The cult brand with the capital S is bringing some innovations to its tried-and-tested models for 2014. In addition to some interesting detailed solutions for the endurance models, the Americans are also introducing interesting changes in the Gravity department.

In 2014, there will be two models of the "Epic", but the Evo version will be discontinued. In addition to the "Expert", a "World Cup" version is now also being created. This is aimed specifically at the cross-country race segment and is only ridden with one chainring at the front. The suspension travel has been reduced and the "Epic World Cup" now rides with a firmer 95 millimetres of suspension travel instead of 100 millimetres like the "Expert". The steering angle of the "Worldcup" version has been raised by 0.5 degrees to 71 degrees for more agile steering behavior. After the normal "Epic" remained just above the nine-kilogram limit, the "Epic Worldcup", in size L, now tips the scales below it. Both versions are equipped with the "Brain" suspension strut with a new linkage. The shock absorber, which opens and closes automatically via a mass inertia valve, will also react even more sensitively on the new models.Hardtail fans will also get their money's worth. The carbon version of the "Stumpjumper" hardtail has been completely redesigned. The focus is on integration and better riding characteristics. As with the fully, the rear triangle of the hardtail is also widened to 142+ millimetres and the wheel is fixed with a 12 millimetre bolt-on axle. The "Stumpjumper" hardtail is available in "S-Works", "Expert" and "Worldcup" versions. The target weight of the frame is around 1000 grams, depending on the frame size.

The "SWAT" system is new for the Specialized models. This concept offers storage space for two water bottles, a hose with CO2 cartridge and tools. "SWAT" stands for Storage Water Air and Tools and is a cross-model and space-saving concept. On the Epic, a small multi-tool is located in the upper shock mount, a chain tool in the newly designed Ahead set cap and a hose plus a CO2 cartridge in the extension of the bottle cage. This solution can also be retrofitted to all other bikes.

Specialized Epic Expert with SWAT

The "Camber" has also been revised. Specialized presents the trail bike as an Evo version with more suspension travel, a lower bottom bracket and in carbon. The new carbon frame will also be available as an "S-Works" version. The "Camber" is known as a sporty trail bike with 110 millimetres of suspension travel. The new "Camber Evo" with 120 millimetres of travel will fit seamlessly into the Specialized product range. This completes the bike brand from Morgan Hill's very finely graduated range.
The new rear shock and internally routed cables give the new carbon frame a lightweight look. But it's not just the looks that are lighter, the effective weight has also been reduced, as the new carbon version should weigh 500 grams less.

New in the "Camber" series is the top model S-Works 29, which is also available as a frameset. It is not only the very light frame that is convincing, the higher stiffness, the bottom bracket height of 335 millimetres, the steering angle of 70 degrees and a 450 millimetre short chainstay are worthy of the top model. The complete bike is said to weigh 10.8 kilograms in size L with a dropper post.

Specialized Camber S-Works

Interesting novelty in the gravity segments
Anyone expecting big changes in the American brand's gravity lineup is wrong. Specialized has a very well-functioning line in this area and therefore no need to completely redesign it. Nevertheless, a medium-sized change should have a big impact. The newly developed "TTX" downhill shock from motorsport specialist Öhlins will be fitted to the downhill "S-Works" models "Demo 8", "Demo 8 II" and the "Demo 8" frame kit. The new shock absorber is intended to raise the handling characteristics of the "Demo" models to a new level. In addition, the Öhlins shock absorber will be precisely matched to the kinematics of the "Demo" frame and will have fewer external adjustment options, which only cause confusion for most users.

The Öhlins "TTX" shock is equipped with "Twin Tube" technology. This technology makes it possible to adjust the rebound and compression damping independently of each other. As a result, the damping should be more adjustable and therefore work better. In addition, "Demo" models from 2012 can also be retrofitted with the Öhlins shock absorber.

Specialized Demo with Öhlins shock

Incidentally, there will no longer be a "Team Replica" of the "Demo".

Specialized has also announced small innovations for the "Enduro" model. The bikes come with modernized equipment variants. The "Expert Enduro" is now available with Sram's "XO1" and the "S-Works Enduro" with the "XX1" groupset. The "S-Works" frame kit and the "Expert" version are also available with the Öhlins suspension strut. As far as the frame sizes are concerned, there will be a small change. The "Enduro 26" will now be available in sizes S, M and L, while the "Enduro 29" bikes will be available in sizes M to XL.

www.specialized.com