Prototype Specialized DH Bike - SPY SHOT

Aug 9, 2013
by Mike Levy  


Thanks to Pinkbike user Jacob Carmichael for sniping this photo in Whistler today

Noted Specialized tester Brad Benedict, a key rider in the development of both the Demo 8 Carbon and the company's recent collaboration with Ohlins, was spotted earlier today doing laps in the Whistler Bike Park aboard a rather interesting looking machine. Brad wasn't keen to either talk about the bike or sit still for a better photo, but it's clear to see that the matte black aluminum bike isn't a Demo as we know it. And while it does bear some obvious similarities to the current Status platform, there are also some differences as well. Brad's right leg is inconveniently (at least for us, maybe not for Specialized) covering the bike's major suspension components, although it is a pretty safe bet that the prototype employs a very Status-like rocker arm to activate the Ohlins shock, with the shock itself sitting much lower in the frame than the configuration on the current Status. Comparing pivot locations against the current Status also reveals that there are some major differences between the two, and it isn't inconceivable to suspect that the bike's rear end has been designed specifically with the trick Ohlins shock in mind.

bigquotesWe're always testing and developing different bikes. Some of these are for eventual production, while others allow us to evaluate different concepts. That is exactly what this bike is: a mule for us to assess geometry, frame stiffness, and other attributes. This bike won't ever see production - it isn't a replacement for either the Demo or the Status - but it certainly does serve a purpose. - Sam Benedict, MTB Product Marketing
Zooming in on the bike's Horst Link, FSR rear end reveals that it appears to be a work in progress, with the stays and clevis pivots looking much rougher than anything we'd expect to see nearing production, which is in line with what Sam Benedict, Specialized's MTB Product Marketing, gave us when questioned about the bike. Having said that, it wouldn't be far fetched to assume that the unlabelled bike under Brad is mule of an evolved Status. Does the prototype feature 650B wheels? It is hard to tell from the photo, but the fork appears to use the standard, 26'' wheel-compatible FOX 40 lowers instead of the 650B lowers that feature an altered axle position to correct the trail geometry. It is no secret that Specialized is experimenting with 'tweener wheels, but they are not on the prototype pictured here.

We'll be covering Crankworx from start to finish, so expect more information as it becomes available at the event.

www.specialized.com

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Specialized


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246 Comments
  • 330 2
 It's not a demo and its not a status? IT'S A STEMO
  • 138 3
 Or a DATUS. Which sounds like a shitty old car. STEMO sounds better.
  • 22 8
 I reckon it will be the new Status as Spesh wouldn't go back to alu from carbon i doubt. Although saying that, GT did and look how that turned out. 5 Wins so far.
  • 67 1
 Even if there will be a carbon version, they would probably make the prototype in alu as it's easier.
  • 14 0
 sx trail /demo
  • 7 0
 According to the article about gwin's bike, there will still be a blue demo next year, so if this replaces it then that won't happen until at least 2015 (presumably).
  • 15 79
flag BikeNERD007 (Aug 8, 2013 at 23:03) (Below Threshold)
 Looks like a session.... Haha
  • 21 58
flag biker3335 (Aug 8, 2013 at 23:03) (Below Threshold)
 demo aint going anywhere its the dh bike of the world
  • 52 4
 this is so obviously planned marketing, like as if they werent able to get picture of the linkage if they wanted to
  • 18 30
flag BikeNERD007 (Aug 9, 2013 at 0:17) (Below Threshold)
 i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/210/119/+_2acc5a8841f8752904d37f90a8014829.png
  • 17 0
 The reason protos are made out of alu is because the cost of a mold for carbon is ridiculous so carbon bikes are only made when the company is really happy with the frame and plan to leave it unchanged for a couple of yeard. Thats why GTs new dh bike is alu at the minute but I wouldnt be surprised if a carbon version comes out soon.
  • 64 2
 Forget about wc. It's for rampage. It's about time to unrob norb.
  • 1 0
 where is the 2nd pivot of the rockerarm? in the seattube??? (as i see, it's definitely not in the downtube)

interesting...
  • 10 6
 My guess is a similar link to the big hit:
www.bike-trend.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/specialized-bighit-fsr-iii-20101.jpg

I'm sure the pivot locations are different, but the same idea.
  • 1 0
 it's highly possible, but in this case a tube, connecting the low part of the seattube with the downtube, is needed.(distribution of stress)

and i don't see one...

