Specialized Announces Demo 8 Alloy

Feb 22, 2016
by Mike Kazimer  
Specialized recently unveiled the newest addition to the Demo 8 family, an alloy version of the radically shaped, asymmetrical frame that made an impressive mark on the World Cup DH circuit last season. The aluminum frame retains the same distinctive shape, but as you'd expect is much less expensive, to the tune of $2,600 USD for the frame with an Ohlins rear shock, versus $4,500 USD for the carbon version. In addition to the frame only option, Specialized will also be offering two complete alloy Demo 8s, priced at $6,000 and $4,000.

Demo 8 Alloy 2016


Demo 8 Alloy 2016



MENTIONS: @Specialized


Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

264 Comments
  • 533 18
 1) Thanks Specialised for manufacturing a great piece of engineering in another material which makes it more affordable for us all.
2) Why (and I have no pleasure in saying this) have the vast majority of comments made been negative gripes? Seems like this sport is becoming a following unappreciative people. Full of know it alls that spend more time fannying around than actually out riding bikes, having fun.
3) How long before "blah blah YT....blah blah" becomes the new "looks like a session"?

GET OUT ON ANY BIKE AND HAVE FUN, STOP MOANING!!
  • 33 148
flag jack-aldred (Feb 22, 2016 at 11:44) (Below Threshold)
 Just goes to show how much one person (Gwin) can change the outlook of so many people...
  • 30 182
flag torero (Feb 22, 2016 at 11:58) (Below Threshold)
 We are not sheep like you. And we will not allow companies to speculate with prices ...
  • 72 3
 Specialized haters will always hate, but 4k for a full on dh bike has me salivating. I was getting worried about the Demo line when all that was being offered was 6.5k carbon, I should've known spec wouldn't leave out my section of the (poor student) market that can't be dropping that kind of cash!
  • 34 1
 1st things 1st, awesome riding and excellent edit. Couldn't give a shit if it's carbon or not, riding is riding. Enjoy!!!!!
It's what biking is all about right???
  • 20 99
flag torero (Feb 22, 2016 at 13:08) (Below Threshold)
 "...which makes it more affordable for us all".
- No.
  • 5 2
 Broadyvrs is right!
Although the older gen demo looked out of this world made better with an Ohlins coil, the carbon demo with ohlins would look unreal (never seen one).

