FIRST LOOK : Specialized 2014 | Road / Triathlon | SBR.ph Exclusive
Every year, the big “S” flies in dealers, distributors, and members of the press from all over the world to see and sample their wares. From starting out with Italian components across America in the 60s, Mike Sinyard, the CEO of Specialized, has made it arguably the biggest brand in cycling, with products ranging from road and mountain bikes, wheels, helmets, shoes, and accessories.
The company also recently unveiled their own in-house wind tunnel, a first in the industry, allowing their R&D team virtually unlimited access to valuable lab data where they were previously limited to scheduled 3rd party tunnel time
The incoming batch of 2014 models is all about making the current lineup better than ever, and should especially make the weight- and tech-obsessed riders very happy.
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ROAD/TRIATHLON
Sitero Expert Gel
Optimized for the aero position, the Sitero was developed using Body Geometry pressure-mapping software to minimize pressure in the soft tissue area. It uses a carbon fiber reinforced shell and hollow titanium rails for light weight.
The integrated Tri-Pod lets the athlete choose between water bottle and equipment storage, or a transition rack hook.
Roubaix/Ruby
All Roubaix and the female specific model – Ruby – now get size-specific engineering (not just limited to the S-Works model); meaning optimized geometry, tubes and carbon layup regardless of model and size. Disc options are now available for the Roubaix.
The S-Works Roubaix is equipped with SRAM Hydro R, while Shimano Ultegra Di2 hydraulic discs, S-700 hydraulic, and Sora are also available down the line.
Venge
The Venge continues unchanged for 2014, but the S-Works model now comes equipped with SRAM Red 22 or Shimano Dura Ace (depending on the territory) and Roval CLX race wheels.
Allez
SmartWeld technology is introduced to the Allez Race, an entry-level aluminum road bike that’s light and stiff enough for the budding amateur racer. SmartWeld technology uses a hydroformed head tube, downtube, and top tube and a proprietary welding process to create a ride that’s stiffer than many entry-level carbon bikes.
Tarmac/Amira
All Tarmac models and the female-specific version – Amira – SL4 size-specific engineering just like the Roubaix.
Headset bearing size differs from small to larger sizes to accommodate the size of the head tube and optimize front-end stiffness for the rider. The S-Works SL4 gets SRAM Red 22 hydraulic brakes and Roval Rapide racing wheels.
Shiv
Magura RT8 TT hydraulic brakes and the FuelCell storage container are standard equipment on top-level 2014 bikes. The hydraulic set ensures smoother and more powerful stopping power.
The FuelCell is a fairing-like container bolted to the downtube, with the top section designed to hold gels/nutrition, and the lower section to hold tools and tubes.
It’s designed to clean up the cockpit of the usual triathlete’s taped-on gels. The Shiv continues to use the innovative “Fuelselage” integrated water cell system.
Evade
As seen in the Tour de France on Specialized-sponsored teams, the Evade is Specialized’s first aero road helmet.
Designed in the Specialized wind tunnel, the Evade is claimed to be as aerodynamic as the TT2 long-tail helmet, while providing the same cooling benefit as the Prevail.
The rear view closely mimics the McLaren Time Trial Helmet. Specialized claims that the Evade is actually slower if the vents are taped over, as they provide effective airflow management that both cools the head and minimizes turbulence. It weighs just 260-280g for a Medium.
S.W.A.T.
Short for Storage, Water, Air, and Tools, SWAT is an integrated system for road and mountain lines that integrates vital tools so you’ll have fewer things to stuff in your pockets. The Sitero saddle’s Tri-Pod features clip-ons for C02 cartridges and pumps, and the FuelCell puts all your tools and nutrition into one neat fairing. For mountain bikers, a flat repair kit box can be bolted onto a third bolt hole on the downtube of 2014 Specialized mountain bikes. A special multi-tool bolts onto the bottle cage, and a chain breaker is integrated into the steerer tube top cap.
Roval CLX
Light, aero, and bombproof, Specialized’s in-house brand of racing wheels are now also available in tubular versions. The CLX tubulars come in 40mm (1,240g), 60mm (1,330g), and 40mm disc (1,340g).
S-Works Road Tire
The new race-specific SW road tire was developed in house by Wolfgang Arendt, who has been designing tire compounds for 30 years and has worked with Team Telekom. The new “Gripton” compound is especially fast and supple, and has been tested to be 35 seconds faster in a 40km time trial than the Continental Grand Prix 4000. The SW road tire was tested by Finnish company Wheel Energy in its 40kph drum test.
Source : 2013 Specialized Global Press Launch | Lighter, Stiffer, Smarter Across the Board
Courtesy of Dan’s
Photos courtesy of Specialized
