FSR OWNER’S MANUAL

DEMO 8
 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION....................................................................2
ABOUT OFF ROAD, STUNT, DOWNHILL
AND FREERIDING....................................................................2
SERVICE AND MODIFICATIONS..........................................3

FORK SETUP INFORMATION.................................................4

SEATPOST SETUP INFORMATION.........................................4

BOTTOM BRACKET SPECIFICATION......................................4

ACCESSORIES......................................................................4

FRAME FEATURES................................................................5

FRAME GEOMETRY...............................................................6
DEMO 8.......................................................................................7

SHOCK POSITION.................................................................7

SHOCK SETUP......................................................................8
SETTING SAG............................................................................8
SETTING REBOUND...............................................................8
SETTING THE IFP (BOOST VALVE).....................................8
SETTING COMPRESSION......................................................8
SETTING BOTTOM-OUT CONTROL....................................8
COIL SPRING RATE SPECIFICATIONS...............................8

FRAME SCHEMATIC..............................................................10

FRAME PIVOT SPECIFICATIONS............................................11

SETUP DATA.........................................................................12

Please note all instructions are subject to change for improvement without notice.
Please visit www.specialized.com for periodic tech updates.
Feedback: techdocs@specialized.com
OM0368 - Rev. A, June 2011

1
 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the finest line of suspension bikes
available!
About Off Road, Stunt, Downhill and Freeriding
This manual is designed to be used in conjunction with the Bicycle Owner’s Manual
and owner’s manuals supplied by the manufacturer of the front and rear suspension
components. If you did not receive any of these manuals, download them from the Internet,
contact your Specialized Authorized Dealer, or contact us by telephone. There may be
more current manuals and technical information available. For the most current information,
regularly check the Specialized web site or consult your Specialized Authorized Dealer.
These manuals were written for an important reason: your safety while riding.
This manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the consequences
of failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle or of failure to follow safe cycling practices.
The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word Warning indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. The
combination of the safety alert symbol and the word Caution indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury, or damage
to your bicycle or a component. Because the consequences of not following a Warning
usually include “you may lose control and fall,” which could result in serious personal injury
or death, we may not repeat this in conjunction with each Warning. Because it is impossible
to anticipate every situation or condition which may occur, a practice or situation may be
unsafe but not anticipated by this manual. So, don’t forget to use your common sense.

WARNING! Make sure you have, review, and understand the warnings,
instructions, and content of the manuals for your bicycle.

ABOUT OFF ROAD, STUNT, DOWNHILL AND FREERIDING

Downhill racing, severe off road riding, jumping, and stunt riding is extremely dangerous.
Some downhill racers and freeriders reach speeds similar to motorcycles, thus face similar
risks and hazards. When engaging in these activities, you, your bicycle and safety equipment
must be in perfect condition. We recommend that at all times you wear appropriate safety
gear, such as an approved full face helmet, full finger gloves, and body armor.

Not every bicycle is built for every activity. Check with your Specialized Authorized
Dealer to make sure you have the right equipment.
No bicycle is indestructible. Downhill racing, severe off road riding, jumping, and stunt
riding increases the stress on every part of your bicycle. Frames or parts under high stress
may fail, causing you to lose control or fall. Because of the risk involved, Specialized
recommends that you conduct a thorough inspection before each ride. If you miss a jump,
ditch your bike in mid crash, dump or launch your bike without you on it, inspect yourself
for injury, then carefully inspect your bicycle for damage.
Here is what you should look for when you inspect your bicycle for this type of riding:
bent or broken components, such as the handlebar, handlebar stem, seatpost, pedals;
dents, cracks, scratches, deformation, or discoloration. Because damage may be internal
and hidden, if any of these signs are present, stop riding until your bicycle has been
thoroughly inspected by your Specialized Authorized Dealer.

WARNING! Although many catalogs, advertisements and articles about

bicycling depict riders racing, jumping, riding hard off road, and/or stunt riding,
this activity is extremely dangerous, increases the rider’s risk of injury or death,
and potentially increases the severity of any injury. The action depicted is being
performed by experts with many years of training and experience. Even with
that training and experience, cyclists who engage in such activity often get
seriously injured. It is also foreseeable that during some jumps or stunts, and
even some races, that the rider will exceed the design capacity of the frame or
components, which may result in something on the bicycle bending or breaking.
If a frame or component bends or breaks, such may lead to loss of control,
serious personal injury or death.

