Specialized Launches Mixed Wheel Size Demo

Jun 9, 2020 at 5:46
by Dan Roberts  
Specialized Demo Mullet Press Release

Back before the 2019 World Cup season began, the UCI updated the rule book to allow the use of mixed wheel sizes in mountain bike competition. We'd already had an abundance of 29" downhill bikes, starting in 2017, but some racers chose to stick with 27.5" as the bigger wheels were buzzing their arses or they simply preferred the feel of a 27.5 inch wheel in the rear of the bike.

With the change of the rules, we began to see riders racing the mixed wheel, or mullet, setups to noticeable victories - none more so than Loïc Bruni and his domination of the 2019 season with the World Cup overall and World Championship victories. This was all while Specialized only had a full 29" setup available, leaving fans and avid racers wondering if their mixed wheel Demo would ever see the light of production.

Specialized Demo Mullet Press Release
Specialized Demo Mullet Press Release
The Demo has been openly developed and tested on the World Cup circuit with immense success in the 2019 season under Loic Bruni.

Today Specialized answer that with the official release of the latest iteration of the Demo platform, allowing not only a mixed wheel size setup but adjustability in the geometry to open the Demo up to even more riding styles and preferences.

The layout remains the same as the Demo 29 that was released back last year with its six-link suspension layout bringing a drastic change in suspension characteristics for the brand. The Demo uses a four-bar system to define the acceleration and braking responses of the bikes, with an additional two links then driving the shock which is mounted low and central in the frame. This layout change, compared to the previous Demo generation, upped the amount of anti-squat and anti-rise considerably. Leverage ratio progression was upped too and all curves are now much straighter lines, promoting predictability in the bike.

<Deleted photo>

Geometry, Sizing & Adjustability
Three sizes are still on offer with Specialized's own naming, S2, S3 and S4, which represent reach numbers of 426mm, 446mm and 466mm respectively in the mixed wheel size setup.

Now the Demo has adjustability via a chip at the Horst pivot. There are three modes, Short, Middle and Long, which Specialized correspond to a certain wheel size setup. Short is dedicated to 27.5" rear wheel and promotes manoeuvrability, Long is dedicated to a 29" rear wheel setup and promotes stability at speed and Middle can accommodate both rear wheel sizes and offers a slightly more stable 27.5" setup or a slightly nimbler 29" setup. The Demo comes as standard with a 29" front wheel and 27.5" rear wheel, following the success that their race team found on this combo, but it's definitely nice to have the options for any combo you want.

Added to this adjustability, Specialized also give geometry numbers for the bike as it comes from the factory with the mixed wheels, a full 29" setup and a full 27.5" setup. All those comparisons are given in the middle setting, apart from the chainstay lengths which show the differences the Horst pivot chip can make.

It might seem like a lot of numbers in the table to get you confused, but it actually opens up a lot of ability for the rider to play around with the bike to make it fit their riding style and terrain. It takes a little time to experiment with all the settings, but nothing ever worth learning came quickly. This can also be a useful tool for the keen racer to adapt their bike to the track and conditions in hand when they're trying to go as fast as possible.

Specialized Demo Mullet Press Release
Specialized Demo Mullet Press Release

Currently, we've got no information on specs, pricing or availability. But we do have a new Demo on the way to Champéry ready to start testing. We'll report back with more information on the bike and ride impressions soon.

Author Info:
dan-roberts avatar

Member since Apr 6, 2019
137 articles

233 Comments
  • 317 3
 Basically a 2020 big hit
  • 52 0
 hahah i loved my big hit!! actually I had two of them.....and the second came with a decal of flames on the top tube hahah. Long Live 24!!
  • 8 1
 @lastminutetech: literally fire haha
  • 15 1
 When I saw the thumbnail on my phone I thought it was a joke...it really looks like a demo 9 from last era Smile Smile
Jokes apart the mullet seems to be the best choice for mtb ...motorbike industry could teach something about it
  • 80 1
 If someone doesn't review this new bike with a 24 incher on the back I'm going to be really disappointed. #MegaMullet
  • 20 0
 @bigtim: this guy gets it.
  • 24 0
 Will we see Old-School DH bikes revived this year with 27.5 thrown on the front??? 2014 bikes and older running 27.7 / 26 has me curios...could be crazy fun.?.!
  • 7 0
 I raced on a 2004 Big Hit! Loved that bike. With this release, they should have re-named it the Demo BH.
  • 9 0
 @E-ROG: I’ve set my Nomad with 27.5/26 and love it! Suits my riding perfectly. Agile and fast, corners beautifully
  • 6 0
 @bigtim: gonna have to run 140mm cranks but im down
  • 23 1
 You mean Specialized Bigger Hit.
  • 5 0
 @E-ROG: I know Cam Zink ran that for rampage last year
  • 2 1
 @bigtim: Put a fat bike tire on the back!!!
  • 3 0
 @lastminutetech: The one with flames was 2009 right? I had a 2008 Big Hit. f*cking loved that thing.
  • 2 0
 @flowisforpussies: yeah, I agree. High pivot, mullet, and 6lbs is the way the industry is headed.
  • 8 0
 @E-ROG: I run 26/27.5 on Transition Covert & I love it Fun as hell to ride!

