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2014 Specialized

Demo 8 I

A 26″ aluminum frame full suspension downhill bike with upper mid-range components.
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FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 200 / 200mm
ForkRockShox BoXXer
ShockFox Van Performance
Wheels26″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 10
GroupsetX9, Truvativ Descendant
BrakesAvid Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Demo 8 I
Other Downhill bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

21 mph

Demo 8 I

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
XS

4'11" – 5'5"

SM

5'2" – 5'7"

MD

5'4" – 5'10"

LG

5'7" – 6'1"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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Reviews

Summary

The Specialized Demo is a downhill bike designed for World Cup racing, featuring a distinctive asymmetrical frame, lower center of gravity, and improved stiffness. It offers a custom TTX shock for superior suspension performance and internal cable routing for durability. While it excels in responsiveness and maneuverability, some riders may find the top tube short for taller frames and the FSR suspension system less optimal on hard hits.

Pros
  • Distinctive asymmetrical frame design

  • Lower center of gravity for improved handling

  • Custom TTX shock with high- and low-speed compression adjustments

  • Internal cable routing for durability

  • Lightweight and responsive

Cons
  • Top tube may be short for taller riders

  • FSR suspension system can hang up on hard hits

  • Expensive, especially custom builds

  • Rear derailleur vulnerable to damage

Key Quotes
The Specialized Demo 8 has been an eye-turner since the original with its distinctive twin seatstays and spider web shock enclosure.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
The new bike was designed from the ground up as a thoroughbred race machine built for the speed and rigors of World Cup Downhill, and it shows with its clean, simple lines, aggressive stance and low center of gravity.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
The Öhlins TTX shock is a top performer that offers a massive amount of composure when the terrain starts to get ugly.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar

Feedback?

View all reviews

MTB Mag
First Ride : Specialized Demo Carbon 27.5"

Aug 2014 · Ian Collins

During Crankworx in Whistler, I had the fortunate opportunity to take a new Specialized Demo Carbon 27.5” bike out for a day and gather some thoughts on the bold, cutting edge new design. While one day certainly isn’t enough time to do a full length review on a complete DH bike, if there was any single place to ride for JUST one day and gather as much feedback as possible it would be in Whistler. demo test session from MTB MAG on Vimeo. At 6′ tall, I was pretty dead set on riding a long. Why did I call it

Read Review

Canadian Cycling Magazine
Specialized releases S-works Demo 8 & Demo 8 Carbon

Aug 2014 · Charles Bryer

Specialized’s latest release is the Demo 8 Carbon – a downhill bike designed to have a lower centre of gravity and improved stiffness according to

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Specialized introduces all-new Demo 8

Aug 2014

The Specialized Demo 8 has been an eye-turner since the original with its distinctive twin seat stays and spider web shock enclosure. The bike has gone through several redesigns since then, but none as transformative as what you see here.

Read Review

Dirt Mountainbike
FIRST LOOK : 2015 Specialized Demo 8

Aug 2014 · Dave Jaquin

We take a deeper look at the all new 2015 Specialized Demo 8

Read Review

MTBR
First Look: 2015 Specialized S-Works Demo 8 Carbon 650b

Aug 2014 · Don Palermini

Specialized's all-new Demo Carbon 650b features a radical asymmetric frame design, 27.5-inch wheels, and a new FSR suspension layout. Plus the low, lean racing machine just looks flat-out fast. - Mtbr.com

Read Review

BikeRadar
Specialized S-Works Demo 8 Custom Build review

Jul 2014 · Rob Weaver

Wishlist kit, a superb shock and a great frame. Tall riders need not apply though – and that price would keep anyone awake at night

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
Bike Test: Specialized Demo 8 I Carbon

Jan 2014 · MBA Action

When Specialized began testing the carbon version of their Demo 8 in 2011, downhill racers world-wide became like the paparazzi, trying to be the first to

Read Review

Mountain Flyer
Tested: Specialized Demo 8 II

Oct 2012

At its inception in 2004, the Specialized Demo was a 9.5-inch travel, huckster-oriented freeride bike. Today, the name is all that remains. The Demo has steadily evolved from the once overbuilt, ultra burly 48-pound rig into a maneuverable 8-inch travel downhill race bike.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

M5 manipulated alloy, 1.5"" forged headtube, 150mm rear spacing, compact race design, ISCG '05 mount, cartridge bearing rear shock mount, rear derailleur protector, 200mm travel

BB StandardPF30, 83mm, Press Fit

Fork

RockShox Boxxer RC, alloy steerer, compression and rebound adj. 20mm Maxle DH thru-axle, XS/S: extra-soft spring, M: soft spring, L: medium spring, 200mm travel

Travel200mm

Spring TypeCoil

Shock

Custom FOX VAN RC, coil over w/ piggy back, compression and reb adj. 9.5x3"", XS: 300, S: 350, M: 400, L: 450

Travel200mm

Spring TypeCoil

Bottom Bracket

SRAM PF30 DH, 83mm shell

Headset

1-1/2"" integrated for 1-1/8"" steerer, cartridge bearings

Stem

Specialized Direct Mount, 6061 alloy, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clamp

Handlebar

Specialized Demo, low-rise, 7050 alloy, 780mm wide, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 31.8mm

Saddle

Body Geometry Phenom Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm

Seatpost

Specialized 6061 alloy, 2-bolt micro-adjust, no offset, 30.9mm, 300mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Specialized Bennies, 6061 alloy body, sealed cartridge, 4.5mm removable pins

Grips

Specialized Sip Grip, light lock-on, half-waffle aramid-infused, S/M: regular, Others: XL thickness

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X9 Type 2, 10-speed, mid cage

Crank

Custom SRAM Descendant, PF30 spindle, 7050 alloy arms, w/ Gamut P-30 chain guide

Shifters

SRAM X7, 10-speed, aluminum trigger, w/ MatchMaker clamp

Cassette

Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed, 11-25

Chain

SRAM PC 1031, 10-speed, PowerLink

Brakes

Front: Custom Avid Elixir 7 Trail, 4-piston caliper, steel backed metallic pad, 200mm rotor, Rear: Custom Avid Elixir 7 Trail, 4-piston caliper, steel backed metallic pad, 180mm rotor

TypeAvid Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Custom Avid Elixir 7 Trail, hydraulic disc, tool-less reach adj.

Wheels
Rims

Roval DH 26, alloy disc, 30mm wide w/eyelets, 32h

Spokes

DT Industry Stainless, 3X front/rear 2.0

Front Hub

Specialized Hi Lo disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 20mm thru-axle, 32h

Rear Hub

Specialized Hi Lo disc, 150mm, hollow 12mm Cr-Mo axle w/ RD guard, 32h

Tires

Front: Specialized Butcher DH, 26x2.5"", wire bead, soft dual-compound, 60 TPI, Rear: Specialized Butcher DH, 26x2.5"", wire bead, soft dual-compound, 60 TPI

Rider Notes
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First added July 9

Last updated July 9

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