$3300
41 pounds
7 inches of rear wheel travel
Specialized, (877) 808-8154
Full test: August 2007 (Click here to order this issue)

Highlights: The Demo 7 I features Specialized's FSR suspension linkage and a Fox Shox DHX 4.0 coil shock. Up front is a beefy RockShox Totem coil fork with a 1.5-inch steerer tube, 40-millimeter stanchions, and the clever RockShox Maxle thru-axle. This is a custom Totem fork unique to Specialized (although rumor has it that it will be added to the RockShox line for 2008). What's custom? It is made with less sophisticated Boxxer fork internals. This helped Specialized hit their goal of keeping the Demo 7 I under $3500 retail. The more expensive $4400 Demo 7 II gets the high-end Totem Air fork.

Best quote: "When attacking technical terrain at speed, the Demo 7 disappeared underneath experienced riders. The supple suspension of the Totem fork and the FSR suspension linkage of the frame soaked up bumps in unison, giving pilots ultimate traction and complete control."

Bottom line: The Specialized Demo 7 I is a heavy-duty rig built to take all you can throw at it and then some. A true testament to how well the Demo 7 rides is the way it hides its 41 pounds. It's so well balanced you forget about what the bike is doing and focus on the obstacles ahead.