Specialized Unveils 27.5+ Hardtails - Sea Otter 2015

Apr 17, 2015
by Mike Kazimer  
Sea Otter 2015

The 27.5+ train seems to be picking up steam, and Specialized can now be added to the list of manufacturers who are entering the market. They're starting off with the Fuse, an aluminum trail hardtail that rolls on wide 38mm wide Roval rims shod with 3.0” tires, placing the bike into what Specialized calls the '6Fattie' category. A 120mm fork, 67° head angle, 430mm chainstays and a dropper post make the bike's do-it-all intentions clear – this is more than a spindly XC race whippet. There's also a women's version called the Ruze that has the same big tires and similar geometry, but with a 100mm fork and a more female-friendly saddle and grips.

Fitting extra wide tires into a frame while still maintaining a reasonable chainstay length requires a healthy dose of creativity, and to that end the Fuze uses a diamond shaped split just before the chainstay meets the bottom bracket. This design, along with the use of the 3mm offset of the Boost chainring that accompanies the 12x148mm rear end provides enough clearance to run a true 3.0” tire with room to spare. The front of the bike uses the Boost standard as well, with 15x110 measurements to fit fatter tires.


Sea Otter 2015
Specialized's unique Diamond Stay allows for short chainstays while still retaining chainring clearance.
Sea Otter 2015
The Fuse has plenty of room for the three inch wide Ground Control tire, or something even bigger.

There will be three versions of the Fuze, the Pro ($3100 USD), Expert ($2100), and Comp ($1600), all equipped with 1x drivetrains, and available in sizes S-XXL. The Pro has a SRAM 11 speed drivetrain, while the Expert and Comp are 1x10, with an 11-40 cassette that Specialized developed in conjunction with SunRace. Interestingly, there's a four piston brake caliper in the front and a two piston one in the rear to to help deal with the increased momentum that comes with the bigger tires. It's nice to see shorter stems gaining ground as well – depending on frame size, either a 45 or 60mm length is spec'd.

There are a number of new components to accompany Specialized's foray into the 6Fattie world, including 27.5 X 3.0” versions of the Ground Control and Purgatory tires, along with wider carbon Traverse rims. The Traverse Fattie SL wheelset that's currently on the market is already quite wide with an internal width of 30mm, but there's a 38mm internal version on the way. Also of note is the updated Command Post dropper seatpost. Where the current version only has three settings to choose from, the new one, called the Command Post IRcc, now has 12 positions, making it easier to fine tune the ride height. The post is available in 30.9 or 31.6mm options with 125 or 100mm of drop.

The Fuse Expert and Comp are expected to be available in June, and the Pro should be available in July.

Sea Otter 2015
To complement the latest 27.5 x 3.0 tires, an even wider carbon Traverse Fattie rim is on the way, with a 38mm internal width.


Be sure to check out all of our Sea Otter Classic images in this gallery.


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180 Comments
  • 448 9
 Wow, last year there were fat bikes everywhere this year mid fat hopefully sea otter will have regular sized tires next year.
  • 49 6
 Dude, sorry that I neg propped you, can't undo it. You were supposed to have 3 now!
  • 27 1
 I up voted for you
  • 31 1
 Just upvoted him to make up for it man @FrEeZa
I got ur back
  • 7 0
 Plus is minus...'and this one is for semi-snowy days.'
  • 14 0
 What is with the mid fats? What are these for and why?
  • 15 0
 Because you already have so many bikes you couldn't possibly need another ... oh wait... now you need a mid fat.
  • 23 0
 n+1
  • 9 0
 The dawn of the chubby tire is upon us.
  • 5 2
 When I was lining up for downhill practice today a guy was running super wide 27.5 rims and 2.3 tires on his nomad. I asked him about it and he told me the traction is insane. Im a believer, wider tires + lower psi = more traction
  • 16 29
flag richierocket (Apr 17, 2015 at 17:35) (Below Threshold)
 Bitch bitch bitch = PB users. Go and freakin ride your bike...
  • 16 3
 Seems funny from a company that was so verbal about how there was no need for 650b in its lineup just a year ago.
  • 5 1
 @cooper95 2.3 isn't that big. I ran Vigilante 2.3s on my XC hardtail until last week (when I started racing XC again)

