Specialized Status 160 mental mullet mountain bike live ride review

[@Yourmomgay-yg4ti]

Idk how This man is shedding and doing a presentation at the same time😂

[@dirtwolfmtb]

I’m just going to say this. How in the world you have done proper commentary during that descent is absolutely phenomenal. Well done my man.

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks Wolf, TBH this was one of the easiest bikes I ever reviewed. It pretty much does all the talking itself in the way it rides. Waiting on a demo of the newer Status 140 so keep tuned for that one.

[@notetrail3826]

Dude sick review. Wish more reviews were like this. Just flying through the specs and then getting into the good stuff on a ride.

[@stuarthelmn3699]

I could put this comment on any of his videos but Guy has an honesty that many other journalists dont have the bravery to put in to their reviews

[@GuyKesTV]

Cheers mate, that’s means A LOT

[@Nickporter17]

I own this bike and I freaking love it. A magical bike really. Guy mentioned there's no trunnion shock, I considered installing a spherical bearing in the standard shock to help, but it's not needed. The linkage design is such that the shock is compressed with almost no rotation at the mount points. The back end is so smooth and buttery. Amazing, amazing bike that I'm in love with.

[@GuyKesTV]

Nick Porter yep it’s very nicely done. The back end moves super easily without the shock in so that’s always a good sign.

[@matthewolean5727]

Looks like a better thought out version of the Intense primer 279 that I love. At a much better price point.

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

How’s status bike going? Any issues? Are wheels strong? Any upgrades?

[@CrashStockton]

Hell of a stats run through G! Haven’t ridden it yet but already love the fact Spesh have put this out.

[@krazed0451]

About time the cycle world caught up with motorcycles ;-)

[@AaronDav-nq8hk]

Thanks for the review, still cant believe you did all that commentary whist riding... respect!

[@jamie-kd9tx]

Never thought I'd see the day where I would even consider a non direct bike. Wacky value. I have a feeling this might save the bike shop model single handedly. Love the sensible spec like codes and not a flashy drivetrains and parts that they know lure people in. Ah, 16kg, who cares. I run inserts, all steel cassettes and non wallet emptying cranks, bring it on haha

[@GuyKesTV]

They pretty much made this bike for you by the sounds of it mate. It's good to see the big brands actually thinking like real riders too.

[@scotthastings8845]

Ordered mine and I was in the same boat. I had been saving up for months to get a YT or a propain but this came out and it was just a bit of me. Mullet is perfect for my riding style, the weight doesn’t bother me my current bike is in the 15’s aswell and I don’t change bike every year so I need something that’ll last. I’ll definitely upgrade it as time passes with a different wheel and tyre setup, possibly a ohlins or fox rear coil and maybe forks if I have the money, and then put MT7’s or RSC’s on if I feel it needs it (never used code R’s so I’ll see). I wanted a bike I could upgrade and make my own and personally I think it’s a brilliant base to do so.

[@thewerp]

@@scotthastings8845 Where did you buy it? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

[@zolt6658]

Scott Hastings that’s is the exact way I see it too, I have a 2011 Jekyll for my trail bike so you can Imagine I’m ready to upgrade it😂

[@_a_n_t_e_]

I like the reverb while you scream bike specs 😁 btw great bike

[@stumpe3942]

Didnt know u can send dh Guy! Nice!

[@rstrakovsky]

Weird how we're not getting this bike in the states. Seems like a solid no-nonsense smasher. The trail looks like a bloody minefield, impressed that you were able to keep the commentary while smashing your way through!

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks, it had been raining all the previous day so it was just the wrong side of hero dirt (zero dirt?) in terms of traction so the bike did really well even if I had to dial my pace back a bit. According to the Specialized folks in the UK the Status is available in the states but they're experimenting with their subversive social media style launch so press aren't allowed to talk about it. Sounds like it's definitely worth contacting your local Specialized dealer about it though.

[@rstrakovsky]

@@GuyKesTV that's an "interesting" approach to launching a bike. In any case, really enjoyed your review and glad to have stumbled upon this channel.

[@brian012876]

I was able to get mine 2 weeks ago at TrailWerks in Maryland.

[@callum.woodward6270]

Picking mine up tomorrow

[@831emtb3]

Loving this mean machine - shredding in DNA and nice pedaling platform.

[@adamgroves2811]

Specialized made a Mullet bike almost 20 years ago, I've only just twigged on because that's the same colour as my trusty old Bighit, 26 front 24 rear! Im light years ahead.

[@player1tv]

you can let specialized know this vid solidified my purchase choice. Just got the status.

[@uonadtehrrocks]

Those are some crazy trails

[@adamwebster5943]

great video dude

[@brizi2003]

Guy, great reveals so far on this new Specialized Status 160 for which Specialized seem to have officially released zip! Your ride videos are always exciting as you can continue talking throughout where many of your contemporaries struggle to do this - amazing given the terrain you're riding! I have to agree with some of the points that Varaxis has made in the comments about being perhaps too long/slack and this making the steering more vague requiring the rider to shift weight forward - perhaps not a bad thing, but makes the bike less of an all rounder in my opinion. Personally, I like the Butcher Grid tyres especially given their price point but have found them to be very pressure sensitive , especially over wet slippery stuff - low pressures are better for this but this does make the tyre sqirm quite a bit more. It's a pity Specialized can't put out a Stumpjumper AL Comp (Not the ST) at this price! Certainly seems better value than other Specialized models. Can't wait to see how you continue to get on with this bike.

[@frotto]

Sick video! Nice trail

[@mitchellnelson7555]

I became a big fan of mullet bikes recently riding my buddies yt capra a bunch with a mullet setup, they just whip through the corners so much harder than a dual 29er setup and just feel more playful in general, pretty excited about the status it might end up replacing my Commencal clash, but mainly because my clash is a bit small on me.

[@eduardoguzman333]

Great video Guy, I really enjoy how informative they are. I was sold on an S4 from my local bike shop here in Santa Cruz Ca. I am 5’9” and I really thought I should have been on an S3 but the sales person explained that the new S-sizing would allow me to be fine on an S4. So far the bike seems to feel ok out on my trails here in SC, but maybe I might be on to long of a bike. Any thoughts? Thank you

[@paddytolan796]

Sick video guy

[@GuyKesTV]

Cheers Paddy, how are the French tracks?

[@paddytolan796]

GuyKesTV not too bad, there’s a lot of flat out rocky/rooty trails. Got second fastest on Strava on a trail by the house. It’s nice having dh trails longer than 50 seconds.

[@Littlegreenlightweight]

I love it. Always had Stumpjumpers and have been riding for 27 years now. Currently ride a standard travel (150mm) 2020 Stumpy. My only problem with the Status (if there is such a thing) is i'm not sure why they made it. You can get a short travel Stumpjumper or normal version or the Evo if you want something longer, slacker and more travel. There's also the Enduro. So where does this fit Guy? Is it sort of a mash up or is it really good enough to stand on its own?

[@GuyKesTV]

It is a mash up, and I totally see your point but it's a really fun bike in it's own right. Plus it's deliberately aimed at riders who don't want all the normal Specialized branding. It's certainly an interesting experiment so it'll be interesting to see how it pays off.

[@gazmo147]

It’s a different type of bike, aimed at people who want the fun of a stumpy, with the capability of an enduro, also for people that don’t have £‘s to spend on the latest carbon super bike, who just want something they can take anywhere, send big jumps, take silly lines and generally have fun with it, and not worry about breaking it.

[@nl3712]

Price point, I’d guess. Even Spez realizes bikes are too expensive.

[@owenkennedy7854]

I think I’ll get one once they are available

[@ditomee1]

Have you got compare to transition patrol?

[@Paulmtb]

Looking forward to you getting your hands on the new Whyte E160rs

[@GuyKesTV]

me too mate!

[@gregs7562]

Very nice. Be a good one to look at when my 2015 Stumpjumper dies. 16kg ain't bad, still a lot less than my steel frame fatbike I chuck around everywhere.

[@tinman8888]

Hey mate great review. Have just bought one. At 90-95kg riding weight I am thinking of chucking a token in the shock so I can still run it fully open. Interested in your thoughts on this? Cheers

[@madasscivic]

Great video , have recently purchased the status and thinking of replacing the tyres , what would you recommend ?mainly trail riding with some gnarly descending .thanks , again awesome video .

[@ultimatist]

Where did you buy from?

[@madasscivic]

@@ultimatist Tredz in Cardiff.

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

How’s your status bike going? Any issues?

[@madasscivic]

@@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862 no problems ,just usual maintainance ,chain swapped ,bottom bracket ,but I have ridden over 1000 miles on my status .

[@indigo7484]

how well does it climb? Is it annoying having to shift your weight towards the front of the bike?

[@Antjan46]

Great video, I like your ‘no nonsense, straight to the point review’ awesome! Im a smaller rider 5ft4 and always ridden 27.5 wheels. I’m loving the specs of this bike and eager to get the 140mm version, have you had any experience with the 140? PS I’m not hitting drops above 1.5m (yet) and I do enjoy a bit of a climb when needed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for the great content 🤘🏽

[@GuyKesTV]

Glad you enjoyed the video, it is an awesome bike and I’ve heard from several folks that the 140 is huge fun. You would possibly go a little quicker uphill on a 29er but that’s not going to ride like you want. And anything fun is going to weigh a chunk at this price. In fact status is almost certainly one of the livelier options as the tyres and wheels are relatively light. Hope that helps

[@dramirchannel]

I’m 6.1 and have long arms (usually order my suites in L). I’m in between S4 or S5. Any help appreciated.

[@velvetMXO]

Does anyone have a link in grabbing a service or general manual for the Status 160? I am able to find one on the website for the Stumpjumper, but can't find anything for the Status 160 would greatly appreciate it.

[@ditomee1]

Status or transition patrol ?

[@martinhayes5087]

That's ace! Now where the hell and when can I buy one 😂

[@GuyKesTV]

Martin Hayes check your nearest Spesh concept store 👍🏻

[@davidberry6776]

Just ordered one 👍🏻 any ideas on release dates?

[@GuyKesTV]

They're actually in shops in the UK so depends where you are?

[@ollydickinson2196]

Where do you find them mate

[@GuyKesTV]

Olly Dickinson Specialized concept stores and selected dealers have them 👍🏻

[@harrybellis]

wondering what tyres you would suggest for stainburn and other usually wet places

[@GuyKesTV]

I've just fitted Hutchinson Griffus. Not the best in total slop, but great the rest of the year.

[@pytek23]

Probably best looking Spesh in history

[@MW-ud8zp]

Hands down. I usually dislike their styling but this is right up my alley.

[@gregs7562]

I'd agree with that. Really like the simplicity. As much as I love my Stumpie it's a bit garish colour wise. Lime green bling & black, loved it when I got it, now it looks very dated.

[@Nickporter17]

Best riding too

[@player1tv]

Hey, I see yours is an S4, the guy in the shop is telling me to get the same, but I am 6'4 (193cm). theres no info on the sizing for anywhere. I would assume I need the S5

[@GuyKesTV]

yeah you should definitely be on the S5. There's no information about this bike anywhere TBH!

[@player1tv]

GuyKesTV can you get a trance x 2021 to review? These two bikes have me stalled on which to get. I need to do some all mtn riding. 1/3 undulating 1/3 up 1/3 down. But want that down to be epic.

[@TheHottuna66]

@@GuyKesTV Im 6’1, would you suggest S5 for me too?

[@GuyKesTV]

@@TheHottuna66 yes, S5 should be spot on for you.

[@TheHottuna66]

@@GuyKesTV thanks very much!!! Helps a lot! I’ve got an S5 status on hold for me at a bike shop and going to see it tomorrow!

[@edtsech]

Nice review! what is your height please?

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks 180cm

[@romeosantosiii]

How about the pedal strike? I just picked one up and it hits a lot!

[@scotthastings8845]

I noticed this, after nearly 2 months it’s something you learn to ride around but it’s as to be expected from such a low BB height. I’m going to play about with the flip chip soon to see what feels better but doubt I’ll keep it in the high setting.

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Get shorter cranks👊

[@julianquarmby440]

Picking mine up on Saturday can’t wait! Can I ask you a favour? How wide / is the downtube? My roof rack clamp only supports frames as wide as 80mm, thanks :)

[@GuyKesTV]

Hi Julian, just measured it and it's 60mm wide and 51mm deep so you should be fine 👍🏻

[@julianquarmby440]

GuyKesTV amazing thank you for the quick reply, I thought it would be fine but worth asking :) can’t wait now!

[@ultimatist]

Where'd you buy from?

[@jazkapoor7634]

Rack for suburban?

[@conorbrady3011]

Im 6ft4 and looking to upgrade from my Marin San Quentin hard tail which is built for riders up to 6ft. Do you think this is a good choice in an s5?

[@GuyKesTV]

S5 would be an awesome fit for you.

[@simonbrannigan9621]

@@GuyKesTV how about if 6”2? Local bike shop have an S4, tried it today and it felt small like the bars were in too close....any thoughts welcome Guy!! I have a deposit in an S5 and need to decide...

[@emiliopavan7243]

@@simonbrannigan9621 hey man I’m also 6”2 and have the s5 it’s a good fit.

[@Edub-em3rr]

Are they going to be selling these in the states? Seems everything I’ve heard or read is local to Europe and Australia.

[@GuyKesTV]

Hi Ed, AFAIK they're definitely going to be available in the US. They might even be available from some Specialized Concept stores already so it's definitely worth getting in touch with your local store.