I had a Big Hit back in the day as well lol
  • 3 0
 @makripper: I think the fire decal was an artistic representation of how my hands would feel by noon at Whistler - that Bomber didnt really do anyone any favours.
  • 5 1
 @makripper:

I don’t think you understand what it means to say “literally fire.”
  • 3 0
 @fullendurbro: haha it was a 2004!!! My original shiny silver one cracked and the black one with "frickin' flames" came as the warranty replacement. Every time I think about it i think of Dr. Evil from Austin Powers saying "with FRECKIN LAZER BEEEARMS!!" and then I took the decal off. Im also bored working from home right now.
  • 5 1
 @lastminutetech: Lol the BigHit was so damn ugly, but I still miss that thing.
  • 1 0
 One of first bikes that looked good for me
  • 4 0
 I'm sticking with my 2011 demo
  • 3 0
 @yale986: Lol same here, I agree its mint. Makes it hella fun to ride!
  • 3 0
 @chyu: Specialized Meth Hit
  • 2 0
 @lastminutetech: I had the blue and white one, awesome bike
  • 1 0
 @lastminutetech: wow! That's one of the last edition with the nice big link! That paint was solid, I had the same on a P2. I can't find a pic of my bigblue one, probably on a random hdd...
  • 1 0
 I had a Big Hit Expert ... I added a 's' with a marker pen.
  • 1 0
 @bigtim: You nailed it dude Big Grin
  • 3 0
 @bigtim: What about a 26" wheel on the back? I did that a decade ago and it felt pretty good. It could even clean climbing my driveway, OK......
  • 1 0
 restoring a 2003 big hit right now... the timing of this is just weird lol
  • 1 0
 @fullendurbro: strangely pedals very well
  • 1 0
 @E-ROG: i ride my Turner DHR v5.0 with 27.5 in the front, pure fun
  • 1 0
 @deucecomposite: way too much love for this bike. Good choice
  • 1 0
 I loved the way they looked. My brother's old one is below. I'm currently riding a mullet Diamondback Scapegoat and love it.

www.pinkbike.com/photo/11763751
  • 147 4
 Got mixed feelings with this one
  • 138 1
 I'm gonna mullet over for a bit before coming to any conclusions
  • 10 18
flag blowmyfuse (Jun 9, 2020 at 9:35) (Below Threshold)
 How is the pun comment not at the top of the thread? AM I on the wrong site....
  • 17 1
 I'm going to have to Demo one and see what it's all about.
  • 11 7
 @harriieee: With these wheels, PB will probably have "mixed" reviews
  • 23 1
 Pretty weak pun thread guys, your props are going to take a big hit
  • 3 0
 Demoted to the history books. Sales are going to take a big hit.
  • 2 0
 You guys have to stop being such Big-its about the mullet design. It might actually be a big hit! Maybe if you demo one, you will S33 what I mean!
  • 88 11
 Long live 27.5. The industry want to kill you, but riders want you.
  • 28 6
 Soooo, RIP 26" then?
  • 81 8
 @ScandiumRider: there's a larger chance of Britain rejoining the EU than 26 becoming reacepted by the industry
  • 52 0
 @felimocl: so there's still a chance, interesting....
  • 23 18
 If smaller wheels were better, we would still be riding 26" bikes.
  • 9 0
 @ScandiumRider: When is the last time you saw a company offer a brand new 26" wheeled DH bike?
  • 19 3
 riders want you.... but only in the rear!
  • 22 18
 @phops: If I could do tricks on a 29er I would still not ride a 29er
  • 27 2
 @phops: in racing, 26inch isn't very attractive as it simply doesn't roll as fast. however, freeride has been making a comeback over the past couple of years. alot of bikes at rampage and fest series are 26inch models because it's easier to trick a 26inch bike. i'm interested to see whether or not 26inch bikes start to get introduced and marketed again as big rigs for jumping/tricking as the trend continues to grow.

