Price: $3,300
Weight: 38.5 pounds
Contact: specialized.com
By Ryan Palmer

The Specialized Status II may not offer the bling factor of some other steeds in this category, but it'll line up and smoke bikes that cost twice as much. This isn't just another solid bike for the price—it's simply a phenomenal bike. The fact that it is affordable is merely the icing on the cake.

Specialized built the bike from the ground up to fit into a specific price range. Even though the Status is Specialized's 'budget bike,' it could easily be another company's flagship model. With sleek, simple lines, a proven suspension platform
and solid build, this bike destroys the Demo 8 from five years ago. If you're still skeptical of the Status' burly credentials, consider this fact: Darren Berrecloth chose a Status as his rig of choice for his line of death-defying drops at the 2012 Red Bull Rampage near Virgin, Utah.

Most of our testers were stunned at the ride quality of the Status and instantly felt comfortable on it. At 38.5 pounds, it's certainly not the lightest of the bunch, but that didn't keep it from feeling very lively and playful. The cockpit felt spot-on
and the bike's intuitive geometry lends it a stable, yet maneuverable feel.

Specialized didn't skimp on the components, either. Its 2.3-inch Butcher DH tires are .....

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