Specialized Testing New DH Shock and Option for Different DH Wheel Sizes 34

Vital MTB's super sleuth, Dave Trumpore, snagged some images of prototype parts and bike mods on Brad Benedict's Specialized Demo 8 at the Port Angeles DH race yesterday. While Brad is pretty tight lipped about it all, Dave thinks it's a prototype Öhlins rear shock given the configuration and distinctive yellow spring color (they also co-developed the Cane Creek Double Barrel), and Brad said they wanted the option to try different wheels on the DH bike. Note the seatstay bridge area where a different size tire would hit the frame - it has been chopped out. DON'T try this at home. He is running 26-inch wheels at Port Angeles, however. Troy Brosnan and Aaron Gwin are not on this set up. Get to speculating...