Specialized SX Trail 1 - Preview
Arguably the most important part of any bike, the frame received an extreme makeover from the engineers at Specialized. Beginning with manipulated M5 tubes, a frame with a low center of gravity, sporting more curves than Oprah was crafted in the Specialized lab. The 2009 SX Trail has undergone many changes over previous versions. The new version still uses O.R.E.(Optimized Radial Engineering) tubing, however the profile of these tubes has changed drastically. On the previous generations, much of the tubing had a square or triangular profile. On the 2009 version, there is still some square shapes, but the corners have been rounded heavily to give the bike a softer look that blends well with the curves. New to Specialized bikes, a tapered headtube design was used on the SX Trail. With a 1.5" lower cup, and 1 1/8" top cup, the design takes the stiffness of a 1.5" steerer without adding much additional weight. We first saw this with Trek, but it has become a staple for some frames, and with such big name suspension manufacturers like Fox and RockShox supplying tapered steer tube forks, this technology looks like it is here to stay.
The linkage and suspension system also received a lot of attention during the re-design. Still using FSR technology, a new two piece linkage design replaces the old system, with many new advantages. A big plus for us "wet coast" riders, is the absence of a DU bushing. Specialized designed a linkage for the SX Trail 1 that moved the traditional pivot at the rear of the shock, into the linkage itself. Cartridge bearings now serve the purpose of the DU bushing, which will cut down on the need to regularly maintain the pivots. A new butting process was developed, and it was put to good use on the chain stays and seat stays. Contrary to 2008's 2 piece chain and seat stay, 2009 now features a 1 piece butted seat and chain stays. Essentially this new process cleans up the overall look of the chain and seat stays, while also increasing structural strength.
![photo]()
With the new linkage, the shock was moved forward in the frame, and an uninterrupted seat tube was added. The new seat tube allows plenty of adjustment, and a telescoping post is no longer needed to get some extra height for climbing. With the shock now lower in the frame, the top tube was given more slope, and more stand over height was achieved, without sacrificing bottom bracket clearance.
![photo]()
Not only was the re-design a chance to introduce new ideas, it gave an opportunity to tweak the geometry of the bike. On the 2008 and earlier models, there was two different forward mounts for the rear shock. These mounts allowed the headtube angle to be set at either 66.5° or 67.5°. On the 2009 frames, there is only one position, and the headtube angle is fixed at 66°. Although the top tube and chainstays were shortened for 2009, the wheelbase has actually been lengthened slightly. This will maintain the cornering abilities of earlier models, while gaining stability through the longer wheelbase.
One thing I wish Specialized had changed was the cable routing. Yes, the exterior of the bike looks clean, but when it comes to shuttle trucks, cables routed on the down tube seems like a recipe for disaster. It's too easy to kink, bend, or even close up a brake or mech line on the way up, and that could make for a pretty sketchy ride down. For 2009, the SX Trail line up will only consist of two complete bikes. The SX Trail 1 is built up with a slightly more consumer friendly parts kit, to keep the price down, while the SX Trail 2 comes decked out and ready to rock. The XL size has been dropped from the line-up for 2009, and the other sizes have been adjusted slightly to allow for this. The SX Trail is also available as a frame only option.
As you can tell by the component list Specialized has spec'd the SX Trail 1 with a fair amount of in house parts. This has a couple benefits to it. Specialized can offer a cheaper overall bike price, while still offering the same frame benefits. Also, Specialized gets some R&D done on their components, and possibly launch a component line in the future. All the Specialized branded components have a clean, well designed look to them, and match the bike well.
I have ran into some hickups with my test on this bike already. First ride I managed to do some damage to the front wheel, including blowing some spokes out, and bending the hoop really badly. Also, I managed to crack the Gamut Shift Guide's bash ring, but it did what it was supposed to and saved my rings from getting destroyed. I have since replaced the front wheel with one of my own front wheels, and adjusted the guide so it wouldn't rub.