interesting!!!!
  • 8 1
 btw the most interesting bike that will be released, is this one!!!

p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/109/photos/61085/s780_BT_20130807_untitled_shoot_076_3.jpg?1375926888

it's a great looker and i reckon a superb performer Smile
  • 3 1
 looks like a cove with sexyer tubes
  • 1 10
flag wildwestjake77 (Aug 9, 2013 at 6:31) (Below Threshold)
 @fr33riding: looks simalar to a Cove Gspot
cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0217/2956/products/gspot_black_1024x1024.jpg?2525
  • 4 4
 whats complicated about the demo ??
  • 1 2
 @greendarthtater, That's a very good point. My bad,
  • 13 27
flag powdereast (Aug 9, 2013 at 8:07) (Below Threshold)
 If specialized was smart the Demo would no longer be produced. It is one of the worst DH bikes out there
  • 3 2
 What's so bad about it ....
  • 1 0
 @fr33riding I think it is on the downtube. Look real close in front of the kneepad, and you'll see a gusset welded on there; I can't think of any other use than a pivot mount
  • 3 1
 you may be right!!!!
that would be a huge rocker arm!!!
interesting Smile

@ Bigbossman -> the double seatstays are there, in order to relieve the frame from brake squat!! and they do achieve it...this frame has one of the lowest brake squat percentages in the market...(without floating brakes)
  • 8 0
 It's a demo of a Demo!
  • 1 2
 Why would the two seat stays have anything to do with brake squat?
  • 1 0
 The second seat stay (the top one) isolates the brake from the front triangle, which reduces brake squat.
  • 1 0
 the brake mounts are on the upper seatstay.

when braking force is exerted, it is translated into force and moment, which leads mainly into rotation of the upper seatstay via the horst link pivot.

this way, the lower seatstay, receives less of this effect, and the shock compresses less (the shock is compressed via the lower seatstay).

Smile
  • 2 0
 Guess I kinda see. Was thinking about things a little differently. Here's an alright read though.
www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/featured-stories/jacks-not-here-man
  • 2 3
 it could b a STADEM or a DEMSTA(likes the bread)
  • 2 0
 @ Bigbossman "too many pivots" LOL can you not count it clearly has 4 pivots like most bikes... If you want less pivots get an old Orange frame or a hardtail
  • 12 0
 I saw it today, i'd describe it exactly as this,,, www.pinkbike.com/photo/9944284
  • 1 1
 Nice man! ^
  • 1 1
 Yeah^
  • 1 3
 stemo or demus? Big Grin
  • 1 2
 saw the photos!! so it's a 4 bar with horst link, the rocker arm's pivot is in the seattube, and it also has a concentric bb pivot!!! really interesting!!!
  • 3 2
 Demoteus
  • 2 1
 4 bar horst link is one of the best suspension platforms!! over a decade, and it is still more alive than ever!!! there are so many alterations in it's final design and suspension characteristics, that it is so popular and beloved by companies!!! (norco, yt, canyon, specialized, ghost, liteville, nicolai...)
  • 1 1
 The concentric BB pivot isn't going to be lighter. It have to have a larger race and more bearings, or a larger bushing area. Also, look how low the horst link pivot is. THere still is going to be chain growth and rearward movement of the rear axle. I don't know how much sense this makes, other than making the area where a front derailleur less crowded.
  • 1 1
 hamncheez, I think they are simply trying out different pivot locations. "Making sense" is simply making the suspension work better, in whatever aspect they are trying to improve. It certainly isn't for a front derailleur.
  • 2 1
 @hamncheez

if the bb bracket is concentric, there won't be any chain growth.

the axle path will also not be rearward...the position of the horst link pivot in addition to the concentric bb, will make the axle path very forwardish!!
  • 1 0
 Fr33riding:

There will be chain growth. Look at the chainstay. It is shaped like V . The chainstay slopes rearward as it goes back. Since the seatstay doesn't experience very much rotation until the end of its travel, as the suspension is compressed, the V shape will straighten out somewhat, lengthening the distance.
  • 1 0
 the seatstay will rotate clockwise via the horst link pivot. so there will be no chaingrowth, since the bb is concentric. chain shrinking will happen.
  • 2 1
 keep reading, you will learn Smile
  • 3 0
 @Bigbossman i'm with you man!!! Smile i was also on a 2hour ride today and now waiting for the msa live!! however, a bit of geeky tech stuff is interesting for me and some people!!! keep riding Smile
  • 1 0
 Im not saying it will be too much, or abnormal chain growth, or that fsr has too much or too little. I'm saying that if you slap a single speed on this your chain will break. Look how low the pivot point is back there. Raise it up an inch and raise the main pivot point up an inch and it looks like you got a regular fsr linkage.
  • 2 0
 fotos.mtb-news.de/p/1445228
a lot of spy shots
  • 2 0
 3 messages above i write: ''saw the photos!! so it's a 4 bar with horst link, the rocker arm's pivot is in the seattube, and it also has a concentric bb pivot!!!''

