After sending in my old 2006 Demo frame for warranty and waiting a couple of months, I walked into our local bike shop and saw this frame in the box and instantly fell in love. I didn’t get to work on it for quite a while, but I still admired it and examined it carefully, knowing that I was going to have a good time when summer rolled around. I originally planned to put the 2011 Titanium 888 on it, but plans change and I ended up with a 2013 Fox 40. After some troubles with the bottom bracket and realizing that not many parts would transfer from the old bike, we got it together. The only parts that ended up fitter were the shifter, derailleur and handlebars. I had a choice of which shock to put on because they wouldn’t warranty the old Fox Shock that was on the old demo, so I chose the Cane Creek Double Barrel. It had a lot more adjustment than the Fox RC4 and it also worked better on the Demo 8. I stuck with the good ol’ Sram drivetrain and Elixer brakes which I later replaced with Shimano Zee because I had to continually bleed the Elixers due to the oil overheating. The first difference I noticed was how low the bike was compared to the 2006 demo. It had a very low standover and I still continually hit the bottom of my pedals or bottom bracket if I try to pedal in a uneven technical section or if I drive deep into the suspension. At least I don’t have as far to fall, right? The first week of riding in Silver Star BC was great and I had never had so much fun with a new bike. There was so much that I could change with just the turn of a dial. The first BC cup raced rolled around in Sun Peaks and I ended up in 17th because of a crash in the middle of the course. I wasn’t too bummed because it was my first race and I wasn’t last. The demo has survived multiple crashes, and over 180 (and counting) hours of use just in summer 2013 and I’m just now having to send in the rear shock to get it rebuilt. I put some DT Swiss Wheels on to save some weight, but I quickly realized that changing spokes was quite the ordeal. The inner walls of the wheels are so high that it is nearly impossible to get my Maxxis Minions off or on. I was disappointed that I had to switch to a Mavic 729 and add some weight, but at least I can put the tire on without using tools.
Technical Specs
FRAME
M5 manipulated alloy, compact race design, 1-1/2″ forged HT, magnesium link, ISCG 05 mount, cartridge bearing rear shock mount, rear derailleur protector, 200mm travel
REAR SHOCK
Cane Creek Double Barrel, coil over w/piggy back, high/low speed compression and high/low speed rebound, 9.5×3″, XS: 300, S:350, M:400, L:450
FORK
2013 Fox 40
HEADSET
1-1/2″ integrated for 1-1/8″ steerer, cartridge bearings
STEM
Specialized Direct-Mount stem, 40mm length, 31.8mm, 4-bolt, forged
HANDLEBARS
Renthal Fat Bar, 780mm wide, 7º backsweep, 31.8mm
GRIPS
Specialized lock-on, S/M: Grappler, Others: Grappler XL
FRONT BRAKE
Shimano Zee
REAR BRAKE
Shimano Zee
BRAKE LEVERS
FRONT DERAILLEUR
REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano Zee
SHIFT LEVERS
Shimano Zee
CASSETTE
SRAM PG-1050, 10-speed, 11-26t
CHAIN
KMC X-10, 10-speed, w/ reusable Missing Link, nickel plates
CRANKSET
E Thirteen LG1 Downhill
36T thin alloy
BOTTOM BRACKET
Custom SRAM PF30 DH, 83mm shell
PEDALS
Specialized Benies, low profile with removable pins
RIMS
Mavic 729, Mavic 325
FRONT HUB
Specialized Hi Lo disc, laser-etched logo, sealed cartridge bearing, 20mm thru-axle, 32h
REAR HUB
DT Swiss 340
SPOKES
DT Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0mm stainless
FRONT TIRE
Maxis Minion
REAR TIRE
Maxis Minion
INNER TUBES
Presta valve 26×2.4/2.75, 2.25mm thick
SADDLE
Specialized DH, 8mm hollow Cr-Mo rails
SEATPOST
Thomson straight w/ 12º clamp, 367mm
SEAT BINDER
34.9mm clamp ID, 7050 hard anodized alloy collar, single bolt
NOTES
Protective clear coat, derailleur hanger, reflectors, owners manual