The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, arguably the best known bike from the big red S, has been reinvented. It not only incorporates a heap of new technology, but it pushes bike design, and the ride experiences on board, into new, exciting directions. The new Stumpy is available in 650b, 29 and 27.5+ models. And, for the first time, a 150mm, 650b version for women stands proudly by its side: welcome to the Rhyme.
I was invited to a pre-release media camp in Rotorua last April to learn more about the bikes and test them out on some of my most favourite trails in the world. To say I was fizzing at the opportunity is the understatement of the century.
The Rhyme fills a gap in the Specialized line up and the women’s trail bike market more broadly. It’s light, nimble and responsive, meaning you can hop it from one part of the trail to the next with playful precision. The best bit is, unlike a lot of other longer travel bikes, you don’t need a heap of upper body strength to really ride it. Bye bye man arms, hello to everything from mega shredding and all day adventures.
To read an in depth review on the Rhyme Expert Carbon 650b, follow this link to the article on Bike Radar.
Photos: the talented Paris Gore.
Kath Bicknell 