It's nice to have new and nice toys right.... but to get good use out them makes it that much more pleasurable.
  • 12 1
 considering almost 10% of people ride demos at whistler (recent stat) I dont think people are sheep, they like a bike that rides nice and doesn't put to big of a ding in the pocket book !
  • 33 52
flag mhoshal (Feb 22, 2016 at 13:43) (Below Threshold)
 Not trying to be an ass here but what is so special about this shock company. I hear ohlins this and ohlins that. So what the real scoop because it just sounds like a bullshit fad like the elka was when it first come out and now you can pick up their shocks for next to nothing used. I doubt they are any more magical than any other shock on the market considering they all have the same adjustments. Id just like a legit reason why these shocks are held in such high regards.
  • 30 5
 Ohlins are the most respected suspension company in the motorsports biz for good reason. Their sh@t works..extremely well with minimal fuss. Great to see the offering dampers for mountain bikes.
  • 27 6
 Ohlins is no bullshit fad..They have been making some of the best motorcycle shocks for well over 30 years. All the elite dirt bike racers use them. Try one and you will see why..
  • 20 37
flag mhoshal (Feb 22, 2016 at 13:58) (Below Threshold)
 So you pay 500 dollars more for a respected company only hmm seems kinda dumb to me when I know fox is a proven company with amazing products that have never failed me. So should they be charging 500 bucks more than the competition?? Again legit question here.
  • 19 3
 @mhoshal they pioneered the "twin tube" technology that many of the competitor's fancy shocks use currently, they use very high quality materials & produced with highly precise tolerances in small batches, and this shock was specifically built & valved for the Demo platform so it makes setting it up a breeze. All of this translates to a shock that keeps the bike planted to the ground better than the rest. It works so well that they refuse to sponsor athletes (so when you see professional moto teams using them, it means the team actually paid for them).
  • 19 1
 less writing more riding
  • 14 2
 Ã–hlins invented TTX technology over a decade ago that both FOX & Cane Creek now use. Take a look at their 40 year track record here: www.ohlins.com/about/hall-of-fame
You can decide if it's worth it, but the hype is well earned.
  • 16 48
flag mhoshal (Feb 22, 2016 at 14:11) (Below Threshold)
 Okay so you say they designed the twin tube and than you say every other shock company pretty much uses that design now. So that doesn't really mean squat. So the first company to design narrow wide chainrings should charge double the competition? Lol sounds stupid right? Than you say they use high quality materials. Guess what so does every other quality shock brand lol. Than you say its tuned for the demo only so if I don't like the frame im stuck with a shock thats only tuned to that frame unless you spend more money to get it retuned. So again I ask why is this shock supposed to be worth so much more?
  • 17 2
 @mhoshal its ohlins duh! Vital mtb voted it best shock of 2015, even over the dhx2, if you want the best you have to pay for it. Its also the only shock that has just 3 clicks of hs compression adjustment as well as a sensible number of clicks on the others, which in my eyes makes so much more sense and so much easier to tune
  • 5 46
flag mhoshal (Feb 22, 2016 at 14:16) (Below Threshold)
 Good answer when you can't argue my facts lol
  • 28 1
 Just let it go..if you cant afford a ohlins get a rock shox with plastic parts. Why do you care how people spend there money..
  • 15 1
 Since they were first, it means they are arguably further ahead than what the competition is doing now. Also, when I say it is tuned for the frame, it just means they have built it in a way that makes it easier for you to set up. Instead of having 40 clicks of every adjustment, you only have 3 - 7 depending on the adjustment. That is why the Fox and Cane Creek have so many clicks- it's one shock for hundreds of frames and they need that excess valving to suit all of those frames. And if you are buying an Öhlins shock, you are concerned about exact performance so yes you would want to get it retuned for a different frame if you switched frames. You obviously don't seem convinced by argument alone, so go ride one and see for yourself. If you can't tell the difference between an Öhlins shock and your typical Fox or Rock Shox damper, then you need to take some riding lessons first and get your technique dialed to the point where you can feel changes in suspension settings. That's not an insult, just some advice.
  • 5 36
flag mhoshal (Feb 22, 2016 at 14:20) (Below Threshold)
 You clearly miss the point!!!
  • 11 6
 @mhoshal your words here "every other company pretty much uses that design." pretty much doesnt cut it. ohlins didnt give them the blueprints. the other companies try to copy. making it inferior. would you ever buy a dh frame without a rear shock? no. there a reason no bike company will sell you one either cause theyve made that frame for that shock and set it up respectively. and your beloved "fox" needs more tuning and rebuilds than anyone else on the market. know your shit before you argue dummy.dont be mad just cause you cant afford it. neither can i. but i wish i could
  • 6 41
flag mhoshal (Feb 22, 2016 at 14:32) (Below Threshold)
 Lol it sounds like you're the one getting butthurt and angry bud. Lol ohlins fan boy right here. Im just asking legitimate questions buddy to get to the bottom of it. Id hope you'd research the shit you're interested in before investing a boat load of money into it and unlike you I can afford it. I just want to ne able to justify why its costing so much before I invest my hard earned money on it
  • 10 2
 @mhoshal the goal of any suspension element is to keep your traction where it is too bumpy/uneven to normally keep traction. Better suspension provides more traction and the technology that Öhlins pioneered and have arguably perfected (at least in comparison to competitors) does this more so than the competition. That is the only explanation of why people will pay more money for it, professional racers included.
  • 9 31
flag mhoshal (Feb 22, 2016 at 14:43) (Below Threshold)
 At least you give me a legit answer buddy I appreciate the insight seems how pinkbike is full of keyboard professionals who think they know everything about the shock from reading Pb articles.
  • 27 5
 @mhoshal you ride in ontario, buy yourself a sweet hardtail so you can stop complaining about rear shock set ups
  • 8 8
 @scottgregorydh There are gripes because specialized has already burned bridges with their mega corporate identity and unnecessarily high prices
  • 2 2
 @scottgregorydh well said, I agree 100% with you.
  • 10 2
 @fuzz826 Sweet Ontario chirp bud, looks like you really shred with all the photos/videos you have posted.... squid
  • 7 0
 Why is everyone referring to shocks as dampers these days? A damper is only half a shock!
  • 2 0
 Buy the cheaper version, sell the shock and buy used Ohlin's or whatever u like. Or just grab the whole enchilada when someone buys it then decides they want carbon.
  • 2 0
 win
  • 3 1
 Meanwhile, Santa Cruz giggling at the side.
  • 3 3
 i just ordered a fully custom tuned ohlins ttx22m for my trek session park, and cannot wait for it to show up. as previously stated they have perfected a shock that can maintain traction on more difficult terrain such as off camber rooty corners, its small bump compliance is insane compared to other shocks. ohlins has also created a shock that is more user friendly and has a actual reasonable number of adjustments that actually make a noticeable difference with every click. Not a ridiculous amount of clicks that you have to adjusted 5 or so more clicks for a noticeable difference. Read some reviews online, pretty sure its Vital who said the shock is practically impossible to set up horribly.
  • 2 0
 @scottgregorydh -> right on man. I'm not a big fan of 'carbon only' options. Where's my SB5 or Hightower alum?
  • 5 0
 I just ordered a full custom rear end stacked high compression latina with a big front end and plenty of room for storage.
  • 10 4
 @ka-brap
"pioneered the "twin tube" technology that many of the competitor's fancy shocks use currently" = so what? it is not special tech anymore. Ford was the first to make a mass-produced vehicle and the Asians make better automobiles all day now.
"they use very high quality materials & produced with highly precise tolerances in small batches" = what company doesn't do this nowadays?!? The differential margin in engineering is so minimal its laughable. and 'small batches' means more expensive; i could do a "very small artisinal batch made shock" in my basement and it doesn't necessarily translate to quality. Oh yah, did you forget about the quality problems with the first batch that shipped with Demo's???
"and this shock was specifically built & valved for the Demo platform so it makes setting it up a breeze." = and... this is exactly what nearly EVERY frame manufacturer does, they work on a 'tune' with the suspension manufacturer for said suspension curve...