2
 As activities such as racing, jumping, severe off road riding, and stunt riding are
extremely dangerous, SAFETY should always be the first consideration. Don’t ride in
the race, ride hard off road, try the jump, or do the stunt, UNLESS YOU CAN DO SO
SAFELY. Here are some additional recommendations:
„„ Take lessons from a competent instructor first.
„„ Do jumps or stunts only in areas designated for this type of riding.
„„ Start with easy jumps and easy stunts first, and slowly develop skills before trying
more dangerous jumps or stunts.
„„ Wear appropriate safety gear, such as a full face helmet, body armor, full finger
gloves, etc.
„„ Make sure by checking with your Specialized Authorized Dealer that your bike is
suitable for the kind of activity you intend to engage in.
„„ Constantly inspect your bicycle for signs of stress: cracks in the paint; dents;
crushing or bending of the frame; bent components. Do not ride your bicycle if it
shows such signs of stress.
„„ Do not seek to bend or break the frame or components. Remember, SAFETY FIRST!!!
Understand and recognize that the stresses imposed on your bike by riding at speed,
jumping or stunt riding may break or damage parts of the bicycle, which may result in loss
of control, serious injury or death.
Specialized does not warrant the bicycle frame or components for such activities, and
expressly disclaims all warranties, including the warranty of fitness for particular purpose
and merchantability.
Stunt riding, severe off road riding, jumping, or riding downhill at speed is extremely
dangerous, and the rider voluntarily assumes the risk that the bicycle frame and/or its
components will bend or break, and voluntarily assumes the risk of injury or death.

SERVICE AND MODIFICATIONS

Technological advances have made bicycles and bicycle components more
complex, and the pace of innovation is increasing. It is impossible for this manual or the
accompanying manuals to provide all of the information required to properly repair and/or
maintain your bicycle. In order to help minimize the chances of an injury, it is critical for you
to have work performed by an Specialized Authorized Dealer.

WARNING! Service on Specialized bicycles requires special knowledge and

tools. Specialized recommends that all service and repairs be performed by a
Specialized Authorized Dealer.
Your bicycle has been engineered and tested with specific components and parts. Because
of the great variety in these items, it is impossible for Specialized to test and approve of all
possible combinations. Modifying the frame, fork, or any of the components may make your
bike unsafe. For example, changing the front suspension on your bicycle may alter the steering
characteristics and/or add stresses to the frame which have not been tested for. If you must
replace any component, have this done by your Specialized Authorized Dealer.

WARNING! Never modify your frame or bicycle in any way. Do not sand, drill,
fill, or remove parts. Do not install incompatible forks or suspension parts. An
improperly modified frame, fork, or component, can cause you to lose control
and fall.

CAUTION: Any modification of your frame, fork, or components means that

your bike no longer meets our specifications and therefore voids your warranty.

3
 FORK SETUP INFORMATION
WARNING! Demo frames are compatible ONLY with dual crown forks that have
travel of 8” (203mm) or less. Use of different styled forks or forks with longer
travel may result in catastrophic failure of the frame which may result in serious
personal injury or death.

SEATPOST SETUP INFORMATION

SEATPOST MINIMUM INSERTION: To
prevent damage to the frame, it’s important to
have a minimum amount of seatpost in the seat
tube.
Aluminum frames:
If you cannot see the seatpost tube through
the seat tube hole, your seatpost is too far
extended. If a greater saddle height is required,

10
replace the seatpost with a longer one.

0m
m
Minimum Seatpost
Insertion Guide Hole

BOTTOM BRACKET SPECIFICATION

The Demo frame is equipped with the PF-30 DH 83mm wide bottom bracket shell
configuration and PF-30 DH threaded cups. This provides compatibility with current
83mm DH spec cranks for threaded shells, as well as compatibility with future oversized
crank configurations.

ACCESSORIES
Specialized offers replacement chainstay protectors, available through your
Specialized authorized dealer.

4
 FRAME FEATURES

7 4
8 9
1
2

11
10

12 6 3 5

1. Main Frame 5. Main Pivot 9. Upper Shock Eyelet

2. Seatstay 6. Dropout (Horst) Pivot 10. Lower Shock Eyelet
3. Chainstay 7. -Link @ Seatstay Pivot 11. Shock
4. -Link 8. -Link @ Frame Pivot 12. Replaceable Derailleur Hanger

FRAME LINKAGE ASSEMBLY

Specialized recommends following a specific order when assembling the rear triangle
pivot locations of FSR suspension bike models (see illustration above).
1. Main pivot (#5)
2. Main link pivot (#8)
3. Either the Horst link pivot or the link @ seatstay pivot (#6 or #7).
Assembling the upper or lower pivots of the seatstay as a last step makes it easier to
align the parts and hold the washers in place.