![photo]()
Specialized has provided me with the chance to get down and dirty with this bike for the 2009 season, so look for the full review including photos, videos, and even more info coming soon, so stay tuned to Pinkbike.com.
-derkaderka.pinkbike.com
 |  |  |
The linkage and suspension system also received a lot of attention during the re-design. Still using FSR technology, a new two piece linkage design replaces the old system, with many new advantages. A big plus for us "wet coast" riders, is the absence of a DU bushing. Specialized designed a linkage for the SX Trail 1 that moved the traditional pivot at the rear of the shock, into the linkage itself. Cartridge bearings now serve the purpose of the DU bushing, which will cut down on the need to regularly maintain the pivots. A new butting process was developed, and it was put to good use on the chain stays and seat stays. Contrary to 2008's 2 piece chain and seat stay, 2009 now features a 1 piece butted seat and chain stays. Essentially this new process cleans up the overall look of the chain and seat stays, while also increasing structural strength.
No More DU Bushing!
 |  |
With the new linkage, the shock was moved forward in the frame, and an uninterrupted seat tube was added. The new seat tube allows plenty of adjustment, and a telescoping post is no longer needed to get some extra height for climbing. With the shock now lower in the frame, the top tube was given more slope, and more stand over height was achieved, without sacrificing bottom bracket clearance.
Plenty of room for adjustments
Not only was the re-design a chance to introduce new ideas, it gave an opportunity to tweak the geometry of the bike. On the 2008 and earlier models, there was two different forward mounts for the rear shock. These mounts allowed the headtube angle to be set at either 66.5° or 67.5°. On the 2009 frames, there is only one position, and the headtube angle is fixed at 66°. Although the top tube and chainstays were shortened for 2009, the wheelbase has actually been lengthened slightly. This will maintain the cornering abilities of earlier models, while gaining stability through the longer wheelbase.
 09 Forward Shock Mount |  07 Forward Shock Mount |
One thing I wish Specialized had changed was the cable routing. Yes, the exterior of the bike looks clean, but when it comes to shuttle trucks, cables routed on the down tube seems like a recipe for disaster. It's too easy to kink, bend, or even close up a brake or mech line on the way up, and that could make for a pretty sketchy ride down. For 2009, the SX Trail line up will only consist of two complete bikes. The SX Trail 1 is built up with a slightly more consumer friendly parts kit, to keep the price down, while the SX Trail 2 comes decked out and ready to rock. The XL size has been dropped from the line-up for 2009, and the other sizes have been adjusted slightly to allow for this. The SX Trail is also available as a frame only option.
 SX Trail 1 |  SX Trail 2 |  SX Trail Frame |
| Frame and Size | Specialized SX Trail 1 Frame •21.7" Top Tube |
| Rear Shock | Fox DHX 4.0 •Adjustable Rebound and Propedal •550lb Spring |
| Fork | RockShox Domain 318 •160mm of travel •1 1/8" to 1.5" Tapered Alloy Steerer Tube |
| Headset | 1-1/8" to 1.5" Threadless •Alloy Cups •Cartridge bearings |
| Crankarms | Truvativ Stylo •170mm Length |
| Chainring | 24T, 36T, Gamut Bashguard |
| Bottom Bracket | Truvativ Stylo •Outboard bearings |
| Pedals | Specialized Lo-Pro alloy |
| Chain | SRAM PC-971, 9-speed w/Power Link |
| Cassette | Shimano HG61, 9-speed, 11-34t |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X-9, 9-speed, mid cage |
| Shifter Pods | SRAM X-5, trigger, 9-speed |
| Handlebar | Specialized Enduro mid rise bar •660mm wide |
| Stem | Specialized Aggro stem •35mm reach •OS 31.8mm |
| Grips | Specialized thin lock on grips •Alloy bar ends |
| Brakes | Custom Avid Elixir R •Reach adjustment •203mm Front rotor, 185mm Rear rotor |
| Front Wheel | Custom DT Swiss F550 •Specialized Hi-Lo disc Hub |
| Rear Wheel | Custom DT Swiss F550 •Specialized bolt on Hub •Hollow 10mm Cr-Mo axle |
| Tires | Specialized Clutch SX 26x2.3" •Soft dual compound |
| Saddle | Specialized Enduro •8mm Cr-Mo rails |
| Seatpost | 6061 alloy, Black |
| Extras | Gamut Shift Chainguide, Molded plastic chainstay protector |
As you can tell by the component list Specialized has spec'd the SX Trail 1 with a fair amount of in house parts. This has a couple benefits to it. Specialized can offer a cheaper overall bike price, while still offering the same frame benefits. Also, Specialized gets some R&D done on their components, and possibly launch a component line in the future. All the Specialized branded components have a clean, well designed look to them, and match the bike well.
