2016 Specialized Camber Comp Review
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.
Jumping Performance
The Specialized Camber Comp can do a little bit of everything including jumps. It might not be what it is built for but you can find yourself in the air if you would like. It feels amazing on smaller jumps, especially for a trail bike. With that being said, I felt like it didn't want to do bigger jumps and would sometimes kick a little weirdly. This could have been due to my rebound setting but I wouldn't recommend this bike for someone looking for more than small jumps.
Maintenance and Durability
I have not done the best maintenance on the Specialized Camber Comp as it was my first full-suspension mountain bike. With my new bikes, I take way better care of them but I did not take care of this bike like it deserves. I did all of the maintenance myself and usually only didn't do it when it wasn't performing as well. I have never had the suspension serviced and they still feel relatively well. With limited maintenance, I am shocked that this bike still performs as well as it does. I have put this bike through hell and have not had any major problems with it. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking to save money on the bike and service. I found it very easy to work on and doesn't need a lot of work.
Final Thoughts - Specialized Camber Comp
Overall, the 2016 Specialized Camber Comp 650b has been a fantastic bike for me over the last seven years. It’s proven to be an excellent trail bike, offering a great balance of uphill efficiency and playful downhill performance. Its versatility across varied terrains, from the rocky trails of Southern Utah to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, makes it a reliable companion for riders who want a capable all-around bike. While it may not be built for aggressive jumping or pushing the limits of enduro, it still handles technical descents surprisingly well for a trail bike. The fact that it has lasted this long with minimal maintenance and still performs well speaks volumes about its durability and build quality.
I highly recommend the Specialized Camber Comp to anyone looking for a dependable, versatile trail bike that doesn't require too much upkeep. It’s a bike that allows you to tackle a variety of terrains and riding styles without breaking the bank on service or maintenance. Whether you're an experienced rider or just getting into mountain biking, the Camber Comp offers a well-rounded and enjoyable ride.
Publish date: 2024-10-15