see the photos in mtb-news.de and the frame is exactly like that...

still i got -1 props from some brainless kids Razz Smile
  • 1 0
 fr33riding there will be no chain growth only with a BB mounted single pivot. An FSR throws that out the window.
  • 1 0
 For the record, pivots do not isolate forces.
  • 1 0
 What do you mean by isolating forces?
  • 1 0
 "There has been a persistent myth circulating that chainstay pivot suspensions “isolate” forces on the rear link and thus are not affected by pedaling or braking. But as has been noted in the “‘Internal Force’ Theories.” section, this is entirely false."

http://members.home.nl/vd.kraats/ligfiets/pa/pa41.html#TypicalHorstLinkDesigns
  • 1 0
 believe in the power of the horst link!!! Smile
  • 1 0
 erikthefatty well the completely active suspension design is just one of the marketing bullshits. But with an FSR you DO have more control over brake jack/squat than with a normal single pivot. I'm guessing the split pivot is the best for this, you tune the single pivot part of the design to pedal well and then you tune the rest of the geometry to give you a desired leverage ratio and braking performance.

And trust me, i'm aware of how things work in the suspension of a bike Wink
  • 1 0
 God! I know this has been sitting for a while, but my eyes hurt! Bigbossman, are you aware Demo has the same amount of pivots as any other FSR bike? Except the shock pivot is on the chainstay, which is triangular instead of a single bar. It still is a FSR. It's not overcomplicated. It's technically barely any different from Status or any other FSR linkage, with the shock mount moved to the chainstay to lower center of gravity. That sais, the shock extending link might be an annoyance, but that doesn't make the system any worse.

Just lurking here trying to find any hints whether 2015 Demo will be 26" or a cyclocross bike Frown
  • 1 0
 Yes actually, have a look at the linkage. Imagine moving the rear shock mount up to the link and then you can make the lower rear triangle into a single bar. Classic FSR, no pivots added or subtracted Smile
  • 55 1
 R&D: "We need to test our prototype discreetly...
Marketing: Ok, let's go to Whistler."
  • 46 0
 i saw this bike today at the bike park, I can tell you that it is defiantly 650B (i saw it against a 26 bike). it looked more like a demo then a status as well. it was a sick looking bike. The rear triangle had wider pieces of metal too. Its what i would of called the demo 650 B
  • 8 0
 Yep, saw it as well. 650b and one of the pivot points is located on the bottom bracket
  • 5 0
 gonna have to keep my eyes peeled tomorrow! Saw Brad only the other day! Why couldn't I have been more observant!
  • 1 0
 yea, he walked past the gbb today in the afternoon, like 2 i think
  • 16 0
 Talked to him on the lift and he's had a 650b and 26 prototype out.
  • 4 0
 Damn those CS are weird looking. Specialized will be hitting the 650b tire market in January with 650b bikes debuting in May of 2014 which will be the new 2015 bikes.
  • 8 1
 @fade-to-black - I suspect that there are both 650B and 26'' versions in action, with this one being the 26''.
  • 4 0
 the one i saw was defiantly 650B
  • 22 0
 so the bike is called the Defiant 650 or what?
  • 1 0
 haha my typo
  • 2 0
 Almost positive when we saw him this afternoon it was 26", but as philly stated it pivoted around the BB.
  • 2 1
 When you say pivot around the BB? Do you mean like on the P.slope?
  • 7 10
 It might be a BB Pivot to minimize the chain growth. Öhlins damper might be so damn good in dealing with pedalling-induced squat, that previously used chain-growth-driven anti-squat is no longer necessary. By doing so suspension action might be much better. Shock can do the job of taking hits from the very beginning of the stroke with no poor middle man. At least that's my theory.
  • 8 11
 Then chainstays must be beefier, as judging by the picture, there is no bridge on upper stays to keep the rear end stiff. No matter how big the Horst link is bridge stiffens up things a lot better, and makes bearing life much easier. Then lower stays are longer and don't have that previous swingarm cage that was providing plenty of stiffness. So the tubing itself must be much stiffer. I also assume there is a huge bridge at lower stays just behind BB.
  • 3 2
 No end of the world, the sky is falling, I'm gonna kill myself 650b hate posts? Maybe the sky is falling in my world Smile .
  • 7 13
flag WAKIdesigns (Aug 9, 2013 at 7:59) (Below Threshold)
 I wish people could learn like I learned recently that wheel size matters so little... why did it go without too much fanfares, I think everyone missed that when Shimano made 4-piston Saint brakes or Avid made Codes work? You know shit that make a VAST difference to the bike. I could not give two shts about wheel size if I had brakes from 2008...
  • 6 4
 Wheel size is as important as tire selection. Small changes make a huge difference.
  • 5 9
flag WAKIdesigns (Aug 9, 2013 at 9:12) (Below Threshold)
 So riding 650b instead of 26" on EWS will make same difference as riding Semi Slicks or Minions?
  • 2 2
 Waki is actually right! The seat-stay pivots are really far back, and there is no bridge! compare it to an sx trail
  • 3 4
 Semi slicks to minions would be like a 24" to 29" LOL! In real world use, I found the racing ralphs in 650b to have traction a bit better than a nobby nick in 26" but not quite as good as a fat albert. (all used in loamy soil.) The lighter weight of the racing ralph negated any weight differences, and the diameter rolled better, as did the less aggressive tread, and the bb drop let me corner like on rails. It was a win-win-win.

