With sweeter suspension and higher performance parts, the Pitch Pro offers big returns on your all mountain investment.
Custom Fox RP2 rear shock features external ProPedal and rebound damping control in a design that combines high performance with low weight
RockShox Sektor 150mm-travel Solo Air spring fork with lightweight alloy steerer, Motion Control damper, rebound adjust, and Maxle Lite thru-axle for consistency and durability
Pitch disc-specific double wall rims with eyelets provide the durability needed for all-mountain terrain
Truvativ GXP2 2.1 2-piece crankset with 24/36t rings for stiffness, durability, and efficient climbing/descending
Custom Avid Elixir 5 SL hydraulic disc brakes/levers with G3 Clean Sweep rotors and alloy-backed organic pads for maximum stopping power and tool-free reach adjust
Introduced in 2008 and following Specialized’s catch phrase of “Innovate or Die”, the Pitch Series of All Mountain Bikes complements its big brother the M5 Enduro. While both have 150mm rear travel the Pitch comes equipped with the proprietary 140mm Rock Shox Pike Coil U-turn fork and Juicy 4 brakes. Specialized’s buying power has allowed this company to create this bike as an affordable, uncompromised option to its higher end Enduro line. Continue reading →
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2011
Strengths: Frame, shock, all around capabilities, light weight.
Weaknesses: Stock juicy 3 brakes suck, grips, shifters (sram 5's) could be more 'accurate,' Pike fork not stiff enough for me (220 lbs without gear).
Bottom Line:
This bike is an amazing value. I got mine for less than retail which made the value that much better. The frame is awesome, the suspension is awesome (especially with the longer travel Domain fork 160mm) and with the above changes I am completely happy.
Bike only weighs 33 lbs even after swap outs according to my scale.
Pedal-able, light (compared to everything else I used to ride) and fun! Would buy again and would recommend to anyone.
** if you have unlimited funds I think the Giant 'reign' series has a better suspension design. I rode one and it was smoother and the back brake did not affect the suspension stroke AT ALL... The specialized horst link travel is still affected by the back brake but only abit (I can feel the bike stiffen up under hard braking while going downhill).
Its a small point and the Giant is alot more money. If you are value conscious I am confident you will not find a better bike for the money than the pitch pro! **
Similar Products Used: None... first dually bike- all hardtails prior.
Bike Setup: Swapped the fork for a 318 Domain (AWESOME FORK!), brakes for Shimano SLX (haven't ridden on them yet...), ODI lock on grips added and tires swapped to Kenda Nevegals stick-e compound front and rear. Otherwise stock.
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Submitted by
KGB10
a Weekend Warrior
from Westchester, NY
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2011
Strengths: Great frame for all mountain, fairly light, good climber. great on the decents.
Weaknesses: I got this frame and rear shock in '08 as a replacement after I snapped my '00 Enduro frame. Most of the parts came from my old bike. No complaints.
Bottom Line:
As mentioned by others this frame can take anything that I throw at it. A shout out to Tommy at Y-town Cycles for pushing Specialized to replace my old frame and to Spesh for their quick service. When they say, "lifetime warranty," they mean it. I am a big fan.
Strengths: the frame is great all the other parts are junk so i upgraded everything except the seat post
Weaknesses: the oem parts it comes with
Bottom Line:
buy this bike with the expectation of upgrading.take your old frame put your parts on it and sell it and in return you can upgrade the rest of your new bike!
Bike Setup: xtr shifters,avid elixir brakes, double track sun rims, pike 454 front shock and much more
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Submitted by
Jacob
a Weekend Warrior
from Windham, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2010
Strengths: Great geometry, and suspension performance. Good value. Stiff frame
Weaknesses: Rims are weak, rear hub is crap (blew through 3 deore hubs in 2 months) all were warrantied by Specialized and they finally sent me a new DT swiss hub for free, no issues since. Seat and grips are cheap. SRAM's x-5 shifters work, but could be better. Had to replace the bearings in the hub after 10 months.
