The 2017 mountain bike range from Specialized has a number of interesting updates, including the refreshed Stumpjumper, the streamlined Camber, and the all-new Epic hardtail — not to mention a few new accessories.
Some of these products are available right now, if you feel a little spending splurge coming on, and others will be out in the near future.
Updates to the Stumpjumper range
The classic Stumpjumper goes full boost across the range, so in addition to fitting 29er wheels you can go 6Fattie (Specialized's 650 plus equivalent) for some plus-sized fun.
The devil is in the detail, as they say, and the new Stumpjumper also features a rather nice contrasting paint job inside the downtube's SWAT compartment. This isn't just for aesthetics; having a coloured background makes spotting your dark-coloured maintenance bits and pieces a whole lot easier when you're in the deep dark woods.
At the top end of the range, the S-Works Stumpjumper features Ohlins suspension front and back, with enough clearance in the frame to allow a water bottle. Handy if you want a short, sharp ride. The version pictured retails for a cool £6,500.
Streamlining the Camber
The Camber range has been streamlined for 2017. In practice, this means that the varying wheel sizes and suspension travel are gone and instead there's a simple 29 or 650b wheel size option — boost spacing is not offered on the range.
The all-new Specialized S-Works Epic hardtail mountain bike
Also new on the roster is the extremely shiny S-Works Epic hardtail. Specialized claims that this is not only the lightest cross-country race bike in the world, but also the lightest frame they make — including road bike frames. Bold claims indeed, and ones we'll undoubtedly be putting to the test.
Specialized Ambush Comp helmet
We rate the Specialized Ambush trail lid highly, and as a trail helmet it's hard to beat. Now Specialized has created a less expensive version, the Ambush Comp. Aimed at an entry-level price point, it features the same full-coverage protection of the Ambush but with a less-flash finish, less-technical construction, and based on a brief feel, a slightly heavier weight.
RRP £75
Specialized 2FO Cliplite Lace and Tahoe mountain bike shoes
There's a double whammy of new shoe goodness with the new 2FO Cliplite Lace and the Tahoe, which has been absent from the range for a number of years. The 2FO is a more accessibly priced version of the 2FO Cliplite. Gone is the Boa fastening system, which is replaced instead with a lace-up closure. The sole features the same SlipNot rubber sole, designed to keep you securely affixed to your pedals or the ground.
The Tahoe shoe has had a makeover for 2017, too. The new version is a whole lot more stylish looking than the somewhat utilitarian former version, with a splash of colour for good measure. Aimed at the multi-sport rider, it offers a comfortable shoe with flexibility to walk in so is ideal for commuting, trekking or spin classes.
RRP: 2FO Cliplite Lace £90, Tahoe £75
There's also women specific versions of both the 2FO and the Tahoe in the 2017 range.
