The base model Carve Comp 29 was designed to cruise fast-rolling singletrack. With an 80mm-travel RockShox XC32 fork, plus Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, the Carve Comp 29 is a capable and affordable cross-country machine.
Fully butted, smooth-welded M4SL alloy frame is superlight, stiff, and efficient, with 29er XC geometry, integrated, tapered head tube for front-end stiffness, plus bridge-less seatstays for compliance over bumps
80mm-travel RockShox XC32 29" fork with lockout, size-specific spring rates, and external rebound/preload adjust for quick, fine-tuning plus tapered alloy steerer for precision handling and light weight
Light and stiff, double-walled alloy rims for added stiffness; front hub has cartridge bearings and oversized dropout interface for front-end rigidity
Light and efficient 29" Specialized The Captain Control tires are 2Bliss Ready with aramid bead for fast and predictable speed and control on the trail
Shimano Alivio crankset with forged alloy arms, Octalink-splined BB interface, and alloy outer ring means greater durability, lighter weight, and better shifting performance
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes use 180mm front rotor for increased leverage on 29" wheels, while 160mm rear rotor keeps weight low
Shimano SLX Shadow 9-speed rear derailleur for lightweight, precise shifting, and improved clearance
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from south africa
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2012
Strengths: Big upgrade from my trustee specialized hardrock I had for around 4 years.This bike is fast and handles really well.I'm very impressed with the handling of the new 29er Carve. I have already raced with this bike and go some really good results.
Weaknesses: The from fork could be revisited.
Bottom Line:
Looking for a well priced bike and want to do some X-Trail over the weekend,then this is probably the way to go.I was weary of 29ers initially but now feel so much more confident riding it.This bike is better for X-Trail than technical riding.
Bike Setup: Look pedals and specialized Tahoe shoes.Rest is standard carve comp.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
markiemark79
a Cross Country Rider
from waterford,ca,usa
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2012
Strengths: Love the new bike. Going to a 29er is such a huge step up from my old mountain bike.
Weaknesses: The fork lockout seems a bit weak, it feels like it reduces the travel by about 50% and I was expecting something like a stiff fork when locked out.
Bottom Line:
I've been riding the bike for about a week so it's not really broke in yet. I am completely happy with the big wheels. It seems to get up to speed quickly with very little effort. I was warned about the frame geometry on 29ers not being able to make tight turns at slow speeds but it feels pretty nimble to me. I was considering buying the Trek Cobia which was $200 less and similar in componantry but am totally happy with the Carve. If you are in the market for a new bike, going with this 29er will definetly be the right choice. I would reccommend this bike to anyone!
Submitted by
Mr Hedgehog
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2011
Strengths: Solid frame and bike bike feels 'planted'
Weaknesses: Gearing
Bottom Line:
Having pondered about buying a new MTB, I looked long and hard at a Rockhopper, which I bought for my 12 year old son, but having decided that we didn't want matching bikes, I was persuaded by the bike shop to have a Carve.
On the short test ride from the shop, it felt fine, but having had the 'pleasure' of riding it regularly for about 2 1/2 months, I can stick it no longer, and have arranged with the bike shop to swap it for a Rockhopper.
On the trail, there really isn't a lot I can say that is positive, it is a nasty, rough riding, overgeared piece of nastiness. This is going to cost me a fair amount of money to swap, but I really cannot put up with this thing any longer.
Possibly in common with other 29'ers, but I cannot comment on that, Specialized seem to have deemed it OK to use the same gear ratios as on a 26" wheeled bike on one with 29" wheels, resulting in a huge step up in gearing. On tarmac roads this isn't a problem, but off road, this is a major issue.
My Carve has a 23" frame, which fits me perfectly, and my sons Rockhopper a 19", but with a few tweeks, to the bar position etc, I have had a thoroughly enjoyable ride on the Rockhopper today, on a circuit I ride regularly.
Overall, I feel totally disappointed and thoroughly disillusioned with the bike, and cannot recommend strongly enough that anyone looking at a Specialized Carve looks elsewhere.
Submitted by
Cary Fremaux
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2011
Strengths: The new Carve offers the best value in a 29er hardtail for recreational user. Incredible handling for such a big bike. Geometry of the bike simply works.
Weaknesses: Makes you think you are more competent than in truth you are. A major crash is probably on the horizon!
Bottom Line:
Great bike for a value conscious and serious novice. Any recreational user who wants to get out there and ride hard will find this a great platform to grow and learn with.