Bottom Line:
I would definitely recommend the bike to anyone who loves trail riding. I am getting a new wheelset soon and then it will be ready for anything I can throw at it. Simple: buy this bike and ride it until you want to replace the smaller bits and pieces. I am very hard on my equipment, and other than the wheels everything else is built to last. This bike rips.
Similar Products Used: test rode giant reign (almost identical) and too many others to list.
Bike Setup: Stock except ODI lock-on grips, WTB Power-V saddle, and soon Stans ZTR flow rims
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Submitted by
jtdunnman
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC, UT,USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2010
Strengths: This solid slack frame has a great shock and good fork - fun both uphill and down.
Weaknesses: The low bottom bracket combined with the long cranks results in many pedal encounters with rocks.
Bottom Line:
The Pitch Pro is an excelent bike for riding the kind of trails I preffer, all mountian. The Rock Shox Pike spring fork is perfect for a 200 pound rider and the pedal pro on the Fox RP2 works like a dream on the uphill. Just lock out the fork and flip the pedal pro switch and very little energy is wasted. The bike's saddle and grips should be replaced shortly after purchase to make the ride more comfortable. The escar tires seem to wash out a bit to easily so they should be replaced when able.
Similar Products Used: ibex asta, cannondale rize, jamis dakar
Bike Setup: Pretty much stock with the excaption of grips by oury, saddle (lazer v) by wtb and tires by wtb (wierwolf) and continental (mt king).
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Submitted by
thadownzkid
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2009
Strengths: Lightweight for what it is, can take a hit, rims have stayed true despite abuse, fork adjustability is useful. Can't fault the rear shock. Shifting is good despite the mech taking hard hits, SRAM is quite impressive after having always used Shimano. Brakes are also quite good for a low end hydro setup. Very versatile bike.
Weaknesses: Feels cramped for top tube length. Bottom bracket clearance is an issue when sagging on the shock, pedal often scrapes on the ground. Comes with clipless pedals. French valves, why? Stock tyres aren' great. Brake rotors were never straight.
Bottom Line:
Although i'm talking about the 08 Pitch Pro, its prettymuch identical to the 09. This bike is versatile! I use it for all types of riding. It pedals well on the uphill xc, does beautifully on the steep technical xc stuff, right at home on flowing singletrack, and is surprisingly competent on the DH and freeride stuff. I have put it through some drops of 6 foot and it handles it fine. The rims have stood up to bad landings very well, there is virtually no evidence of the wobbles.
After a bit of getting used to the shorter top tube feel, and adjusting pedalling style to avoid pedal scraping, I am reasonaly happy with my purchase. A great all round bike at a good price point.
Similar Products Used: Giant Trance, Giant Reign (just a quick test ride).
Bike Setup: Maxxis Minion on the front, DMR V8 pedals, replaced the flimsy 3rd chainring with a bashy. Cut the seatpost so i could drop it for doing DH.
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Submitted by
Jobin
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2009
Strengths: Pike is rad, Frame is Rad, rp2 works well
Weaknesses: besides the suspension the stock components only last about a year, taco'd both stock wheels, and both juicey 3 brakes broke. (expected)
Bottom Line:
This is a Great frame with good suspension for a great price. Ride it for a year and upgrade the cheap stuff as it breaks off. This bike rips and with a Push tune it shreads! Get a coil for the rear and it'll handle any resort.
Bike Setup: juicey 5's, 819's, push'd suspension. sunline bars, trail king peddles, stock crank still.
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Submitted by
John Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2009
Strengths: General all round usabilty.Climbs weel, goes downhill well,brakes well! This is a very good bike! Fits me well 5ft 9 inch and I weigh circa 12.5 stone.