I think "plus" is considered around 3.0 and up
  • 4 0
 I think once you go above 2.7 you are in the plus range. A 2.5 Schwalbe is as big as i'd go on my DH bike
  • 4 0
 where are all the new, normal tires for 30-40 rims? 2.4 minion...hello maxxis?
  • 4 0
 How you take your coffee can now be how you take your bike.
  • 5 1
 It's weird though, all these + bike tire posts and no one is really happy about them, should tell you something....
  • 6 2
 Actually, I think the + sizes are a good idea. Fat tires with 4+ inch work real well only in some conditions, like loose sand or snow. 2.8" tires work almost everywhere. Additionally, I now have a 27.5+ wheelset in my 29er, and it's just a lot of fun. But I can just switch back to my regular 29er wheels anytime. Before those + wheels became available, I was playing with the idea to buy a fat bike, so actually this saved me some money.

Of course, there are a lot of people out there, who don't need or want wider wheels. But I don't see, how more variety can be a bad thing.
  • 22 0
 @tigerteeuwen: If the bike industry was relying on forum posts, to decide about new products, we would still be stuck with rigid forks and rim brakes.
  • 3 1
 Well they understood that they could try to sell a new wheel size so they took the current ones and modifyed them so you have to buy new forks and frames
  • 5 1
 next year they might try to sell us high profile rims like those on road bikes, aero is everything you know
  • 12 3
 Why is there is so much opposition to development in our sport. We started off at 26" then 29" was introduced and then 27.5", now nearly all DH wc riders on 650b and and XC riders are using 29 and for good reason, having ridden all three wheel sizes I would never go back to 26". Perhaps we will see a similar trend in tyre width, I'm not saying that 3" tires are going to dominate but I think we should support innovation in our sport as this leads to progression.
  • 4 1
 @richierocket , I guess you were riding when you posted that comment right ?
  • 3 3
 Thing is that isn't inovation to make a wheel bigger inovation is to build the wheel in a new way this wheel size thing is just to sell more bikes, sure the bigger wheels are faster and so on but thats for the racers right. they put more focus on how big the wheels are than how they can make the whole bike better
  • 4 0
 @AMGoran, my head is hurting from all of your comments contradictions.
  • 3 0
 @FuzzyL : Saving money? No way you're going to get away with this. There shall be a new standard soon.
  • 4 0
 I'm actually quite keen to try one of these 27.5+ hardtails
  • 3 0
 Me too!^^ Looks like fun to me.
2 wheels right?
  • 2 1
 @Yippee-Ki-YayMF get a glass of water then hahah
  • 1 1
 That is not true, lots of bikes people actually do get stocked about, and ideas.
  • 1 0
 They aren't mid fat... They're husky.
  • 93 6
 12 position dropper post? What? Am I the only one who chooses all the way up or all the way down?
  • 22 1
 I'd say that maybe 2.5% of the time, I have my seat in a middle position, but yeah, basically always all the way up or down. And screw dropper posts that have programmed stop points (or whatever you want to call them).
  • 16 1
 Probably not, but I often drop my post an inch or so for rolling, semi-technical trail.
  • 13 1
 My post has an option to set the post 1" below max height. I use this setting all the time for tech singletrack where I don't want the post at full height. 12 positions though... don't think the juice is worth the squeeze.
  • 9 0
 coming soon : skilled salesmen all around telling newcomers to mtb world about benefits of adjustable seatpost with 12 positions ( adjust as your balls feels fit) and 4 pistons front brake (gently here my hero) so they can feel save when they will feel like they are shredding oh soo hard on a trail previously just fine for standard hardtails.
  • 2 1
 I could do with a 4 position, 100mm option (25mm each drop). I HATE dropping my post too low while riding.
  • 1 3
 The proprietary post (and other parts) is one of the numerous things that turns me off to these bikes. On most frames, I wish for more than 150mm travel. How do they make an all new post that still doesn't compete with what RS has been doing for years?
  • 4 1
 My KS Lev adjusts to any position. I wouldn't but a post without this feature, I don't see why anyone would
  • 3 0
 It's at least $100 less.
  • 3 1
 Why not do it like a office chair so you can drop how much you like
  • 1 0
 @AMGoran Marzocchi already did that, you can lock it anywhere in its travel.
  • 1 2
 I rode 4 different Spesh bike at a demo one day and only one had a Command Post that actually worked. And these came right from the hands of their wrenches.
