Specialized's carbon demonstration for downhill trails

When Specialized started working with carbon for downhill use, the focus was not on the lowest possible frame weight, but on building "the best demo ever". As the Americans already belong to the top league in terms of downhill bikes with the existing top frame, the use of carbon was only a matter of time.

With identical geometry, the "S-Works Demo 8" now has a carbon main frame that uses forged aluminum parts in the bottom bracket and headset area. Even though the aim was not just to be as light as possible, but above all to be durable and powerful, the frame has reportedly shed 499 grams, mainly at the front triangle.

Lower bottom bracket
The rear end has hardly changed and continues to consist of a mixture of magnesium and aluminum parts. Thanks to a slightly modified suspension strut mount, the bottom bracket can now be set at three different heights - previously there were two. With the additional 5 millimetres that the bottom bracket is lower, the company has responded to a request from rider Sam Hill and has now created a thoroughbred racing machine that is apparently worthy of Specialized attaching the designation "S-Works" to the downhill sector for the first time. For the Americans, "S-Works" stands for high-end racing material.

Two models
In addition to the "S-Works Demo 8", which weighs in at a light 16.04 kilograms (size M), there is a slightly heavier version that is not so uncompromisingly designed for racing. The "Carbon Demo 8I" has a 50 gram heavier frame with a 150 millimeter mounting width at the rear. The "S-Works Demo 8" uses a 135 millimeter axle for more space, but with a wider hub. The S-Works model is also available as a frame kit.

www.specialized.com