Weaknesses: Front wheel now has developed a looseness around the spindle are.Bike shop says 'this is normal'-I don't think so!Front brake- I hit a rock which cAused the front nipple to come loose.Result no front brake going down a rocky hill section.Easy repair. Rear brake cable bust,the cable hangs under the frame so is suspect to 'snagging',I pulled the rear brake on , nothing was there , all the hydraulic fluid hadleaked out. Front wheel spindle I had to replace this because the original one got 'jammed in'. I have done around 1100 miles (mainly off road), and I have replaced fron and rear pads once. The rear tyre is starting to lose its grip now. Please don't think this is a bad bike I actually think its ace!Plus I am sure that any other bike on the market is not perfect!
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this bike to anyone.I have put my honest thoughts here and due to the varying terrain that I have went over, I don't believe that a more expensive bike or a bike from another manufacturer would have faired any better.
A good bike for the price!
Submitted by
tom-swift
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2009
Strengths: Climbs like a mountain goat. Same geometry that allows to climb so well shines on the downhill as well. Point and shoot. Fox RP2 shock with Pro-Pedal makes a noticeable difference for me uphill. Super plush downhill when full open. Components hold their own.
Weaknesses: Stock components could be better, some of the stuff is near entry level. I would expect a little better on a bike at this pricepoint (MSRP that is). Pike is super plush and really did surprise me but would be nice to have something that matches the back end a bit better like as another reviewer mentioned (I upgraded to a Lyrik Coil U-Turn and it's a beautiful match).
Bottom Line:
This bike is fantastic. It's the first complete bike I've bought since my parents gave me a Trek 4900 in 6th grade but it's made me realize that Specialized knows maybe just a liiittle bit more than I do about building a bike ;). It really fills the all mountain niche. It has more suspension than the bike I built up yet it climbs 5 times better. If you're looking for a true all mountain bike, buy this bike. It's obvious that it's design comes from the years that Specialized put into the Enduro and that's why you may pay a bit more for this bike than for a comparable bike from another brand but it's worth the extra. I'm loving this bike downhill so much I'm thinking of taking it up to the mountains to ride some medium sized freeride/downhill courses.
Similar Products Used: Custom built bike I've been working on for the past 6 years that was stolen a few weeks ago.
Bike Setup: Stock + ORI lock-on grips and a RockShox Lyrik U-Turn fork (though I rode the bike quite a bit with the Pike)
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Submitted by
Heath McDaniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, SC
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009
Strengths: Simple design, Fox RP2 rear shock, big 8" front brake rotor, fairly light for an all mountain bike (size medium 31 lbs), very reliable.
Weaknesses: Pike fork - I am 130 lbs / 5'8". For me, the spring in the fork is a little to stiff. Unfortunatly, according to a local dealer the stock spring is as light as they come. Another weakess is the wheels. I haven't taco'd one yet, but the spokes seem to keep coming loose. I have to tighten them about every 3 rides outs.
Bottom Line:
I am reviewing a 2008 model. The simplistic geometry is great. As in other reviews, this bike climbs well. The Fox RP2 is plush when full open for blasting the downhills, and the pro pedal woks well. Many are fans of the Juicy 3 brakes, but I haven't had any issues yet. I would like the adjustability of juicy 5 or 7. The front 8" rotor gives me all brake I need. As mentioned above, I don't care for the Pike fork. I will replace it with a 150mm Fox Talas or something Fox air fork in the future.
Overall, This bike take anything you throw at it. As mentioned in many other reviews, it is a do all bike.
Similar Products Used: 2007 Ibex Ignition 3 (not real similar though). Demo'd a Giant Reign 2
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
jeffkill
a Downhiller
from Concord, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2009
Strengths: Does everything good. Price (got the 08 on close out for $1900).
Weaknesses: Some of the stock parts, but I expected to replace a few things. Would've been nice to see a 150mm fork to match the rear travel (Lyrik U-turn would've been nice).
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to have something lighter for longer AM rides. This bike climbs better than any FS I've ever ridden. I pedals so well that I actually sold my hardtail that I used to ride the flat XC trails in Charlotte, cause this bike is so much fun on anything I put it on. When you get this thing up to speed, it really comes to life.