The only thing that Ohlins shock has going for it is that proprietary garbage shock mount; "it is pretty much the only shock that you can put on this frame?? oh man its one of the BEST!!!!"

@mhoshal
I'll give you the non-speshialized-koolaid response. No, there is nothing much more unique about this shock than any other top-end shock on the market from Fox, RockShox... Only the proprietary mount. And for other questions the Specialized service center does Ohlins rebuilds (only through your friendly Specialized authorized retailer who makes a $30 margin off you for simply being the middle-shipping-man). And from experience working there, the Ohlins shock is nothing exceptional internally, and has had its own quality issues, and makes a lot of squishy noise. Is it a surprise Ohlins hasn't turned up on any other manufacturer's OE spec if it is the absolute mack-daddy-bestest shock in the world? Nope!
  • 4 2
 @Drbillin Thanks for typing all that up so I didn't have to, almost the exact same thoughts I had while reading everyone's comments. @mhoshal Props for sticking to your guns even when the internet "experts" are trying to make you get on the hype train.
  • 4 1
 @Drbillin sorry if I struck a chord with you there, but nothing you raise against my points shows that they produce an inferior product or an equivalent product. You only still show that they make an awesome product and that other companies rush to copy it. The problem with your argument is that you pick each aspect apart as if they were isolated aspects when in reality Öhlins represents the combination of ALL of these aspects: they pioneered the technology (and advanced it), their insane attention to detail, their small production batches, AND their specific development for a single platform. You picked them apart as if they were separate aspects not happening within the same product, and that is not a fair comparison. It is the totality of these aspects existing within one product that makes the Öhlins damper so wonderful.

Obviously all manufacturers work with their suspension brands on having the shock tuned for the bike, but those settings are still a ball park. Having previously owned a Demo with a CC DB and another Demo with an Öhlins, I can tell you that when a shock is made specifically for a certain suspension platform, it is easier to find your settings. You can faff about for hours with a CC DB to find your ideal settings and it only takes minutes with the Öhlins. So yes, there is a big difference between a shock that has an absurd amount of settings to play with and one that only has a handful. If I could afford to put one on my Gambler, I would.

The reason you don't see Öhlins come shipping on other bikes is because of the agreement with Specialized, not because other brands don't want it. In fact, when you look to Europe, Öhlins makes this shock (with a different reservoir shape) so that it can work with many other frame designs. They are valved for those frames as well (just like you noted above) and are super easy to set up & adjust for the rider.
  • 5 0
 All shocks are good these days, it might be 3% "better" but does it really matter?
  • 6 0
 You guys really do have time!!! As @scottgregorydh said.... Turn off your laptop, get off your couch and go ride on any bike!!!
  • 3 0
 Don't let the Internet get you down. Read the comments section on any article about anything on any website and the vast majority of the comments will be negative. It's just how the Internet works.
  • 3 3
 What is the fuss about...they were selling an alloy Demo 8 last year with an ohlins!!!!!

www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/archive/2015/demo/demo-8-ii

and there was a cheaper version with a fox shock

www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/archive/2015/demo/demo-8-i
  • 6 1
 let's look at the prices, shall we?
Rockshox vivid coil r2c : 470 €
Fox DHX2 Factory coil: 750€
öhlins TTX22m: 680€ (in italy, at least, see Andreani Group)
CaneCreek DoubleBarrel Coil: 699 €
Marzo Moto C2R Coil: 530 €
Push Industries Elevensix: 1000€

these are rough prices but i guess they give an idea...i don't know you guys but it doesn't look to me that ö stuff is overpriced...at least in respect on wht other companies charge.
  • 3 0
 My Demo 8. Just got a little closer to becoming reality. Great deal specialized.
  • 6 1
 Ohlins also helped design the CCDB, that's why it was far ahead of its time
  • 2 0
 For coolness' sake, mandatory no-glove riding in winter.
  • 3 4
 Did anyone watch the video closely?

