Specialized Demo
99/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Type
Release Year
Brand
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
37.04, 37.92 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Specialized Demo. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
18 reasons to buy
- Testers confirm: The Demo is at home hurtling down descents at break-neck speeds.
- Expert reviewers laud the Demo’s rear suspension for its sensitivity and “smooth” progression. They report ample support for big hits.
- Testers say the Demo is easy-to-ride, with one even recommending it to DH beginners.
- The Demo’s geo’ is highly adjustable via flip chips, allowing it to be ridden in a mullet setup or as a full 29er.
- Experts believe the Demo is more versatile than many DH bikes. One even called it a “Jack-of-all-Trades”.
- Testers say the Demo’s cornering abilities are exceptional.
- Reviewers say a high stack and low BB ensure high safety and stability on-trail.
- Testers described the Expert’s RockShox Super Deluxe Select Coil as “worry-free”.
- A reviewer reports no issues with the Demo’s well-sealed pivots, bolts, or maintenance during a season of heavy riding.
- The Demo’s trunnion shock mount uses bearings to reduce friction.
- Magura MT7 brakes proved stellar, SRAM Codes satisfied all testers.
- Testers say SRAM’s X01 drivetrain operated superbly, consistently, and in a range of conditions. Shifting is “sharp” and mostly silent.
- A formed plastic fender protects the Demo’s rear suspension.
- Reviewers appreciate the Demo’s ample frame protection; including on the chainstay, down tube & shuttle guard.
- Owners coo over the Race’s ‘onyx red’ to ‘satin black’ paint job.
- 148 × 12 mm rear wheel spacing makes it easy for owners to source replacement & upgrade parts.
- The Demo features neat internal cabling but also fixings to run external cabling.
- Testers praise Specialized’s Body Geometry saddle and Thomson seatpost.
7 reasons not to buy
- Numerous testers say Specialized Butcher tires are not gnarly enough for aggressive riding.
- Some experts say the Demo Race is noticeably more expensive than similar competitors.
- Taller riders complain that the Demo’s largest size is too small for them.
- Testers confirm that muck easily enters the large opening at the bike’s rear linkage.
- A reviewer says the Demo’s complex engineering can complicate maintenance & cleaning.
- The Demo’s 27.5” back end has been called “flighty” or “squirmy”, as it shifts from side to side.
- Some experts fret that the Demo’s 148 × 12 mm rear wheel spacing is not as strong as the 157 mm spacing on other DH rigs.
Bottom line
The Demo is Specialized’s pure downhill bike, sold in a mullet wheel configuration (29” front, 27.5” rear) and offered in two builds (Expert & Race). Reviewers say it craves speed while remaining “playful” and “lively". The Demo's geometry is highly adjustable via flip-chips, allowing it to be ridden in full 29” mode. It’s stable and capable, with progressive suspension that impresses testers. Geometry remains relatively conservative. Componentry standards are high, so too is the price.Expert Reviews
92/100 based on 6 rated expert reviewsSpecialized Demo Race [German]
Review: 2021 Specialized Demo Race – DH Bike Week
2022 Trek Session Vs. Specialized Demo
| Fastest Downhill Bikes Ridden & Rated
2021 Specialized Demo Race Review
Test: Specialized Demo – Bye Bye Park Bike, Hello Race-Machine [German]
Test DH :: Specialized Demo Race 2021 [Spanish]
4 DH Bikes Tested | Demo vs Sender vs Supreme vs Two15
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2021 Specialized Demo Race – First Ride
Demo Mullet vs Demo 29: Specialized DH Bikes Head-to-Head
2022 Specialized Demo Race – First Ride/Impressions
Raw Specialized Demo?! | In-Depth Custom Downhill Bike Check
Take a Closer Look at Loïc Bruni’s Specialized Demo
Review: Specialized Demo 2021 Mullet [Portuguese]
Specialized Demo 2021 | BikeCheck [German]
Specialized Demo Race 2022 | Öhlins Chassis | Flight Check [German]
Specialized Demo 2022 [Spanish]
Rankings
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Best Downhill Bikes
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Bike Comparison
Specialized Demo in comparison to averages
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