  • 1 1
 So whats the problem get the marzocchi and stop complaining haha
  • 1 0
 The problem is that they charge a premium for their bikes and spec them down compared to competitors with their "house brand" parts which could easily be better than aftermarket. Easily. They have demonstrated an amazing ability to deliver killer technology but then they throttle back. To hit a price point? I don't think so. To hit a profit margin? Yes. Great frames, great tech, but I believe their builds at any given price point are lacking.
  • 1 0
 Rode some command posts and there is a slight problem compared to a reverb. When you are riding and need to dropp the hight to middle you really have to have a "hight sensitive/twerky butt ". It happened a lot to me that I rarely got the middle hight right for the hook to engage. result was I went all the way down or it was high again. It When racing/chasing your friends you cannot loose any time "playing with your butt"... (No homo). May not be a problem when you are not charging but after trying the reverb I do not want to go back to the 3 positions. I guess this is why they did that with 10 positions or it was at least one of the reasons.
  • 47 1
 There was just an actual, physical popping sensation where I completely stopped giving one flying fudge about the next big thing in mountain biking. It's nice outside. I'm going to go outside to ride the bike I bought 2 years ago.
  • 3 13
flag blackthorne (Apr 17, 2015 at 17:03) (Below Threshold)
 Let's see how long that feeling lasts!
  • 15 0
 Im totally with you on that. Its like a switch went off...i just dont care about boost or +tires
  • 5 0
 Soon enough, you won't have to mess around with dirty rocks and filthy trees. Just acquiring shiny bits is the essence of MTB in the near future. Well duck that
  • 31 1
 Whenever there's a need, a product will be made to meet that need. Then there's this thing.
  • 2 2
 Yeah, I don't think I've ever thought to myself: "ya know, fat bikes are too big and regular trail hard tails just don't get the job done. *cue specialized* HAVE WE GOT THE BIKE FOR YOU!"
  • 2 3
 It doesn't have to do with what you think... If you haven't rode a 27.5+ bike you shouldn't be talking about them. Personally I have ridden one, and I can contest to how much fun they are!
  • 3 0
 I want more traction but not too much traction. That's what a 650B + hardtail offers. Why more companies aren't using the tire for full sus frames is a bit of a mystery. Kudos to RM on the Sherpa. I do get the whole fun thing though; sometimes riding loose sketchy trails on hardtails feels fast/fun.
  • 14 0
 I really wish the industry would do something innovative in regards to drive train ect, instead of just making everything wider and "+ size" and then using marketing snake oil to tell us it's better, faster, lighter, when we all know in the big picture it's not...
It makes me sad for new rider getting into it, I can just imagine them getting confused by the big brands sails pitches in there branded shops telling them what the holy grail is and in regards to this I'd like to say sorry on behalf of the industry to all new and to be mountain bikers, we have lost our way..
  • 8 1
 This isn't supposed to be the next big trail, do it all bike. If you have spent any time on a fatbike, you know how much fun they are, until you have to pedal. I think this might be a great medium, and personally can't wait to throw my legs over one.
  • 1 2
 Seriously its not much different than a 29er with 2.5 s on .
  • 3 0
 Might put 3 inch wide tyres whith 26 rims on my 27.5, that'll work won't it
  • 2 0
 I may be way off here, could be my Friday and the brews talking, but if the goal for big corp. brands is to sell more bicycles. Then would it be worth it to lobby for larger land access closer to the masses and in turn sell more bicycles(profit). Pretty sure we would have a longer run of a so called ever changing standard bicycle builds that just annoy a long term cyclist who pretty much resist fads and new fangled bs that bicycle/marketing companies pitch year after year. Any thoughts? I really want to hear about something other than fatWink . Maybe a super compact wide range deralliur, or that threaded bb's are making a come back, heck how about a gain of access to horse stopping wilderness areas.
  • 1 0
 Depends check the inside of your chain and seat stays and the legs of your fork
  • 13 1
 "This design, along with the use of the 3mm offset of the Boost chainring" but i didn't see anything about it having a boost rear hub, doesn't that screw up the chainline, or did the jet fuel melt the steel beams. oh sorry I'm getting my conspiracies and marketing shams mixed up ¯\(°_°)/¯