Neither of these riders were using the Ohlins shock, both on RockShox coil setups. Have a close look at about 1:20... all this arguing and the riders in the bike promo video are not even using that shock installed.
  • 6 0
 lol ruckusrider74, that because the riders in the video are The Coastal Crew, they're main sponsor besides specialized is SRAM, which owns rockshox, thats why they ride the vivid. As said previously Ohlins will not sponsor riders, not even pro motogp riders, they even have to pay to run ohlins.
  • 1 0
 ^^ didn't know that.. interesting tid bit of info..
  • 1 2
 I have a great hard tail bud a Santa cruz jackal. And I never once complained about anything apparently you cant read properly.
  • 2 1
 Thanks man for the legit answer I'm just doing my own research and everyone gets all butt hurt when I debate their points. After your answer ill just stick to my fox for now until they drop their pricing. Thanks again man I appreciate the insight.
  • 12 0
 @mhoshal

De Carbon invented his shock in the mid 1950's, what is known as a 'monotube' damper with floating piston / high pressure gas charge. This was originally licensed to Bilstein, patent expired in early 1970's and was then used by Fox, etc. Most modern mountain bike shocks have been known as "De Carbon" type.

Ohlins invented 'twin tube' damper technology (recirculating with low gas pressure) for motorsports applications, it was later licensed to Cane Creek in the MTB world and now obviously they are offering their own dampers.

the Twin Tube design offers a much superior ride due to low gas pressure (minimal cavitation, less friction) and proper seperation of compression / rebound circuits with adjusters having a direct influence on oil flow

60% of Ohlins business is aftermarket - if you consider other shock companies like Fox and Rockshox, the bulk of their sales are OE customers. This tells you that Ohlins customers are actually buying shocks as upgrades to replace their 'other brand' OE stock shock.

QC is also what really seperates Ohlins. If you speak with expert suspension tuners and look at the results of dyno testing for Fox, Rockshox, etc. there is a wide range in performance on 'identical' shocks due to small variations in manufacturing and assembly quality control, as well as use of less expensive components to reduce manufacturing costs.

With a batch of high quality shocks from Ohlins you will see near identical results on the dyno because the QC is top class.
  • 5 1
 quality comment @hampsteadbandit