5
 FRAME GEOMETRY
1. Top Tube Length1 4. Seat Tube Angle2 7. Standover Height3 10. Reach

2. Chainstay Length 5. Head Tube Angle 8. Head Tube Length

3. BB Height 6. Wheelbase 9. Stack

8
10
25
0m
m

2 3 7

1
TT length is the Horizontal Measurement from the center-line of the HT at the top of the
HT to the center-line of the projected seat tube.
2
Effective Seat Tube Angle is measured from BB to 250mm above seat collar.
3
Stand Over height is measured vertically at the centerpoint of the TT measurement.

Headset: 1.5” BB shell: PF-30 DH, 83mm

Seatpost diameter: 30.9mm Derailleur Hanger: 9891-4010

Seat Collar: 34.9mm Eye-to-Eye: 241mm (9.5”)

Rear hub spacing: 150mm, 12mm thru-axle Shock Stroke: 76mm (3.0”)

6
 DEMO 8

X-SMALL SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

1 540 21.26” 560 22.05” 580 22.83” 597 23.50”

2 421 16.57” 421 16.57” 421 16.57” 421 16.57”

3 (low) 343 13.50” 343 13.50” 343 13.50” 343` 13.50”

3 (high) 353 13.90” 353 13.90” 353 13.90” 353 13.90”

4 (low) 76° 76° 76° 76°

4 (high) 76.8° 76.8° 76.8° 76.8°

5 (low) 64° 64° 64° 64°

5 (high) 64.8° 64.8° 64.8° 64.8°

6 1151 45.31” 1171 46.10” 1191 46.89” 1208 47.24”

7 717 28.23” 717 28.23” 722 28.43” 731 28.78”

8 112 4.41” 112 4.41” 112 4.41” 112 4.41”

9 593 28.23” 593 28.23” 593 28.23” 593 28.23”

10 390 15.35” 410 16.14” 430 16.93” 447 17.60”

SHOCK POSITION
The lower shock eye is equipped with an eccentric cam. This cam offers two geometry
positions to adjust for rider preference.
„„ To access the cam, remove the lower shock eye bolt (2-G on the schematic, page
10) and dislocate the lower shock eye from the shock extension.
„„ Insert a 3mm Allen key to rotate the cam 180°.
LARGE HOLE POSITION:
„„ Closer to the shock body will lower the bottom bracket and slacken the head angle.
„„ Farther from the shock body will raise the bottom bracket and steepen the head angle.

LOW SETTING HIGH SETTING

BB Height: 343mm BB Height: 353mm
Head tube angle: 76° Head tube angle: 76.8°

7
 SHOCK SETUP
SETTING SAG

Demo 8 Sag (%/mm): 25-30% / 19-23mm

Proper sag should be achieved with one turn of preload on the spring. More then two turns
of preload will require a higher spring rate or not enough sag will require a softer spring rate.
See spring rate chart below for additional information or refer to the shock manual.
CANE CREEK DOUBLE BARREL: For Double Barrel Instructions, please refer to the
Tech Center on the Cane Creek website @ www.canecreek.com.
SETTING REBOUND
Rebound damping (red knob) controls the rate at which the shock returns after compression.
„„ Clockwise for slower rebound (slow speed, bigger hits).
„„ Counter-clockwise for faster rebound (higher speeds, small bumps, more traction).
SETTING THE IFP (BOOST VALVE)
DHX RC4 ONLY: The IFP (Internal Floating Piston) sets up the overall rate of
compression damping.
Pressure range of IFP: 125 to 200 PSI.
„„ Higher pressure: More bottom-out control
„„ Lower pressure: Less bottom-out control
SETTING COMPRESSION
DHX RC4 / VAN RC: Low-speed compression damping (small blue knob) controls
slower suspension movement, which helps in pedaling efficiency and bike attitude.
„„ Clockwise for a firmer platform and more efficient pedaling, greater resistance to
small and medium bumps, more harshness.
„„ Counter-clockwise for a more active, supple reaction to terrain, less efficient
pedaling, less harshness.
„„ Turn the compression adjuster knob to full firm and ride your bike for a while, then
gradually reduce compression until it starts to feel too soft / active for the terrain. Gradually
increase compression until the optimal setting is found for the terrain and riding style.
DHX RC4: High-speed compression damping (gold dial under blue knob) controls
faster suspension movement during events (e.g. steep jump faces, flat jump landings and
square edge bumps).
„„ Clockwise for more bottom-out resistance and less wallowing in the face of jumps.
„„ Counter-clockwise for less bottom-out control and a more active shock.
„„ High-speed compression can be adjusted in conjunction with the bottom-out control dial to
keep the high-speed compression damping resistance low while still preventing bottom-out.
SETTING BOTTOM-OUT CONTROL
DHX RC4: Bottom-out (large blue knob) controls the last part of the compression stroke.
„„ Clockwise makes the shock more progressive at the end of the stroke (more bottom
control).
„„ Counter-clockwise produces a more linear feel.

