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Today’s Deals2015 Specialized
S-Works Demo 8
A 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension downhill bike with ultra high-end components.
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| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 200 / 200mm |
| Fork | RockShox BoXXer |
| Shock | Öhlins |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 7 |
| Groupset | X01, X0 |
| 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
BikeRadarThe momentum it carries is breathtaking
BikeRadarThe 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.
Mountain FlyerIt’s a really lively bike, but when you get it in the bumps it eats them up really good
MTBRFeedback?
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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.
Dec 2015 · McCoy
The Specialized Demo 8 Carbon is worth a look for serious downhill riders and racers
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
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.
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
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.
| Frame | FACT 11m carbon, S3 Geometry, carbon front triangle, full carbon link and rear end, FACT IS construction, PF30 BB, full internal cable routing, 135mm dropouts, lipped and sealed cartridge bearing pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger, 200mm travel BB Standard: BB30, 83mm, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Boxxer Team 650b, coil spring, 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 adjust, 9.5x3.0"", S: 52x297lb, M: 60x343lb, L: 68x388lb, XL: 76x434lb Travel: 200mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM, BB30 to BSA 83mm adapter |
| Headset | 1-1/2"", semi-integrated for 1-1/8"" steerer, loose ball bearings |
| Stem | Specialized P.Series MTB, direct mount, forged alloy, 4-bolt |
| Handlebar | S-Works DH, carbon, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Phenom Expert, hollow Ti rails, 143mm |
| Seatpost | Thomson, alloy, straight, 12-degree clamp Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Specialized Boomslang, 6061 alloy, sealed cartridge bearings |
| Grips | Specialized Sip Grip, light lock-on, half-waffle, S/M: regular thickness, Others: XL |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 DH Type 2, 7-speed, short cage |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM X0 DH, BB30, carbon arms, triple base, w/ Gamut bashguard |
| Shifters | SRAM X0 1 DH, 7-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM X01 DH, 7-speed, 10-24 |
| Chain | SRAM PC-1130, 11-speed, w/ PowerLink, nickel finish |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Guide RS DH, metallic pads, Code caliper, 200mm rotor, Rear: SRAM Guide RS DH, metallic pads, Code caliper, 200mm 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 Competition, stainless, 2.0mm |
| 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 2,537 days