent years, several consumer-direct brands have made waves in the mountain bike industry by selling quality bikes for less than their mainstream counterparts. Fezzari is among those brands, and the Delano Peak is their mid-travel trail bike that sports 135mm of rear-wheel travel paired with a 150mm fork. The geometry of this carbon fiber 29er is current, and our testers were thoroughly impressed with this do-it-all machine. On the descents, it likes to go fast, feels super stable at speed, and is confident and composed in hard-hitting terrain. At the same time, it maintains responsive handling and isn't so long and slack that it's a handful in tighter spots or at lower speeds. The steep seat tube angle provides a comfortable and efficient seated position for those long climbs and scrambling up techy sections. Power transfer feels direct down into the pedals, although we used the compression damping switch on the rear shock to maximize efficiency on the ups and in rolling terrain. The Elite build we tested is also spectacular for the price. If you want to save a little money without sacrificing performance, this dialed mid-travel ride is among the best values.

Read more: Fezzari Delano Peak Elite review

Best Lightweight Trail Bike

Yt izzo core 4.

The YT Izzo is the shortest travel model in their line of trail, all-mountain, and gravity mountain bikes. With 130mm of front and rear wheel travel, this lightweight carbon 29er is YT's most trail-oriented model, with a fairly modern geometry that lends itself more toward the XC side of the trail riding spectrum. Weighing in at just 27.5 pounds in the size large we tested, it's also the lightest trail bike we've ever tested. This bike is fast, agile, and very responsive. It's a spirited climber and thrives in rolling terrain under a rider who likes to stay on the gas. It absolutely rips on the descents, with a playful and precise demeanor that eats up smooth and moderately aggressive terrain alike. The Core 4 build we tested is a fantastic value. The Izzo wouldn't be our first choice for super aggressive riders or terrain, but that isn't its intended purpose. Not all trail bikes need to be the same, and we feel the Izzo meets the need for a light, fast, and agile bike made to carry speed and ride many miles on your bike .

Read more: YT Izzo Core 4 review

Best Trail Bike Under $3000

Polygon siskiu t8.

Polygon is a consumer-direct brand steadily gaining market share by producing quality mountain bikes at reasonable prices. The versatile and well-rounded Polygon Siskiu T8 is a perfect example. This mid-travel trail bike rolls on 29-inch wheels with 135mm of rear-wheel travel, a 140mm fork, and an up-to-date geometry at a competitive price. Its aluminum frame has clean lines and an eye-catching paint job, and it wears a build kit you'd expect to find on bikes that cost significantly more. The Siskiu is user-friendly, easy to get along with, and a blast to ride on the descents. It's agile with responsive handling and confidence-inspiring at speed and in rough terrain. Likewise, the climbs feel efficient and comfortable, and the bike is a great companion for any length of ride. For the price, the build kit is totally dialed and only helps enhance its performance on both the climbs and descents. Whether on a budget or searching for your first full-suspension mountain bike, the Siskiu T8 is the best bike we tested in this price range.

Read more: Polygon Siskiu T8 review

Best Hardtail Trail Bike

Specialized fuse expert 29.

The Specialized Fuse Expert 29 is a new model for 2020 and features an updated frame design and 29-inch wheels. Previous Fuse models have been tester favorites, and the new version easily took the top spot as our favorite hardtail. The new Fuse 29 has a more progressive modern geometry that is longer and slacker than the old model but remains conservative enough to perform well in virtually every situation. This bike charges downhill, devouring flow trails; it had our testers grinning from ear to ear after every ride. Not an XC race bike, the Fuse still climbs effectively, given its nearly 30 lb weight. The brushed aluminum finish and subtle purple lettering give it a cool appearance. The Fuse is a solid value with a component specification that is ready for anything you are. If you're looking for a do-it-all trail hardtail, look no further.

Read more: Specialized Fuse Expert 29 review

Compare Products

Why You Should Trust Us

Our professional mountain bike test team spends a lot of time riding, researching, tinkering, and thinking about mountain bikes. Our experienced testers are industry veterans, competitive racers, salty shop guys, and local trail devotees who have spent years putting test bikes through their paces. The vast and varied terrain of the northern Sierra in the greater Lake Tahoe area is the headquarters for testing. Big backcountry epics, shuttle laps, flow trails, and chunky raw downhills are all out the backdoor of our bike-testing home base. We don't simply ride these bikes for a week or two and then move on. No, these bikes are passed between riders for months and tested for hundreds of miles each.

Our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor, Joshua Hutchens , has been in the bicycle industry since the age of 12. This native Californian spends an inordinate amount of time on two wheels. His extensive experience in bike shops, bike parks, and on the trail has helped him develop a critical eye for what matters. He has traveled the world as a bicycle guide, leading tours of spectacular locations. Joshua has ridden and raced almost every discipline of cycling and now coaches youth mountain biking. Neighborhood kids know him as Papa-wheelie, and he's been known to ride no-handed wheelies. A meticulous mechanic, he brings skills and curiosity to our process.