Alot of people complained about the Juicy 3's, but I have yet to need more brake with the 8" rotor in the front (I also only weigh 155).
The other complaint I've seen has been about the Eskar Control tires. Im running mine with tubes still, and have no complaints at all. The Eskar's have proven to be a good AM tire for me, and I plan to replace them with the same when they wear out.
Bottom line, if you want a bike that can do everything good, the Pitch will be a good bike for you. This is by far one of the most fun bikes I've ever owned.
Submitted by
afgenkuong
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Niguel, California, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009
Strengths: Really great bike. The Pike will take whatever you throw at it and then some. Same thing with the Fox RP2. I have the rebound on both set at 1/4ths the regular coming down-hill and they work great! The Pitch can climb uphill like a less-slack XC bike when you crank down the pike. When you ride on roads or hardpack fire roads, you can flip on the lock-out and you'll ride really efficiently. You can also turn on lock-out if you can take the abuse uphill. The Pitch is one of those bike that you can take anywhere and do anything. It's the little brother to the Enduro. If you're buying a low-end enduro, don't bother. Jump on the Pitch Pro. Much better. Very reliable bike and very consistent in it's riding patterns. The Fox RP2 has Pro-Pedal which is like a semi-lockout, great for trail riding.
The Slack head-angle allows you to take it to jumps and ride down trails as fast as you can! The Pike only has 140mm on it but I wouldn't trade it for a 150/160mm without shock height adjustment! I love the thing.
If you think you can't do a trail; this bike will show you that you can do it!
Weaknesses: I fell hard once, and the rear derailuer is acting up and giving me a hard time on the first gear (rear). Keeps slipping off. Easy fix though, just take it to the bike shop and fix it up. The Brakes are ok. Not the best, but still adequate for a lot of DH/FR trails. Throwing on some Avid Code's or Avid 7's would make this a perfect bike.
The Eskars have thin side-walls and may have trouble with sections containing rocky juts on the sides. Fine for the type of riding I do. Maybe switch the rear to Specialized 2.3 Chunder.
The Shimano 505 Clip-ins are kind of hard to get out of if you don't set them up correctly. You have to play around with the tension. Once you get it dialed in, you can clipin and clip out like a charm.
I haven't had any problems with the rims, but I've heard they taco easily and need to be replaced. No complains.
-Most of these things are being knit-picky about me. I'd rather say something than say this is a perfect bike.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for anything you throw at it. It's basically a DH Bike that can go up and down-hill. Unless you're racing DH such as Fontana or Leaping Lizard (Laguna Beach), this bike is just as good as those other bikes. This bike won't disappoint if you're an XC rider, DJer, or any of those. This bike is the ultimate gap between XC, DJ, AM, and DH.
Replacement: Things that should be replaced in my opinion.
Cheap Gel Grips (Get ODI Lock-Ons!)
Saddle (If anything, replace this first. No channel in the stock model, very unconfortable, YOU WILL GET NUMB).
Avid 3 Brakes - Go for Codes or 7's.
Shimano 505's - Not very necessary change out, but some Crank Brother's would be nice!
[ONCE AGAIN I AM BEING KNIT PICKY IN ORDER TO GIVE THE OPTIMUM REVIEW. I DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE OUT ANY FLAWS]
-1 Overall Chili for my Dad making me his slave for eternity for funding half of the bike.
Submitted by
dwnhlrdr
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins, Co,
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2009
Strengths: Fairly good climber, much better than its predecessor the Enduro series (not sl from 2007) which were heavier than heck. Descends like a mountain goat. Actual lock on grips. Pro pedal is much better than the enduro which wouldn't lock all the way
Weaknesses: DT Swiss rims suck taco'd both of them, and the pike fork sucks so bad it makes the Rock shock SID look like a fox talas.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that, while looking nice and being a better climber, I would stick with my Enduro Elite. Unless you have some spare dough (who does in this economy?) stick with the enduro from a couple years ago and get one on ebay for much cheaper than the $2700 price tag. I was really irritated when Specialized took that line out, and even more irritated by its replacement.