anyways, its not about what you ride, it's about how you ride it. as someone who has ridden all wheel sizes, i choose to stick with 26 because i ride bike park and quite frankly 26 wheels are cheap to replace, as are 26inch frames. or maybe i'm just stuck in my ways lol
  • 8 14
flag NotSorry (Jun 9, 2020 at 12:04) (Below Threshold)
 @DaFreerider44: Sad this is getting down voted.
  • 2 0
 Especially the younger than 12 crowd
  • 7 0
 @phops: If the good Lord had intended us to walk he wouldn't have invented roller-skates.
  • 4 2
 @phops: The smaller the wheel, the stronger it can be. I guess it depends on what Better means. Certainly not strength currently..
  • 15 3
 @buildstuf: there’s to much importance placed on being fast when hardly anyone races. Anyone who’s ridden a BMX will see the appeal of riding 26 inch wheels especially if they’re not that bothered about winning races.
  • 10 1
 @thenotoriousmic: Damn those Pro racers for wanted to go fast. How dare them! Big Grin
  • 12 0
 @bman33: I took me ages to count everyone but pro racers make up less than 0.00000000000001% of the community the rest of us are just doing it for fun. Haha.
  • 5 1
 @thenotoriousmic: Agree 100% with your numbers. That said, I have a blast on my 27.5 DH bike (my DJ is 26" because it makes sense there). I never cleared Crab Apple hits on my 26", did on my 27.5". Granted most of that can be chalked up to experience riding that line and finally going for it. However, the '26 for life' mantra is just as narrow minded as XC racers making fun of dropper posts and anything over 22lbs/9.9 kilos. Several riders used 27.5 at Rampage and I see guys near me like DJ Brandt back flipping, whipping, shredding better than all of us on 27.5. Racers get paid to go fast, that bike is a race bike. Several manufacturers make non 29" park bikes and even this one can run 27.5 front and rear. If 26" is your thing, endless great used options out there and many DH bikes out there can be modded from 27.5 to 26" . I grew up racing BMX from 87 till about 5 years ago. 20" still has it's place in that world, pure DJ etc. All DJ specific MTB's are still 26". Shred on man
  • 5 0
 @thenotoriousmic: i currently ride bmx and it's really hard to transfer from a bmx to a 29er
  • 13 0
 @thenotoriousmic: I got similar numbers also. Both my teenage son/myself still ride 26" DH bikes simply because the bikes are in good shape, don't need replacing (since we do less downhill than previous years), and despite what we are told, we still have fun at the bike parks with them. It's not that I'm opposed to 27.5" wheels (we have them on our trail bikes), but I just don't see spending the $$ to upgrade simply to go a little faster. It's our riding that needs improving, physical stamina, etc. not the bike's wheel size to make either of us faster/better riders.

The problem is you're be lucky to even find a 26" replacement tire at a bike park shop nowadays, so when traveling out of area for bike parks, we have to bring some personal spares.

What I'm always really really confused by when it comes to the average dh rider's need to go faster is the fact that the brake bumps just seem to be getting worse and worse where we ride. Is it simply more riders/less maintenance or are people just coming into things faster requiring more braking? If anything, seems the average DH rider needs to be slowed down rather than sped up when it comes to keeping the annoying brake bumps down.

The real need for speed comes to clearing the big jumps, but again, usually that's just skill and commitment vs. the need for a larger wheel.

I've never gotten to the bottom of a trail (say a 2 minute trail as an example) and said, "man, if I could only have made it 6 seconds faster that run would have been fun".
  • 6 0
 @bman33: there’s nothing wrong with any of the wheel sizes. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. There’s definitely loads of situations where I wouldn’t mind a smaller wheel. 26 inch wheels definitely change direction easier.