  • 9 0
 the surly krampus (29+) uses a 135mm rear hub with 3" wide tyres... im not following why 148mm is needed, whats next 150mm rear hubs or maybe even a few more spokes, i hear 36 is a good number to get a nice strong wheel...
  • 2 0
 i now see that th boost hub is 148
  • 7 0
 The Surly Krampus used it because Surly doesn't have the budget to partner on / commit to a hub development just to make the wheel stronger/stiffer. Its the same reason why when they first produced the pugsley, they relied on ISIS DH bike bottom brackets (100mm shell) with ISIS cranks , and ran 135 front and rear spacing (so as to use either dual rear hubs, or a cassette rear and a singlespeed rear (in front) with rear entry dropouts, and why the initial front disc tab spacing on the forks for them and Salsa was the same as with rear hubs. Newer fats use 135 spacing front offset. Surly may innovate now and then but they tend to do so as cheaply as possible (in terms of product development) which is silly given how expensive the framesets/bikes are.
  • 3 0
 I could really use one of these in my stable, just as soon as I buy my trail bike, road bike, commuter bike, xc bike, downhill bike, fat bike, and cargo bike. In that order.
  • 6 2
 Deeeight will be happy to step in for the Trek marketing department on this one. Oh wait, he already did!
  • 1 0
 It could have been the jet fuel. Apparently, it vapourises titanium components too.
  • 14 1
 One day it will be just be easier and cheaper to flatten off all the rocks and go back to rigid 26".
  • 8 0
 The folks who got frustrated by the Stache review are probably gonna have a heart attack when they see this, but it's kind of cool to see bigger companies putting some thought into hardtails other than just shaving grams off xc racers. I think these bikes make perfect sense for lots of trails where a full squish is overkill (trailcentres). And if they get more popular, many models should become cheaper than FS with similar builds.
  • 3 0
 Yeah I'm loving the trend personally. Don't really get the hate either; it's not like Trek/Spec/etc came out and said "hey we're discontinuing the Demo, Enduro, Stumpy, and Session so we can make mid-fat hardtails". It's just more options. And I think these are super practical for a lot of riders. If it trickles down in price at all it'll be a great way for people just getting into the sport to get a super fun bike with great geometry, minus the full suspension price tag.
  • 11 3
 I just sold my knolly warden which I could have kept along with my salsa bucksaw but fat tire bikes are just too much fun! I could give a sh#t what someone else thinks on the trail as long as there's a huge smile on my face! This bike looks sweet like the new rocky Sherpa! Not everyone races or gives too sh#ts about what others think they just want to have fun which is suppose to be what biking is all about no??
  • 10 2
 Sad statement about suspension technology. Is this suggesting that bigger tires give the equivalent performance as a full suspension set up? Seems like a step back in technology.
  • 10 1
 Did anyone else catch the part where they said 11-40 10spd cassette? GIVE ME THAT!
  • 4 0
 that is biggest thing in the whole article, by far
  • 2 0
 forums.mtbr.com/drivetrain-shifters-derailleurs-cranks/sunrace-cassette-wide-range-962391.html
  • 8 3
 I like this 120mm travel fork, 67 degree head angle, 430mm chainstays and 3.0'' tires,taking XC to the next level with slacker head angles.
  • 6 0
 So, in theory, you could buy this bike and have a set of "normal" wheels that would fit right on?
  • 8 2
 Normal wheels doesn't fit since this bike is using both Boost hub standards front & rear.
  • 5 0
 but normal tyres would fit straight on...
  • 7 7
 Yes...the B+'s and 29+'s are shaping up to be that ONE perfect trail bike.... the one you take with you on the road trip to Moab... or for the trip to maine...where you might be riding along the beach one morning and then a dense forest in the afternoon. As to normal tires...yes they'll fit the wide rims but the diameters will drop so you'll lose BB height / crank clearance.
  • 1 0
 If you put 'normal' 584 mm tyres on these rims you will lose a lot of BB height. However, if you had a 622 mm wheelset with 'normal' tyres it would probably work fine.
  • 4 0
 Not really... in point of fact, while product managers like to say the 650B x 3.0s are the same size as a 29er...they're slightly smaller. See this photo...on the left is a muddy WTB Exiwolf 29 x 2.3 and on the right is a brand new Vee Trax Fatty 650B x 3.25 on a rim that's really not wide enough for the casing to fill out to its proper size, but that has the side-effect of making the tire taller instead.

