A new family of bikes comes out of the Specialized stable: the Status 2.
It’s not a new name, with the previous generation of Status bikes being affordable models for those looking for aggressive riding. And, in many ways, this new generation of Status follows that formula.
However, rather than there being just one Status, there are now three, catering for a wide range of intentions, all built with M5 alloy frames.
At one end is the Status 2 140, a trail bike designed for those who value durability and handling over weight and a feature-rich chassis. Those riders might prefer the new Stumpjumper.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Status 2 170 DH. If the name doesn’t give it away, this is a 170mm travel bike with a 180mm DH fork, designed for budding downhill racers and park rats.
Then there’s the mid-level model, the Status 2 170 – a beefy enduro bike with 170mm of travel.
This 170mm version will be sold as a frame in the US for $2,000.
Even if you don’t feel like hitting the woods, Specialized says the Status 2 is ideal for walking up a few flights of stairs on the way back from the corner store.
The bikes are designed with durability in mind, while specifications are focused on suspension and braking performance, rather than time spent achieving specific performance metrics. These bikes are designed to be practical mountain bikes for those who just want to hop on a bike and ride.
Alloy mule wheels are fitted to all bikes, along with basic but effective drivetrains and a finishing kit.
Along with the new bikes, Specialized is introducing a new S0 size to the Status 2 line, designed for riders under 5’11”. Rather than the “classic” mullet setup, these S0 models feature a 27.5″ front wheel and a 26″ rear wheel.