Jeremy Benson is an East Coast native who has been riding mountain bikes since the early 1990s. He moved to North Lake Tahoe in 2001 and has been obsessively riding the area trails ever since. A competitive gravel and mountain bike racer, Benson spends more time in the saddle than most while testing, training, and riding just for the fun of it. He is also especially tough on and critical of gear and has spent over a decade working as a product tester and reviewer in both the ski and mountain bike industries. Benson is a local trail expert and the author of Mountain Bike Tahoe , a comprehensive guide to the trails of the Lake Tahoe region.

Pat Donahue is our former Senior Mountain Bike Editor turned bike shop owner and has been riding a revolving door of bicycles for a decade and a half. He has ridden well over 100 bikes in that time and is passionate about connecting people with the right bicycles. He has ridden and tested bikes in a huge range of locations and trails ranging from burly bike park laps to heinous all-day epic rides. He has an affinity for super steep and chunky trails and is especially adept at testing the durability of wheels and tires.

Related: How We Tested Best Trail Mountain Bikes

Analysis and Test Results

Our team is continuously scouring the market for the latest and greatest mountain bikes. When we see a great new bike released, we buy it and put it through our rigorous testing process. Each of our testers spends weeks riding each bike before passing it on to the next. When testing is complete, we compare notes and cross-examine to bring you this all-encompassing trail mountain bike review. Each bike is ranked in terms of fun factor (worth 25%), downhill performance (35%), uphill performance (35%), and ease of maintenance (5%). We compare the best of the best below. The bikes' intended applications, build qualities, and prices range widely. Our favorite trail bikes shine even with less-than-ideal components, and the best are appropriate for a wide range of terrain.

Related: How to Select the Right Mountain Bike

With such an enormous variety of bikes, pinpointing which will offer the best value for your needs can be a big task. We assess overall performance and how the bikes performed relative to price. Sure, you can buy a bike that requires a second mortgage on your house, but you certainly don't have to. Many of the reasonably priced bikes we test are just as much fun as the high-priced competition. The Polygon Siskiu T8 is a great example. This affordable bike has a modern trail riding geometry, comes with components ready to rip, and is quite nice for the price. Consumer direct brands like YT, Canyon, Fezzari, and Commencal also provide a lot of value to the consumer and typically sell bikes for less than the mainstream competition.

Thomas Aquinas once said, "Fun factor is critical when evaluating a trail mountain bike." We ride bikes for fun, and we assume you do too. That's why fun factor is worth a hefty 25% of the final score.

The Ibis Ripley epitomizes a modern, zippy, fun-loving trail bike. Everything about piloting this carbon-framed 120mm travel 29er is a blast. The 2019/2020 redesign made the Ripley far more well-rounded, though it's still happy seeking out boosts and trail-side shenanigans. Plenty of overused, cringe-inducing terms are used to describe trail bikes these days. Phrases like poppy, snappy, and flickable are hurled around all willy-nilly. That said, the Ripley is a poppy, snappy, and flickable bike, and the recent overhaul has also made it far more competent on the climbs and in steeper and rougher terrain on descents. It also comes in aluminum, and the Ripley AF shares the same playful demeanor, albeit at a slightly heavier weight.

The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 also has a very high fun factor. This mid-travel 29er climbs extremely well, shreds downhill, and operates with razor-sharp handling. This bicycle is fun on a huge range of trails, and you'll never feel like it's overkill. A bike that is fun on any trail you put in front of it is somewhat of a rarity. Likewise, the mid-travel Revel Rascal is a blast to ride. The Rascal's moderate geometry gives it a very well-rounded performance, while its unique CBF suspension design provides a damp and refined ride feel. The YT Izzo Core 4 proved to be incredibly fun to ride. This lightweight, quick, and playful bike had us pushing the pace on the climbs and descents. It handles with precision and an energetic lively feel that we found to be an absolute blast.

The Polygon Siskiu T8 is an impressively versatile bike, given its extremely affordable price. Here at OutdoorGearLab, we find versatility to be very fun. The Siskiu performs well above its asking price, and we feel it is one of the best values for a trail bike that you can find. This rig is a reasonably efficient climber with a calm pedal platform. Once at the top of the hill, downhill performance is incredibly fun, composed, and confidence-inspiring. This bike is more fun to ride than many that cost twice as much.

Some of the longer travel and harder charging options are quite fun in their own right. The Santa Cruz Hightower , Ibis Ripmo V2 , Canyon Spectral 29 , and Specialized Stumpjumper EVO are a blast for steep, aggressive trails. These long-legged 29ers climb nearly as well as their shorter travel counterparts and really shine when the pitch steepens. They are extremely fun in that they are not limited to certain trail types; you can jump aboard one of these bikes and ride as aggressively as you want. They may not be the most efficient bikes, but they are as close as you can get to a do-it-all mountain bike.

Downhill Performance

Ripping the descents is undoubtedly the lynchpin of a fun mountain bike experience. While all of the bikes in this review are categorized as trail bikes , some are more fun to ride downhill than others. A bike's geometry, suspension platform, and component specification are the primary factors that influence its downhill performance. This metric is worth 35% of the final score.

The Ibis Ripmo V2 is an impressive descender, especially considering how well it climbs. The Ripmo has modern geometry and instills confidence when rolling into some sketchy terrain. A 160mm fork is paired with a 2.5-inch Maxxis Assegai and creates a supremely confident front end. Rolling into a steep chute or nasty rock garden is confidence-inspiring. The Ripmo is great over small bumps and has a calm yet sporty rear end, while the long-and-low geometry delivers an extremely stable ride at high speeds. Similarly, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO is capable of tackling super aggressive terrain. This 150mm travel 29er charges hard, and its FSR suspension design devours bumps, chunk, and drops as if they weren't even there. Add to that the fact that you can dramatically alter this bike's geometry with simple adjustments, and you can set it up how you like for your riding style and terrain.

The redesigned Santa Cruz Hightower is a highly capable and confidence-inspiring descender amongst mid-travel trail mountain bikes. It places riders in a confident position to work down a steep section of trail and provides excellent stability at speed. It is difficult to find the Hightower's speed limit, and the VPP suspension keeps the rear end calm and feels excellent on bigger impacts. This bike is capable of tackling seriously rough and steep descents; there is no question that this bike rides more aggressively than 140mm of travel suggests. Similarly, the new Canyon Spectral 29 is a downhill-oriented trail bike that really shines when the trails turn rough and rowdy. This 150mm travel bike has a long, slack geometry that begs to be ridden fast and in aggressive terrain. The Fezzari Delano Peak also impressed us on the descents. This mid-travel ride fooled us into thinking it had more travel than it actually did, with impressive stability at speed and a geometry that didn't flinch when the trail got steep and rough. While testing, we found ourselves pushing our limits of speed and terrain and exceeding our expectations of what this bike was capable of.

Another standout performer on the descents is the new Santa Cruz Bronson . This 150mm travel bike has been a mainstay in the Santa Cruz line for nearly a decade and was updated for the 2022 model year with a revised geometry and a move to mixed wheel sizes, also known as mullet or MX. The 29-inch front wheel provides a confident and stable front end, while the 27.5-inch rear wheel keeps the rear end quick and lively. Thanks to the fairly long wheelbase and slack head tube angle, we found the Bronson to shine in steep, aggressive terrain while still remaining highly maneuverable for quick direction changes, slashes, and playful antics.

We would be remiss not to give kudos to some of the shorter travel trail bikes for their impressive downhill performances. Modern geometry trends are taking the capability of bikes with less travel to new heights, and bikes with a little less travel may be more appropriate for a lot of riders and riding locations. The Santa Cruz Tallboy may be short on travel with just 120mm in the rear and a 130mm fork, yet this bike is capable of tackling just about anything you are. This bike is a blast to ride on all types of terrain and is only limited in more aggressive terrain by its modest travel numbers. The Ibis Ripley is another shorter travel rig that rips on the descents. It has a touch steeper head tube angle than the Tallboy with identical amounts of travel and strikingly similar geometry. This lively and quick-witted bike will have you riding most things faster than ever while seeking the fun line down the hill.

The Norco Optic C2 is a short travel bike with an aggressive geometry that is an absolute blast on the descents. The Optic is keen to party, assuming high speeds and steep, rough trails are your kind of party. This bike punches well above its short travel pay grade and will inspire the confidence to charge harder than you'd expect for a 125mm trail bike. While not particularly aggressive, the YT Izzo is a downhill slayer on the right terrain. This bike carries speed exceptionally well and slices and dices the trail with sharp handling.

Climbing Performance

While grinding uphill may not be as adrenaline-inducing as charging a descent, it is equally important in a trail mountain bike. Being able to ascend a long climb comfortably is critical in choosing a bike. It is no surprise that short-travel bikes dominate this category. It is worth noting that some of the longer travel options provide exceptional uphill skills, especially when you consider how aggressively they attack the descent. Generally speaking, the geometry of a bike is the primary element dictating rider comfort and handling, while the suspension platform plays a major role in efficiency. Climbing performance is worth 35% of the final score.

The YT Izzo is an exceptional mountain bike that stands out for its impressively light weight of 27.5 lbs and quickness in the ascents. Its carbon construction keeps it light and comfortable. It's a fast-rolling bike that rewards riders who push the pace. On the other hand, the Ibis Ripley with its playful modern geometry, great traction, and lightweight construction. Its DW-Link suspension system provides excellent traction without feeling too aggressive. While not be the most efficient pedaler, it is a top choice for technical terrain. Additionally, its upright climbing position and rider placement directly over the bottom bracket makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy technical climbs.

The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is an excellent climber. It is especially impressive when you consider how capable this bike is on the downhill. The ABP suspension is active enough to deliver fantastic rear-wheel traction while still offering a firm pedal platform. Pair this dialed suspension design with carbon wheels and sticky rubber, and you have a formidable uphill weapon. The Fuel EX 9.8 is a bike that you can climb on all day long while still being able to shred down the hill.

The Ibis Ripmo V2 is a surprisingly effective climber. Thanks to the steep seat tube angle, riders are placed in a comfortable and upright position right on top of the cranks. Seated climbing efficiency is impressive, and standing climbing loads are calm with a very minimal amount of pedal bob. There is little need to use the climb switch on this 147mm bike. It rides fairly high in its travel to help keep your pedals from smashing rocks or obstacles. There's no doubt that this is one of our most confident descenders, with uphill abilities far better than you'd expect from this ripping 29er.

The Yeti SB 140 is also a sure-footed climber. The suspension performance of this bike enhances traction while keeping the rider in the optimal position.

Maintenance

Mountain bikes can be quite expensive and require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. It is recommended to refer to the product manuals of each bike component to determine the necessary service schedules. Regular servicing is essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of your bike.

Full Suspension vs. Hardtail

Maintenance Schedule

• Before Every Ride — Check tire pressure, brake function, axle torque levels
• After Every Ride — Clean and lube chain, wipe down stanchions
• Weekly — Clean off mud and debris, check spoke tension
• Bi-Weekly — Check for and tighten any loose bolts, check headset for proper tightness, clean pivots, check fork and shock pressure
• Monthly — Check chain wear and brake pads. Replace as necessary
• Annually — Complete professional overhaul

Ease of Maintenance Ratings

• Suspension Pivots — How often they need to be serviced, how complicated that service is, and how expensive the bearings or bushings are.
• Fork and Shock — These are the most expensive components on your bike and also the most complicated. Suspension products should be serviced at least once a year. Manufacturers will tell you to replace wiper seals far more frequently. This all depends on trail conditions and how frequently you ride. We rate the forks and shocks based on how often the oil and seals need to be changed, how often they require a complete rebuild, and how costly and accessible that service is.
• Dropper Post — Just like any suspension product, a dropper post needs to be serviced periodically. Certain designs require far more attention than others. Mechanical droppers are often preferred as opposed to hydraulic units, which have a high number of seals that wear and require replacement. Having a dropper post means more maintenance (and fun), and most quality mountain bikes come with one.
• Brakes — Brake pads wear, and the hydraulic fluid needs to be bled to have air pockets removed from the lines. This should be done annually. We score Shimano brakes a little better than SRAM. Shimano has a long service interval and uses mineral oil and a simpler bleed process. SRAM brakes require corrosive DOT 5.1 fluid and a more complicated bleed process.
• Drivetrain — Chain, cassette, and chainrings all wear together. Chain wear is measured by elongation, and we can't give you an exact amount of mileage, but we typically replace chains at around 1200-1500 miles and replace cassette and chainring with every other chain. We don't account for drivetrain wear and tear in the rankings.
• Tires — Different rubber compounds burn at different speeds. Expect to purchase one or two sets of tires per season for your trail mountain bike. We don't consider tires in the rankings.
• Wheels — It is important to have proper spoke tension on your wheels. It is a good idea to have them trued and tensioned at least once a year to avoid serious issues. We don't include wheels in the score, either.

Our fork and shock ease of maintenance rankings reflect the manufacturer's recommended service intervals. According to owner manuals, Fox suspension items require less attention than RockShox, but anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise.

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The Matchup: 2021 Trek Slash or Fuel EX? - All-Mountain Bike vs Trail Bike

Cool Features

Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Vs Trek Fuel EX test – which is the best trail bike with adjustable geometry?

• Alan Muldoon
• November 8, 2023

We put two of the most adjustable trail bikes from the biggest names in the business head to head, to see which one is the most adaptable and capable.

We all like freedom of choice, right? Whether it’s the little things in life, like a latte instead of cappuccino, or the big things like who gets to run the country. And that extends to bike geometry too. Sure there are bikes with zero adjustment that are great. But why not build in the same degree of adjustability that most brands use when developing a bike into the final product? Well, that’s exactly what the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy and Trek Fuel EX 9.7 XT Gen 6 both offer.

Specialized Stumpy Evo Vs Trek Fuel EX

And it’s not just the degree of adjustability that makes this such a good head to head test. Both bikes are 29ers that are designed for aggressive trail riding, both are from the biggest brands in the bike business and both are discounted right now, which makes them really good value if you’re looking to buy one of the best mountain bikes . The Trek Fuel EX 9.7 XT Gen 6 is £4,175 and the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy is £4,399.

Geometry adjustments

The Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Elite Alloy has six different baseline geometric combinations. There’s the adjustable head angle with three settings, that uses a second offset top bearing race that simply drops into the head tube. One direction for +1.25º, flip it round for -1.25º. The frame also has flip-chips in the chainstay pivots that simultaneously adjust the chainstay length and BB height, so you can change the weight distribution of the bike too.  You have long and low, or short and high, where the chainstay length changes by 5mm.

