I bought my 2016 Specialized Camber Comp 650b in 2017 and have had it for 7 years. I have loved this mountain bike and highly recommend it. I bought it from a bike shop in Bend Oregon, that rented it out for a season and kept it in great condition. I have put this bike to good use, facing many different terrains as I have ridden it all over Washington, Oregon, and parts of Utah. The specialized Camber Comp is the trail bike of the specialized fleet. Even though it is a trail bike I have found this bike to be amazing for climbs but also very playful on the descents. In this blog, I will do an in-depth personal review of the 2016 Specialized Camber Comp 650b.
How Specialized Camber Performs Uphill
Like I stated earlier the Specialized Camber Comp 650b is an absolute dream on the uphill. I feel like I can ride steep and technical terrain way easier than most bikes I have ridden. I really noticed the difference when I started riding in Southern Utah where the terrain is very rocky and technical. Even though I am still learning the terrain I feel better on my Specialized Camber Comp than I do on my YT Capra going up technical stuff.
Downhill Performance
Once you get to the descent the fun doesn’t end as the Specialized Camber Comp is very playful going downhill. The suspension can be limiting but the bike still feels maneuverable and fast. The 27.5 tires make it easy to navigate technical descents and keep a flowy feel. I would say this bike feels more like an enduro bike on the descent until you push it. I have heard this is due to the bike’s geometry because it should not feel that good going downhill.
Design
The Ride Psychocandy snowboard is designed to be ridden 3 to 6 centimeters shorter than your standard board and approaches the mountain with the same attitude as the Warpig. I normally ride around 159 but I ended up buying the 154. The board features a Tapered Bi-Radial Sidecut that maximizes grip and allows the Psychocandy to maintain speed in all conditions. The board’s Directional Zero Camber profile provides a directional shape with true rocker throughout the tip and tail, making it easy to engage and providing a noticeable boost without sacrificing control. The board also features a WMNS Performance Core, Carbon Slimewalls, and Carbon Array Laminates, which enhance stability throughout the board and provide a unique riding experience.
Owner's Perspective
As an avid snowboarder and proud owner of the Ride Psychocandy, I can attest to its exceptional performance in various conditions. This board has become my daily companion on the slopes, delivering a thrilling experience with every ride. I was initially worried that it wouldn’t be very versatile, but I found it able to do everything. I love everything about it, but I found it hard to ride switch with it being a directional. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, but it is harder than your typical true twin board. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it still works in the park and I almost like it more in the park than my old true-twin all-mountain board. I did find it a little weird to land jumps on groomers at first because you don’t have the tail to catch you. With that being said, after a day or two, I did’t notice it.
The Psychocandy’s unique design elements, such as the directional zero camber and carbon-infused construction, contribute to a ride that is both responsive and stable. The flat profile excels in speed, and the edge hold provides confidence in challenging situations. When the board is holding its edge, it feels very secure and can actually carve really well .
Conclusion
the Ride Psychocandy snowboard stands out as a versatile and innovative choice for riders seeking a blend of speed, stability, and edge hold across diverse terrains. With its unique features such as Directional Zero Camber, Bi-Radial Sidecut, and Carbon Infused Fiberglass, this board delivers a thrilling experience for snowboard enthusiasts. As an owner of the Ride + Akomplice colorway of the Psychocandy, I can confidently attest to its exceptional performance. Whether carving on groomers, navigating backcountry terrain, or floating effortlessly in powder, the Psychocandy excels, providing a ride that is both responsive and stable. While its design leans towards a shorter length, the board’s capabilities defy expectations, making it a daily companion on the slopes. Despite some challenges with riding switch, the overall experience and versatility of the Psychocandy make it a standout choice for snowboarders seeking an exhilarating ride in various conditions.