Bike Setup: WTB Speed Disc Trail, WTB Speed V saddle (that's just preference, i saw nothing wrong with the stock, and Fox 32 Talas
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Submitted by
Tommyc676
a Downhiller
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2009
Strengths: Been downhilling for the last couple of years but wanted to get a bike I could pedal again, whilst still being able to do some DH and singletrack at speed. This bike has not disappointed. I've waited 3 months to give this review as I wanted to see if anything went wrong.
This bike climbs like a yak and descends like a demon. The head angle is very slack 67o so almost like a DH/FR bike, meaning you can punish the downhill sections. That said I find this bike very precise on the flat and uphill as well.
The FSR suspension link is simply the best. virtually no pedal bob and fully active. Although even in mild braking the back end can buck when hitting bumps and rocks....but maybe i shouldn't be braking in the sections....
The Pike and Fox shock perform brilliantly. The Juicy threes on a 8" rotor (front) and 7" rotor(back) do the business and I've no complaints at all.
The running gear is good quality SRAM components except the SRAM X5 shifters. These are a bit clunky and can cause jumping gear changes at time. Probably need to give them a fine tunning.
Tubing and frame. Awesome rock solid Specialized quality. Pictures of this bike do not do it justice. The rear sub frame is actually really beefy. Go look at it in a shop if you have any doubts from the pics. I'm over 100 kgs and wanted a rear end that wasnt going to wandered and squirm. The rear triangle is stiff and planted. Combined with the FSR and this thing rails!!
Weaknesses: Sadly for all Specialized's great design and attention to deal they do seem to fail in the same areas time and time again.
This bike has no lock on grips as standard. Come on Specialized all bikes have these now. Leave the crappy rubber grips for the kids bikes and commuters.
DT Swiss Rims. Very light, but crap. Both wheels need to be replaced as they taco'd. I had the same problems with my Spesh DH rig - it came with DT Swiss rims. I think Specialized do this to reduce the weight of the bike for the sales blurb, but the bottom line is they always need replacing because they suck. Gonna get Mavic 729 or 823 to beef up the wheel set. This bike can pummel DH sections and needs the rims to do it justice.
Pike fork blew a compression circuit seal in less than 2 months. Rock Shoxs are great when they work, but can be prone to annoyingly regular servicing and repairs. Had to get upset with Specialized to get some immediate action on this, so warranty issues in Aus can be frustrating.
Specialized Control tyres are great for grip and especially weight (only 700g) but have worn out very quickly managed to tear a side wall when scrapping past rocks. Gonna replace with Maxxis high rollers with 60a rubber for better life.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike.
It does everything I want it too. Its a reasonable weight and cost.
The suspension systems are brilliant and have saved me on numerous occasions... especially the Pike fork which has saved my on some really awkward landings and front wheel slides. It pedals really well and makes uphills virtually like a hardtail.
Rear triangle is stiff and planted and makes cornering and rock gardens a breeze.
Only downer is that you are likely to need to replace the rims. I'm taking one chilli off for this reason.
Definitely one of the best all mountain bikes of the year. Get one - you'll love it.
I notice on my ride in to work this morning that some of the clear coat on my '11 Pitch Pro was beginning to flake off on the down tube. The bike is only 6 months old and has never Read More »
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hi guys, since my beloved 08 sx trail was stolen at christmas ive been relegated to road biking but i have a craving to start going off road again, im looking at the pitch pro whic Read More »
Hey guys. I am looking at getting a Pitch Pro here in the next month or so and I have a few questions about the suspension. I am a bigger guy, 6'3" and 210, so I want to make sur Read More »
I'm looking for a new all mountain bike, dont have much money... about 2400 or 2800 usd. this two bikes fit my money, but what you recomend!? Thanks for the Help Read More »