|  |  |  |
I have ran into some hickups with my test on this bike already. First ride I managed to do some damage to the front wheel, including blowing some spokes out, and bending the hoop really badly. Also, I managed to crack the Gamut Shift Guide's bash ring, but it did what it was supposed to and saved my rings from getting destroyed. I have since replaced the front wheel with one of my own front wheels, and adjusted the guide so it wouldn't rub.
Happy Trails!
Specialized has provided me with the chance to get down and dirty with this bike for the 2009 season, so look for the full review including photos, videos, and even more info coming soon, so stay tuned to Pinkbike.com.
-derkaderka.pinkbike.com
Author Info:
Member since Dec 2, 2001
Must Read This Week
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
42307 views
42307 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
It sounds like the new frame is going to be even more awesome than the old; wish I could trade mine in for the new one... that's what Spesh do, they take awesome things that they've done and move them up another level.
- increased standover height
- lower centre of gravity
- increased frame strength (the new SXT is 1/2lb heavier)
- increased frame ridigity
- longer seatube, gives much bigger seat post adjustment range
- dropped the shock DU bushing, and designed a smart rocker system that removes the shock tail from the "firing line" of the back wheel (which sprayed the old SXT constantly with dirt and water)
- square edge bump performance
the old SXT was just a slighter tougher, longer travel Enduro frame - nothing radical, and I never liked the geometry and tallness of the frame, but would of course concur that the FSR suspension was excellent for gravity riding
Compared to other companies freeride frames the old SXT felt top heavy with its interupted seatube and high shock mounting position, and had a tendency to crack when pushed hard, not being to raise / lower the seat post was crude and dumb, telescopic seatpost were not the solution as they are cr*p and fail quickly
the new SXT is an awesome frame / bike - it really feels like a lighter Demo 7 and that is a great characteristic
BTW, I don't even ride for Specialized...but a competing company
i think its so they can still use the 1 1/8 inch steerer tube but have the stiffness of a 1.5inch headtube.
That is quite slack for a bike with the name trail in it. Should be a good descender. The frame looks really good to me too, very strong and stiff. Like a lighter Demo.
Nice bike.
You don't really need a 1.5" HT at the top cause all the stress is at the bottom cup, hence the benefits of a 1.5" with half the weight of a full 1.5" setup.
The steertube on the shock is supposed to be stronger for the weight because it is fatter. So doesn't that mean that you are getting a *lighter* product because it's more efficient?
(actually I know the answer to that)
So do we have any real substantial weight savings for making a complicated tapered setup? All I see here is increased production costs and a flexier top end at the handlebars.
I mean I'm just picturing the difference in my head between a straight 1.5 tube and a tapered tube and I just don't see all that much weight saving in the frame design. It's still going to need beefy welds. I see even less weight saving in the steer tube and for stems, well, I don't get that much either.
It doesn't surprise me one little bit that Giant invented this. They have been opposed to 1.5 for so long. Now they finally found a way to add a much more expensive variant without compromising to making something simple that is strong.
