Overview
The Specialized Status 170 is Specialized’s gravity-oriented freeride and park bike, running 170mm of travel front and rear on 29″/27.5″ mullet wheels. Built on an M5 alloy frame with a Horst Link suspension design, the Status 170 is designed for bike parks, freeride lines, and gravity riding. The two-position flip chip provides geometry adjustment between a slack 63.5° and a slightly steeper 64° head angle. At $1,999, the Status 170 is one of the most affordable ways into serious gravity riding.
New to bike geometry? Our complete guide to mountain bike geometry explains every measurement and what it means for your riding. You can also learn how to read a geometry chart to compare this bike against other models.
Available in five sizes (S1 through S5), the Status 170 base model comes with a FOX FLOAT 38 fork, FOX DHX shock, and SRAM drivetrain. The Status 170 DH variant adds DH-specific components. The 29″/27.5″ mullet wheel setup balances rollover capability with rear-end agility — the same philosophy used in World Cup DH racing. At 38 lbs (S3), the Status 170 is built to take abuse. The Horst Link geometry adjust system lets riders choose between low (slacker, lower BB) and high (steeper, higher BB) settings.
Geometry Diagram
Geometry Table
| Measurement | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube Length | 390mm | 400mm | 420mm | 440mm | 465mm |
| Seat Tube Angle (Low/High) | 77° / 77.6° | 77° / 77.6° | 77° / 77.6° | 77° / 77.6° | 77° / 77.6° |
| Top Tube Length | 554mm | 595mm | 635mm | 676mm | 716mm |
| Head Tube Length | 95mm | 100mm | 110mm | 120mm | 130mm |
| Head Tube Angle (Low/High) | 63.5° / 64° | 63.5° / 64° | 63.5° / 64° | 63.5° / 64° | 63.5° / 64° |
| Fork Rake | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm |
| Trail (Low/High) | 138mm / 133mm | 138mm / 133mm | 138mm / 133mm | 138mm / 133mm | 138mm / 133mm |
| Wheelbase | 1193mm | 1221mm | 1250mm | 1285mm | 1314mm |
| Chainstay Length (Low/High) | 432mm / 428mm | 432mm / 428mm | 432mm / 428mm | 437mm / 433mm | 437mm / 433mm |
| BB Height (Low/High) | 342mm / 350mm | 342mm / 350mm | 342mm / 350mm | 342mm / 350mm | 342mm / 350mm |
| BB Drop (Low/High) | 34mm / 26mm | 34mm / 26mm | 34mm / 26mm | 34mm / 26mm | 34mm / 26mm |
| Stack (Low/High) | 620mm / 616mm | 625mm / 620mm | 634mm / 629mm | 643mm / 638mm | 652mm / 647mm |
| Reach (Low/High) | 420mm / 426mm | 445mm / 451mm | 470mm / 476mm | 495mm / 501mm | 520mm / 526mm |
Geometry Analysis
The Status 170’s geometry screams gravity bike. The 63.5° head angle in low position is DH-level slack, providing maximum stability at speed. The 138mm of trail in low position is high, contributing to composed, stable steering through rough terrain. Reach numbers are generous: 470mm on S3 provides a roomy cockpit for standing descents. The 432mm chainstays (S1-S3) are short for a gravity bike, keeping the rear end agile for pumping and cornering. BB height of 342mm in low position is moderate, balancing pedal clearance with a low center of gravity. The wheelbase spans from 1193mm (S1) to 1314mm (S5) — long and stable. The flip chip provides a meaningful 8mm BB height change and 0.5° head angle change between settings — low for pure gravity, high for more versatile riding.
Ride Characteristics
The Status 170 is a bike park weapon at a trail bike price. The 170mm of travel front and rear devours everything from jump lines to rock gardens. The FOX FLOAT 38 fork provides DH-level stiffness and control, while the DHX shock offers consistent, reliable performance on long descents. The mullet wheel setup is a key part of the character — the 29″ front wheel smooths out rough terrain while the 27.5″ rear keeps the bike playful and easy to manual, whip, and pop off features. The alloy frame is practically indestructible compared to carbon, making it ideal for the inevitable crashes and impacts of park riding. Climbing is not the Status 170’s strength — it’s heavy and the geometry is optimized for going down — but it can get back uphill when needed. This bike is built for one purpose: maximum fun on gravity-fed terrain.
Key Specs
Frame: M5 alloy, Horst Link, 170mm travel. Wheel Size: 29″ front / 27.5″ rear (mullet). Fork: FOX FLOAT 38, 170mm. Shock: FOX DHX. Sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. Weight: 38 lbs (S3). Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 12-speed. Brakes: SRAM hydraulic disc. Price: $1,999 (base) to $2,999 (DH/Zero variants).
What’s New vs Previous Generation
The Status 170 replaced Specialized’s previous Demo DH platform at a dramatically lower price point. Where the Demo was a carbon DH race bike, the Status 170 brings gravity capability to a wider audience with its alloy frame and value-oriented spec. The Horst Link suspension design provides excellent traction and bump absorption. The mullet wheel configuration has become standard in gravity riding. The Status line spans from the 140mm park/trail version up through the 170mm freeride version and the 170mm DH variant.
Who Should Consider This Bike
The Status 170 is for riders who prioritize downhill performance and value. If you spend most of your time at bike parks, on shuttle runs, or riding chairlift-served terrain, the Status 170 delivers the capability of bikes costing three times as much. It’s also an excellent dedicated park bike for riders who have a separate trail bike. The alloy frame means you don’t have to baby it. Riders wanting a true DH race bike should look at the Status 170 DH variant. Those needing a bike that pedals well should look at the Stumpjumper 15 EVO or Enduro instead.
Comparable Models
The Status 170 competes with the Giant Reign SX, YT Tues, Commencal Supreme, Canyon Sender AL, and Norco Shore. At $1,999, the Status 170 is among the most affordable gravity bikes with premium suspension. The Reign SX runs 165mm/190mm at $4,000 — more travel but double the price. The YT Tues and Commencal Supreme are dedicated DH bikes. The Status 170’s combination of mullet wheels, 170mm travel, and sub-$2,000 pricing is uniquely positioned in the market.
Related Geometry
More Specialized geometry: Specialized Demo 2020 Geometry, Specialized Demo 2023 Geometry, Specialized Enduro 2020 Geometry, Specialized Enduro 2023 Geometry, Specialized Enduro 2026 Geometry.
Compare downhill bikes: 2023 Giant Glory Geometry, 2023 Trek Session Geometry, Canyon Sender 2025 Geometry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the travel on the Specialized Status 170?
The Status 170 has 170mm of travel front and rear, with a FOX FLOAT 38 fork and FOX DHX shock. This is serious gravity-level travel.
What wheel size does the Status 170 use?
The Status 170 runs a mullet setup: 29″ front wheel for rollover and stability, 27.5″ rear wheel for agility and playfulness.
Is the Status 170 a DH bike?
The Status 170 is a freeride/park bike, not a dedicated DH race bike. Specialized also offers the Status 170 DH with DH-specific components for racing. The standard 170 is more versatile and can be pedaled uphill.
How much does the Specialized Status 170 cost?
The Status 170 base model starts at $1,999 — one of the most affordable gravity bikes on the market. The Status 170 DH and Zero variants range up to $2,999.
What frame material is the Status 170?
The Status 170 uses Specialized’s M5 alloy frame, which is durable and resistant to impacts — ideal for gravity riding where crashes and impacts are common.