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08/21/2008
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Specialized Demo 8
2005 Demo Evolution.
Words and photos Cam McRae
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More and more industry heavy weights are taking a close look at what is happening
on the North Shore. On Saturday I met Hideki Ikemoto from Shimano Japan.
Hideki was sent here to absorb the culture of the North Shore - for two-and-a-half
months. Spending days riding, working at John Henry bikes and meeting
some of the most experienced riders hereabouts, his presence here is yet another
sign that the corporate end of the bike world is paying attention to our little
green corner of the Canadian west.
Brandon Sloan, the man behind recent Big Hit, Demo 9 and even the Epic models
is no stranger to the loam and roots of Seymour, Cypress and Fromme. In
fact he could lead you to several obscure, gnarly and little known trails ridden
only by the most seasoned and knowledgable locals; a testament to his commitment
to building bikes that work in the toughest conditions. He was here last week
with his latest super bike - the Demo 8.
Early reviews on the Demo 9 platform have been very positive. I have
been testing one for about a month and thus far I have been impressed with the
bike in just about every situation. The combination of a very rigid rear
end, a low centre of gravity and the Manitou 6-way shock has salted my riding
with new confidence. After a couple of rides I knew exactly what the bike
would do in most every situation. More on the Demo 9 soon, let's have
a quick look at its younger, more spritely sibling.
Specialized Product Manager Brandon Sloan's tireless research
brings him to the North Shore yet again.
My only misgiving about the Demo 9 thus far is weight. Out of the box the DH model
weighs close to 45lbs with a Marzocchi 888 fork and burly tires, tubes and rims.
It seems that one of the goals of the Demo 8
(8 = 8" of rear wheel travel) was to make a more nimble and versatile Demo
while sacrificing few of the unique elements of the frame. To the untrained
eye the bike looks identical to the Demo 9. Closer inspection reveals some
subtle changes that save weight, cost and machining time.
The two most significant changes to the Demo 8:
a standard, 135mm QR axle and an s-bend downtube mating to the bb shell.
The 'Ribcage' assembly of the 8
is smaller and less involved than the 9 but it functions in exactly the same way.
On the 9 the downtube mates to the intricately forged 'Ribcage' about four inches
ahead of the bottom bracket shell (which is actually part of the forged unit)
while the new assembly the downtube reaches all the way to a conventional BB shell.
A gentle s-bend in the tube facilitates this saving weight, cost and production
time. The 9 ships with a 150mm rear hub that runs a 12 or 15mm thru-axle.
This gives plenty of clearance and makes for an incredibly stiff rear end - the
best tracking bike I have been on. The configuration of the bike itself
is so stiff that even with a 135mm quick release rear hub the Demo 8
rear end is apparently more rigid than many thru-axle bikes. Chain line is preserved
using Specialized's asymetrical rear triangle.
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There are other less obvious changes incorporated in the Demo 8
that involve refining and lightening elements like the Hollow Trapezoidal
link (the lighter link will also find its way onto the 9 next year)
and a firmer suspension. The package will also be built up with weight-saving
components contributing to a lighter, more flickable ride.
The 8 will have a slightly
shorter stroke shock measuring 8.75" eye to eye compared to 9.5"
for the 9, which explains the loss of 1" of rear wheel travel.
The bikes share generous standover, short chainstays, a low centre
of gravity, provision for a front derailleur or an ISCG mounted guide
- meaning either model can be set up to do almost anything. |
Brandon Sloan logging some ladder bridge time.
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The differences between the two models are subtle but significant.
If you are a shuttler or you spend most of your time in the Whistler bike
park the Demo 9 might be just the ticket. If you aspire to go huge
or you are prone to breaking bikes and components or if you always want
the biggest and burliest you too should be on the Demo 9 dance card.
Those of you who like to earn your downhill the old-fashioned way may be
happier with the girth of the Demo 8, along with weight conscious downhill
racers. Despite its heft, the Demo 9 can be pedalled uphill and it can be
easily fitted with a front derailleur and granny gear. I have set
up my tester with a combination of a bashguard, an Envy Double E 2 and a
granny ring and it pedals up surprisingly well for a 45 pound machine. I
have no front derailleur so the chain must be manually moved between the
32 and 22 tooth rings - more on this combo here.
The two bikes share finish quality reminiscent of a $5,000 handmade frame.
Despite being made in Taiwan, like most modern freeride and DH bikes, Specialized
frames boast a level of finish and attention to detail that sets them apart
from most other manufacturers. I don't know how they do it but I hope
the others figure it out and start upping the ante.
Another Specialized to lust over; the 2005 Demo 8
Keep your eyes peeled for the Demo 8
in stores next winter. For more on Specialized bikes (but not the Demo
8) head to specialized.com
Cam McRae
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