2018 Specialized S-Works Demo Dream Build 2

4544 of 16862
Parts
Brand
Model
Additional info

Parts

Frame
Specialized
S-Works Demo 8 Carbon
Medium
Frame: Specialized S-Works Demo 8 Carbon. Misc: Medium
Rear Shock
Öhlins
TTX22M
388lbs Spring
Rear Shock: Öhlins TTX22M. Misc: 388lbs Spring
Fork
Öhlins
DH38 Race
Silk Graphics Decals
Fork: Öhlins DH38 Race. Misc: Silk Graphics Decals
Headset
Cane Creek
FORTY-SERIES ZERO STACK
Deda Elementi Spacers
Headset: Cane Creek FORTY-SERIES ZERO STACK. Misc: Deda Elementi Spacers
Handlebar
ENVE
V2 DH 760mm
Handlebar: ENVE V2 DH 760mm
Stem
Syntace
F44 45mm
Stem: Syntace F44 45mm
Grips
ODI
Ruffian lock on
Carbonice Bar Ends
Grips: ODI Ruffian lock on. Misc: Carbonice Bar Ends
Brakes
SRAM
Code
KCNC Titor Rotors
Brakes: SRAM Code. Misc: KCNC Titor Rotors
Brake Levers
SRAM
XO
Carbonice Clamps
Brake Levers: SRAM XO. Misc: Carbonice Clamps
Shifters
SRAM
XO1 DH 7 speed
Shifters: SRAM XO1 DH 7 speed
Rear Derailleur
SRAM
XO1 DH 7 speed
KCNC Jockey Wheels
Rear Derailleur: SRAM XO1 DH 7 speed. Misc: KCNC Jockey Wheels
Chainguide
Shovel
Downhill Carbon
Chainguide: Shovel Downhill Carbon
Cranks
SRAM
XO DH Carbon 165mm
Slick Graphics Decals
Cranks: SRAM XO DH Carbon 165mm. Misc: Slick Graphics Decals
Chainrings / Sprocket
Other
Wolftooth Direct Mount
34 Tooth
Chainrings / Sprocket: Other Wolftooth Direct Mount. Misc: 34 Tooth
Bottom Bracket
SRAM
PressFit 30 BB
Bottom Bracket: SRAM PressFit 30 BB
Chain
KMC
X10SL DLC 10 Speed Chain
+ Molten Speedwax
Chain: KMC X10SL DLC 10 Speed Chain. Misc: + Molten Speedwax
Cassette / Rear Cog
SRAM
X01 DH 7-Speed Mini Block
Cassette / Rear Cog: SRAM X01 DH 7-Speed Mini Block
Pedals
HT Components
ME05T
Pedals: HT Components ME05T
Front Rim
Spank
Spike Race 33 Bearclaw
Slick Graphics Decals
Front Rim: Spank Spike Race 33 Bearclaw. Misc: Slick Graphics Decals
Rear Rim
Spank
Spike Race 33 Bearclaw
Slick Graphics Decals
Rear Rim: Spank Spike Race 33 Bearclaw. Misc: Slick Graphics Decals
Hubs
Hope
Pro 4 Boost
Rear DT Swiss
Hubs: Hope Pro 4 Boost. Misc: Rear DT Swiss
Spokes
DT Swiss
Champion 2.0
Double Butted
Spokes: DT Swiss Champion 2.0. Misc: Double Butted
Front Tire
Maxxis
Minnion DHF 2.5 ST
Tubolito Tube
Front Tire: Maxxis Minnion DHF 2.5 ST. Misc: Tubolito Tube
Rear Tire
Maxxis
Minnion DHF 2.5 ST
Tubolito Tube
Rear Tire: Maxxis Minnion DHF 2.5 ST. Misc: Tubolito Tube
Saddle
Specialized
S-Works Toupe
143mm
Saddle: Specialized S-Works Toupe. Misc: 143mm
Seatpost
Thomson
Masterpiece
Ti Hardware
Seatpost: Thomson Masterpiece. Misc: Ti Hardware
Seatpost Clamp
Other
MT Zoom Ultralight
36.4mm
Seatpost Clamp: Other MT Zoom Ultralight. Misc: 36.4mm
General Info

General Info

Model Year
2018
Model Year:
2018
Riding Type
Downhill
Riding Type:
Downhill
Weight
3 lb 8.3 oz (1596 g)
Weight: 3 lb 8.3 oz (1596 g)
Additional Info

Ride update (comparing to my previous 2014 S-Works Demo)

Positives:

Still blown away by the suspension every time I jump on the bike. It seems no matter how hard I have pushed it so far, the forks in particular have taken everything in their stride with ease. The sag keeps it beautifully supple through the initial stroke, the mid-range support is surprisingly smooth and the ramp up feels like perfection (Side note; I did get my bro to ride it and tune suspension for a week and the result of that spot on). Seems suspension has come a long way in the time that I've been riding. Generally, I've never felt a bike more planted, or with such responsive when pushing, yet able to absolute breeze through the big hits! !

