Of course, you can decide to go against the status quo, or you can just skip it. Specialized chose the latter with the all-new Status 140. The result? Not just a new bike, but a whole new platform that changed the entire understanding of what a do-it-all bike can actually do.

But what about wheels of different sizes? I'm so glad you asked. Take the smaller wheelbase and shorter chainstays made possible by a 27.5-inch rear wheel, and pair them with the increased traction and rolling speed made possible by a 29-inch wheel up front. , and you have a bike ready to throw it down.

Or, think of it as the ability to flick right but plow left in a technical switchback, straight through that stretch of chunder longer than you thought pedal-inducing, sweat-free, and throw in a flair seriously on your local stream track. All in a nice tight package. The Status 140 also adopts Specialized's style-specific sizing that not only lets you find the right fit, but also achieves the reach and wheelbase you want to really bring your favorite handling characteristics to life.