prop this^^^^^
  • 4 0
 I would like to point out, before more people become misinformed, that this shock does NOT have a proprietary mounting system. There is a lot of nonsense being said here, but I thought this was the only important thing. Godspeed, people of the internet...
  • 2 0
 My girlfriend says I have a proprietary mounting system!
  • 57 3
 can't wait for the demo 6fattie
  • 81 36
 $2600 for a frame? Thats ridiculous in my eyes
  • 24 5
 USD, not GBP probably a little difference? Wink just checked. it would be about 1800gbp today.
  • 346 4
 or about 2 million canadian dollars for our friends up north
  • 50 41
 Yeah a little pricy for just a frame. Considering you can get the base YT Tues fully built for the same price.
  • 17 4
 Lots of welding, the single sided design with that taper has got to be a bitch to make. Still way more than i would pay though
  • 153 5
 Just going to throw this out there, as a slight voice of reason. $2600 for a DH aluminum frame and high end shock, is about the going rate. I'm not saying that I myself personally see extreme value at that price, I'm just saying it's on target for fair market value. Not every single person in the world wants a YT. That argument is getting a bit worn out.
  • 37 4
 Name a high-end DH frame, no matter the company less than $2500. Is that a lot of cash? Of course is it is. However, we are not talking about Airborne or even more so, a department store bike. Hell, the Ohlins rear shock itself is worth double most all department store bikes alone
  • 19 3
 @DARKSTAR63 exactly. Outside of the direct-to-consumer bike companies, when a DH frame with an elite level shock is around $2,500USD, it is of fair market value. Whether someone wants to spend that or can afford that is a different story.
  • 17 2
 ^^ Exactly, the TR500 frame is actually $2700 USD
  • 22 0
 I think it's great that they're offering this versus carbon only. Should be a hit!
  • 13 0
 @RollinFoSho I agree, the demo 8 has been the quintessential park bike for years, and the durability and price that aluminium provides is beneficial for the market.
  • 3 1
 yah about the ohlins lol, I just ordered one shipped from UK to Canada due to the whole specialized and ohlins in north america agreement, it cost me $1300 for the ohlins shock, and thats just the exchange rate not including shipping. So yes that shock is worth alot.
  • 6 2
 thats 2600 with an ohlins???
  • 8 26
flag grahammcdougall (Feb 22, 2016 at 11:35) (Below Threshold)
 $2600 for an ALUM frame is a tad pricey
  • 11 2
 Consider yourself lucky in the US, over here the same frame with shock goes for 3200€ (which at current exchange rate is $3500 USD) Big Grin
  • 2 18
flag torero (Feb 22, 2016 at 11:46) (Below Threshold)
 They are all about speculators not mean they are correct
  • 23 3
 I'll take "Devinci Wilson" for $2800 Canadian Alex.
  • 7 1
 @grahammcdougall Have you not read this entire thread?
  • 2 0
 @qmann holy cow, did not realize the shock was that much. Definitely makes the price more reasonable
  • 4 26
flag sevensixtwo (Feb 22, 2016 at 12:00) (Below Threshold)
 Way. Too. Expensive.
  • 20 2
 Not. For. You.
  • 19 7
 You do realize that this Öhlins TTX costs 820 Euro and is probably the best MTB shock ever made? The only thing making you think otherwise is a self-sabotaging mental process called "ignorant denial". I take that Demo over some flimsy cheap carbon bike anytime. It's a F1 of a bike, even in aluminium disguise. Commencal is probably great, but it is built according Russian engineering principles and not everyone likes that.
  • 8 0
 I agree @WAKIdesigns Although I understand the merit of carbon, I do not view it as superior in every regard. I like this Demo.
  • 8 1
 Carbon is cool for the frame... if made properly. There are thousands of ways to make a carbon frame... as Specialized has shown when fighting counterfeits in road bike world... If I am to not care about that I need YT pricing Big Grin It goes for the aluminium as well (26" Trek Session chainstays ekhem!) but they just don't cost as much and aren't as heavy in marketing claims
  • 5 17
flag torero (Feb 22, 2016 at 14:07) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns Engineers have no country ... And Russia is one of the most advanced countries.
  • 30 2
 In Mother Russia, Carbon molds you.
  • 10 1
 @torero Russian engineering means (over)built to last... Jesus... and you have no clue if Russia is the most advanced country, you just don't know. We were making such claims as teenage boys - I had a plastic model of F-15 and my friend was gluing together a Su-27.
  • 11 1
 @bman33 : The Norco carbon Aurum frame kit with CC DB is 2475 USD.
  • 2 2
 Ok @Spanky86, congrats, you split frog hairs and found one less by $25 (1%) . Add shipping and it's plus. I am sure the people whining and crying about about $2600 would still find $2475 unacceptable. Sure $25 isn't what they are crying about.
  • 5 2
 @bman33 : The point was just to show that there are other option that are below $2500 and I'm sure that there are more out there. That's all!
  • 5 1
 There are plenty just under $2500. However, the point was that the Specialized Alloy (I ride a Devinci Wilson BTW) is spot on price wise for what it is. Transition, Giant, Norco, Devinci, etc. are all 'about' $2500. Yes, Airborne and the like are lower than $2000, but they aren't considered on the same level as the Demo. Not saying they aren't good bikes....
  • 6 2