A second upper headset insert with the Stumpy Evo for adjusting the head angle by +/- 1.25º

Not to be out done, the new Trek Fuel EX 9.7 XT Gen 6 also has adjustable headset cups. But it requires a little more work than the Specialized as you have to knock the standard cups out and press in the +/-1º offset cups, which are sold separately. So not really a trail side adjustment then. But that’s not the only way to fine tune the head angle and ride quality of the Fuel EX. Mino link flip chips in the rocker link also adjust the head angle by 0.5º and change  the BB height by 8mm. So again, you have six unique geometry configurations. On paper it’s a draw, but factor in the Specialized’s more user-friendly head angle adjustment, and the ability to play with weight distribution, and it’s round one to the Stumpy Evo. 

Mino Links at the seatstay/rocker link junction of the Fuel EX offer trailside geometry adjustment

Geometry side-by-side

To bring you the the most accurate geometry, we measured the bikes in our workshop, rather than simply listing the manufacturers’ claimed geometry. Both bikes are in the stock settings so the Trek has the Mino Link in the low position with the standard headset cups. The Specialized also has the zero offset headset insert fitted, with the flip chips in the chainstays in short/high position. Both bikes were measured with our Maxxis control tyres fitted, which keeps the bottom bracket height comparable.

Frame construction and weight

While both bikes have similar degrees of adjustment, they use different frame materials. The Trek Fuel EX at our chosen price point is a full carbon frame construction, including the rocker link, and the complete bike weighs 15.52kg (34.22lb). At this level the Specialized frame is a full aluminium construction, and the weight of the bike creeps up to 15.99kg (35.25lb).

Sharp lines of the full carbon frame make the Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Gen 6 eye catching

Suspension design and travel

The Stumpy Evo uses Specialized’s signature four-bar design and a Fox Float X Factory shock to deliver 150mm rear travel. Paired to the frame is a four-way adjustable 160mm Fox 36 Factory fork. That’s 10mm more travel front and rear than the Trek Fuel EX. The Fuel EX also uses Fox suspension components, but you get a less sophisticated 36 Rhythm fork and Performance level Float X shock. That’s the price you play for having a lighter carbon frame, right?

Specialized takes a unique approach by up-speccing the alloy Stumpy Evo frame with Fox Factory suspension

Integrated down tube storage

If you want to ride without a pack, but don’t want to risk getting stranded in the back of beyond without any tools or food, then you’ll be pleased to know that both bikes get integrated down tube storage. Specialized’s SWAT door is substantially bigger than Trek’s BITS internal storage though, which makes it that much easier to fish a snack, or tool, out of the frame.

The original and still the best: Specialized’s SWAT door in the down tube lets you carry essentials in the bike, rather than on your back

Drivetrain: SRAM Vs Shimano

There are differences in the drivetrains too. Specialized is firmly in the SRAM camp with a 12-speed GX Eagle transmission. Where the shifter pod and OneUp dropper remote integrate perfectly with the Matchmaker camps on the SRAM Code RS brakes. 

SRAM’s GX mechanical drivetrain is still the benchmark for shifting performance

Trek has gone with a Shimano drivetrain. In this instance a headline grabbing XT derailleur and 12-speed SLX shifter and 10-51t cassette. Both drivetrains are mechanical, which helps stop the price of the bikes getting out of hand. And while we could not get the Shimano shifter to marry perfectly with the SRAM DB8 brake lever clamp, the brakes on the Fuel EX are actually first rate. 

We’ve been super impressed by the light lever action and ample stopping power of the SRAM DB8 4-piston brakes

Performance

In terms of the suspension response, the Trek felt balanced front and rear, as both felt open and free. But that meant rapid changes in the pitch of the terrain or sudden direction changes caused the bike to seesaw a little too much. Which is why we ended up running the fork and shock harder than ideal. With more adjustable dampers, say Fox Performance Elite, we could have wound on low-speed compression damping and restored stability that way.  The only way you going to get that on the Fuel EX though, is by spending more money.  Which is why we’d like to see Trek offer a higher specced alloy bike at the same price, even if it meant that would be a little heavier.

The Trek Fuel Ex 9.7 Gen 6 takes flight. But we’d like to see a better fork, or one with more damping adjustment, to really take it to the next level

For maximum performance and tunability then, you need adjustable geometry and adjustable damping. And the Specialized Stumpy Evo Elite Alloy has both in spades. And even if you’re not into tweaking settings, geometry and weight distribution, the baseline settings on the Stumpy Evo will get you 90% of the way there. For riders looking for that final 10% though, the Stumpy Evo Alloy won’t disappoint. Stretch it out for maximum speed and composure, or tighten up the angles and proportions to make it more playful and nimble, the choice is yours. Factor in all the adjustability of the Fox Factory suspension and it’s a tweaker’s paradise. Never before has this level of performance and adjustability been available at such a competitive price. Which makes the Specialized Stumpy Evo Elite Alloy the bike of choice for the discerning trail rider that wants maximum performance. 

The Specialized Stumpy Evo Alloy Elite is the ultimate all-rounder. There’s nothing this bike can’t do well

Having adjustable geometry on a trail bike is really useful. In fact, we’d argue that it’s of most use on a trail bike, simply because trail riding means different things to different people.  Love techy, rocky climbs and need lots of pedal clearance? Stick the BB height adjustment in the high position and keep those cranks spinning. Live for the descents and suffer fire road climbs just to get to the fun stuff? You’ll probably want the slackest head tube insert to stretch out the front centre and slacken the head angle for maximum stability at speed. 

