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Spy Shot: New Specialized Carbon 650B Demo

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2015 Carbon Specialized 650B DemoOver the past year many photos of a prototype Specialized downhill bike have been leaked on news sites and forums. The company line about these images has been “we’re always testing new platforms,” but this image of a new production bike was leaked by dealers earlier tonight and clearly indicates that something all new is on the horizon.

From our sources, we’re told that Troy Brosnan and Aaron Gwin (who are sitting in 1st and 2nd place respectively in the Overall WC standings) will be riding these bikes at the Mont Saint Anne World Cup Race this coming weekend, and to expect an official launch later this year at Crankworx.

Head past the break for images of the aluminum prototype and our speculation! Prototype Specialized Demo Status The photo was posted by Pinkbike user J-Carmichael late last year and was the first time we spotted this bike. Due to the strategic leg placement, it was hard to discern any details at the time, although it was obvious that the rear triangle was using a linkage system reminiscent to that found on the budget oriented Specialized Status.

From the image, it was also hard to tell if the bike was utilizing 650B wheels, but we now know that this new Demo will be the first bike Specialized has designed from the ground up for the new wheelsize.
Specialized Prototype Demo

Photo Credit: Matt Smith

Further images revealed the reconfigured suspension resembled the love child of a Sinister R9 and Rotec RL9.

Jokes aside, the new design appears to be an exaggerated horst link (FSR) which utilizes a concentric main pivot (most commonly associated with DJ & slopesytle bikes), which should offer increased rearward travel. We also assume the new Demo will also resist chain forces from heavy pedal input better due to the rear wheel axle, seatstay pivot, and rear shock eyelet, all being in line.

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Crushin-it
Crushin-it
9 years ago

Ewww… I liked the Original Carbon Demo MUUUCH better. On that bike the lines flowed and made visual sense. The asymmetric bridge is KINDA cool… but ultimately this looks like someone was in love with the DaVinci Wilson Carbon and decided to fill in the hole where the Seat-tube gusset is.

Seriously! Look at it side by side with a Wilson and imagine the gusset filled in. The entire silhouette is almost dead on. Oh, and thank god they got rid of that over-complicated triple stay rear end.

PS, this might be the first time someone has said “looks like a Wilson” instead of a Trek or Demo.

brattercakes
brattercakes
9 years ago

The linkage is completely different than the Wilson. Yes, it looks like it at first, but take a longer look.

trailshredder
9 years ago

Seriously though? Carbon downhill bike?

CeeJay
CeeJay
9 years ago

I say this is the first demo that actually looks good.

J Train
J Train
9 years ago

From my sources:

satisFACTORYrider
satisFACTORYrider
9 years ago

fsr is up for grabs so why not change it up? you can refine aesthetics later. kinda dig the exposed shock on the non-drive

Jerome
Jerome
9 years ago

I agree with CeeJay: it’s been a long time since I have seen such a nice design from Specialized. Gorgeous!

jerome roy
jerome roy
9 years ago

effective pivot got higher, CG lower, gone is the world s beefiest floating caliper set up

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