BTW, I don't touch the neg prop button out of principle, so the negs are not from me.
  • 1 0
 Weooo, such a sweet lookin bike! If you go on the speed and style replay, its in the crowd at 13:50.... damn sexy
  • 36 1
 I want to know how to get that guys job. Just ride and give feedback. No racing, no competitions, no movies. Just do what you love and try to make something better.
  • 26 0
 And the thrill of being stalked every time you go to work!!
  • 6 0
 Basicly, be good at racing, get a factory contract and then turn out to be a great development rider. I guess it'd be easier to complete an engineering course in college, get a job as a development engineer and then prove yourself as a good development rider. As you can see both ways neccssitate that you be a good development rider. Which is not a given.
  • 3 0
 These guys are great riders but they have that something extra, that visual brain that lets them understand the physics and engineering of how a bike works, and be able to communicate that to the designers.

Sometimes it aint as much fun as it sounds. Imagine riding the same run every day, all day for days on end testing variations, and concentrating on giving feedback, rather than enjoying the ride. Still better than pounding nails or sitting at a desk. Smile
  • 2 0
 as awesome as we may think it may be a development rider, keep in mind that they ride prototypes. Lopes stated in his interview, "The cons are that prototype equipment is just that, PROTOTYPE. This means it often isn't going to be perfect, things will go wrong or not work right. Rides may get cut short or be full of a lot of stopping to makes changes and adjustments. Sometimes you wish you just had your standard "over the counter" products on so you could just ride with no interruptions. The average person usually thinks we are lucky to have this PROTOTYPE equipment, but a lot of times this isn't the case."
  • 4 0
 Well if Mr. Lopes doesn't want his job anymore, I will take it. No matter where you work, you will have challenges and run into problems. It's just a matter of how much you love what you do that determines how well you deal with the challenges. I would much rather deal with a crappy prototype suspension platform than deal with the "mechanical failures" on my forklift that where I currently work. At least then I could afford to ride more than twice a month. I agree though, the engineering route might be the best way, though not the easiest. Now if only I could find an engineering school that has professors who want to teach engineering instead of teach their students how much superior they (the professors) are.
  • 3 0
 taldfind well you could always start learning by yourself. I'm enroled in a mechanical engineering program where i was taught almost zero suspension realted knowledge. I read through Suspension Geometry and Computation by John Dixon and am currently reading The Shock Absorber Handbook from the same author (it covers the theory and different designs of dampers so yes, the name is wrong, which is known and told in the beginning of the book). As for the second book, there's a chapter on vibration theory (how a system of a spring, sometimes a damper and a mass suspended on that spring (and damper) behaves or how it vibrates), which got covered int he course of my 3 year college program.

Sure, there are a lot of other details, that are just clear to me and wouldn't be as clear to someone not going through an engineering course, but still, the college gives you some general knowledge, while for many things you need to go into the specifics by yourself.
  • 34 3
 Its a Giant NRS!
  • 6 0
 I don't think people get this reference... Props!!!
  • 3 0
 I see it
  • 3 0
 i thought the same thing. brings back old memories of my old NRS.
  • 1 0
 ha thanks!
  • 1 0
 ahahaha.... tripping into the past!!!
  • 2 1
 Hmmm, my first thought too... i am afraid we are getting old...
  • 3 0
 Interesting observation, because when Giant released the NRS they were told by Specialized that it did infringe on their FSR patent.
  • 5 0
 I always assumed that NRS stood for 'Not Really Suspension'. If you rode one, you'll know why!
  • 23 1
 Gwin should ride this at MSA this weekend for some practice runs. The interwebz need more to talk about.
  • 12 0
 haha, imagine how the MTB online community would explode with over-the-top speculation Big Grin
  • 21 0
 Let´s prove a new downhill bike were nobody can see it: Wistler!
  • 14 0
 COMEON JACOB YOU COULD TAKE MORE PICTURES, WHY JUST THIS ONE. WHAT KIND OF SPY SHOT IS JUST ONE SHOT!!!!
  • 6 0
 I truly believe these kind of spy-shots are not that much spy at all.
  • 10 0
 Yeah, if by "spy shot" you meant "staged marketing shot" you'd be right on.
  • 3 3
 ^^ ...and that leg... OMG that leg! What is behind that leg?! Lets speculate over that!!
Shity marketing, capitalist, omg-I-need-to-have-the-lastest-shitty-product-even-if-it-is-a-shitty-alu-testing-crap-material philosophy.
Makes me sick.

I wish we had 1/3 of this kind of hype around new trails, bikeparks, new tracks, traillbuilders etc...
  • 14 2
 "Specialized" "Darn it! $10,000 isn't enough for a DH bike!" "I know, let's put the most expensive auto racing suspension on our bikes"
  • 9 0
 haha was talking to this guy at the top of dirt merchant, didnt even notice his bike, doooiii!
  • 11 2
 Good thing it doesn't look like a Session...
  • 5 0
 Step 1: Leak photos of prototype shredding a prominent location.
Step 2: Gwin miraculously finds his old form on said prototype and cleans house at Worlds.
Step 3: Sell a Sh*t ton of bikes.
  • 9 5
 I hear it is not as fast as a trek, gt, santacruz, decinchi, mondraker, commencal, giant, nukeproof, .... troy brosnan... coz the back end is 1.23mm too short and they wont fill it full of golden goose down feathers.... haha
  • 5 0
 They just had to take a pic with the rider covering the important bits haha
  • 6 0
 MOVE YOUR KNEE BRAD!!! gosh
  • 3 1
 look at specialized demo redesign cycle. 07-10, 11-14 so now redesign of demo for 15-18.

granted mild redesign on 2010 for hill demo 8, but it was still the same base demo of the 3 years prior.

interesting to see what happens next year. might hold off buying 2014 job, and wait for 2015. Smile
  • 3 0
 mtb is turning into a rich mans sport, prices are getting ridiculous, i mean some bikes are the same as a deposit on a first time buyers house, its getting pretty daft i reckon
  • 6 0
 Marketing much?
  • 2 0
 Argued with the designer at z's that the lincage was too heavy and the bike didn't track well. This was about a year ago, guess they should have not argued that it didn't matter.
  • 3 1
 Ill stick to the carbon v10 best dh bike anyone can buy ... And how many times do people want to say "its a demo" "gwin wont win on it" ..... Them comments are getting boring now guys reading the same old shite ............
  • 1 0
 Marketing marketing marketing, everything is marketing, if it was really secret we wouldn't know about. Think about so many parts and frame designs that have been secret and nothing ever leaked online, not a picture, not a design sketch or anything and yet we have this "secret prototype" design right in the middle of Whistler during Crankworx no less? Sounds fishy to me. Also yeah the guys leg is covering the linkage but couldn't that problem be solved as easy as just moving an inch back and take another shot? or ask the guy to move his leg? i mean the linkage wasn't covered by a special sealed box or anything like that. I'm sure if he would have asked him to move his leg he would have done it and speculations would be done as far as linkage goes.
  • 1 0
 Without wanting to suggest that classifying this linkage will somehow explain its operation it would not be wrong to note a degree of similarity with the "Lawwill link" that FSR, in establishing its own identity, had deviated from so sharply. One serious problem of the Lawwill link that this bike appears to share is the structural weakness that arises when multiple pivots are located within the radius of the wheel. Strong, full width pivot axles are not an option with such a linkage. Still, it is not hard to imagine variations to the prototype linkage that could stiffen up the rear end a lot.

In order to determine whether the kinematics of a bike like this could make any sense I tinkered with a simulation of the Specialized Status from the public domain web library of bikes that is available with the Linkage program, modifying it to be consistent in form with the linkage in these images. Bottom line is the linkage does work reasonably well - there is an improvement in pedaling neutrality when compared to standard FSR suspension geometry in the first portion of travel without any notable impact on pedal feedback which remains low. In other respects things are fairly similar to standard FSR - suspension is active under braking and anti-squat drops away dramatically in the course of wheel travel. Wheelpath seems alright too.

Overall, the changed pivot positions represent a definite if small gain.
  • 3 0
 So it won't be put into production but we will probably see the claw riding this at rampage along with Martin
  • 5 1
 It is going to be way to overpriced anyway so who cares.
  • 4 1
 All you people have too much time on your hands.. Just ride what works for you and stop being scumbag trolls.
  • 3 0
 Thatl be Gwins new steed. I said last week, if he doesn't win they'll make him a bike.
  • 7 0
 It's pretty much cheaper than other still face-saving options for the big S, haha. They'll play it off that Gwinny's superior skills helped them revitalize their dh rig. Meanwhile Hill will continue to churn out solid results on his Nukeproof. Say what you want about Big S, they're a marketing powerhouse.
  • 1 0
 Exactly, I think people underestimate how far they will go to pull this back in terms of PR.
  • 4 1
 Glad to see they are going away from the hideous rear end on their current bikes.
  • 2 0
 I was waiting for someone to speak up about this! That is the one thin I hate to see on their bikes
  • 1 1
 Well, it looks like a modified 2012 SX trail 2, it should take the big hit's. But if I remember right, it had an issue with small bumps when you got the sag right. It is a great bike, that being the only small issue. Putting the axle that far up in the "path" should actually benefit in the small bump compliance. And with clutch derailleurs out now, you can design a frame one that won't kill the dearailleur on the downhills. This might be an exagerated prototype, but it is probably very close to a new design..
  • 4 0
 better not shorten up those links too much or DW will come after you
  • 3 0
 Testing a bike in Whistler during Crankworx..... that's a good way to prevent people from seeing it.
  • 1 0
 some one said above could be for rampage. and last year claw rode a status not a demo, it could be a modified status to run the ohlins shock at rampage to show off the new shock at more than dh racing....
  • 2 0
 dream job haha!! get paid to ride whistler all day on sick prototype bikes! sign me up
  • 3 0
 Looks a bit like an sx trail, although hard to tell.
  • 1 0
 I can figure what it looks like im guessing like and sx trail but a lower shock placement?
  • 2 0
 nah it most certainly looked more like a demo
  • 1 0
 Well to me the front triangle looks like a demo, but the rear triangle and link look like an sx trail. It definitely has the demo down tube.
  • 7 13
flag captain-sandbag (Aug 8, 2013 at 22:14) (Below Threshold)
 Nah. Looks like a Session.
  • 1 0
 that seatstay is super short. interesting
  • 2 0
 It's look like ... a Canyon !!!!
  • 2 0
 Agree with Arnoodles. According to what we see, it definitely looks like a 09-12 SX trail, certainly with DH specific geometry. Shouldn't be bad !
  • 2 0
 At this stage, tubes won't be custom ordered. They're testing geo right now, 650b wheels, and maybe the 29er demo got scrapped. Who knows? Once they get the geo where they want it, the tube profiles will be optimized, and the carbon molds will be made. This is just the normal development cycle.
  • 7 4
 Is the chain stay long enough?
  • 19 2
 Ask Gwin Wink
  • 3 0
 Looks like a ........ oh that's already been done
  • 9 0
 Ask Protour.
  • 2 0
 AHAHAHA^
  • 2 1
 Put Gee on it, it sure will be long enough to win. Give him a tricycle he will win anyway. Unless Rémi Thirion is around… ?
  • 3 0
 finally, rearward travel?
  • 1 0
 Well a higher IC at least.
  • 3 0
 it's the new sx bomber freeride bike Smile
  • 3 0
 It looks just like a beefy SX Trail!
  • 2 0
 lets put a sticker on his t-shirt okkkk, cause we don't want anyone to know hmmkkkkk
  • 2 0
 To be fair, any regular at whistler would spot brad a mile off.
  • 1 0
 fair one
  • 3 0
 Gwin still won't podium with it. Wink
  • 1 0
 Old news this bike has already been seen at Northstar at Tahoe like a month ago. Brad showed up to do like 4 runs on it then he ran back to the bay....
  • 2 0
