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Specialized 2008 MTB lineup Part II, July 4, 2007
"On the trail
The Demo continues to steamroll for 2008.
Photo ©: James Huang (Click for larger image)
We sampled nearly all of Specialized's top 2008 offerings at one point or another and the area north of Madrid clearly has plenty to offer in terms of terrain and scenery. While the Epic, Enduro, and new Stumpy 29 each hold their own merits (the Stumpy 29 is particularly 'normal' handling, which in this case is a good thing), the real eye-opener was certainly the revised S-Works Stumpjumper.
Undoubtedly, the first thing you notice while riding the revamped bike is its fantastically light weight, particularly in the front end. A ready-to-go weight of sub-11kg (you can't go very far without pedals) reaches well into XC race bike territory, and it takes a bit of mental adjustment to accept that a trail bike this light can still hold up without exploding into bits of carbon fiber and resin.
Naturally, climbing traits are top-notch, particularly with the aid of the FlowControl Brain unit out back. As promised, the front end's behavior matched well with the rear, resulting in a pleasantly balanced and efficient feel that was eminently predictable. Handling was perhaps the biggest surprise, however. The light weight allowed for especially nimble and flickable handling, but the oversized front end still lent confidence when conditions got rough.
Chainguides come courtesy of a local brand
Photo ©: James Huang (Click for larger image)
With performance this good and with such a light weight, we can't help but wonder what the long-term future holds for the Epic as the new Stumpjumper easily encroaches on its turf (and likely somewhat uncomfortably at that). We certainly have our ideas, but will have to wait and see what the crew has in store for next season. In the meantime, we'll do our best to secure a long-term test bike and see how the bike holds up to some real abuse…"
Pelos visto a Specialized vai ter uma Stumpy FSR para rodas de 29".
Pelos vistos a versão de alumínio, não vai ter uma suspensão da Specialized, com os tamanhos anormais do tubo de direcção.
A Enduro SL e a Demo não muda de desenho, só falta saber se existem alterações na pic.