@DaFreerider44 it’s even harder to go to a bmx after riding a big 29’er. Lol

@kwcpinkbike

They stopped making 26 inch tyres way to prematurely there’s still a market for them now but they’re super hard to find in decent casings and compounds. Just seems the only marketing angle they have is speed when most of us don’t really care. I personally don’t want a deceptively fast but sluggish feeling OTP race bike. It’s the reason I don’t ride downhill bikes anymore and still have three year old process. Here for a fun time not a long time.
  • 2 0
 @bman33: Rocky Mountain Maiden can but that's the frameset. 2017 Kona Stinky 26 I think....?
  • 4 1
 @kwcpinkbike: I was in the same camp for years. I just ride for fun, speed and KOMs don't matter. Then I rode a proper 29er and realized all that speed is coming from being able to absolutely rail corners... and that's as much or more fun than clearing a decent a double. No question the newer geo and larger wheels allow me to ride faster, more aggressively and with a much bigger grin than my previous bikes. I don't do tricks to speak of, surely there's an affect in flickability, but for handling, grip and giggles, wagon wheels totally surprised me.
  • 4 2
 @pourquois-pas: Interesting. I've found that 27.5 and Mullets are faster in corners and that the full 29er is faster where it's ability to carry speed shines - flat ground, undulating terrain, and straight-ish downhills.

27.5s and mullets turn better, end of story. THey may also let the rear suspension function marginally better with the reduced unsprung weight. Nothing wrong with 29s, in most situations they will go the fastest with the least effort. Both sizes are fun in their own right. I'm interested in trying more mullet bikes, especially purpose built mullets. I think they look ridiculous but if they can meld the benefits of both wheel sizes I'll overlook the aesthetics.
  • 4 0
 @wildedge586:

"So, you're saying theres a chance..."

"Hey, what was all that one in a million talk?"

.
  • 2 1
 @phops: they’re better in lots of ways, but bike companies need to make more money So they keep changing standards wheel size etc. bigger wheels are weaker so they need replacing more often so they make more money it’s a win-win for them and lose lose for us oh well what can you do let’s protest
  • 2 0
 @NotSorry: I don't doubt a 27/29 mullet would improve cornering vs full 29, makes a lot of sense. I've never tried one but think it would be interesting. I was on 26, like @kwcpinkbike and didn't figure the new tech was worth the $ to upgrade. The old steed needed move love than it was worth so I demo'd a bunch of 27.5 and 29ers, totally expecting to find 29er to be too big for me (5'10 and shrinking) but I didn't see an appreciable difference on the negatives but certainly noticed the 29er traction. Faster corners? Hell yeah, sign me up!

I may swap a 27.5 off my wife's bike, shorten the rear end 10mm, lower the bars by a spacer (to keep the same body position?) and see how the Tall Boy behaves. I expect more pedal strikes but it may be fun to try it out.
  • 5 0
 @pourquois-pas: In my experience the 29ers don't have more corner traction. I can lean harder into high speed flat turns on my 27.5s than I can my 29ers and my exit speed is higher on 27.5s. I'm 5'8". The only advantage I experience with 29ers is the ease of keeping them rolling and superior rollover of obstacles. On trail rides and some long DH trails my 29er clocks faster times. If being faster was my only goal I would only ride 29ers. I love slapping S-turns, jumping, manuals, pumping the terrain and just being really active on the bike. Honestly a 26 is even a bit better at some of those things but the 27.5 gives me a little more speed than a 26 with less effort. I love the different attributes of 29ers and 27.5ers for different reasons. I think that's why we are seeing mullets coming to production bikes. Pro riders want to maximize all the attributes of both wheel sizes in one bike. I ride my 27.5 more because I have more fun on it and can't wait to try more mullets to see if they really are the best of both worlds.

If you have a Tallboy 4 I don't think the mullet will work very well. You'll likely throw the geo off too much to make a good comparison, even with the flip chip.
  • 3 1
 @thenotoriousmic: right? 26inch wheels vs 29inch dont really make a difference if you are a normal rider.
  • 25 0
 That is cool that the bike can accommodate different wheels sizes with a flip chip. Versatility is cool. Seems like companies could also have a swappable rear dropouts that could adjust for different wheels sizes as well.
  • 5 0
 Some do.
  • 6 0
 Intense M9 can take 27.5 (unofficially) and 26". Banshee also did a bike like that, just cant remember which model.
  • 6 0
 So now GT, Scott, Specialized & Canfield are ready to moto!!!
  • 2 0
 @blowmyfuse: Nicolai as well!
  • 1 9
flag blowmyfuse (Jun 9, 2020 at 10:36) (Below Threshold)
 @NotSorry: Do we have to count them as a "brand"? I mean...a logo sure. But you have to sell something to the masses at some point before we bother referring to you as a "brand".
  • 1 3
 @blowmyfuse: True, true.
  • 2 0
 @NorCalNomad: Rune V1, and V2 can take different wheel sizes.
  • 1 0
 The ICB from the German MTB-News.de community had swappable dropouts for wheel size, and a flip chip for travel changes as well as BB height (seperately). Didn't really catch on, though - the next iteration was a fixed geometry, single pivot 27.5" bike...
  • 1 0
 @blowmyfuse: When ??

