Specialized Status 170 2 on test: The freerider shows: Specialized can do good and cheap
Jan Timmermann
· 14.09.2024
Hey, the Specialized Status has been around for a long time! That's right - but the Status 170 2 version is completely new for 2025 and therefore an exciting test candidate in the duel of affordable freeride bikes. The Specialized competes against a Propain Spindrift and has to prove whether the brand with the capital S is also good and affordable. When Specialized introduced the Status, it was done with a lot of secrecy: no entry on the homepage, just a few freeride pros who took to social media from Northshore drops and sent stair gapes. The crossed-out status lettering was intended to mock the establishment. The successor, now with ten millimetres more travel, has also retained a pinch of punk rock.
The ratio of crumple zone to price of the Status 170 2 is not really Specialised at all. Our test version is still the tamer offshoot compared to the equipment version with a double crown fork reduced to 180 millimetres. It becomes clear, that the Status is an indirect heir to the legendary Specialized Big Hit. However, it won't be cheaper than on our test bike in the present. The only alternative costs 500 euros more. According to Specialized, some useful features of the M5 aluminium frame have been left behind in return for the fact that unnecessary frippery has been dispensed with. The steering angle can be steepened by half a degree using a flip chip and the brake hose can be routed externally as an option. In contrast to the test candidate from Propain, a chain guide with collision protection protects the hardware.
Details of the Specialised Status 170 2
- Purpose: Freeride
- Suspension travel: 170 / 170 mm
- Wheel size: Mullet (29" / 27.5")
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Weight: 17.2 kg
- Price: 3700 Euro
- Distribution channel: Specialist dealer
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Flip chip, internal and external mounting option for rear brake line Double bridge compatibility
Space there! The Freerider from Specialized is easy to handle
An extremely short seat tube with a long dropper post is the key to plenty of freedom of movement on the new Specialized Status 170 2. Nothing stands in the way of trickery. At most, there is a lack of pop in the rear triangle, as it tends to bog down slightly at the jump edge. On the other hand, the bike with the rebellious name is a real cornering killer and a true manual machine.
The geometry of the Specialized Status 170 2 is a number in itself: the stiff chainstays are extremely short, especially in relation to the sweeping reach. In addition, a stubby stem defuses the long main frame. This gives the Status a pleasant handling even at low speeds. Playful but not nervous, the handling earned praise from all testers. Also nice: unlike Propain, Specialized offers first-time owners a lifetime warranty on the frame. With a maximum system weight of 136 kilos, the Status is also approved for even heavier riders than the Spindrift with a maximum permitted weight of 120 kilos.
Safety agreement: Downhill on the new Specialized Status 170 2
If the Specialized Status hits a rocky field at Mach Three, the rear suspension sticks reliably to the ground, uses the entire available travel and swallows even big chunks. In comparison with the sportier Propain Spindrift the priority is more in the direction of comfort and the pilot hangs further in the suspension travel. As plush as the bike flutters through the terrain, it has a high level of passive safety and therefore benefits less active riders.
The functional choice of components on the freeride bike from Specialized hits the nail on the head. The absolute highlight is the extremely powerful TRP brakes. The status also allows for the odd uphill. The riding position is less compact and therefore more comfortable than the competition. If you don't care about the propere weight, you can also use the Status for leisurely enduro riding. Although the shock moves a lot when pedalling, it can be effectively calmed down using the platform lever.
>> But looking for a more versatile bike from Specialized? We also tested the brand new Stumpjumper.
Features of the Specialised Status 170 2
- Suspension fork: Fox 38 Float Rhythm
- Shock: Fox DHX Voil Performance
- Gear system: Shimano Deore, 1 x 12
- Brakes: TRP Trail Evo, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Specialised Alloy
- Tyres: Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 29 x 2.30" / Butcher Grid Gravity T9 27.5 x 2.30"
- Seatpost / Stroke: X-Fusion Manic / 170 mm
From the lab
- Weight: 17.22 kg
- Weight of wheels: 5766 g
- Acceleration wheels: 4063 kg x cm²
We determine the weight of the complete bike without pedals in the BIKE test lab. The wheel weight is per set with tyres, cassette and brake discs. The following applies to wheel inertia: the lower the measured value, the easier it is to accelerate.
Evaluation of the Specialised Status 170 2
The BIKE judgement is made up of practical impressions from test riders, laboratory measurements and range tests. The weighting (percentage, in brackets) varies depending on the area of use.
- Uphill riding behaviour (7%): 2.00
- Uphill efficiency chassis (5%): 3.70
- Downhill riding behaviour (30%): 2.00
- Downhill suspension: Fork / damper (23%): 3.50
Driving behaviour grade (65%): 2.67
- Weight without pedals (6%): 3.50
- Inertia impellers (4%): 3.50
Lab grade (10%): 3.50
- Equipment quality (5%): 3.19
- Usability / added value (5%): 3.00
- Transport volume / bottle cage (5%): 4.00
- Saddle retractability (5%): 2.00
- Quality / processing (5%): 2.00
Equipment grade (25%): 2.84
OVERALL GRADE: 2.79
Uphill, play instinct, downhill refers to the riding behaviour: The greater the deflection, the better the suitability. Equipment: is made up of different points such as quality/workmanship, usability, bottle cage volume, saddle retractability.
² The BIKE judgement is made up of practical impressions from test riders and laboratory measurements. The judgement is independent of price. Grading range: 0.5-5.5, analogue to the school grading system.
Conclusion
The geometry table of the Status harbours great freeride potential. The playful yet confident handling leaves hardly any room for improvement. Unfortunately, the crumpled suspension doesn't quite fit in with this and doesn't do enough justice to shredders with an active riding style. Thanks to its high safety reserves, even downhill novices and occasional enduro riders will be happy with the fairly priced Specialized. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Pro
- Detailed frame with successful geometry
- simultaneously reactive & safe handling
- powerful brakes
Contra
- Chassis with too little support
- even higher weight
Jan Timmermann
Editor
