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I predict they will sell every one they make.

While I’ll never own one, I have to give credit to specialized for creating this. It’s giving me nostalgia vibes from the late 90’s/early 00’s when there was a lot of weird and wacky experimentation in DH. The fact that after 3+ years of development, this is an actual production frame (regardless of cost) is pretty cool.

I want to see Shimano release something developed from their 2019 internal "gearbox" patent. It had an even higher output shaft position and would make high-pivots easier to pull off without an idlers.

https://media.specialized.com/support/collateral/HIGHGEAR_SERVICE_AND_M… https://media.specialized.com/support/collateral/DEMO_11_USER_MANUAL_EN…

S-Works Demo 11 Frameset Its listed in the Manual downloads at the bottom of the page. Im not tech enough to add the file here

Curious to see how much / little has changed since the patent drawings.

Man I wish my dhr looked that good even after 200 miles

Michelin still make the Wild Enduro rear that is pretty close to being a semi-slick in a tough casing.

Looks like Specialized also quietly launched updated ground control and purgatory (renamed now trail control) with lighter casing (quoted weight are for 29x2.35 or 2.4) but still T7 and T9 softer option available and as per specialized habit, price are relatively low: Trail Control Grid Trail T7 930g Trail Control Grid Lite T9 (also available in T7 compound) 860g Ground Control Grid Lite T5/T7 840g Ground Control Flex Lite T5/T7 770g

Specialized Radials are here - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/specialized-goes-radial-new…

Yes, this is the tire many are wanting/waiting for. Would be a good Mary replacement as well. But Mary has such a following, they won't replace it. So, at least bring this one out to the public!

This one?? I’m really hoping it’s sooner rather than later, seems like it could be a fantastic option as a front tire. @schwalbai, should I be patient???

tire installation wonder tool from cushcore - https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/rotary-tire-tool-radically-…

Albert is a 3-2 tread pattern with taller profile that delivers more grip in varying terrain (bonus - the 2.6" version has taller knobs, a popular choice amongst some of our EDR athletes). Romy is a 3-2-2 with shorter more wide/stable blocks. Because of the reduced height and more open pattern it will pack up less and roll faster. From your described setup, the Trail Romy in the back would be ideal. On the bikepark wheel, i would go up to the Gravity Romy if you want to prioritize speed/durability. Gravity Tacky Chan if you feel you need something more...

Specifically for cornering: Mary is best for un-predicable and natural terrain. Mainly due to the long, narrow, and out-ward twisted shoulders. Albert is better for hardpack. Wide and stable shoulder blocks that are tightly packed. Tacky Chan is best for fast and aggressive cornering. Similar shoulder blocks to Albert, but more openly spaced and supported further down the sidewall. Romy is like a combination of a Mary and Albert side knob. Every third block is a square edged rectangular siped knob similar to a Mary. The other shoulders knobs are more similar to a Albert: Square and heavily supported.

As a mere mortal I found I liked the Continental DH casing more after it “broke in.” It was too stiff for me when they were new.

For the Tacky Chan i've done Trail Radial front, Trail diagonal rear. Nice fast rolling combo with great braking and cornering. Mary or Albert Gravity Radial front, TC Gravity Radial Rear is better for varying terrain imo. Worth highlighting the updated Gravity construction (with the blue "Pro" label) is significantly more supportive, lots of changes were done. For the Romy i've only tried the trail radial version. It's been great on the front with a Wicked Will in the back for fast trail riding. Also Mary or Albert front, Romy back is equally good, just more suited to all-mountain riding...

When do we get the new 2,2,2 block front tire?

You looking for a 27.5x2.6 i'm guessing? Because all other sizes should be covered. Definitely not kaput, the Albert comes in a 27.5x2.6 Gravity version. Limited mold capacity usually dictates new model sizes. 27.5x2.8 Radial versions of some tires are in the works.