Standard Stumpy V. Prev Version Norco Optic

[rfconroy]

Im fixing to get a new shorter travel trail bike.

Looking for something that can do some big miles, while still being able to rally. Recently demo'd a previous version (non-high pivot) Optic and was impressed with how well it was able to rally at 125mm of travel. However, the current regular stumpjumper is on-sale, and has some other nice features. So I was wondering if the mag-brain trust has had experience on both these two bikes.

My questions/Assumptions:
1. Which bike pedals/accelerates better?

2. On steeper/rougher terrain, which bike is more composed?

3. Which would be a better option for the occasional XC race?

4. Which would be a better option for a mini-enduro race?

5. Why shouldn't I get one of these bikes?

Not really looking for suggestions of other bikes/frames at the moment, as I've settled on these two options based on geo, performance, and value.

[XXX-er]

Shop bro would cycle thru bikes cuz he had to, Norco, ibis, Yeti, c-dale, but the bike he went back to most often and which ended up with after leaving the game is the santa cruz

another local bud just bought the SC blur for some week long racing I know a bunch of them did the BC bike race last year

they didnt have the blur he wanted so they uogrades for the same $$$$

I bet TGR has a biking forum ?

[Shredeagle]

I got the Norco Optic with Shimano XT, Fox 36, Fox X2. I got a great price, $3k.

Super sick bike. I thought the back end was pretty choppy on the descents, but then I put the Cascade Link on it and I couldn't be more stoked. I rally-d it down our local super rough/rocky trail where I thought it would be overwhelmed (and would have been without the Cascade Link) - and it was about the most fun I'd ever had on that run. A poppy jumping machine and the rear end seemed to be overrunning the fork after the upgrade. I will probably put the 150 shaft in the front end I think.

To answer your questions best I can (I have 3 bikes I share with my wife and son - transition patrol, norco optic, santa cruz blur) - so I can't compare to the stumpY. It slots perfectly in the middle of those 3 bikes.

1) Fairly decent acceleration. Feels fast compared to the patrol and mega slow compared to the blur. If i put some lighter tires and rims on it I feel like it could do ok here, but it seems more oriented toward down then up to me.

2) Super composed on steeper rough terrain with cascade link. Was stoked on it here.

3) I would get my ass kicked in an XC race on it.

4) Feel like I could rule a mini enduro on it.

5) 100% would recommend the Optic with the upgraded link. It pedals good enough, has pretty aggressive geometry for what it is, and is some of the most fun I've had riding a bike. I can see it maybe getting a bit overwhelmed once the higher/steeper stuff opens up, but I was super stoked on how it performed on our janky test track so I'm OPTICmistic on that

[adrenalated]

I have the non-high pivot Optic and do not have (nor feel I need) a Cascade link on it. Otherwise I generally agree with Shredeagle. Mine was a stock C2 SRAM build when I bought it and I swapped the Pike out for a Fox 36 which made a HUGE difference. Still running the Super Deluxe shock and SRAM GX drivetrain.

It's not an XC bike. It's a short travel bike that fucks.

Also to directly answer questions:

1) it accelerates fine seated, standing you will feel it bob. IDK though I do not accelerate fast unless gravity is helping.

2) with a proper fork it's incredibly capable going down. So much so that I need to remind myself at times it only has 125mm in the rear. There is very little that I would ride on any bike that I would not ride on my Optic.

3) it's not an XC bike. If for some reason I was inclined to do an XC race, I could do it on this bike. But I probably wouldn't be inclined to do an XC race ever.

4) I would 100% do an enduro race on it if it was the type of race that had a lot of pedaling and no super super gnarly descents.

5) you shouldn't get an Optic if you are prone to doing dumb shit and hucking to flat or directly into rock gardens. It's only a 125mm bike. You also shouldn't get one if you actually want an XC race bike. As a do-it-all bike for generally moderate terrain, it rocks. I still ride my Patrol (2019) when I plan on doing dumb shit but the Optic gets most of my miles.

Edit to add: I cannot compare to the Specialized.

[toast2266]

Sprockets, Jong!

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[jacob_dbu]

For PNW I think the Optic makes more sense. Look if you put XC tires on it, buy the Stumpy. If you're gonna put anything close to a DHF on the front, get the Optic. PNW trails are optimized for long and low...now if you move to Colorado...

[carlh]

Similar bikes but for my not agressive wife. Currently on a 2013 trance 29. Up to medium blue trails, doesn’t go fast or get air but wants a smooth ride. Thinking the optic is a poor fit. Ripmo, instinct or offering?

[Marshal Olson]

1. Which bike pedals/accelerates better?

Biggest factor will be tire and wheel spec. In stock from, the Specialized will feel much snappier as they spec far lighter wheels, But apples to apples the optic will feel snappier, and the 1lb heavier frame isn't a real world detectable thing by normal humans

2. On steeper/rougher terrain, which bike is more composed?

The optic specs a bigger fork, burlier wheels, grippier tires etc stock, so off the shelf, the Optic is much more capable. Assuming apples to apples on tires, brakes, wheels, cockpit etc. The faster you go (ie off the brakes) the more the optic will come alive, and the more you are consistently feathering the brakes to pick your way down, the easier the stumpy will feel

3. Which would be a better option for the occasional XC race?

In stock form, the stumpy is way lighter overall. with all the same parts on them otherwise, the Optic is less reliant on the lever so less fuss to hammer hard on.

4. Which would be a better option for a mini-enduro race?

Easily the Optic

5. Why shouldn't I get one of these bikes?

The previous Optic is a pretty progressive suspension platform, with a good bit of antiquat (well over 100% at sag), so it will ride rather poppy and lively and won't need to use the lever outside of road climbs, but the suspension will feel a little firm when braking hard and if you have a high engagement hub, you may feel more trail chatter in your feet.

The Stumpjumper is one of the most linear shorter travel bikes, and one of the lowest anti-squat values (well under 100% at sag). Generally the bike in stock form is pretty planted, will feel deeper and more composed on smaller hits, brake very well on rough sections of trail, but may need shock tuning/swaps to feel confident at speed on fast/rough trails, and will benefit from using the lever in most climbing scenarios.

So it really depends on what you are looking for, but they are quite different rides. Based on what you said about riding the Optic and digging the bike... it would be hard to find a more different bike to the Optic than the Stumpy and why I think saving a little money now will cost you that and more later.

[Benneke10]

^ This guy bikes.

I'm in West Seattle and have an S5 current gen Stumpy you're welcome to try out if you want

[rfconroy]

^ This guy bikes.

I'm in West Seattle and have an S5 current gen Stumpy you're welcome to try out if you want

I appreciate the offer, but Im too short for an S5!

1. Which bike pedals/accelerates better?

Biggest factor will be tire and wheel spec. In stock from, the Specialized will feel much snappier as they spec far lighter wheels, But apples to apples the optic will feel snappier, and the 1lb heavier frame isn't a real world detectable thing by normal humans

2. On steeper/rougher terrain, which bike is more composed?

The optic specs a bigger fork, burlier wheels, grippier tires etc stock, so off the shelf, the Optic is much more capable. Assuming apples to apples on tires, brakes, wheels, cockpit etc. The faster you go (ie off the brakes) the more the optic will come alive, and the more you are consistently feathering the brakes to pick your way down, the easier the stumpy will feel

3. Which would be a better option for the occasional XC race?

In stock form, the stumpy is way lighter overall. with all the same parts on them otherwise, the Optic is less reliant on the lever so less fuss to hammer hard on.

4. Which would be a better option for a mini-enduro race?

Easily the Optic

5. Why shouldn't I get one of these bikes?

The previous Optic is a pretty progressive suspension platform, with a good bit of antiquat (well over 100% at sag), so it will ride rather poppy and lively and won't need to use the lever outside of road climbs, but the suspension will feel a little firm when braking hard and if you have a high engagement hub, you may feel more trail chatter in your feet.

The Stumpjumper is one of the most linear shorter travel bikes, and one of the lowest anti-squat values (well under 100% at sag). Generally the bike in stock form is pretty planted, will feel deeper and more composed on smaller hits, brake very well on rough sections of trail, but may need shock tuning/swaps to feel confident at speed on fast/rough trails, and will benefit from using the lever in most climbing scenarios.

So it really depends on what you are looking for, but they are quite different rides. Based on what you said about riding the Optic and digging the bike... it would be hard to find a more different bike to the Optic than the Stumpy and why I think saving a little money now will cost you that and more later.

This is what I was looking for, thanks Marshall.

This is also what I was thinking, I believe a lighter/faster rolling tire for the occasional XC event could be the ticket here to make the optic feel a little peppier... Now I just need to find one that is reasonably priced...

Anyone holding on a size M?

[carlh]

There is a medium optic on Seattle Craigslist that isn’t stupidly priced. Poor description so not sure the details.