With adjustable geometry and adjustable suspension components, the Specialized Stumpy Evo Alloy Elite is the Swiss Army knife of trail bikes

The pricing and intended use are both of these bikes are really close, but there are distinct differences in approach. Trek has splashed out on a lighter full carbon frame, and has had to fit Fox Performance level suspension to bring the Fuel EX in on budget. Specialized has done the opposite. Opting instead for an alloy frame and then ploughing the associated cost savings straight back into Fox Factory level suspension components, which in this instance, has clearly paid off.

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Stumpjumper vs Stumpjumper EVO — the differences explained

A closer look at the rowdier sibling of the new Stumpjumper and first ride impressions

Jack Luke / Immediate Media

Understanding that there will be a segment of the market looking for a more progressive bike than the new Stumpjumper , Specialized has also released the Stumpjumper EVO.

In short — or long, I guess — the Stumpjumper EVO is a supersized version of the bike, with a far longer reach, a slacker head angle and a much lower BB than the regular model.

• Specialized Stumpjumper first ride review
• Specialized Stumpjumper — range overview, design notes and details

Somewhat unusually, the Stumpjumper EVO is available in sizes S2 and S3, rather than the usual small through extra large sizes. Think of these sizes as ‘long’ and ‘longer'.

Shorter riders will be better served by the S2 bike and larger riders the S3. Those who sit in between - the majority of riders - will be able to choose between the two depending on tastes in geometry and ride characteristics.

How does the EVO compare to the regular Stumpjumper?

These images give a rough idea of how the overall shapes of the bikes compare. For reference, the green S-Works Stumpjumper is a 29” long travel version in a size large and the EVO is a 29” S3 sized model.

A closer look at the key geometry stats can be seen below. To keep things easy, I have only included the geometry of the pictured size large S-Works Stumpjumper.

As is clear from the almost-downhill-slack head angle (63.5 degrees), the low bottom bracket and long reach, the Stumpjumper EVO is built for harder riding and bigger terrain than the Stumpjumper.

Design wise, the bike shares much with the Stumpjumper, including the asymmetrical supporting strut between the top tube and seat tube, the fancy internal cable routing and the threaded bottom bracket.

How about the builds for the Stumpjumper EVO?

The bike is available in either 27.5- or 29-inch wheel formats and is currently available in a Comp level build (£3,250 / $3,600 / AU$5,500) or as a frameset (pricing TBC).

The bike is available in black or the handsome brushed-alloy finish pictured.

Specialized deserves a pat on the back for its restrained approach to design on the Stumpjumper EVO. I’m all for lairy paint jobs, but the minimal logos matched with the polished alloy is a very fine looking combination indeed.

There are no plans to make a carbon version of the EVO at the moment, but Specialized didn’t rule out the possibility.

Hasn’t there been a Stumpjumper EVO before?

An EVO version of the Stumpjumper was last seen in the Specialized lineup way back in 2015. That bike followed much the same formula as the new EVO, slacking out the front end matched with an overall burlier build.

• 2015 Specialized Stumpjumper 29 Comp Evo review

It’s funny to look back at that bike now, which at the time was billed as an aggressive trail bike and compare it with today’s Stumpjumper. With its 68-degree head angle, 90mm stem and skinny 32mm stanchion forks, it’s a bike that’s closer to today’s extreme XC bikes than anything else.

• How XC bikes got their cool back

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO — first ride impressions

The day I had the chance to ride the EVO was spent shuttling in one area, allowing me to easily swap bikes and compare the EVO to the 29” long travel version of the Stumpjumper that I’d been riding for the past two days.

Unfortunately, a 29er version of the EVO wasn’t available in an S3 size. As such, I was on the 27.5" bike for my test run.

The Stumpjumper EVO feels incredibly planted and considerably faster in rough terrain than the regular bike.

At 324mm on the 27.5" version of the bike (328mm on the 29” version), the bottom bracket height on the EVO is incredibly low, which likely will have contributed to this planted feel.

The extra reach (490mm on a 27.5" S3 frame) on the EVO gives you plenty of room to move about and weight the front wheel without fear of going over the bars.

The stack is a touch lower than the Stumpjumper (641mm in a size large) at 610mm on a 27.5" S3 frame. This also makes it easier to weight the front end in corners.

The bike is built around 170mm cranks and with good technique, pedal strike isn’t much of an issue, but I still would have preferred to have seen 165mm cranks spec'd on the bike — they make next to no difference to power output, and the added ground clearance is a worthy tradeoff.

A particularly memorable part of the trail we were riding featured a long and very rough, steep-ish straight section followed by a near 90-degree corner that forced you to pretty much come to a stop to get around it. I found myself nearly over-shooting this corner as I was carrying much more speed over the rough ground on the EVO compared to the Stumpjumper.

This is, of course, a fairly anecdotal example, but still highlights the sort of terrain that the EVO excels in.