What bikes are these?
  • 27 6
 Love my Decoy mullet...partly because it combines everything that Pinkbike “purists” hate about mountain bikes: plus size rear tire, pedal assist motor and consumer direct. It’s a trifecta of all that is wrong with the industry, wrapped up in a nice package.
  • 8 0
 immoral!
  • 15 0
 My decoy mullet is a wig I use to distract people from my actual mullet (thanks lockdown)
  • 2 0
 Hallelujah!
  • 2 1
 Needs a Mojo dual crown Fox 38
  • 1 0
 Know I should’ve got one.
  • 1 0
 ????
  • 21 1
 Sweet. Now do the Enduro.
  • 4 1
 You can do it yourself?
  • 6 0
 @makripper: Drop the BB too much and slacken STA
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: yeah fair enough
  • 7 0
 @hamncheez: See that problem is where I see a company like Cascade components fitting into the market, perhaps a link to change the geo to correct for that.
  • 3 0
 @hamncheez: i have my Spec Enduro 2017 in mullet version for 2 years now. i combined 2017 yoke with 2018 rocker and i used flip chip. With this setup i got perfect BB height and perfect STA. I didn't liked 29" version so i went for mullet. now it's really fun to ride.
  • 1 0
 @MiLi: In my opinion, the 2017 Enduro had too steep a HTA and too high a BB, so perhaps running it as a mullet would have been an improvement without changing anything else! Just gotta slide that saddle as far forward as it can go or find an old command post with the setback and run it backwards!
  • 4 0
 It is definitely going to trickle down to the Enduro and the Stumpy (to the EVO at least), the question is how quick and which companies will copy the trend right away.
  • 3 0
 @hamncheez: first i tried without any modification. just 27,5" on rear. BB was way to low. now is 340mm and i think 65 HTA.
  • 2 0
 @BrigadierBuege: Cascade is amazing. the LT link transformed my Bronson from "really good" to "perfect".
  • 2 0
 @Narro2: Cascade will have something out before S bothers to trickle anything down.
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: i am sorry man but who are they?
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: nice, i'll give this a try thanks, although one of the advantages of having a 27.5 in the back is that they could shorten the chainstay on the rear triangle to only fit 27.5 making the bike more manouvareable (spelling..??) so just changin a link will not give you the full advantange of having a mullet bike would it?
  • 2 0
 @Narro2: It depends if you want a short chainstay or not. Not everyone does.
  • 16 0
 Where can I demo one?
  • 34 0
 Just use your Brain... go on your bike, jump over that stump, hop over that rock and head to Roubaix.
  • 4 0
 @bigtim: I see what you did there! I think it may have gone over some heads.
  • 5 0
 @Duderz7: oh yeah...because it was so subtle
  • 4 1
 @bigtim: And then P on it.
  • 13 0
 So when are we seeing details on the Status. At least two mullet bikes in the catalogue then...
  • 3 0
 Came here to say the same thing. They did an instagram-focused release/tease of the Status months ago....with zero follow up. Seems bizarre to not launch your affordable trail bike in the beginning of trail biking season.
  • 10 0
 Just waiting for the "how can you ride a bike with such short reach" comments.
  • 11 0
 Wait till they realise Loic runs even shorter reach than stock. Impossible!
  • 3 1
 It's a mullet bike, why would they make a large or extra large?
  • 14 2
 Yep, that's going to be me.
I'm 193cm (6'4'') and yes, I do want a bike with longer reach. Very few companies actually make 29er DH bikes in big sizes, I'm pretty much limited to Commencal and Santa Cruz for my next bike.
What really gets annoying is the extreme Difference between trail and DH bikes. I've recently tested a Norco optic, in XL of course, but with a reach of 510 it has 40mm more than my current DH bike. And its not like my DH is old or small. It's a 2019 bike with the largest frame size, in the largest factory setting. I'll have to invest into a reach adjust headset, and it will still only be about as long as the norco optic in size Large (480).

WHY can nobody have some slight hint of continuity in their bike range ? Since I already mentioned them, just look at norco. The aurum has a max reach of 465, whilst the optic in the same size has 510! How in the world does it make sense for a person of my height to have reach variation by 45 mm between a DH and a Trail?

