The only bike in the test with the "old" standard. We were curious. Can you feel any difference at all? First of all, everyone felt the difference in weight. The wickedly expensive bike (8,000 euros!) is the lightest bike in the test despite its massive DH air shock and outpaces all 650B bikes on the first acceleration. The wheels with standard tyres alone weigh half a kilo less than those of the competition. It's like a small electric motor in a sprint. The riding position is familiar: balanced, average length and well-balanced. Thanks to the climb switch function, the shock keeps the rear end steady without losing traction. Light pumping can be provoked.
We were surprised on the downhill: when switching directly from a 27.5er to the Specialized "Enduro", the handling difference is extreme. The bike feels nervous and fidgety for the first few metres. The larger flywheel mass of the 650B wheels in combination with the lower bottom bracket in relation to the wheel axle and the steering angle, which is usually almost one degree slacker, makes a very noticeable difference, especially on high-speed sections. You first have to "get used to it" before you can enjoy the bike. But then you can really enjoy it: it has incredibly agile handling and a really plush chassis. Without a direct comparison, the Specialized is also easy to get "on" and you have perfect control. In the tight bends of the "Little Champéry" trail, it was even superior to the competition. By the end of the test, it had earned its nickname "Fun Works".
ConclusionCompared to the best bikes in the test, the "S-Works" lacks smoothness and safety. However, very good riders can still win races with it. Recreational riders will benefit from the low weight and fantastic handling.
StrengthsChassis, geometry, weight, equipment
Weaknesseshard hitting support, price
Max Schumann (26): "Last year the bike would have been the high-flyer. Super light, super agile, super suspension. But less safe on fast descents due to 26 inches."
Ines Thoma (24): "The most beautiful bike in the test. At first I was sceptical: so expensive and only 26 inches? But the bike was great on the narrow Finale trails. Light, agile and fast."
Manufacturer information
Distribution Specialised Europe B.V. www.specialized.com
Material/sizes Aluminium/S,M,L
Price/weight without pedals 7999 Euro/12.0 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 160 mm/165 mm
Rear suspension system Four-bar linkage
Reach 419 mm
Equipment
Fork/damper RockShox Pike RCT3/CaneCreek Double Barrel Air CS
Cranks/gears SRAM XX1/SRAM XX1
Brake system Avid XO Trail
Impellers Roval Traverse SL carbon system wheelset, Butcher /Purgatory Control 26X2.3 (standard)
