I have posted so much about the Stache 29+ I've forgotten to post some info about my new Specialized bike. While technically not a Chiner, the carbon frame was made in Taiwan. I've got about 60 miles on the bike now and can say I've very happy with my choice. Comparing the build quality of the Specialized to the Trek, I would easily say the Specialized is a much nicer bike. This makes sense since the MSRP of the SJ 6Fattie is almost double that of the Stache, $4,500 vs $2,499. However, Specialized is blowing out this model and knocked off $1,400 of the list price to make room for the 2017 models.
The first thing I notice when riding the SJ is the plush ride. With 150mm suspension up front and 135mm out back, this is easily the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. I haven't had a chance to weigh the SJ yet but I'd say it's around 27-28 lbs, just about the same as my Trek Stache.
The next thing I noticed is how much it rides like a regular FS 29er, you wouldn't know the wheels are 27.5", obviously that's due to the plus tires being similar in overall diameter. The ride is super-smooth, with the larger volume tires working in concert with the suspension. Like the Stache, the SJ really swallows up the trail in huge bites. Also like the Stache, the riding position makes you feel as though your CG isn't high on the bike, instead you feel like you are lower than you are. It's a bike you could ride all day and not get a lot of fatigue. My last ride was 18 miles and while I was tired, no part of my body felt like it was beat up from the trails.
There is extra grip from the 27.5+ tires but it's not nearly the grip of the 29+ tires. On the other hand, the rear grip under braking might be a little better given the rear suspension works very well to keep the rear tire in contact with the ground. The bike tends to squat under hard braking rather than transferring weight off the back wheel like a hardtail might.
Some of the niceties that you get with the SJ is a high quality finish on the frame, much higher stiffness of the rear suspension compared to my -036. Also with the increased travel over my -036, I can really feel that FSR suspension is working, it's very active, so much so I can leave it in the firmer mode and still get plenty of travel on the trails I ride. You also get the SWAT storage compartment and multi-tool storage above the shock. The tool didn't come with the bike, that was another $30, but it's so easy to grab, I find myself doing quick adjustments when I stop and catch my breath from that last big uphill.
Negatives are few. The bottom bracket is slightly lower than the Stache, possibly a bit lower than the -036 but not by much. Which is the cause of a few unexpected pedal strikes. Not terrible by any measure but noticeable. The seat stays are wide, like the Stache, my calves don't rub them and they are not annoying, but when coasting I feel there is not much clearance between me and the frame.
When riding the 29+ and 27.5+ back to back, I still have to say the Stache is the more playful, fun-to-ride bike, but the SJ is the do-it-all, take-it-anywhere type of bike.