Another comparisson: Norco's top of the range Race-DH (465) is reach-wise closer to their Dirt Jump (430) than it is to their XC (509), trail (510) or AM (515)
  • 4 2
 @Floho: You're getting the exact same wheelbase, it doesn't get more consistent than that.
  • 3 1
 @Floho: Well, consider riding around in a parking lot on a DH bike and a trail bike. Only the trail bike's reach is set as a compromise for you to ride around on flat ground, inclines and descents.

Pick a DH bike based solely on where your reach should be while descending. The numbers have to be different.
  • 2 0
 @Floho: Devini Wislon is big too...however go with reah adjuster first, works wonders for me, it's only 5-7mm but it's noticeable.
  • 2 1
 @blowmyfuse: This makes sense but I would still say on the longer side for descending. Maybe 10mm less than my trail bike, but certainly not 45.
  • 2 0
 @Floho: I ride an XL Aurum. It has less reach than my Large Trek. But it does just fine for me, being 178cm tall.
  • 3 0
 @Floho: enduro and downhill racers don’t like long bikes. They don’t need the stability so they run shorter more agile set ups. They sell so few downhill bikes that it doesn’t make sense to make them in sizes hardly anyone wants.
  • 4 0
 My preference is a slack head angle, short reach and short chain stays. Which counts me out of pretty much all modern bikes
  • 1 0
 @Floho: I completely agree with you. It does seem odd to me that enduro bikes are very capable downhill with a longer reach, downhill bikes are only different in some cases by a few degrees, a bit more weight and 40 MM of travel, yet the reach is much smaller on most brands
  • 1 0
 @jclnv: for his worlds bike he had a eccentric bb and reach adjust headset so reach was unchanged
  • 2 0
 @jeremyk: if you look at the bikes all the top EWS riders use it’s not common to see these super long enduro bikes.
  • 3 0
 @Floho: DH bikes are not meant to have the same reach as a trail bike, Because it’s not meant for climbing, just descending. Having all your weight forward for Steep DH is not what you want. You need to be able to get your body weight back on the bike.
  • 15 4
 Why does Specialized hate tall people?
  • 2 1
 No kidding, I was looking at Stumpy Evos until I saw the biggest size stacks up to my 2014 XC hardtail.
  • 1 0
 Mostly I would agree, but the new enduro is pretty long.
  • 2 0
 @tobiusmaximum: stumpy evo and demo aren’t available in larger sizes. The two bikes I’d either own now or in the near future.
  • 7 2
 Hey Specialized - how about including in the press release that you intend to sell the new rear end to owners of 2019/20 Demo 29’s This bike is still brand new. It would be a complete customer service ball drop to not make the parts all backwards compatible at a very fair price. That should be in the announcement.
  • 6 0
 Considering that right before they produced their first carbon demo a few years back, they built their alloy version to be almost identical as a forethought to compatability of parts, etc...it's a safe assumption this will be cross compatible too.
  • 3 0
 This here. Would be pretty pissed if they leave us owners out. Massive fail.
  • 3 0
 They did that, cheap also, with the Enduro for the '17-'18 model. Changed it for '18, but the parts could be interchanged. I imagine that if the parts are interchangeable, you'll probably be able to get them.
  • 2 0
 @JSTootell: if they do make all available to owners as a parts order for a reasonable price then cool.