206.75.155.2/kmr/bikes/bto29comp1.jpg
  • 3 1
 Why would you buy a plus sized bike and put regular sized tires on it? Just buy a different bike.

This one caught me by surprise. Didn't expect Spesh to be on the cutting edge with it. There is a whole lot they got right on this bike. Tempting...
  • 1 0
 mud clearance... if you live in the uk you'll understand, we use mud tyres most of the year that's why this +size is bit of joke unless your a trail centre type...
  • 3 1
 Mud clearance, or just options. Having big ass clearances like that lets you do a ton of different stuff with tires and wheel sizes. You could stick a 29er wheelset with regular (smallish?) tires in there, stock wheelset, 27.5 with regular tires, mix and match, etc. Can't even tell you how many times I wished my cross bike had a tad more clearance so I could squeeze in a skinny 29er mtb tire. Or that my old XC 26er frame had clearance to fit anything more than a 2.1. Clearance = freedom.

Deeeight is spot on with this one. These mid-fat 650b trail hardtails are super exciting to me. ALMOST makes me wish I hadn't just sprung for an Airborne Goblin Evo... but then again for that price I wouldn't be able to get these HTs. FWIW, Airborne just released one of these 27.5+ hardtails too. It's $2k with GX and a Magnum. For those on a budget...
  • 1 0
 Surly and Soma offer 650B tires that'll fit cross/touring bikes. Instead of building my Salsa Las Cruces with 700x35s I'm instead building it with 650Bx41s. I give up a little bit of ground clearance but in return I get a lot more air volume so I can run lower pressures and the bike is a lot more fun on gravel/dirt roads. As to small 29er tires... Bontrager used to offer the Jones XR tire in what was labeled a 29 x 1.8.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the tips, dude!
  • 10 3
 I'm tyred of this plus already..
  • 5 0
 and boost.
  • 4 0
 I wish this new PressFit BB was covered by PinkBike so we could hate on it:

www.bikeradar.com/mtb/news/article/the-100-guaranteed-creak-free-press-fit-bottom-bracket-44113
  • 2 0
 Looks like the bastard child of EU and PF 'standards'. Kill it with fire!
  • 1 0
 Lol I'd love a 140mm 650+ full susser!!!!! I rode a mates big hit (1st version), with shivers, 24" front and back with 3.0" gazzaloddis years ago and with out a shadow of a doubt that bike motored more than my 224 or my bro's Balfa BB7 cause It inspired confidence by the bucket loads. I ran 2.8 kenda's on my 26" 2.5 wide bmf rims on my Foes Zigzag and that gave me a load of confidence over 15years ago to the point of hitting massive gaps... So I'm all for 650+ as seems like the ultimate bike for me with a playful edge
  • 5 2
 That's a sweet looking hardtail! Those meaty 3" tires make the frame look super thin, but I like the unique look of the chainstays.
  • 8 2
 I think this is what Mountain bikes should have been like from the start....
  • 2 0
 I think I'll wait for the Rockhopper version with 2X drivetrain,
  • 1 0
 Seriously man, Even if people think the tires are dumb, it's sick to see the big bike companies making aggressive/fun hardtails. How cool would it be if geometry/design like this trickled down to the entry level and lower cost stuff? Playful, fun hardtails might not be a boutique thing anymore.
  • 1 0
 This is one good looking bike, been waiting for Specialized to release a decent mid travel Hardtail and not just the cheap Rockhopper/Pitch HT... I do like the look of it and its good to have options in terms of wheel sizes e.t.c

The problem is companies trying to tell us that this is now the best thing that you need to have and any other bike is not good enough. I'd have a smile riding down a trail on a 20 year old HT or a brand new £10k Full Suss. The thing is getting out there and having fun, as long as its got two wheels and you're not wearing Lycra its fine!
  • 1 0
 Definitely yes for 27.5+. Similar geo if you convert it from a 29er with similar weight wheel/tire combo just more grip and most important more COMFORTABLE. After all for most of us is all about having fun while riding. Obviously we are not forced to buy something if we don't like it. I want a fitting wheel/tire set for my 29er. Thank you.
  • 6 3
 why even make 12 positions and not just inifinite?