[@Edub-em3rr]

GuyKesTV thanks for the reply. I hope so! I went to both of my local Specialized dealers 2 days ago and they said they had no information whatsoever. One owner said “your guess is as good as ours...”. Nothing on the specialized website either. I’m jonesing for a new bike and will hold out if they are planning on hitting the dealers soon but I can’t wait forever. The trails are calling!

[@Nickporter17]

Ed Wilson where do you live? I’m picking mine up tomorrow from Scott’s valley bikes in Santa Cruz. Trail works cyclery in millersville, md has them too.

[@Edub-em3rr]

Nick Porter I found out that there were 7 shops in the USA that got them. Reddit forums pointed me to TrailWorks who pointed me to Sycamore Cycles in Hendersonville, NOrth Carolina, a 10hr car ride. I called about shipping them and they said they were not allowed. I made the trip up there and picked mine up a few days ago. The bike is awesome. It checks all the boxes. Price was right. Only complaint is that it’s heavier than first expected but if that means it’s going to be a tougher bike than I’m okay with that. I ride with a 3L hydration pack, a bunch of tools, snacks, and I’m not exactly a small guy so I’m already pretty weighed down.

[@Nickporter17]

Ed Wilson nicely done Ed! Mines going to be a park and shuttle bike so extra weight is a good thing imo.

[@nathangaffran]

Do you think a coil shock would work on this bike

[@GuyKesTV]

I need to check with the designers at Specialized to see if that would work. My instinct says no as it's running the largest volume spacer you can fit into that size and type of shock so a straight linear coil won't work. A progressive wound spring might though. Like I say I'll double check with Spesh as people keep asking the question and a coil would be ace in there if you could make it work.

[@GuyKesTV]

Ey up Nathan, checked with Spesh and it’s a goer so I’ve got a shock coming in from Fox ASAP.

[@Nickporter17]

I pick mine up tomorrow. Popping a 230x65 marz bomber coil in there straight away. Should have 170+ travel too.

[@Nickporter17]

GuyKesTV thanks Guy

[@dirtwolfmtb]

Whippy. It’s got a lotta bike for the money

[@Jurica-mtb]

Haha dude, you are insane 💯🍺

[@ollydickinson2196]

The sizes really confuse me what are they equivalent to in normal sizes

[@GuyKesTV]

Olly Dickinson basically S1 is XS, S5 XL

[@ollydickinson2196]

Thanks for the info love the review and the bike

[@coreywinkle7499]

When you say “ BB in the low position because why would you have anything else?” , why do you say that? It feels crazy low to me and I feel like I have constant pedal strikes but it definitely could just be my inexperience on a modern mtb.

[@GuyKesTV]

Yes sorry that probably is a daft thing to say. I lent it to someone this weekend and they were complaining about pedal strikes all the time too until I put it in high setting. I guess it depends what you're used to and your pedalling style/gearing choice.

[@donchristie420]

How much $

[@GuyKesTV]

I don't know in $ but £2400

[@stephanehuot9734]

I think youbguys need help to Built Nice tracks !!!

[@Varaxis]

The "script" (subconscious bike reviewer spiel) he's reading from his head doesn't match what's going on in video: 1:24 "So.. (head angle talk)" struggling to keep the front wheel from going wide off the edge of trail 1:45 "So... proper GRAVITY machine" nervously clamping brakes when plowing a straight trail 2:13 "jib and rip.." get drifty after backing off of brakes, then clamp brakes while going wide off trail 2:52 "solid up front..." letting it loose again, only to cut video after going wide over a berm 3:00 "pedals pretty well" front end wandering so much, can't even follow the trail 3:30 "need to pour some watts in" to make it up that 30 second climb with heavy breathing? xD 4:20 barely dodging trees in hero dirt, after exclaiming properly nailed balance 4:44 that front barely having enough traction to make that turn? xD 5:05 finally getting into some flow, compensating for the steering quirks, but with braking habits still... 5:42 "(kinematic praise)" not too composed after a huck, cutting out the panic braking 6:25 after cutting out a corner traction issue, you seem to properly weight the front (less top tube showing) 7:03 blaming the tire's Grid Trail casing for folding, despite how gentle the side loads seemingly were ... I could tell from the geo (short 427mm CS, long 1264mm WB), and how much top tube shows in the video's frame, that this was gonna happen. Gotta adapt by putting more weight on the front to corner at usual race pace, else you get a "thrillingy fun" ride due to being on the edge of having the front wipe out, plus the thrills of near-collisions. The heavy front-end wandering despite a 30 sec threshold aerobic climbing effort should be a big warning flag. Short riders on the smaller sizes (S1 and S2 esp) will have a better/modern cornering experience.

