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Today’s DealsDemo 8 II
A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension downhill bike with ultra high-end components.
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| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 200 / 200mm |
| Fork | RockShox BoXXer |
| Shock | Öhlins |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 7 |
| Groupset | X0, X9 |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RS Hydraulic Disc |
Summary
The Specialized Demo is a high-performance downhill bike praised for its silent, agile terrain handling and breathtaking momentum. Its asymmetric frame design and Öhlins TTX shock contribute to a low center of gravity and effortless efficiency in steep terrain. While the bike excels in suspension performance and handling, some reviews note the fork could be better matched to the bike's caliber, and the rear tire lacks bite in wet conditions.
Silent and fast terrain handling
Breathtaking momentum and balance
Confidence-inspiring suspension and low bottom bracket
Nimble feel for carving and pushing for trickier lines
Effortless efficiency in steep, demanding terrain
RockShox Boxxer Team fork could be better for the price and calibre
Semi-slick Specialized Slaughter DH rear tyre lacks bite under braking in wet conditions
Fork felt too progressive and harsh, not matching the rear shock's performance
Pricing is described as 'really expensive' for the S-WORKS version
A silent, agile, terrain-eating machine that covers ground with a serious amount of pace
The momentum it carries is breathtaking
The new Demo Carbon is definitely a race bike, as the slack headtube begs to turn into the steepest chutes available, and the tight, low rear end easily whips through tight switchbacks and rock gardens with ease.
It’s a really lively bike, but when you get it in the bumps it eats them up really good
Feedback?
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Sep 2016 · Rob Weaver
The Demo handles the rough stuff without hesitation too, though we can’t help think about just how good it could be with an even better fork bolted in out front.

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

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
Aug 2014 · Dave Jaquin
We take a deeper look at the all new 2015 Specialized Demo 8
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

Jan 2014
Of the six downhill bikes we tested in this year's Bible of Bike Tests, the Specialized Demo 8 II really stood apart from the rest. Our testers explain why in this video.

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.

Aug 2012 · MBA Action
Unleash the Monster The Demo 8 II is Specialized's top downhill race platform. It's been refined over the years by the fastest bike racers and some of
| Frame | M5 manipulated alloy, 650b S3 Geometry, 1.5"" forged headtube, 135mm rear spacing, compact race design, ISCG '05 mount, cartridge bearing rear shock mount, rear derailleur protector, 200mm travel BB Standard: PF30, 83mm, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Boxxer Team 650b, coil spring, tapered alloy steerer, compression and rebound adjust, 20mm thru-axle, 200mm travel Travel: 200mm Spring Type: Coil |
| Shock | Custom Öhlins TTX22M, coil over w/ piggy back, spherical bearing mount, high/low speed compression, rebound adj. 9.5x3.0"", M: 76x434lb, L: 84x479lb, XL: 92x525lb Travel: 200mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM, PF30 to BSA 83mm adapter |
| Headset | 1-1/2"", semi-integrated for 1-1/8"" steerer, loose ball bearings |
| Stem | Specialized P.Series MTB, forged alloy, 4-bolt |
| Handlebar | Specialized Demo, low rise bar, 7050 alloy, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Phenom Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm |
| Seatpost | Thomson, alloy, straight, 12-degree clamp Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Specialized Bennies, 6061 alloy body, sealed cartridge, 4.5mm removable pins |
| Grips | Specialized Sip Grip, light lock-on, half-waffle, S/M: regular thickness, Others: XL |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X0, 10-speed, short cage |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM X0 DH, PF30, carbon arms, triple base, 30T, w/ Gamut bashguard |
| Shifters | SRAM X9, 10-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM PG 1030, 7-speed, 9-25 |
| Chain | SRAM PC-1031, 10-speed, w/ PowerLink, nickel finish |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Guide RS DH, metallic pads, Code caliper, 200mm Centerline rotor, Rear: SRAM Guide RS DH, metallic pads, Code caliper, 180mm Centerline rotor Type: SRAM Guide RS Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Guide RS DH, alloy lever, reach adjust, w/ cartridge bearing lever pivot |
| Rims | Roval 650b, alloy, 24mm inner width, 32h |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Industry, stainless |
| Front Hub | Specialized Hi Lo disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 20mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Rear Hub | Custom DT Swiss, Star Ratchet, XX1 driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Tires | Front: Specialized Butcher DH, 60TPI, wire bead, 650bx2.5"", Rear: Specialized Slaughter DH, 60TPI, wire bead, 650bx2.3"" |
First added July 9
Last updated July 9
Not listed for 2,521 days