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2015 Specialized

S-Works Demo 8 Frame

A 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension downhill frameset.

FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 200mm rear
ShockÖhlins
Wheels27.5″
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Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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

Key Quotes
A silent, agile, terrain-eating machine that covers ground with a serious amount of pace
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The momentum it carries is breathtaking
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
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.
Mountain Flyer logoMountain Flyer
It’s a really lively bike, but when you get it in the bumps it eats them up really good
MTBR logoMTBR

Feedback?

View all reviews

BikeRadar
Specialized S-Works Demo 8 first ride review

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.

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Dirt Mountainbike
Specialized S-Works Demo 8

Jan 2016 · Sjones

The deep beat of hill thunder

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Mountain Bike Action
Bike Test: Specialized Demo 8 Carbon

Dec 2015 · McCoy

The Specialized Demo 8 Carbon is worth a look for serious downhill riders and racers

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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.

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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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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 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 StandardBB30, 83mm, Press Fit

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

Travel200mm

Bottom Bracket

SRAM, BB30, 83mm adapter

Headset

1-1/2"", semi-integrated for 1-1/8"" steerer, loose ball bearings

Seatpost

Thomson, alloy, straight, 12-degree clamp

TypeRigid

Rider Notes
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First added July 9

Last updated July 9

Not listed for 2,537 days