The ramp up link in the rear is much better and gives a much more stable rear end and definitely holds up a lot better under low speed compression impacts. As does the overall change from 26" to 27.5",subsequent chain stay and wheelbase lengths.

The KCNC Titor rotors perform much better than I expected. I essentially bought them to get the overall bike weight under 16kg (I'd already done everything else) and had some concerns that with much less surface they may be either down on power or feel a little bit uneven with braking force being applied. Neither of those problems have arisen at all, they power is more than ample (I'm not over heavy anyway) and they have a very smooth braking curve.

Negatives:

The bike is still a little twitchy or unsettled on some corners and after talking with NS Dynamics about it, I am fitting a 46mm crown offset (previously 50mm) which should address this issue and bring it back in line with the 45mm stem on the bike. Given it feels much better than my previous bike already, I'm looking forward to addressing that specific problem.

The Tubolito tubes feel well balanced and extremely responsive, however after running them for some time, I have noticed they don't hold air between rides as well as a standard Freeride tube. They are extremely sensitive in the fitting process, very easy to puncture/damage. Benefits however are massively outweighing the drawbacks, I don't mind checking/adjusting tire pressure before a ride and when fitted correctly they are holding up just fine on the trail, no punctures on that front and none expected.

I have noticed pedalling is much more a fine art and picking where and when to pedal is much more important as it's sitting much lower to the ground than my previous bike. Something that undoubtedly will resolve itself with a little bit more time on the bike!

Overall Verdict:

Some minor drawbacks that pale into insignificance with the amount of positives I've had riding this weapon. I still look at it with a gleam in my eye (anyone not looking at their bike like that needs to get another bike) and I am continuously blown away by it's performance! The only room for improvement that comes to mind would be Ohlins getting their fork and shock weight down a little. That said, Theres no other suspension I'd rather be on, and overall bike performance is a solid 11/10

Additional Info:

Ride update (comparing to my previous 2014 S-Works Demo)

Positives:

Still blown away by the suspension every time I jump on the bike. It seems no matter how hard I have pushed it so far, the forks in particular have taken everything in their stride with ease. The sag keeps it beautifully supple through the initial stroke, the mid-range support is surprisingly smooth and the ramp up feels like perfection (Side note; I did get my bro to ride it and tune suspension for a week and the result of that spot on). Seems suspension has come a long way in the time that I've been riding. Generally, I've never felt a bike more planted, or with such responsive when pushing, yet able to absolute breeze through the big hits! !

The ramp up link in the rear is much better and gives a much more stable rear end and definitely holds up a lot better under low speed compression impacts. As does the overall change from 26" to 27.5",subsequent chain stay and wheelbase lengths.

The KCNC Titor rotors perform much better than I expected. I essentially bought them to get the overall bike weight under 16kg (I'd already done everything else) and had some concerns that with much less surface they may be either down on power or feel a little bit uneven with braking force being applied. Neither of those problems have arisen at all, they power is more than ample (I'm not over heavy anyway) and they have a very smooth braking curve.

Negatives:

The bike is still a little twitchy or unsettled on some corners and after talking with NS Dynamics about it, I am fitting a 46mm crown offset (previously 50mm) which should address this issue and bring it back in line with the 45mm stem on the bike. Given it feels much better than my previous bike already, I'm looking forward to addressing that specific problem.

The Tubolito tubes feel well balanced and extremely responsive, however after running them for some time, I have noticed they don't hold air between rides as well as a standard Freeride tube. They are extremely sensitive in the fitting process, very easy to puncture/damage. Benefits however are massively outweighing the drawbacks, I don't mind checking/adjusting tire pressure before a ride and when fitted correctly they are holding up just fine on the trail, no punctures on that front and none expected.

I have noticed pedalling is much more a fine art and picking where and when to pedal is much more important as it's sitting much lower to the ground than my previous bike. Something that undoubtedly will resolve itself with a little bit more time on the bike!

Overall Verdict:

Some minor drawbacks that pale into insignificance with the amount of positives I've had riding this weapon. I still look at it with a gleam in my eye (anyone not looking at their bike like that needs to get another bike) and I am continuously blown away by it's performance! The only room for improvement that comes to mind would be Ohlins getting their fork and shock weight down a little. That said, Theres no other suspension I'd rather be on, and overall bike performance is a solid 11/10

4544 of 16862
2 comments

View replies to: 2018 Specialized S-Works Demo Dream Build

Comments

More Bike Checks

The Latest