First Ride: Specialized Launches New Status 140 and DH 170 – Pinkbike

It’s interesting how these bikes, starting at just $3,500 USD, fit into Specialized’s bike lineup compared to the significantly more expensive Stumpjumper, which is currently the longest-travel carbon bike in their catalog.

From a distance, the Status 2 looks a lot like its predecessor, but a closer look reveals some subtle changes. The main pivot point has been moved up slightly for better small-bump performance, and the frame’s overall robustness has been beefed up.

The first things that caught my attention were the larger diameter, square top and down tubes. Other areas like the seatstay yoke, forward shock mount and seat tube gusset also use more metal without adding any extra weight.

Following on from the Stumpjumper, the Status 2 uses a flip chip at the dropout pivot to adjust head angle and bottom bracket height, rather than the lower shock mount flip chip. There’s also a redesigned chainstay protector that helps to filter out more noise, and the option to route the cables externally.

Geometry

The Status 140 and 170 bikes with 29/27.5” wheels are available in sizes S1 to S5, while the 170 DH sizes cover frame sizes S2 to S5.

Reading through all the geometry numbers might give you goosebumps, but it’s important to note that the S1-S3 frames have shorter chainstays than the S4 and S5 of each Status.

For the Status 140 and 170 Zero mini-mullet bikes, they only come in one size, “S0,” which is where the “Zero” name comes from. That gives the 140 Zero a reach of 396mm and a chainstay length of 431mm. The 170 Zero has the same reach number, but a 5mm longer chainstay.

As for the seat tube and head tube angles on the Status 140, both have been steepened. The head tube has been pushed forward a little from 64.2 to 64.5 degrees (high setting), and the seat tube even more; from 76 to 77.6 degrees. This change improves the Status’s cornering and climbing capabilities. On the Status 170, the head tube angle is half a degree slacker.

Down at the dropout pivot, flipping the offset insert chip will have a small 3mm effect on the chainstay length, but will primarily change the bottom bracket height by 8mm. It will also change the head tube and seat tube angles by 0.5 degrees.

Key component changes make the Status even more capable. All frame sizes get a boost in dropper post travel, with the S3 size we tested in 2021 with a 150mm-travel dropper post now getting a 170mm version. The switch to Shimano Deore drivetrains also means a stronger clutch with less chain slap, and the newly shaped Roval aluminum rims are said to be more resistant to dents.

Another big improvement is found in the brake department. TRP Trail-Evo brakes offer more modulation and overall power than the SRAM Code Rs used previously.

All 170 and 170 DH models get coil shocks, while the 140s use a Marzocchi Bomber air shock. Any of the Status bikes capable of pedaling uphill also get a SWAT tool in the steerer tube.

The 170 DH gets a slightly different parts kit, including the most obvious component; a 180mm-travel Boxxer Select dual-crown fork. The rear suspension is handled by a Super Deluxe Select coil shock with rebound and HBO adjustment. A SRAM GX DH 7-speed drivetrain is finished off with an MRP chainguide, and proper Specialized Butcher Gravity tires are specced. SRAM Maven Bronze brakes are another notable addition.

Given the short time to test out all of the Status bikes, I opted for the Status 140 in the S2 size and the 170 DH in the S3. I kept both bikes in the high BB setting for crisp handling during the two jump jams held at Blue Steel in Bellingham, WA, and Coastal Cruise at Coast Gravity Park. The bikes were set up with a focus on soaking up bigger hits, though they also tackled some more technical singletrack. Recommended sag for all the bikes was 30% in the rear shock, with the forks set at closer to 15% sag.

Status 170 DH: Jumping on the gravity-inspired 170 DH proved just how capable the longer-wheelbase, more-travel platform is. This is a bike that can handle the braking bumps of a chopped-up bike park trail without sucking the life out of jump tracks like a full-fledged DH race bike would. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from technology and could happily get between the tape for a regional race series. Components like the HBO adaptation of the Super Deluxe and powerful Maven Bronze brakes won’t hold the Status 170 DH back from wild moves or consistently steep trails, either.

Stand 140: Most freeriders will opt to size down for quick handling, and I took that option here by selecting an S2 frame. This resulted in the Status 140 that rode with a slightly front-loaded, backseat rider position. Increasing the rear shock pressure to 27% sag alleviated that rearward weight bias. As expected, the smaller frame resulted in a slightly jumpy balance in the dusty conditions, but it brought out the 140’s snappy nature. Sure, an S3 would be more stable, but I wanted to take advantage of a slightly shorter wheelbase for hopping around the trail and changing direction on command.

One of the most noticeable changes over the original Status 140 we reviewed was the composure of the new chassis. A higher main pivot, stronger derailleur linkage, and improved chainstay protection all helped reduce pedal kickback and chain chatter. The stiffer frame also prevented rear-end chatter under braking.

Uphill isn’t forgotten either, as the Status 2 is a more effective climber. Pushing the seat tube angle further upward puts the rider in a more comfortable climbing position and reduces the chance of unintentional wheelies. Increasing the dropper post travel per frame size is also a smart move, and reduces the need to stop and adjust for each climb and descent.

Up front, the head angle has been steepened slightly. While 0.3 degrees is barely noticeable, putting more weight over the front wheel improves the Status’s flat-out cornering capabilities.

As mentioned, the brake set spec change contributes to a huge improvement in performance. The TRP Trail EVOs have a very light action with plenty of power. One criticism they have received is that the levers can’t be adjusted close enough to the bars, which could be an issue for riders with shorter fingers. Thankfully, the Status Zeros come equipped with Code R brakes and should offer ample power and adjustment for riders opting for those smaller bikes.