Drawing lines of comparison is hard. How do I compare the 2010 Stumpjumper, a bike I first rode, with a big smile on my face, in Whistler, Canada last week.

Cars are also a huge passion of mine and there lies my comparison. In 1999 BMW launched the E39 BMW M5 with 400bhp on tap, a six speed manual gearbox and a level of balance unheard of in a saloon of this size. It’s a great car. In 2005 the eagerly awaited BMW E60 M5 arrived. I had my first opportunity to drive it in February. With F1 derived genes, including a 7-speed sequential gear box, transferring 507 horses of power to the rear wheels, this car had my hair standing. Its leap forward was huge.

The current Stumpjumper has been the best bike I have ridden from the Specialized stable. With a weight comparable to the race bred Epic and the Brain system front and rear, it’s been an insane machine. I have been looking forward to the new Stumpjumper for sometime now. When I heard there was an XL onboard with the Specialized fleet of bikes last week, I was eager to locate it. The bike is amazing. For me, there are two very noticeable differences. Number one if the stiffness when climbing and the power transmission via the brain suspension system on the rear, which is solid and locked out when required. I could not believe how pleasurable climbing was over the old bike. Secondly, the ability on the fork to lower the front, when climbing really helped on the very steep stuff. I am a tall guy. on the old bike, sometimes on very steep climbs it was a challenge keeping the front wheels on the ground.

Now I must patiently wait for the arrival of a new Stumpjumper!!!