and anyone know the HA? Geo specs of any sort?
  • 5 0
 67 degree HA, 430mm chainstays just like the article says - I'll have a full geo chart up shortly.
  • 5 0
 and why even have super stiff and super light wheels on heavy and spongey tires
  • 1 0
 Perhaps the dropper is more durable this way?
  • 1 0
 thats what i was thinking, durability. and i didn't notice that top paragraph
  • 2 0
 Geometry chart: www.pinkbike.com/photo/12131626
  • 1 1
 thanks guys
  • 5 1
 that looks like a super fun bike
  • 6 2
 That does look pretty Bitchin'
  • 2 1
 Weird, when the going gets tough, I run a Kenda Telonix 2.6 on my 9mm front hub... Something here does not add up, not even with that 15mm thing they just came up with. Bike lppks nice though.
  • 3 0
 Awesome newbie bike. I'm sure it has great traction, but nobody would race this slug.
  • 2 1
 I actually really like the 650b+ hardtail as a backcountry bike. If I had the cash I'd get one for times when I need something really reliable and care more about covering distance than charging.
  • 3 0
 Somebody has to have a bunch of 26x3.0 Gaziloddis left over somewhere... Just call them 26+...
  • 1 1
 Well considering Specialized was the last ones to the 29 market, really messed up with their fat bike. By the time they started shipping the fat bike craze was over, they denied and refused 650b. And in retaliation they just modified their 29" SJ FSR and Enduro frames. So seeing how they seem to always loose on trends, they are saying...not this time! 650b+ !!!
  • 2 0
 Its all very cool, but a 2.5" tyre is a pig to climb with. You can keep your 3"
I'll stick to 2.3 minion DHF on 30mm internal rims - more grip that I need already!
  • 3 1
 You have no idea. You can climb stuff on fat tires that you can not even approach on your 2.3.
  • 1 1
 Im talking about ease of climbing - efficiency. It would be much easier to climb up a fire road with 2.3 over 3 Technical climbs - yes more grip will aways win. So maybe it is you who has no idea - for not looking at the full picture.
  • 1 1
 Climbing fireroads is not mountain biking. Maybe you should stick to bike paths on your Huffy.
  • 2 1
 It is if you climb one to then nail a black DH run. Its called Enduro these days, pops.
  • 2 0
 Just from personal experience I prefer riding a 2.35 over a 2.7 so I cant imagine id enjoy riding on 3.0 I dont need dirtbike tyres on my pedal bike
  • 1 1
 Okay I've ridden specialized for years had many bikes made by them always loved the brand and I currently have two specialized bikes a fuse 20 and stumpjumper 29 and one eastern Thunderbird and I like how precise there getting with designs but on that train 27.5 I don't like how they remove metal down at the bb I understand its a CNC or billet welded and is probably quite strong but I like a thicker booty on my girl if u know what I mean and they should have never made the shock design on the stumphumper 29er so you get stuck with the fackin specialized brain shock. Proprietary wtf does that even mean specialized........? Keep it simple=kick ass
  • 2 2
 In all honesty, what type of riding is this 27.5+ stuff really geared for? Is it mostly still like a snow/sand thing like full size fatties or is this a new trend for everyday trail bikes?
  • 3 2
 Not they serve to go fast or agyle. Another stupid trick to continue selling.
  • 3 1
 It's a trail bike. A more compliant hardtail. Lets you cut a few pounds of pressure without strikes. Still rolls fast. Adds a bit more range to the bike before you start wishing for suspension. Try it. You might like it. Or don't. Whatever.
  • 2 1
 Cool, I honestly think it's sweet and not bashing it in any way. I really just wasn't sure if these were aimed at everyday use or not. I'd absolutely love to try one out!
  • 1 0
 Why make such a slack bike and only put a 120 on the front? 140 would be perfect, but some Euro manufacturers are throwing 160s on their slack HTs.
  • 3 0
 Coolest looking Hardtail frame Specialized has produced in a LONG time...
  • 1 0
 Didn't we already have a fat tire craze of the late 90's and early 2000's with 3in tires on smaller rims? Hm, guess we've come full circle then...
  • 4 2
 perfect for british trail centres!
  • 4 2
 I have to be honest, that bike does look a lot of fun!
  • 2 1
 I kinda like the one in the back ground better with the lower top tube like that, oh wait... thats the womens one huh? haha
  • 1 0
 @savage47 never get used to it, I wish people would stop complaining for the sake of complaining.
  • 1 0
 Never will!
  • 4 2
 Who the f*ck has been asking for these/buying early versions of them?
  • 1 0
 As much as I want to hate this, I gotta hand it to them for making a properly nice looking bike as always.
  • 3 0
 Awesome.
  • 2 0
 Diet fatbike is like Diet Coke..... I don't like Coke!
  • 1 0
 we live in a disposable income society , bring on the next big thing, and the sheep's will follow.
  • 1 0
 Might be into one of those hardtails, I wrecked my Trans-Am last year and am looking for a replacement.
  • 1 0
 Screw boost just go 150mm in the back and 20x110 in the front, bet 150mm would be stronger than 148..
  • 1 0
 Ive been running 3.0 for ages and no one has said "is that one of those new 26+ bikes?" No. Its a dh bime with fat tires
  • 1 0
 "67° head angle,430mm chainstays " Third sentence in the article....
  • 8 7
 Just f*ck off! Who do these bikes benefit?
  • 5 1
 Ok I can see some people are getting upset by my disregard for this platform. So would someone care to explain why I would want something that is slower and heavier? I have obviously missed the memo.
  • 4 2
 You are not alone! I think people here look at this contraptions and think "wow,I wouldn't mind going downhill some groomed trail in that",but no one thinks about getting up the hills or everywhere else.
These bikes are stupid,bike companies are out of control trying every niche market trend to go mainstream so they can make a buck.
  • 7 1
 I haven't tried a + bike, but c'mon, open your tight-assed mind a wee bit. I noticed such an amazing difference the first time I switched from 2.1" tires to 2.5" nevegals, and I could see this being a step further in that same direction. Not at fast, but grippier, way more stable, and just able to plow through shit. Isn't that a fun feeling?
  • 2 0
 I can't help but feel like this guy where the car represents the direction the industry goes without checking if it's what we want first. youtu.be/ctsDl7g6a1w
  • 1 0
 @matt5311
haha
  • 6 6
 i think we are all in agreement when i say kill it with fire before it lays eggs
  • 1 0
 I'm really liking the long toptube, short stem.
  • 1 0
 What do you call a 29er with 650b wheels? Lol.
  • 1 0
 Mmmm Mid Fat. Sounds like the perfect wake up bike.....
  • 1 0
 What kind of fork is that?
  • 1 0
 Trek can stache 29+ up their a$$. 27.5+ is where it's at.
  • 2 3
 I reFuse to get sucked into this 28-30lb plus size hardtail specialized marketing gizmo. Maybe I've just been drinking too much.
  • 1 1
 No, I'm with you. I thought having three wheel sizes and two axle width standards was pushing it last year now throw in 148, plus size tires, blah blah blah, all the lines between the benefits of each wheel size are starting to blur and we're ending up with tech that won't last more than ten years due to the fact it just isn't needed.
  • 2 1
 please stop this madness Frown
  • 2 0
 And version 26 is when?
  • 1 0
 that bike is more rigid than my cock
  • 1 0
 Can someone explain what 27.5+ is?