Their policy has been to eliminate simple and cheap bicycle designs since 2002 or thereabouts. See the AC line of bikes.
Build:
09 Crossmax SX rims
Stylo OCT cranks
2010 Van RC2 w/tapered steer
Twenty6 Stem
Twenty6 Ti spindle pedals
Easton Monkleylite DH bar
X9 Shifters, Rear D, SLX Front D
Elixir R (200 f, 180 r)
and it handles great. Never rode the old sx, but I am loving this one!
I had both 08 and 09 SX trail 1, my 1st impression with the 09 was how cramped the cockpit is when I sit on it. Even though the bike looks longer than the 08. Then I took it for a ride around the park and I was quite surprised how good it feels and how responsive it is when I pedal.
To get the same feel of the bike I thought I should moved all the good parts from the old one and take it to the same trail I 1st ride my 08.
Again the 1st feeling I get :
more playful
easier to jump
faster out of a corner
more stable on drops
The rear suspension actually felt more plusher and bottomless.....
Too bad that I broke my collar bone a week after I took it out so no chance of taking it out to XC and AM riding anytime soon.....
So far I'm very pleased with my decision to move on with the 09 SX trail 1. You can go to my profile for the specs I got on it. My verdict is, felt like a mini demo but a lot better at pedaling and less weight(not much, mine weigh just under 16kg while my demo is 18.03kg)
The lower center of gravity generally affects the BB and is based largely on how the rider's body interacts with the bike. This also directly impacts the stability of the bike both at speed on a straight and in non-straight lines.
Standover height affects simple ride feel (ever ride a bike that was constantly up in your crotch?) as well as giving a definitive measurement for riders who may wish for a long wheelbase, but not a tall bike. It also appeals directly to anyone who does jumps and might want to do certain types of tricks.
If it's a measurement, chances are it actually means something. Not necessarily what the manufacturer claims, but in this case, I don't think they are claiming much beyond the fact that these measurements have changed.
Take a deep breath. Is that air you're breathing? I hope so.
Can't wait to read the full review.
I have some questions though.
What do you mean by this: "Contrary to 2008's 2 piece chain and seat stay, 2009 now features a 1 piece butted seat and chain stays." ?
The old one's stays are pretty much the same as the new ones. There are 2 stay welded together with a stiffening part (I don't know the exact term for that frame part). I don't see much difference.
Also I'm curious, if the new SX is as plush as the old one with this shorter shock. It would be nice if you could give a riding comparison between the two models, as I guess that there are a lot of current SX owners who are thinking to change for the new one, but are hesitating, because there are not to many (not biased) test with the fresh SX.
Thanks.
Thanks for the explanation. Now I see it.
the FSR bikes REALLY benefit from a smooth, seated pedalling position for climbing, if you climb standing on a FSR bike they are very choppy and feel energy sapping
the big problem with the old SXT (and the old Big Hit) was the very limited seat tube length due to the interupted design with the shock / linkage under the frame - this also raised the height of the seat pod making the bike feel tall, and you could only raise or lower the saddle a few inches
the new SXT does away with this problem, giving a much better standover height, lower centre of gravity and ability to drop / raise the saddle properly
the new Big Hit also benefits hugely from this change to the frame design
srbphoto - Norco sells the EXACT same frames around the world - there are no differences between frames sold in Canada, USA, or any other country (I think you're thinking of Devinci).
As for Trek and Scott, I can't say much for either but Trek did the 1.125/1.5 head tube and the active brake pivot, and Scott the double barrel rear shock. I would say that they have a bit of innovation an all counts.
It's a carbon fiber frame...What's the big deal?
Single pivot....oh that's it!
How about Specializing envisioning the Brain shock? Putting their own forks on bikes? You're talking such shit. If they didn't make good bikes, they'd be out of the market. Please stop posting your terribly misinformed opinion on this site....
is it exist ????