COIL SPRING RATE SPECIFICATIONS

BIKE MODEL X-SMALL SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

DEMO I / II 300 350 400 450

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THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

9
 FRAME SCHEMATIC
NOTE - Bearing and Bolt Kits are available only through your local Specialized authorized
dealer. To retain your warranty and for your safety, all maintenance should be performed by
your Specialized authorized dealer.
2-H

1-B
2-I
MOUNT
SHOCK

1-A
1-A
2-J

1-C
1-A

BB SHELL
2-B
1-A
1-B
SHOCK

CHAINSTAY
EXTENSION

2-A
2-G

1-L
2-F

CHAINSTAY
1-L

1-K

1-E
1-D
1-F
SHOCK YOKE

CHAINSTAY
SEAT TUBE

1-D
1-E
2-D
1-H
1-G

1-G
2-D

1-E
1-D

2-C
1-F
S-LINK

2-E

1-D
1-J

1-E
1-I
1-I
2-E

DROPOUT
DROPOUT
SEATSTAY

2-C

10
 PART # 9891-5260 SPECIFICATION

ITEM # LOCATION PART QTY MODEL Ø OD Ø ID

1-A Bearing 4 Steel 1524F (6802 RS) 24 15 5 Full Complement

1-B Bottom Bracket Spacer 2 Aluminum 26 15 3.2 Recessed
1-C Sleeve 1 Aluminum 19 15 45 Tapered
1-D Bearing 4 Steel 1524F (6802 RS) 24 15 5 Full Complement
1-E Dropout Spacer (outer) 4 Aluminum 23.5 15.1 2
1-F Spacer (inner) 2 Aluminum 19 15.1 4
1-G Bearing 2 Steel 1524F (6802 RS) 24 15 5 Full Complement
S-Link @ Seat Tube
1-H Spacer 2 Aluminum 21.6 15.1 3
1-I Bearing 2 Steel 1524F (6802 RS) 24 15 5 Full Complement
S-Link @ Seatstay
1-J Spacer 2 Aluminum 21.6 15.1 3
1-K Bearing 2 Steel 1524F (6802 RS) 24 15 5 Full Complement
Extension @ Shock Yoke
1-L Spacer 2 Aluminum 21.6 15.1 3

PART # 9891-5265 SPECIFICATION

ITEM # LOCATION PART QTY Ø OD Ø ID

2-A Axle 1 Aluminum 15 86 8 Allen Hex 225 - 255

Bottom Bracket
2-B Axle Nut 1 Aluminum 23.7 15 4 Oblong

2-C Dropout Bolt 2 Aluminum 15 20 8 Allen Hex 225 - 255

2-D S-Link @ Seat Tube Bolt 2 Aluminum 15 20 8 Allen Hex 225 - 255
2-E S-Link @ Seatstay Bolt 2 Aluminum 15 20 8 Allen Hex 225 - 255
2-F Extension @ Shock Yoke Bolt 2 Aluminum 15 20 8 Allen Hex 225 - 255
2-G Extension @ shock Bolt 1 Steel 8 25 Chamfered 6 Allen Hex 180 - 200
FRAME PIVOT SPECIFICATIONS

2-H Bolt 1 Steel 8 35 Chamfered 6 Allen Hex 180 - 200

2-I Upper Shock Eye Spacer 1 Aluminum 16.6 8.1 2.5
2-J Nut 1 Aluminum 12.5 8 8 12 6pt Socket

11
 SETUP DATA

DATE

RIDER WEIGHT

FORK SPRING RATE

FORK REBOUND DAMPING

(# of clicks from full slow)
FORK COMPRESSION DAMPING
(# of clicks from full firm)

SHOCK SPRING RATE

SHOCK REBOUND DAMPING

(# of clicks from full slow)
SHOCK COMPRESSION DAMPING
(# of clicks from full firm)

12
SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS
15130 Concord Circle, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 779-6229
www.specialized.com