But why not just say that in the launch. It would just make them look like they care about their customer base had they just said ‘all parts will be available to existing Demo 29 owners’.
  • 5 1
 They basically knew that the mullet version was good before the 2020 model year. And held it back for 2021 to sell something new.
  • 5 0
 "...for those riders who purchased the MY20 Demo 29, the MY21 rear triangle with adjustable dropouts is available as a service part."
  • 4 0
 the updated rear end is available as a service part to update any existing frames. hit up your local dealer.
  • 2 0
 @fitnj: because the comments section is free advertising & free labor
  • 3 0
 So many whiny riders out there. Maybe take a breath and THINK, maybe look at what they've historically done, instead of kicking rocks about info they didn't come out with explicitly, RIGHT NOW. Sheesh. and I'm sure every one of you complaining before the facts are out are going to rush to buy this massively needed parts kit, too. Man.
  • 2 0
 From what I can tell, all of the linkages appear to be the same compared to the previous generation Demos. The only differences are the seat stay, chain stay, and horst link flip chip. That being said, I don't know about availability for those components or if the main triangles are the same.
  • 6 0
 Going mullet on my new bike for sure after trying the forbidden druid mullet, best of both world.
  • 5 0
 What were the main pros and cons of s mullet 29er instead of just full on 29er? I'm a tall guy so don't have an issue with wheel buzz usually.
  • 3 0
 @Svinyard: if you're a tall guy it wont be as a big advantage for you unless you want to go bigger frame. But for me as a short guy you got the big wheel rolling up front and the fast acceleration of the smaller rear wheel, especially on the druid with the high single pivot you dont need the big wheel as the suspension is really good on square edge hit. I'm able to keep my 34 chainring on a smaller rear wheel so dont loose any low gear ratio. The geo change on the bike doesnt change the wheelbase shorten the reach by only 5mm, slacken the head angle by half degree and drop the bb by 6mm so it corner so well and so nimble in thigh trails. Might not be good for everyone in every riding scenario but for me on my trails is the best of both world.
  • 6 1
 @Svinyard: I think the mullet just corners better. It can roll a tighter line, never oversteers, and it allows you to tighten the line mid-corner a lot more intuitively. Also catching backsides is easier. For me, those are the main benefits. The 29er up front also gives really good grip in turns. The setup allows you to ride over the front and let the rear come through. Really manoeuvrable compared to 29/29, in my experience.
  • 3 0
 @jaame: that sounds pretty bad ass. I'm not riding ultra steep gnarly stuff all the time and extra agility sounds like extra fun. Thanks for the rundown!
  • 5 2
 @Svinyard: I won't go back to full 29. It's definitely more agile withh the mullet, and more fun on jump lines too. Full 29 may well be faster over a full run on a chunky line. I haven't timed it, except on Strava. I know which I prefer, and its so easy to do on the Capra 29. Just change the wheel and flip the chip to high. Job done.
  • 2 0
 @Svinyard: you ride way further over the front wheel on a mullet, takes a bit of getting used to, even on steep chutes you don’t hang off the back so you can keep the front wheel weighted and there’s tons more grip. The axle height at the back being lower it feels way more planted. I’m pretty tall at 6’2, recently went mullet and I’ll never go back to full 29
  • 1 0
 @jaame: I do the same on my Capra 29 and like it!

But, on rough trails where I want to pedal, the bb is just too low and doesn’t work. So, it’s more a freeride setup of the bike - not an enduro bike for going fast. I want to try a mullet with a more “normal” bb height.
  • 1 0
 @DuRietz: I am currently contemplating getting a second 29er wheel with a faster tyre on it for summer xc rides. Right now I have the mullet wheel with an E13 trsr tyre which is super grippy but super soft and slow rolling. Perfect for uplift days but I haven't done any this year.
I think a 29er with a narrow light rim and something like a maxxis aggressor in 2.3 would be sweet for those 40km after work rides.
  • 12 5
 I just want a 27.5 dh bike. Is that too much to ask?
  • 4 0
 Santa Cruz still makes one
  • 5 2
 Why not a 26? Plenty of them used on PB.
  • 2 0
 This one can run either fork....
  • 3 0
 TR11
  • 5 2
 @phops: Or one of those. You gotta love how people immediately see 26' and 27.5 and downvote
  • 5 0
 @DaFreerider44: What makes you think you can't run 27.5 both ends on the Demo in this article? In addition, Transition, Commencal , Pivot, GT, YT, Trek, Intense, Santa Cruz, etc. sitll make brand new DH bikes in 27.5...
  • 1 0
 @bman33: But it isn't stated explicitly so I'm not fully sure about this ????

If made to work by Specialized but as here not made clear to us, are they afraid of tech talk dissing the linkage and geo in this setup?
  • 9 3
 Mixed wheel bikes always look weird to me. Like some sorta modern day penny-farthing.
  • 3 1
 If you look at them from the rear quarter instead of the side, you can’t tell.
  • 3 0
 So, I don’t know jack sht anout DH bikes, but I’m curious about the reach numbers on this bike. They seem shorter than the usual stretched-out enduro/AM geometry. Just curious why the long reach doesn’t seem like a thing in DH bikes.
  • 2 0
 Because you are not seated that long time, you are not pedaling up the hill. DH bikes stand by the rationale of making them easy to move when pointed down, even being 29ers. They care more of having the weight distribution centered for optimum suspension performance, having a super long bike pointed down without the proper bar height, most likely you will be loading a lot more the front suspension. Enduro bikes favors a bike stable and quick on the pedals, even when sitting. XC bikes want to have as most traction as possible going up the hill, having a geo that makes easy to load the front tire.
  • 1 0
 @HopeFbn: I wonder if this opens up for enduro bikes with slacker and slacker head tube angles to go down in reach again.

