The Americans were reluctant for a long time. But now that the demand for 26-inch bikes for the coming season is virtually nil, even at Specialized, Morgan Hill has decided to switch almost the entire range to 27.5 inches.
According to marketing man Sebastian Maag, the focus of the real innovations is on the entry-level range, but there have also been some changes to the high-end models for 2015.
Epic
Specialized remains true to its 29er philosophy with the Epic race fully. In 2015, the lightweight competition fully will only be available with the large wheels. Five carbon and one aluminium version are available. Unlike in previous years, there will be only one shock setup instead of two. However, this will be a little more race orientated. 100 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear in combination with the Brain system ensure traction and optimum propulsion. Also new: The Marathon version of the Epic is equipped with the brand new Command post with carbon shaft. It weighs 490 grams and can be lowered by 35 millimetres using the remote control. Prices for the Epic start at 2700 euros. For the S-Works Epic FSR Carbon you have to put an incredible 9499 euros on the counter.
Stumpjumper
The classic in the Specialized range will be available in two wheel sizes in the coming season: 29-inch and 27.5-inch. The smallest of the three wheel sizes has been systematically removed from the programme. The only special feature: 27.5 inches is reserved for the more playful and downhill-orientated Evo versions. The two aluminium and two carbon versions each have 130 millimetres of suspension travel and double drivetrains. Dropper seat posts are only fitted as standard on the two higher-priced models. The Stumpjumper Evo is available in carbon or aluminium and in both wheel sizes. The main difference between the bikes is the suspension travel. While the 29er models are drilled out to 135 millimetres, the 27.5er models have a Rock Shox fork with 150 millimetres of travel. Specialised relies on 1x11 gears here. Common to all Stumpi models is the practical Autosag function, which makes setting up the shock considerably easier. The entry-level all-mountain bike starts at 2400 euros. The top model, the S-Works SJ FSR Carbon 29, costs 8000 euros.
Enduro
Two years ago, the Americans showed that long suspension travel is also possible with 29-inch wheels. Specialized is also sticking to this in 2015. However, the 26-inch version has to make way for the larger 27.5-inch wheels. The bike has not been redesigned from scratch. The main frame is carried over from the previous model. The rear triangle, on the other hand, is new and is only 3 millimetres longer despite the larger wheels. This means that the enduro bike has hardly lost any of its playful character. To make room, however, the front derailleur had to go. This means that both the carbon and aluminium versions will only be available with single chainrings. 165 millimetres of suspension travel at the rear should take the fear out of even the toughest descents. The highly praised Rock Shox Pike works at the front in all variants. Prices start at 2800 euros and only end at 8000 euros for the S-Works models.
Pitch, Rockhopper and Stumpjumper Hardtail
Specialized has positioned the new Pitch in the absolute entry-level segment. The bike with 27.5-inch wheels and 100 millimetres of suspension travel should feel particularly at home on single trails. To ensure that the suspension performance is not neglected, Specialized relies on an SR Suntour fork with specially developed internals. Three models will be available for between 400 and 570 euros.
The six Rockhopper models have been given a completely newly developed frame with modern geometry. The Rockhopper Pro Evo is particularly exciting, with 120 millimetres of suspension travel, dual drive and a dropper seat post, it aims to be a real fun hardtail. Prices: 500 to 1200 euros.
The carbon version of the Stumpjumper hardtail remains unchanged for 2015 and will still only be available in 29 inches. The aluminium version, on the other hand, is new and has all the features of the carbon frame. Thru-axle front and rear, double drive and 90 millimetres of suspension travel should also make the aluminium version a light and nimble race bike. Only the Comp version is available for 1800 euros.