I genuinely don't understand.
  • 1 0
 So.. can I use this bike to download the latest game of thrones leak?
  • 2 1
 hmmmm not bad
  • 1 0
 Chubbies... LOL
  • 2 2
 if I want a fat bike i'll buy a real one not a pretend one
  • 1 1
 something urges me to want to get that????
  • 1 0
 fat tires rock.
  • 1 1
 Wow a whole new subgenre of bike porn!
  • 4 4
 Hands in the air if you just don't care
  • 1 1
 29ers for chubbies too embarrassed to be seen on 29ers...?
  • 2 2
 Most of these will be sold to wana-be hipters to use in the city
  • 4 4
 F**k off Specialized.
  • 3 3
 Nothing special.
  • 2 3
 I'd ride it at. . . As long as my friends don't see me with a fatty.
  • 1 1
 snooze
  • 2 4
 Specialized are "entering the market?"
  • 8 3
 The 27.5+ market, yes.
  • 4 1
 saying, didn't they kind of invent it?
  • 3 0
 given we buy anything they throw at us, you don't need the market to be already there to "enter" it, you just have to start throwing.
  • 9 11
 WHEN IS IT EVER GONNA STOP?????????????????
  • 4 5
 Totally agree. Problem is that idiots buy this total crap. Stop buying it and they won't produce them
  • 5 7
 Peice of shit!
  • 3 5
 garbage







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