I mean that if we want the same wheelbase, we could shift the bars closer, further back, to be able to stay more centered on the bike on steep downhills. But what positives would we get rid of with this?
  • 3 0
 PB should do a series comparing old school vs. new school versions of the same bikes. Big hit vs Demo. Giant Team Dh vs Glory. RM9 vs Maiden. Etc.
  • 4 0
 Finally, well done Specialized! Giving the people what they want. Your turn Scott
  • 3 0
 Never mind that heavy breathing coming from the back corner. Thats just @Protour after he read the chainstay length.
  • 1 0
 Just talked to my LBS - apparently the Race model (pictured in Red) is still in freight and wont be available till early July.

The lower end models, and frame only are available now and priced on the website.
  • 3 0
 So basically the newest Gen of the Big-Hit.
  • 2 0
 Now if they'd just put bottle mounts on the frame, they'd have something to attach all that data acquisition kit to...
  • 4 0
 #pennyfarthing
  • 1 0
 Specs and pricing are on the website, for those wondering. 7.5K€ for top spec in France.

www.specialized.com/fr/en/demo-race/p/175245?color=281621-175245
  • 3 0
 What's the chance of a mullet trail bike Specialized?
  • 4 1
 Make Mullets Great Again 2021!
  • 3 0
 Based off the size chart are they going to make one in a S7?
  • 1 0
 Do frame paint designers ever choose certain colors/patterns to match certain components that come stock on the bike? What about that don’t come stock?
  • 8 5
 It's sad that WAKI can't give his opinions on it ☹️
  • 2 0
 Testbike on the way to champery, this will be great
  • 2 0
 Champery yes please! more gnar!
  • 1 0
 mixed whells its so 2015. it's so hard to keep behind when all you boutiques fabricated in china.
  • 2 0
 no pics of the actual flip chip?
  • 1 0
 Alloy is coming back! and they ditched the stupid concentric bb pivot! great news
  • 1 0
 Mullet sounds so much better if you pronounce it the French way (as in Sorbet).
  • 3 1
 Doesn't look great but we know it's fast. Did they raise the pivot more?
  • 1 0
 My wife would you @specailizedbikes to make a S1 mullet, #bikesforshortriders !!
  • 2 0
 That is the most confusing geometry chart I've ever seen.
  • 1 0
 I have the Pro Race, best DH bike I’ve ever ridden. Hands down, smoothest fastest bike I’ve ever threw a leg over.
  • 2 0
 where is S5 version?
  • 1 0
 Nice work on the Specialized Demo 9! Haha
  • 3 1
 I'd demo that!
  • 2 0
 So 2008
  • 1 0
 someone has the right idea, although a much improved 2008 bike
  • 1 0
 Bring Back Champery!!!!!!
  • 1 1
 Finally a bike designed to perform in in the pitch black, on tiny little piles of dirt, floating on a lake of crude oil
  • 1 0
 Where's the S5 and S6 sizing for normal sized male humans?
  • 1 1
 Imagine a four-cycle with an old 26/24 Big hit welded behind this bike??? Would be a giant 29/27,5/26/24 caterpillar!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Foes mixer the first made in the USA 100 %
  • 1 0
 Thanks to COVID-19, I have a 27.5 outback
  • 1 0
 Not sure why they made 3 sizes ?
  • 1 0
 Pricing and kits are already on Specialized's US site.
  • 1 1
 I really want to see someone build a reverse mullet, but like, ridiculous sizes lol
  • 1 0
 Does it come in adult sizes?
  • 1 1
 This is the begin of the end of the 29er
  • 4 5
 I assume that there is mixed size wheels are patent pending and first law suits are on the way, right?
  • 5 2
 i bet they going to suit foes, liteville and nicolai for offering mullet bikes since like forever
  • 2 1
 HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!HAHAHAHA!!! Too funny!
  • 2 1
 Drop the 29, just 27.5
  • 1 0
 26/24 and I'll buy it
  • 1 2
 Why though
  • 4 0
 Turns faster.
  • 4 0
 @jclnv: You are correct sir. Most ppl don't realize a lot of agility comes from the REAR wheel size.. not the front.
  • 1 0
 @jclnv: I'm curious in the mullet for my Instinct trail bike (itd support it). Have you ridden them? Can you expand a bit more on how the bike turns faster etc? Thanks man
  • 2 0
 @jclnv: also going to pump terrain rolls slightly better with a smaller wheel.
  • 9 0
 that guy who rides for them did ok on it
  • 1 3
 No 29-26????
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.147354
Mobile Version of Website