Huge moulded parts make it possible. So you get the same crazy look for less than half the price of the top model. The four-bar rear triangle is identical and so is the geodata. Specialized has almost leased the feel-good riding position - when it comes to agility, no other bike can beat the Demo. It is therefore ideal for fun-orientated bike park use. In the race test, however, the Demo reached its limits with the favourable Van RC shock. The very linear rear suspension is sensitive and fluffy, but has too little progression. At high speeds and hard hits, the rear end quickly bottoms out and starts to bounce. The lack of progression also makes life difficult for the rim because it has to absorb a lot of load peaks and dents quickly. The kinematics need a high-quality shock with variable high-speed compression damping, otherwise the function lags behind the competition. Good: The tyres are grippy in dry conditions and roll fast. For racing, size L makes sense for riders over 1.75 metres tall.
ConclusionAs a fun bike for the park, the handling of the Demo is ideal. In race use, the combination of (too) linear characteristic curve and simple shock is borderline and the Demo becomes unstable.
Marcus Klausmann (38): "The handling of the Demo is great. You're low on the bike and feel safe. However, the rear goes through the stroke too quickly in the middle section and bounces, which costs control."
Manufacturer information
Distribution Specialised Eurpe B.V.
www.specialized.com
Material/sizes Aluminium/S,M, L, XL
Price/weight without pedals 3999 Euro/17.5 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 200 mm/200 mm
Rear suspension system Four-bar linkage
Reach 418 mm
Stack 610 mm
BB-Drop - 10 mm
Equipment
Fork/damper RockShox Boxxer RC/Fox Van RC
Cranks/gears Truvativ Descendant/SRAM X9/X7
Brake system SRAM Guide R
Impellers Specialised Roval DH system wheelset,
Tyres Specialised Butcher 2.5/Slaughter 2.3
FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression and is not an addition of fun and race points.
