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2014 Specialized

S-Works Demo 8

A 26″ carbon frame full suspension downhill bike with ultra high-end components.
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FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 200 / 200mm
ForkRockShox BoXXer
Wheels26″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 7
GroupsetX0
BrakesSRAM X0 Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
S-Works Demo 8
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)

28 mph

S-Works Demo 8

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'7"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'9" – 6'2"

🐐 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

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Dirt Mountainbike
Specialized S-Works Demo Review

Sep 2015 · Sjones

Specialized S-Works Demo Review Four downhill bikes tested in one of Europe’s best destinations – Pila, Aosta valley, Italy. The first mix of bikes in our search for the best downhill bikes 2015 are – the Mondraker Summum Carbon Pro Team 2015, Trek Session 9.9, Specialized S-Works Demo and the YT Tues CF Pro. The reviews come in two parts. Part […]

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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.

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Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

FACT 11m front triangle, bonded alloy-insert BB and headtube, 135mm spacing M5 rear triangle, magnesium link, compact race design, ISCG '05 mount, cartridge bearing rear shock mount, rear derailleur protector, 200mm travel

BB StandardPF30, 83mm, Press Fit

Fork

RockShox Boxxer World Cup, Mission Control damper, Solo Air spring, alloy steerer, comp and reb adj. w/ bottom out control, 20mm Maxle DH thru-axle, 200mm travel

Travel200mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Custom Õhlins TTX22M, coil over w/ piggy back, spherical bearing mount, high/low speed comp, reb adj. 9.5x3.0"", Spring Rate XS: 297lb, S:343lb, M:388, L:434lb

Travel200mm

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

Renthal Fatbar DH, 30mm rise, aluminum, 780mm wide, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 31.8mm

Saddle

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

Seatpost

Thomson alloy straight w/ 12-degree clamp, 367mm

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, L: XL thickness

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X0, 9-speed, short cage

Crank

SRAM X0 DH, carbon arms, micro-single 32T ring, PF30 spindle, 165mm, E.13 SRS chainguide

Shifters

SRAM X0, 9-speed, carbon/aluminum trigger, w/ MatchMaker clamp

Cassette

Shimano HG-70 Capreo, 7-speed, Micro 9-20

Chain

KMC X9 SL, nickel plate, reusable Missing Link

Brakes

Front: Custom Avid Code X0 World Cup, hydraulic disc, Code caliper, organic pad, stainless hardware, 200mm rotor, Rear: Custom Avid Code X0 World Cup, hydraulic disc, Code caliper, organic pad, stainless hardware, 180mm rotor

TypeSRAM X0 Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Custom Avid Code X0 World Cup, hydraulic disc, X0 lever, tool-less reach

Wheels
Rims

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

Spokes

DT Competition Stainless, 3X front/rear 2.0

Front Hub

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

Rear Hub

Custom DT Swiss, Capreo compatible, Star Ratchet, 135mm, 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

Not listed for 2,530 days