 intresting the way the rear end is set up looks like a mix of big hit and status but it clearly has a demo front triangle
  • 1 0
 Like a said, but the rocker arm looks more like from bh.
  • 1 0
 I think its the NEW status, because i dont think they are making a new "demo" because they just make a carbon version, and many people dont buy a status sooo yeah
  • 2 0
 there you can see a bit more www.pinkbike.com/photo/9942974
  • 1 0
 Large and rather unrefined linkage. Obviously a very rudimentary test mule. It looks like it might have a BB concentric main pivot as well, right?
  • 2 0
 It looks like a gehtto status
  • 1 0
 I love how everyone blatantly ignores the "won't ever go to production" part of the article.
  • 1 0
 Yes, but this is something thas shows the philosofy to a new plataform...
  • 2 0
 I wish he'd move his leg!
  • 2 0
 Well rumor is that it pivots around the BB, so maybe it's strategic placing? haha
  • 3 3
 from what i can see in the picture it looks rather playful compared to the demo, not that I'm saying the demo isn't playful but it in the picture it looks a little more slack
  • 7 0
 playful ad more slack??? cuz that works
  • 2 0
 What's up with the drivetrain?
  • 4 2
 Ten bux says geometry is close to that of a Session
  • 2 0
 looks close to my sx trail
  • 1 0
 Exactly what i was going to say. The fron of pivot is an SX but the back is different. Look how odd The link below the cassetes are
  • 2 0
 Yeah i didnt notice that the first time around, I hope this is a comeback for the sx!
  • 1 0
 Exactly what i was going to say what mb00033 was going to say..
  • 12 14
 to be honest downhill bikes have no where to go now, they just keep bringing out another version of the same thing. BORING! prototype lol. Its all been done boyz. stop waisting money on so called reinvention of the same thing and just make them cheaper now and let us ride the damn things
  • 7 0
 they do, it's called gearbox
  • 5 6
 I agree, why cant they just sit still with the adequate and useful technology they already have (think moto industry) and try monetizing off selling more units rather than these immature little fanboy fads
The mountainbiking industry went the wrong way
  • 3 0
 It's all been done? Don't think that's even possible. And they keep reinventing the wheel cause people want and keep buying the newest best stuff every single year, and if one of the big players falls behind that's not good news for their bank accounts.
  • 3 0
 Well I think thats industry is all about trying new things. I am studying engineering and its all about tests and trying new things or develop (push) known things. There is a potential in anything. BTW no one is telling you to buy this bike or that it will be the only bike on the market and that you will have to buy it. Or on the other side, it might not even see the market. If everything that makes a bike better one was evident, they would be no point for them to develop and might as well close the company.
  • 7 0
 Innovate or die.
(Just ask Contour)
  • 10 0
 I have been involved in MX since 1982 (not a typo.) In that time we saw the development or rising rate linkages to replace twin shocks, air cooling to liquid cooling, variable exhaust port height, solid state ignitions, suspension reform including the switch to inverted forks, and now air springs, the demise of the 500cc two stroke (too much for most people to ride,) the development of four stroke engines that could actually compete with 2 strokes (with a displacement advantage, but prior to the YZ400, no displacement could overcome the flaws in existing designs) the advent of the aluminum frame, oversize bars, tire technology, refining cromoly frames to be equivalent to aluminum frames, mass centralization, refinement in rider position, and now fuel injection. Wheel sizes went through testing of 17", 18", 19" and 20" in the rear, and 20", 21", and 23" in front. We have two common rear tire sizes, and only one front that is commonly used now.

Yeah, I guess moto is just selling more units instead of developing LOL.
  • 1 0
 @Willie1, Nailed it! Haha.. I go back to 72', my dad raced on Monarchs and Bultacos. Fox had air shocks back then AND I believe Yamaha had an air fork in 81'. But the biggest inovation in mountain bikes the past 10 years has been the price! I'm not saying things haven't evolved, but things have been lightly refined, like a moto. But comparing pricing, moto's have slowly grown. The past 10 year's, 2003 to 2013, the Specialized FSR has almost tripled in price, Fox equiped bikes $1630 to $4100 (15% a year) and a Honda CRF450f $6300 to $8400. Sure, there's better damping and both got an extra gear, but they've been refined. the FSR has changed in design some, been tweaked. DH bikes have climbed in price about like the moto's.