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks for taking the time to go through the video in such detail! I could throw a bunch of excuses here like the super tight initial entry through a big wet puddle throwing me off at 1:24, the big diagonal root and rock combo on the stepped drop at 1:45 or the fact that climb at 3:00 is seriously damn steep (check the tree angle). And those tyres have definitely bitten me badly on a bunch of test bikes in the past and were definitely folding on several sections here. But yeah, you're right I probably do need to adjust my riding style to load the front end more. I'm an old bloke with too many old XC habits who pulls the brakes too much when I should just commit harder to turns and it makes me proper mad when I do it. I'm keeping the bike for a while so hopefully you can watch me getting more dialled into it over time and if you're ever up in Yorkshire give me a shout and you can school me in person 👍🏻

[@Varaxis]

@@GuyKesTV short CS + long WB is a formula for light front end. Judging from your prior reviews at bikeradar, like for the Intense Recluse and Process 153 29, you seem to not recognize it, perhaps blaming it on a fork or just being confused that a certain tire+fork combo doesn't work like expected. Crazy difference between confidence and composure levels on this and the Liteville 301CE live review...

[@GuyKesTV]

Varaxis that’s a really interesting point re the Kona. I passed that round a few people who thought the front end wasn’t quite right tho. But when you’re riding new stuff constantly there’s a real danger in getting caught up in the fashion rather than the fact. I try to use times runs to keep things pegged accurately but that can be super variable depending on other conditions. I had put the Liteville confidence down mostly to unsprung weight smoothness, great wheel/tyre set, stupid low BB and tracking strength but maybe it’s a slightly better balance too. The Levo SL is still the fastest bike down my main test DH at Stainburn and that’s with those Grid tyres on and a 34 fork. In fashion terms that’s a pretty short and steep bike. Big thanks for pulling me up on this anyway, you’ve certainly got me thinking even harder about the whole ‘have we gone too far’ geometry question. The next two bikes I’ve filmed are both pretty extreme for their category and I know the first couple of runs on one of them were an absolute overshooting mess. Need to get some time on the new Following as Evil are one of the few brands who are still sticking to their guns in terms of not over stretching and slacking everything. But anyway, big thanks for your feedback, it’s been a really useful ‘ctrl/alt/dlt’ 👍🏻

[@Varaxis]

​@@GuyKesTV Forbidden, Privateer, and YT do a good job trying to tune CS to WB. IMO, I personally wouldn't go any shorter than 425mm CS for 1190mm WB, 430 CS for 12100 WB, 435 for 1230, 440/1250, 445/1270... you prob get the drift, but going shorter WB for any given CS (such as from downsizing) gets more weight on front, but at cost of increased nose-plant and nose-dive risk. Lengthening the front/WB for a given CS leads to that "loves back wheel" feel, but at cost of sketchy cornering. No perfect balance... Karver might prefer 2-wheeled drifts all day, Sam Hill might prefer the rear to break traction first, and I guess the stylish types love back wheel. STA getting even steeper might be related to ppl adopting a mid-foot pedal stance. Feet 50mm forward on pedals is akin to moving the saddle back 4 degrees worth. For ebikes, I prefer a steeper STA over a longer CS, to keep the front from popping up under torque. Cannondale introduced size-specific kinematics too, considering how a longer front end (from upsizing) will increase anti-squat and anti-rise, assuming the same sized rider, and vice versa for downsizing. Not uncommon to hear about people worried about longer reach, and consider a size down. The balance thing with CS and WB can explain why tall folks don't understand the appeal of long travel bikes, gravitating to more enjoyable lightweight short travel 29ers, which seem to have no trouble on rough trails. Short riders can't find bikes with long enough front ends (or short enough CS) to calm the scary nose-dive feel on jumps, so they seem to go long travel to address their ambitions to jump, drop, etc. They also often find themselves hanging off the back of the bike to even ride steep and technical things, which taller folk are riding over in a more relaxed position on their better balanced bikes; they get addicted to the ease, composure, and confidence that a better balanced bike offers them, on their slacked out long travel bike that gets them a long enough WB in size Small and Med.

[@GuyKesTV]

Varaxis best handling ‘feels just right in most situations’ bike I’ve ridden this year is the Norco Optic with size specific back end and the Habit feels absolutely great too. My mate Mike (ex Calibre designer) is struggling with the super steep ST and overall balance of his Privateer though. That’s a really interesting point about clear position too. Past couple of weeks (status and the super slack proto hardtail) I’ve been running SPD shoes with a much further forward XC cleat position than my Crank Bros shoes. I actually really like how the Status feels on the trail but now you’ve pointed out how much time I spent nearly off it it’s definitely time for some experimenting.