The Status is the price-performance hit from Specialized and has just been reduced from 3700 to 3300 euros. In the company's own hierarchy, the Status, which is also available in a 140cc version, is categorised as a trail bike. In our BIKE categorisation, it sits somewhere between all-mountain and enduro with a clear bias towards downhill - even though the bike has a
downhill - even though the bike only has a 160 millimetre fork with 36 mm stanchions. So much for the theory. On our test track, the Status makes no secret of the fact that it is geared towards maximum riding fun. Specialized makes consistent use of the Mullet construction and manages to install very short chainstays despite the long rear travel.
With a steering angle of 62.4 degrees and a generous reach of 480 millimetres in size S4 (equivalent to L), the front centre is long, but the rear is short. With these proportions, the Status is extremely playful to ride, willingly engages the rear wheel and can be effortlessly pushed into corners. In fast sections, the geometry nevertheless provides sufficient smoothness.
However, as soon as the trail becomes rougher and more demanding, the suspension sets clear limits. While the Fox 36 Rhythm generously transmits impacts to the rider, the rear suspension with Fox DPX2 performance shock lacks counter-pressure. This means that there is little composure in the suspension. In addition to the weak brakes, the bike also rattled quite loudly on the descents. Despite its high weight and the heaviest wheels in the comparison, the Status is convincing on the climbs: the riding position is slightly sporty and the shock has a three-stage platform for efficient climbing. As expected, Specialized offers the least for the money in terms of equipment.
Conclusion on the Specialized Status 160 by Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
Thanks to the playful handling, the Specialized Status is a lot of fun to ride. However, the suspension and favourable spec are less convincing in comparison.
Technical data and notes on the Enduro Specialized Status 160
Manufacturer information
- Price: 3300 Euro
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 (tested size S4, 43.5 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 16.22 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 3488 g
- Weight of wheels: 5956 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 36 Float Rhythm
- Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Performance
- Front / rear suspension travel: 160 / 167 mm
- Cranks: Sram NX Eagle
- Gear system: Sram NX
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 11-50 / 454 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Sram Code R / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / diameter: X-Fusion Manic / 150 mm / 34.9 mm
- Wheels: Specialised Roval Traverse 30
- Tyres: Specialized Butcher/Eliminator 29/27.5x2.3
Valuation
- Total uphill: 45.5 out of 80 points
- Total downhill: 105.5 out of 140 points
- Practical rating: 151 out of 220 points
- Other: 17.25 out of 30 points
BIKE-TEST JUDGEMENT*: Good - 168.3 out of 250 points
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory
