Tested: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR PRO

When it comes to mountain bikes, first impressions are everything--most of the time. The Specialized Stumpjumper might be the exception to that rule. The first ride was trying: The bike's low-slung bottom bracket left the pedals banging against countless wayward rocks. The bike felt sluggish around tight switchbacks and the inertia-valve Brain-controlled rear suspension reacted harshly to the mildly technical first climb. But I stuck with it.

It was a good thing I did. My mood changed as soon as I pointed the bike downhill. Though the Stumpjumper sports only 5 inches of travel, narrow 2.0-inch tires and a decidedly cross-country suspension set-up, the bike was stable, confident and agile on the rough stuff. It skipped over rock gardens, flowed over technical terrain, and flew down rutted screamers.

The confidence-inspiring trail manners come from those very things that initially turned me off: a 13.2-inch bottom bracket and long-ish 43.9-inch wheelbase (medium-sized frame). Through technical terrain, long and low is the name of the game. That it all comes in a respectably stiff, well-appointed (Magura Marta brakes, Fox F120 fork, X.0 rear derailleur, XT cranks) 26.5-pound package--gives even more reason to like this versatile bike.

Some riders will love the Brain rear suspension--especially those who regularly seek long smooth climbs or anyone still resisting making the jump from hardtail to full suspension. But others might see it as unnecessary. Fortunately, this latest-generation Brain offers a useable range of tuning through its "Fade" function.

I turned it to its lightest setting, happily endured the minimal bobbing and quickly forgot about it. (Lower priced FRS Comp and Elite models, $2,400 and $2,900, respectively, come without the Brain.)

The bike provided only one other minor complaint: Despite the Stumpjumper's aggressive disposition, its bent seat tube prevents the saddle from dropping more than a few inches--frustrating on a bike that is capable of tackling some pretty mean terrain.

Still, the Stumpjumper is not only a solid choice for trail riding, it's redefining the cross-country category: It's fast, light and descends beyond its means. It may take a few rides to get used to, but the payoff is huge.

HIGHS: Rails downhill; competent climber; weighs just 26.5 pounds; packed with stylish accessories

LOWS: Interrupted seat tube limits dropping the saddle; fulllength cable routing under bottom bracket will annoy some riders

MORE INFO: Price: $4,600, 408-779-6229; SPECIALIZED.COM