 Nice move by Spec. I personally would never pay the price for carbon frames. Not worth it for me. We are talking about a bike that you can take out and on the first ride potentially do some damage to it. I am not paticularly impressed with carbon. We build in steel. It just has a great feel to it, last a long time, strong as hell, and still respectably light.
  • 2 0
 Another point to Spanky86's Aurum mention is that it is a carbon frame vs aluminum frame.
  • 1 0
 Thank you WAKI, yes a bunch of you guys don't realize how expensive the shock alone is. With another shock spec'd it could potentially be a few hundred dollars cheaper. But specialized believes in putting only the best on their frames.
  • 1 1
 waiting for specialized year end sale 2016...
  • 2 1
 Having been an RAF aircraft technician, I can assure you Russian engineering is pretty good. They made by far the best fighter jets in the world. Only thing was they were built to be awesome, not built to last. They had half the lifespan of most Nato fighters. But were awesome.
  • 2 0
 @RollinFoSho
Would that be a big hit??????
  • 1 0
 oh yeah...BIG HIT baby
  • 31 1
 If I pay extra can I get some aluminum on the other side of the shock too
  • 27 3
 2'600 $ for the frame in the US and 3'200 € here in Europe, WHY ??
  • 7 20
flag toddyf12 (Feb 22, 2016 at 10:53) (Below Threshold)
 its actually 2360 euros, not sure what currency converter you used
  • 23 0
 I didn't use currency converter, it comes from french mtb websites Wink
  • 2 0
 its a different rrp in Europe to the states. If you import it you'll get hit with another 1/3 in import duties too..
  • 19 3
 thank your government for keeping high import duties to protect frames made in western europe. you know, all those DH frames which are made in western europe......
  • 4 0
 dont forget that the $2600 msrp does not include sales tax which is typically about 8%
  • 3 16
flag torero (Feb 22, 2016 at 11:22) (Below Threshold)
 3200 Euros is absurdly. Fuck crooks
  • 5 2
 Taxes, more known as "bull$hit".
  • 5 6
 How else are they going to house, clothe and feed a milliin asylum seekers? Food and houses ain't cheap!
  • 15 3
 more interested in that Ohlins rear shock
  • 8 4
 Just hope you never need service
  • 3 0
 I thought that was interesting too; explains what all the fuss was about when Ohlins announced they were coming to the USA.
  • 9 2
 Whats wrong with ohlins service? i can't find any other word to describe their service than 'amazing'! I had mine at service a month ago, they sent me an finished serviced shock BEFORE i sent them mine and they charged me 100$, amazing!
  • 6 0
 Look where you live! ! ! It's nearly twice that for service. I sent in our ttx22m and they (Ohlins USA) sent it back to me twice messed up! ! ! So it's in Sweden right now . . . I guess . . . It's going on month 5 ! ! ! we thought they were the best riding shock till this and Fox's X2! ! !
  • 3 0
 ohh wow they really send it all the way to Sweden from the States? I thought they sent it to Specialized or something in the US? I'd be upset as well if i took that long :/
  • 1 0
 It was sent to Ohlins USA. Specialized does not work on shocks. My son is running a X2 and it is good. . Real good! Want to buy a Ohlins ? Got three of them Frown
  • 3 0
 I haven't tried the new Ohlims but I do agree that new X2 is the stuff. And Fox rear are pretty reliable.
  • 11 1
 Awesome, you couldn't even get them to spill the weight difference?
  • 39 1
 heavier then carbon.
  • 7 26
flag torero (Feb 22, 2016 at 11:19) (Below Threshold)
 And most reliable Smile
  • 9 2
 I just bought the 2015 Demo 8 I carbon because It looked cool and had a yellow shock. Who cares just ride what ever bike you like.
  • 10 4
 Bottom line is the Demo is for expert and above racers and since the vast majority of us are not that, the Status is a dh/park bike for your likely skill level. Those have always been pretty affordable.
  • 2 2
 I have been riding for 2 years and am in college. haha. But I do own a low tier scott genius too... Trade offs :/ but I do agree a status is for most people. But for that price point go YT.
  • 1 1
 Sure, if after 2 years of riding youre ready to hit Rampage, go for it. $30k will buy you a rally car, but I would bet you'd go for an extended cab 2wd Tacoma instead.
  • 1 0
 This Demo aluminium replaces the Status for 2016 even though it's not even close in price!
  • 1 0
 That's a damn shame...
  • 1 0
 I guess there's always the dual clown Enduro.
  • 1 0
 @Rubberelli The Enduro Evo is not in the same travel bracket and is even more expensive than these demos ($6600!) www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/enduro
  • 10 3
 how can i buy this shit when aaron gwin doesnt ride one...sorry specialized but i will have to buy a yt to be like aaron gwin.
  • 7 1
 Doesn't look like a Session...
  • 2 0
 Ive just scanned through the large pile of comments all which pretty much focus on price. Ive ridden and owned a lot of DH bikes, am not a pro, just an average amateur and bought a demo because out of all of them it felt great to ride and continues to get me outta trouble that I would have eaten dirt with on other bikes. Its not just cost, they ride well too...I love it and wouldnt have anything else right not. And Im not a fanboy of Specialised as I also own a commencal and an orange.
  • 1 0
 Agree totally, we are all just trying to get maximum enjoyment out of the time we have to ride our bikes, if this bike or any other does this your winning.
  • 4 0
 So the good looking ones aren't even available in the uk. Well done specialized
  • 2 0
 Dirt say you will see in the UK just one complete build at £3500 with a RS boxxer RC and a Fox van RC.