I guess what I'm getting at, designs will slightly change, but the pricing has to stop climbing, would you pay $16,695 for a showroom stock 2014 CRF450F or any bike give or take a grand?
  • 1 0
 great points, willie. didn't cannondale introduce the use of aluminum perimeter frames to moto with their 4stroke experiment? would've been interesting to see that bike evolve next to that yz.
  • 1 0
 Honda had the first aluminum offroad frame in 1997. Cannondale was working on theirs shortly after that.
  • 1 0
 I missed out on the "collaboration with Ohlins", was there an article on PB? can someone elaborate on that?
  • 2 0
 www.pinkbike.com/news/First-Look-hlins-TTX-Rear-Shock-2013.html
  • 1 0
 cheers, fellow rider, and thanks
  • 1 0
 Status S-Works?...doesn't necessarily need to be carbon for it to be an S-Works of course (S-Works Allez for example)
  • 1 0
 Looks like a demo front end...and something rear end. Rocker arm from status/bhit, but that seatsatay is crazy.
  • 2 0
 yupp just as shitty as last years...
  • 1 0
 Saw another photo on Mojo Wheels Facebook and the rear tire was definitely a Maxxis DHR2... Strange, 650b then?
  • 1 0
 Would they really put an ohlins on a Status? If not then why test with it? Pretty sure this is your 2015 Demo.
  • 1 0
 It´s a special bike for Gwin Big Grin
  • 1 0
 its all about a OHLINS!!! guys. gays?
  • 2 0
 OHLINS
  • 2 0
 Looks like a.......
  • 8 0
 Proflex!
  • 5 1
 Session
  • 1 0
 Santa Cruz Razz
  • 9 0
 Redalp!
  • 1 0
 Knolly
  • 1 0
 Engineer lab
  • 12 0
 Potato
  • 4 4
 That giant Horst link looks medevil, maybe they are freaking out about their bad press with gwin
  • 2 1
 I've seen rockys prototypes at silver star and golden.
  • 6 1
 cool story bro
  • 2 0
 Who hasn't seen them by now? They are unreal!
  • 1 0
 What do they look like? Slightly modified Flatline, or something like Slayer or Altitude?
  • 1 1
 No joke. I think they look like a session
  • 1 0
 Any pictures?
  • 2 2
 Like i Commented on the picture. This new rear-end might be designed so that they can make it out of carbon
  • 3 2
 Digging the Nike socks lol
  • 1 0
 This isn't a 2014 prototype is it .seems kinda late for that.
  • 3 0
 too late... 2014 are already in production... and there's already some 2014 hitting arriving to stores.
  • 2 0
 Specialized already released the 2014 bikes, these are most likely 2015.
  • 1 1
 Am I the only one who thought of the carbon Morpheus DH bike looking at the front triangle?
  • 3 3
 finally they are changing the rear end kinematics, demo might actually become a proper dh bike now
  • 1 0
 I think it's a 650b status with a lower shock mounting
  • 1 0
 Cannot wait to see how Specialized markets this...
  • 1 0
 It's a Destamo! It certainly looks like one.
  • 2 1
 finally a demo what you can fit 40s to wow
  • 1 0
 It'a a PROMO.. Prototype Demo LOL.

anyway looks nice and light (y)
  • 1 0
 SX Demo maybe?
  • 1 1
 Al be getting myself one of those... Whatever it is...?
  • 1 0
 Mountain Bike paparazzi
  • 1 0
 Could be the Demo X?
  • 2 1
 cool!
  • 3 2
 BigHit
  • 4 0
 run a 24" on the rear of that bitch!!! BIGHIT!!!
  • 1 0
 There was a leak.
  • 1 1
 Looks like a demo... performs like a demo... its a demo
  • 1 0
 bike
  • 1 0
 Demo SX
  • 1 0
 Specialized MEGALODON
  • 3 4
 I Am " Not " Specialized .... Big Grin
  • 1 1
 it is only bike
  • 2 5
 Maybe this bike will put gwin on top...
  • 2 4
 Is the big bit back?
  • 7 3
 Hit* dumbass..
  • 2 1
 If specialized takes treks geo then gwin will do good lol

And seriously looks like a big hit!!/
  • 1 4
 looking at this photo more and the chain stay is noticeably longer too
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