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2015 Specialized

Demo 8 I

A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension downhill bike with high-end components.
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FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 200 / 200mm
ForkRockShox BoXXer
ShockFox Van Performance
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 10
GroupsetX9, Truvativ Descendant
BrakesSRAM Guide R 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)

43 km/h

Demo 8 I

43 km/h

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

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?

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BikeRadar
Specialized S-Works Demo 8 first ride review

Sept 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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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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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

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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

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

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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

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 StandardPF30, 83mm, Press Fit

Fork

RockShox Boxxer RC 650b, alloy steerer, compression and rebound adj. 20mm Maxle DH thru-axle, M: soft spring, L/XL: medium spring, 200mm travel

Travel200mm

Spring TypeCoil

Shock

Custom FOX VAN RC, coil w/ piggy back, compression and rebound adj. 9.5x3"", XS: 350, S: 400, M: 450, L: 500

Travel200mm

Spring TypeCoil

Bottom Bracket

SRAM, PF30 to BSA 83mm adapter

Headset

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

Stem

Specialized P.Series MTB, forged alloy, 4-bolt

Handlebar

Specialized Demo, low rise, 6061 alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 31.8mm

Saddle

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

Seatpost

Specialized 6061 alloy, 2-bolt, 0mm setback, 30.9mm

TypeRigid

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

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X9 Type 2, 10-speed, mid cage

Crank

Custom SRAM Descendant, PF30 spindle, alloy arms, 165mm, 36T ring, w/ Gamut bashguard

Shifters

SRAM X7, 10-speed, w/ MatchMaker clamp

Cassette

SRAM PG 1030, 10-speed, 11-25

Chain

SRAM PC 1031, 10-speed, w/ PowerLink, nickel finish

Brakes

Front: SRAM Guide R, metallic pads, Guide R caliper, 200mm Centerline rotor, Rear: SRAM Guide R, metallic pads, Guide R caliper, 180mm Centerline rotor

TypeSRAM Guide R Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM Guide R, alloy lever, w/ reach adjust

Wheels
Rims

Roval 650b DH, alloy, 24mm inner width, w/ eyelets, 32h

Spokes

DT Swiss Industry, stainless

Front Hub

Specialized Hi Lo disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 20mm thru-axle, 36h

Rear Hub

Specialized Hi Lo disc, hollow Cr-Mo axle, 32h

Tires

Front: Specialized Butcher DH, 60TPI, wire bead, dual compound, 650bx2.5"", Rear: Specialized Slaughter DH, 60TPI, wire bead, dual compound, 650bx2.3""

Rider Notes
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First added 9 July

Last updated 9 July

Not listed for 2,537 days