Climbing on the EVO isn’t as bad as you might imagine — the slack front end is matched with a steep-ish 75.6-degree seat tube angle, which puts you in a good position when climbing. However, the super low bottom bracket does mean that pedal strike can be an issue on steppy technical climbs.

I’ve only spent a very short amount of time on the EVO, so I’m reluctant to draw too many conclusions. However, if I had to summarise the ride of the bike, I would describe it as less involved, more confident and calmer than the regular Stumpjumper.

It’s a bike that won’t be to everyone’s tastes, and it definitely demands a different riding technique to get the most out of it, but for those who value out-and-out speed and a rowdy yet confidence-inspiring — heck, flattering — ride, this will be the Stumpjumper for you.

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Stumpjumper EVO Comp

Slash 7 Gen 5

Capra UNCAGED 10 MX

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Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Moscow Muled

8 best american mule recipes.

Dec 22, 2017

We think you'll agree with us when we say that any cocktail named after the United States of America must be a good one. The American Mule is no exception! In this post, we describe the 8 best American Mule cocktail recipes and discuss the interesting history of the American Mule. Read on to learn more!

Introduction

It is hard to imagine summer afternoons without those icy cold, tangy, fizzy, and refreshingly delectable drinks called cocktails. There are quite a few cocktail drinks popular in America, but the American Mule drink easily takes the cake.

One of the most popular cocktail drinks, the American Mule drink is perfect for all occasions. Be it a late night party when you really want to let your hair down, an outdoor barbeque, a gathering of friends reminiscing over old times, or just a lazy afternoon you happen to spend by yourself at home catching a movie or a sitcom, the American Mule is suited to all occasions.

But what exactly is an American Mule cocktail? Where did it originate? What sort of variations does it have and which are the most popular and delicious ones? Read on for the low-down on all this.

A Brief History of the American Mule (The Provenance)

The American Mule is a variation on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. The name of the classic Mule cocktail is a bit misleading as it seems to hint at a Russian origin of the drink. The only link between Russia and the Moscow Mule cocktail is vodka – an alcoholic beverage that originated in Russia and Poland. 

The classic mule cocktail that is now popularly known as the Moscow Mule cocktail was first mixed in the bar of Chatham Hotel in 1941. The ingredients used were two ounces of vodka, ginger beer, lemon and, of course, ice. Another story regarding the origin of the cocktail surfaced around 2007, but the Chatham version holds more water compared to the other. 

The fact remains that the first mule cocktail was concocted in America itself (not in Russia) and it caught on like wildfire. Owing to its rising popularity, several versions of the Moscow Mule were concocted and the term ‘The Moscow Mule’ slowly metamorphosed into ‘The American Mule’ though the older term still continues to be widely used for the cocktail with original ingredients. 

So, practically speaking, there is little difference in respect of the American Mule versus the Moscow Mule because both cocktails are fundamentally the same. The American Mule cocktail is now used to refer to the variations of the classic mule that either substitute Russian vodka with American vodka or other alcoholic beverages, or use some other ingredients to add a twist to the original recipe.

What Does It Taste Like?

The American Mule cocktail is a term applied to so many variations of the classic Mule cocktail that it is difficult to generalize as to what the American Mule tastes like. Different ingredients bring their own twist to this popular drink. 

However, every variation on the American Mule retains the basic spicy and tangy flavors. The spicy flavor is the constant for the American Mule thanks to the ginger beer that is the mandatory ingredient. The touch of tanginess or sourness too is ubiquitous in an American Mule, owing to the use of lime juice. 

At the end of the day, the American Mule is delicious and refreshing and guaranteed to lift your spirits.

How is the American Mule Cocktail Best Served?

Traditionally, Mule cocktails have been served in copper mugs . The reason being the cold copper has the tendency to increase the amount of bubbles in the carbonated ginger beer. The copper mugs also take on the cold temperature of the liquid.

However, the American Mule tastes equally good in a highball glass commonly used to serve other cocktails. More importantly, the American Mule has to be served on the rocks i.e. poured over ice (crushed ice accentuates the flavor of the drink).

The American Mule cocktail goes with a wide range of dishes and snacks that include fish, chicken, bacon, and Italian food items like pizzas and pastas. That makes it an ideal drink for all sorts of parties and get-together events.

Where Can You Grab One?

The American Mule is fast gaining in popularity and has become one of the most searched cocktails on the internet. If you're not in the mood to make your own, here is a list of some of the popular places to look for your fix of the American Mule.

LuxBar, Chicago   

The Mules are one of the most popular items on its menu. The cocktails they serve stand out because of the crushed ice used in their preparation.

Drink, Boston 

This place with rustic industrial ambience serves excellent Mule cocktails.

Ataula, Portland, Oregon

Made with local organic cranberry juice, sherry, and ginger beer, this restaurant serves a special variation of the Mule cocktail that tastes great.

Libertine Social, Las Vegas

Mule cocktails are widely served in Las Vegas. However, this restaurant stands out. Crushed nugget ice is used to serve cocktails.