dirtmountainbike.com/bike-reviews/downhill-bikes/specialized-demo-now-available-aluminium.html
  • 3 1
 It's just a horrible colour
  • 3 2
 Weak edit....is the target audience for the demo really just guys hitting fire road equivalent trails with a few doubles weaved in? This isn't a bash on the riders in the video, as we all know who they are and what they're capable of.

Why wouldn't you put at least some DH footage in your DH bike promo video? This isn't just another park bike, it's supposed to be a world class DH race beast...

On another note, kudos for releasing the demo in alloy...it may not be my bike of choice, but got knows there are a lot of people who want a demo and have been previously priced out of their carbon spaceship builds.
  • 1 6
flag Drbillin (Feb 22, 2016 at 20:44) (Below Threshold)
 Yep that is a weak edit. Its a (sad) attempt from the confused bureaucracy that is Specialized to produce a video that even comes close to what Santa Cruz has been putting out since they launched the Bronson.
  • 2 1
 Am I allowed to be honest and say the paint job is gonna make that a tough sell. Not good execution on that. Probably a great bike, but the paint job doesn't really follow/complement/accent the bike's natural lines.

Good on them though. Video makes it look like a park bike.
  • 2 1
 The yt is cool ,companies that have a legit dealer network suck and so do the bike shops that sell them comments are getting so tired. If you choose to not buy a brand or not support a shop that is cool just shut up already
  • 5 1
 Carbon or Aluminum, I'd like to ride those trails.
  • 6 3
 I'm pretty sure I have received cancer from some of these comments. Please radiate me.
  • 2 2
 Does this latest frame design only work with Ohlins, why not specc a RS or XF to keep price further down and leave the Ohlins on the top secc carbon frame, seems like over investing, or required by design to work, like people putting DVOs on a Status, makes no sense to me, if u want F1 performance atleast put it in a F1 chassis that matchs, same as house renovating, only add what enhances the house and adds capital gain, not that bikes gain in capital value unless you are Specialised selling new bikes lol.
  • 1 0
 Come on, people - this price is not so bad when there is Ohlins shock on board Smile . Well, for me personaly... even if this one was sell for 500 bucks - still cant afford it so don't really give a f**k Frown
  • 2 0
 Let's also not forget that YT doesn't do an XL TUES so until one arrives there are plenty of us for whom YT just isn't an option.
  • 3 1
 People wearing shorts in the snow always make me laugh but not as much as guys wearing kilts while mountain biking.
  • 2 0
 I can't justify the cost, but dammit it looks good; dat industrial design doh.
  • 3 1
 While the pricing may not be all that competitive it is good to still see companies offering alum versions.
  • 2 0
 They will probably stop in a year or two when they stop selling them. Direct sales carbon or dealer aluminium? Not a tough decision.
  • 1 0
 I have to agree. A few companies may still offer an aluminum version or two but it'll be a low production niche bike. What's cool to see with the direct sales is that you can get a carbon frame with top of the line components for the same prices as the dealer base build.
  • 4 1
 Does it come with a chain ?
  • 12 0
 You have to choose - chain or rear tire.
  • 4 1
 Or get Commencal frame for 1.6K and put a serviced old RC4 in it Smile
  • 3 1
 Gorgeous frame, love the blue and white colour scheme, never been interested in carbon so this news is perfect!
  • 2 0
 So for a Canadian it's $3563.00. Hmm seems a wee bit pricy for us northern folk
  • 1 0
 i thought this edit of flow trails was mismatched for showing off dh rig. spec could have done a better job. no matter, they'll probly sell.
  • 2 0
 So they killed off the Status for 2016 with this frame. Well the price difference still leaves a lot to be desired!
  • 2 0
 Saw the Coastal Crew on these yesterday at CGP and I was so confused
  • 3 1
 Does anyone else miss watching the three of them riding together.......?
  • 2 1
 What's the most exciting between seeing the new alloy Demo or seeing new trails in coast gravity?
  • 3 2
 With 4000 I could buy a carbon Enduro 29. Same thing?? I think so, but I can pedal up the hills you see.
  • 4 1
 But you can't go downhill you see
  • 4 3
 Whats the weight difference.
The weight of the Demo 8 Carbon is not V10c weight, the Metal 8 for $2600...?
  • 3 1
 Oh l missed those jumps !!! Big Grin
  • 3 1
 The blue and white with the Ohlins looks super crisp! I dig it
  • 5 2
 Coastal Two?
  • 2 0
 Besides the alloy demo, the edit was sick aswell.
  • 1 0
 Bike looks good! I can see a lot of people riding this come this season! Prices look to be nicely priced tup
  • 1 0
 I just really wish they used this black /red colorway on the S-Works last year. It's a beauty!
  • 1 0
 who needs specialized when you can have YT? btw Aaron is going to destroy this year WC Smile
  • 10 9
 An Aluminum framed Demo?! What's next.. 7 speed shifters?
  • 8 3
 you mean like Sram XO DH?
  • 16 1
 26' wheels
  • 3 3
 demo 8 I carbon, L, stock, weights 18,2kg. I guess the alloy demo 8 weights less!
  • 1 0
 Interesting my Demo 8 I Carbon (L) weighs 17.80kg stock with Bennies pedals, a 480lb Ohlins coil & a X-Firm boxxer coil (stock is 388 & medium, yes I need to go on a diet!).
  • 1 1
 LOL Google broken carbon frame there is like 2314432 results on Google so yeah, enough said.
  • 2 0
 WANT
  • 1 1
 But with 4k I could buy an antidote lifeline fram a set of rux and still have some money to finish it off
  • 1 0
 whats this new space aged alloy you speak of? A new "standard"?
  • 1 0
 What about weight? What weight has Specialized alloy 2016?
  • 8 11
 Before when some company release carbon frame , everyone ware stoke. Now they release alloy frame so people can be more excite and stoke . Ha ha . Soon have a alloy frame will be more cool because everyone use carbon? Pure marketing.
  • 7 6
 You're really saying this is 'pure marketing'? I'm not even going to explain why that is just a ridiculous comment to make, it's already clear you just dislike Specialised lol
  • 6 4
 Its not just marketing. Carbon is still the shit, its just expensive. They released the aluminum frame so that people who aren't lawyers or doctors can afford one. There are many companies offering carbon and aluminum models so that more riders can afford their bikes. So yes it is partially marketing, but its mostly just trying to get riders stoked to go riding on a sick ass bike. Also please learn english
  • 6 2
 Yeah , sorry for bad english its my 5th language.
  • 2 1
 Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

^^*)
  • 1 3
 This just in: Specialized sues the bike industry for offering (un)affordable alloy downhill bikes.


