First Ride: Specialized Launches New Condition 140 and DH 170

Starting at just $3,500, it’s interesting how these bikes stack up in Specialized’s lineup against the drastically more expensive Stumpjumper, which is currently the longest-travel carbon bike in their catalog.

From a distance, Status 2 looks a lot like its predecessor, but a closer look reveals a number of subtle changes. The main pivot has been moved up slightly for better performance on small bumps and the overall robustness of the frame has been strengthened.

The first points that caught my eye were the larger diameter, square shape of the top and bottom tubes. In addition, areas such as the seat stay yoke, front shock mount and seat tube gusset also use more metal without adding weight.

Following the Stumpjumper, the Status 2 uses a flip-chip on the pivot to adjust the head angle and height of the center bracket instead of a flip-chip for the shock bottom bracket. There’s also a redesigned chainstay guard that cancels out more noise, and the ability to route cables externally.

Geometry

The 29/27.5” Status 140 and 170 wheels come in sizes S1 to S5, while the 170 DH covers frame sizes S2-S5.

Sifting through all the geometry numbers can be eye-rolling, but it’s important to note that the S1-S3 frames have shorter chainstays than the S4 and S5 in every condition.

For the Status 140 and 170 Zero mini mullet bikes, they are only available in one size, “S0”, hence the “Zero” designation. This 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 chain stay.

As for the seat tube and head angles on the Status 140, both were steeper. The head tube was moved slightly forward from 64.2 to 64.5 degrees (high setting) and the seat tube even more; 76 to 77.6 degrees. This is a move that improves the Status’s cornering and climbing abilities. With the Status 170, the head angle is half a degree looser.

Flipping the offset insert chip will have a small 3mm effect on the chainstay length, but will primarily adjust the bottom bracket height by 8mm. This will also change the angle of the head tube and seat tube by 0.5 degrees.

Significant component changes help make the Status even more capable. There is an increase in dropper post lift for all frame sizes. For example, the S3 size we tested in 2021 with a 150mm dropper now gets a 170mm version. The switch to Shimano Deore gears also means a stronger clutch with less chain slap, and the newly shaped Roval aluminum rims are said to be more dent-resistant.

Another major improvement comes in the braking department. The TRP Trail-Evo brakes provide more modulation and overall performance than the previously used SRAM Code R.

All 170 and 170 DH models get coil shocks, while the 140 uses Marzocchi Bomber air shocks. Each of the hill-climbing Status bikes also gets a SWAT tool located in the steerer tube.

The 170 DH has a slightly different set of parts, including the most obvious; Boxxer Select double crown fork with 180 mm travel. Controlling the rear suspension is handled by a Super Deluxe Select coil shock with rebound and HBO adjustment. The SRAM GX DH seven-speed drivetrain is complemented by an MRP chain guide and the correct Specialized Butcher Gravity tires are specified. Another notable addition are the SRAM Maven Bronze brakes.

Given the short amount of time to shake up all the Status wheels, I opted for the Status 140 in the S2 size and the 170 DH in the S3 size. I kept both bikes in the high BB setting for crisp handling during the two jump jams that happened at Blue Steel in Bellingham, WA and Coastal Cruise at Coast Gravity Park. The bikes were set up with a focus on handling the bigger hits, although they also struggled with more technical singletrack. Suggested sag for all wheels was 30% on the rear shocks and the forks were set closer to 15% sag.

Status of 170 DH: Jumping onto the Gravity inspired 170 DH showed just how capable the platform is with a longer wheelbase and more lift. This is a bike that handles the braking bumps of a chopped up bike park trail without draining the life out of jump tracks like a full DH race bike might. At the same time, he does not shy away from technique and could happily get between the tapes for the regional racing series. Components like HBO Super Deluxe tuning and powerful Maven Bronze brakes won’t hold back the Status 170 DH even against noisy traffic or consistently steep trails.

Status 140: Downsizing is a step most freeriders make for quick handling and I decided to go that route by choosing the S2 frame. This resulted in the Status 140 riding with a slightly pre-set rear seat rider position. A 27% increase in rear shock pressure alleviated this rearward weight bias. As expected, the smaller frame led to a slightly wobbly balance in dusty conditions, but brought out the peppy nature of the 140. Of course, the S3 would have been more stable, but I wanted to take advantage of the slightly shorter wheelbase to crack. around the trail and change direction on command.

One of the most noticeable changes from the original Status 140 we reviewed was the quietness of the new chassis. A taller main pivot, stronger derailleur clutch and increased chainstay protection all contribute to reducing pedal recoil and chain chatter. The stiffer frame also protected the rear end from stripping over braking bumps.

Uphill was not forgotten either, as Status 2 is a more efficient riser. Shifting the angle of the seat tube further upright puts the rider in a more comfortable climbing position and reduces the chance of accidental wobble. Increasing the suspension travel to the size of the frame is also a smart move and alleviates the need to stop and make adjustments every time you climb and descend.

Up front, the head angle was a bit steeper. While the 0.3 degree is barely noticeable, the increased front wheel load improves the Status’s flat cornering capacity.

As already mentioned, the change in the specification of the brake kit contributes to a massive increase in performance. The TRP Trail EVOs have a very light action with plenty of power. One criticism that has been leveled at them is that the levers cannot be set close enough to the bar. This could be a problem for riders with shorter fingers. Fortunately, the Status Zeros are equipped with Code R brakes and should provide plenty of power and setup for riders who choose these smaller bikes.