Lilt Lounge, Miami

This swanky lounge serves excellent mule cocktail variations.

Four Seasons, Baltimore

The menu is dominated by variants of American Mule cocktails. One of the variations is a blackberry mule that uses whiskey, honey, lemon, and cayenne pepper.

Standard Pour, Dallas

This 1920s-styled spot serves some genuine Mule cocktails and is super popular. Food is outstanding as well. 

J-Bar, Aspen, Colorado

This bar used in Hotel Jerome uses local Woody Creek vodka.

Ascent, New York

This posh lounge offers great variations that include a Whiskey Mule. Has great views of Central Park and Columbus Circle to go with the great cocktails.

33 Degrees North, Dana Point, California

Offers great variations of the American Mule like the Dragon Mule made with orange, rhubarb bitters, fresh dragon fruit, and ginger liqueur. Stunning views of Pacific ocean add to the special flavors of the cocktail drinks resulting in a heavenly experience.

How to Make an American Mule Cocktail

As you now know, the American Mule is basically a variant of the Moscow Mule cocktail. Sometimes, the terms are even used interchangeably. In other cases, variations of the American Mule vary from tradition by:

• Retaining vodka, ginger beer, and lime, but also adding different ingredients like syrups, grapes, cucumbers, pumpkin puree, pomegranate juice, chocolate, mint, etc. for the purpose of adding a twist to the taste of the American Mule; or
• Replacing vodka with other alcohol like whiskey and brandy and adding other ingredients that go with the recipe of your choice. 

The basic ingredients and equipment needed to make an American Mule cocktail are listed below:

• Vodka or any other alcohol, like whiskey 
• Ginger beer 
• Ice (crushed ice is an added bonus)
• Copper mug or a highball glass

You can choose other ingredients depending on the specific recipe you are following or the availability of items.

Let us begin with some of the recipes that use vodka as primary ingredient.

The Traditional American Mule Recipe

Ingredients:  

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 3 oz ginger beer
• ½ oz fresh lime juice

Instructions:

• Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
• Add fresh lime juice and vodka.
• Top with ginger beer.
• Stir and garnish with a lime wedge and a bit of mint, and you are ready to go!

American Mule with Syrup and Lime

• 1 ½ oz tonic
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 1 lime  squeezed
• 5 grapes (mashed)

Instructions:   

• Mash grapes and mix them with vodka in a shaker.
• Add syrup,  lime juice, and ice.
• Shake the mixture vigorously and strain into a glass over fresh ice.
• Top with tonic water, and your very own fix of a American Mule with a twist is ready!

American Mule with Pumpkin Pie Mix 

Ingredients:

• ½ oz half & half
• 1 tbsp canned pumpkin pie mix
• 1/8     tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 dash cinnamon
• Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
• Shake and double strain  into a highball glass.
• Garnish with a small amount of freshly grated nutmeg  and there you have it - a nother delicious variation of the Mule cocktail is ready to be sipped!

American Mule with Apple juice

• 2 oz apple juice
• ½ oz ginger syrup
• ½ oz lime juice
• 4 ginger slices (mashed)
• Mash ginger slices in a shaker.
• Add remaining ingredients and ice.
• Shake and strain into a moscow mule mug over fresh ice.
• Garnish with an orange slice.
• Sit back and enjoy a glass of this delicious Mule cocktail!

American Mule with Lemonade and Tea

• 3 oz lemonade
• 2 oz sweetened or unsweetened tea
• Fill up a mug halfway with crushed ice cubes.
• Stir the ingredients in a shaker.
• Pour the mixture into the mug and add fresh lime or slice.

Let us now move on to the recipes that substitute spirits like moonshine and whiskey instead of vodka. Once you try these recipes, you will realize that the variants are just as delectable as the vodka-based Mule cocktails.

The Fruit Berry Mule Cocktail

• 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 oz unflavoured moonshine
• 2 teaspoons can sugar
• 4 oz of ginger beer
• Fresh blueberries
• Mash and mix raspberries, sugar, and moonshine.
• Chill the mixture for one hour.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
• Add ginger beer and stir gently.
• Serve in a mug or a highball glass over ice with blueberry garnish.

The Mule Cocktail with Rye Whisky and Apple Brandy

Ingredients:   

• 1 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz apple brandy
• 75 oz lime juice
• 0.25 oz  honey syrup (2:1 honey: water)
• Ginger beer
• Angostura bitters.
• Combine in shaker and shake with ice.
• Pour into a copper mug, top with ginger beer.
• Add a few dashes of angostura bitters.
• Use lime wheel to garnish.
• 2 oz whisky
• 2 oz sweet or unsweetened tea
• Pour the mixture into the mug and add a fresh slice of lime.

The Bottom Line

It must be pretty obvious by now that the American Mule recipes are easy to make. Just make sure you use the specified quantities. The ingredients for almost all recipes are readily available and you do not even need any special gadgets to make an American Mule cocktail.  To take your American Mule to the next level, make sure to get some authentic copper mule mugs !

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles:  7 Best Russian Mule Recipes and  Best Kentucky Mule Recipe

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