All seriousness aside, that video was preeetty sick, love me some snowy dh
  • 2 1
 6000 usd carbon YT dh sled
  • 1 0
 anyone know where this was filmed? sunshine coast maybe?
  • 1 0
 still a damn gamut chainguide ffs
  • 1 0
 11
  • 1 0
 Aluminium 4Life
  • 1 0
 These are gonna break
  • 3 2
 Those look mint!
  • 3 3
 Specialized? Don't care...
  • 1 0
 Alloy is the new carbon.
  • 1 2
 This is why bike is depressed.
  • 2 5
 I like the white/blue colour way. Would be interested in how they perform and if they're strong enough to handle the one-sided frame.
  • 28 2
 Nah, they're definitely not strong enough. S thought they'd just wing it and hope it holds up when people buy it...
  • 4 0
 Just hold the seat up
  • 2 0
 Yeah the blue and white is a really nice option for female riders. Cool of Specialized to keep them in mind!
  • 1 2
 or just get a jedi for 200 less
  • 1 1
 Spécial29zed = Apple !
  • 10 12
 I'll gladly pay you TUESday for an Alloy Demo 8 today!
  • 1 2
 Needs more Norbz.
  • 3 6
 $2600 for a frame, or $2900 for a completely built YT ... Hmmmmm
  • 5 4
 One of those bike companies doesn't go through a bike shop, the other one does... Hmmmmm
  • 2 7
flag poah (Feb 23, 2016 at 1:48) (Below Threshold)
 but given the size if spesh and their buying power why are they not as cheap as YT?
  • 1 0
 YT is making a much higher profit margin percentage than any of the non-direct to consumer brands. Specialized charges the shops anywhere between about $1400-$2000 for the frame depending on their shop volume.
  • 2 2
 Because YT cut out the middle man, being the bike shop. Bike shops need to make a profit too. If there were no such thing as bike shops, yes, every bike company would sell bikes at the same prices that YT offer them for.
  • 1 1
 I get that shops need money... But the 100% markup is ludicrous... The sport would grow if it was more affordable... I'll use the motorcycle argument again to prove how broke tge biking industry is with pricing, i can buy a new street bike that will go 200mph for less money than a fully built race bicycle ( road or mountain)...
  • 3 1
 There is no 100% markup in bikes. The range is between 20% and 40% depending on volume of shop and discounts given to the consumer. So everyone understands, a successful business usually needs close to 50% to make 3% profit at the end of each year. Bike shops aren't profit centers, and don't make anywhere near the margins that all other retail businesses bring in. People that work in the bike industry do it primarily to feed their love for bikes.
  • 2 1
 "$2600 for a frame, or $2900 for a completely built YT ... Hmmmmm"

Kinda like saying "why should I buy a BMW when I can get a Kia so much cheaper".

The Demo is one of the greatest DH bikes of all time, maybe THE greatest. The Tues is...well...another option.
  • 1 3
 its not, thats is such a crap metaphor.
  • 3 1
 Why have both of my comments been down voted? Don't worry YT fanboys, I'm not hating, just saying how it is.
  • 1 3
 dry your eyes
  • 3 1
 @poah just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's not true. Sorry. Specialized, Trek, Giant and the like have decades of great bikes under their names. YT has a long way to go until it can be mentioned in the same ranks. Exactly why my BMW vs Kia comparison is perfect.
  • 1 4
 specialized, trek giant etc are nothing special and no better or worse than YT or canyon or whyte or santa cruz etc. You're misguided if you think BMW are nothing but overpriced cars, they have the same problems are other manufactureres but cost alot more. Seems you are nothing but a badge snob.
  • 2 0
 Actually i'm a realist. I don't even like BMW. Yet BMW prices their cars well beyond Kia and still sells far more. Same goes for Specialized. YT will start selling here in the US, at much lower prices, yet 5 years from now Specialized will still be selling 3x as many bikes at 2x the price. What does that tell you?
  • 2 0
 Do you guys have such a bleeding heart whenever you see s Tesla on the road? Damn you Tesla for not supporting dealerships! Do you cry when you see a farmers market? Damn you for bypassing the grocery store! And the bmw argument is retarded...
  • 2 1
 "There is no 100% markup in bikes. The range is between 20% and 40% depending on volume of shop and discounts given to the consumer. So everyone understands, a successful business usually needs close to 50% to make 3% profit at the end of each year. Bike shops aren't profit centers, and don't make anywhere near the margins that all other retail businesses bring in. People that work in the bike industry do it primarily to feed their love for bikes."

Love how you switched terms in your post. 100% markup is the same as 50% margin. You must work for an lbs. Well I guess with your math skills not many other options. Good luck
  • 1 0
 Actually I'm an Engineer with a Bachelor's in Marketing and my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. If you could read or had any reading comprehension, you would realize that I said that there is no 100% markup as there are no 50% profit margins. Not switching anything. In business, it's called gross profit margin, no percentage of markup.
  • 4 7
 Yeees!! Best notice this month.
  • 1 4
 Suelized Wink
  • 1 1
 Facialized?
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