World Cup-Proven Downhill Speed
The Specialized Demo Race 2025 is built for downhill racing, bike-park laps and riders chasing outright speed on steep, rough tracks. Its 200 mm M5 alloy frame uses the mixed-wheel combination proven at World Cup level, with a 29-inch front wheel for traction and rollover and a 27.5-inch rear wheel for clearance and manoeuvrability.
Öhlins suspension controls both ends, with a DH38 M.1 fork and TTX22M.2 coil shock. SRAM X01 DH shifting, Maven Ultimate brakes and Roval wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs complete a proper downhill build that is ready to race straight out of the box.
Adjustable M5 Alloy Frame
The M5 alloy frame provides 200 mm of rear-wheel travel and uses Specialized’s Style-Specific DH Geometry. Its suspension design follows a more rearward axle path, helping the rear wheel move over square-edged impacts with less tendency to hang up.
A Horst-pivot flip chip allows the frame to run either a 27.5-inch or 29-inch rear wheel while maintaining the intended chainstay length and bottom-bracket height. The bike comes fitted with a 27.5-inch rear wheel as standard.
Sealed cartridge-bearing pivots, a threaded 83 mm bottom bracket and a replaceable derailleur hanger make the frame practical to maintain. Cables are routed internally, although the rear brake hose can be run externally for easier servicing.
Mixed-Wheel Downhill Handling
The standard 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel combination strikes a useful balance between stability and agility. The larger front wheel rolls more easily through roots, rocks and braking holes, while the smaller rear wheel makes it easier to move the bike around on steep sections and through tighter corners.
Riders looking for maximum rollover and stability can fit a 29-inch rear wheel. The Horst-pivot flip chip must be placed in the correct position whenever the rear wheel size is changed.
Öhlins DH38 M.1 Fork
The Öhlins DH38 M.1 fork provides 200 mm of travel through a stiff dual-crown chassis. Its TTX twin-tube damping system includes externally adjustable high-speed compression, low-speed compression and low-speed rebound.
This gives experienced riders enough adjustment to manage support under braking, front-wheel grip and impact control across different tracks and riding conditions.
Öhlins TTX22M.2 Coil Shock
The Öhlins TTX22M.2 coil shock is designed for repeated hard impacts and long downhill runs. External high-speed and low-speed compression adjustment allows support to be tuned independently, while the rebound adjustment controls how quickly the suspension recovers between hits.
Its trunnion mount provides additional bushing overlap for durability. Correct spring rate and setup are important on a downhill bike, so we recommend configuring the shock around the rider’s weight, speed and preferred suspension feel.
SRAM X01 DH Drivetrain
The SRAM X01 DH drivetrain uses seven closely spaced gears and a compact 10–24T cassette. It is built around the demands of downhill racing, where secure chain control and quick shifts between high-speed gears matter more than climbing range.
Carbon X01 DH cranks use 165 mm arms for improved ground clearance through rocks and deep compressions. Cable-operated shifting keeps adjustment and servicing straightforward.
SRAM Maven Ultimate Brakes
SRAM Maven Ultimate four-piston brakes provide the power needed to control a downhill bike on steep tracks and sustained descents. A 220 mm front rotor and 200 mm rear rotor provide plenty of leverage and help manage heat during long race runs.
The Maven Ultimate brakes are a significant part of this build, giving riders strong braking power without needing to pull excessively hard at the lever.
Roval Wheels and Cannibal Tyres
Roval Traverse alloy rims are paired with DT Swiss 350 hubs, creating a sturdy and serviceable wheelset for regular downhill riding. The rims have a 28 mm internal width and use 32 spokes at each end.
Specialized Cannibal 2.4-inch tyres use reinforced GRID GRAVITY casings and the soft GRIPTON® T9 compound. They provide the casing support, braking grip and cornering traction needed for loose, steep and rough terrain. Both tyres are 2Bliss Ready for tubeless conversion.
Key Features
- M5 alloy downhill frame with 200 mm travel
- Specialized Style-Specific DH Geometry
- Horst-pivot flip chip for 27.5-inch or 29-inch rear wheels
- Standard 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel setup
- Öhlins DH38 M.1 fork with 200 mm travel
- Öhlins TTX22M.2 coil rear shock
- External high-speed and low-speed compression adjustment
- SRAM X01 DH seven-speed drivetrain
- SRAM X01 DH carbon cranks
- SRAM Maven Ultimate four-piston brakes
- 220 mm front and 200 mm rear brake rotors
- Roval Traverse alloy wheels
- DT Swiss 350 hubs
- Specialized Cannibal GRID GRAVITY tyres
- Renthal Fatbar and direct-mount stem
Who Is It For?
- Downhill racers
- Lift-accessed bike-park riding
- Shuttle-assisted downhill laps
- Steep, rough and high-speed tracks
- Riders wanting adjustable rear-wheel sizing
- Experienced riders who value detailed suspension adjustment
The Demo Race is not a general trail bike. Its 200 mm suspension, downhill gearing, fixed seatpost and overall design make it poorly suited to long climbs, commuting or rides involving significant pedalling between descents.
Our Thoughts
The Demo Race is a focused downhill bike, and Specialized has put the money into the parts that matter. The Öhlins suspension offers plenty of useful adjustment, the Maven Ultimate brakes have the power required for steep tracks and the X01 DH drivetrain keeps things simple and secure.
The mixed-wheel setup makes sense for most riders. The 29-inch front wheel gives the bike confidence through rough sections, while the 27.5-inch rear keeps it manageable through steep turns and tighter lines. The option to fit a 29-inch rear wheel is there for riders who prefer additional stability and rollover.
Good suspension setup will make a noticeable difference to how this bike rides. Spring rate, sag, damping, bar position and tyre pressure should all be set around the rider rather than left at generic settings.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Official Specialized dealer
- Professionally assembled and safety checked
- Suspension set up for your weight and riding style
- Coil-spring suitability checked during setup
- Brakes professionally checked and bedded in
- Wheel, pivot and drivetrain inspection before collection
- Expert downhill sizing and cockpit setup advice
- Tubeless setup available
- Finance options available