Tired of being limited to just black or white saddles? Problem solved - James Huang/Future Publishing
The 2014 Specialized Toupe Expert Gel features a new 'Adaptive Edge' that allows the edges of the saddle to flex slightly with each pedal stroke. Weights range from 211-230g depending on size and retail price is US$130 - James Huang/Future Publishing
The 2014 Specialized Toupe Comp Gel saddle is nearly identical to the more expensive Expert Gel model save for a switch from titanium to chromoly rails - James Huang/Future Publishing
The 2014 Specialized Romin Expert Gel uses the same shell as last year but adds gel inserts under the sit bones - James Huang/Future Publishing
Likewise, the 2014 Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel is essentially identical to last year's Romin Evo Expert save for the addition of gel pads under the sit bones - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized brightens up the color palette of the Henge Comp mountain bike saddle for 2014 - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized's new Purist Insulated water bottles supposedly keep liquids cool (or warm) 20 percent longer than other insulated bottles currently on the market. Other features include the taste-free Purist silica coating, the notably easy-to-squeeze body, and Specialized's excellent MoFlo and Watergate tops - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized Keg Storage Vessel fits in a standard cage but is meant to hold a tube, tool, and other bits. Hidden under the lid is a tiny storage compartment for tubeless patches - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized's off-road clothing has come a long way in recent years - James Huang/Future Publishing
New trail shorts feature a lightweight, perforated shell for ventilation and a decent amount of storage - James Huang/Future Publishing
The SWAT bib liner is meant to be worn with MTB baggies, including tethers to attach them to the shell and integrated pockets for storage - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized Deflect H20 gloves are designed to tackle extreme wet weather with an Outdry membrane that's said to be fully waterproof plus a palm that will stay grippy when wet. Reflective details are included on the back and the fingertips are compatible with touch screens - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized S-Works FACT carbon mountain bike crank now features an integrated spider for 1x or 2x drivetrains - James Huang/Future Publishing
Installation and removal of the updated Specialized S-Works FACT carbon crank is now easier than before, requiring just a single standard-length Allen key - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Enduro locking grips feature a grippy, aramid fiber-reinforced surface and lots of padding. If the stock 30mm diameter isn't enough, there's an XL variety with a bigger 32mm diameter - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized Dissident Comp full-face helmet offers the same features as the top-end Dissident but substitutes a fiberglass shell instead of a carbon fiber one - James Huang/Future Publishing
If the bold graphics aren't for you, there are also several other options that are more subdued - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized claims the new Evade aero road helmet records the same drag figures as the full-blown TT2 - James Huang/Future Publishing
The exhaust ports are intentionally larger than the ones up front and supposedly create a sort of vacuum effect that actively sucks air through the new Specialized Evade - James Huang/Future Publishing
Does the Evade profile look familiar? It should, because it's nearly identical to Specialized's McLaren time trial lid - James Huang/Future Publishing
Deep internal channels should help keep air flowing across the top of your head - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized designed the new Duet women's-specific helmet with a trimmed-down profile for a sleeker appearance - but strangely, it's only offered in a one-size-fits-all shell - James Huang/Future Publishing
The 'Hairport' retention system leaves lots of room for a ponytail - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Chamonix is bargain priced at US$50 yet still provides sleek styling and an upscale look. That being said, it only comes in one size - James Huang/Future Publishing
The bare foam on the rear of the new Specialized Chamonix helmet is unfortunately susceptible to dents and dings - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Airtool Compak is a dedicated travel pump with flip-out legs, a removable handle, and an inline pressure gauge - James Huang/Future Publishing
New Airtool mini-pumps also double as CO2 inflators - James Huang/Future Publishing
The Specialized Air Tool CO2 Mini Kit pairs a CO2 cartridge, inflator head, and tire lever into an all-in-one form that conveniently straps to your seatpost - James Huang/Future Publishing
The Airtool Compak breaks down to fit into this tidy soft case - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized S-Works MTB shoes (left) and Pro MTB shoes (right) both feature stiff and lightweight carbon fiber sole plates plus replaceable Boa reels - James Huang/Future Publishing
The outsole of the Specialized S-Works MTB shoes is intentionally sparse in terms of tread. The blocks aren't replaceable, either - James Huang/Future Publishing
Offset toe spikes on the Specialized S-Works MTB shoes supposedly lend a more natural feeling toe-off - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized S-Works Trail shoes pair a super stiff, full length carbon fiber sole with a thermobonded upper. Extra forefoot volume lends a little extra room on landings, the toe box is armored with hard plastic, and the inner side is raised to protect your ankle - James Huang/Future Publishing
Grippy rubber covers nearly the entire outsole on Specialized's new S-Works Trail shoes - James Huang/Future Publishing
If the S-Works Trail shoes are a bit much, Specialized will also offer the new Comp Trail shoes instead - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized Comp Trail shoes feature the same grippy rubber tread but a more conventional upper and a fiber-reinforced nylon sole - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized is in no way taking a half-baked approach to women's-specific mountain bike shoes with four distinct options, all with dedicated lasts. From left to right: the S-Works XC the Cascade XC, the Motodiva, and the Riata - James Huang/Future Publishing
From left to right: Specialized's updated Pro, Expert, and Comp road shoes - James Huang/Future Publishing
From left to right: Specialized's new women's-specific S-Works, Ember, and Torch road shoes for 2014 - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized even makes sure the bottoms of its shoes look good - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new SWAT box attaches to the down tube of select models using a third rivnut. Some might consider it unsightly but for many others, it still beats wearing a hydration pack or strapping something higher up under the saddle - James Huang/Future Publishing
Inside the SWAT box, there's room for a standard Specialized Turbo inner tube, a tire lever, and a 25g CO2 inflator - James Huang/Future Publishing
Carbon Specialized Epic frames will now feature a pocket just ahead of the forward shock mount for a snap-in mini-tool - James Huang/Future Publishing
Despite the tiny size, the new multi-tool includes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm allen wrenches (the largest one is abbreviated but still functional), a flathead screwdriver, and a T25 Torx bit - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new chain tool fits conveniently inside the steerer tube - James Huang/Future Publishing
The chain tool is driven by a 4mm allen wrench. There's storage for a master link, too - James Huang/Future Publishing
The SWAT Reserve Rack holds a single water bottle plus a mini-pump and two CO2 inflators or a can of tubular tire sealant. Not surprisingly, it'll only fit on Specialized's new Sitero saddle - James Huang/Future Publishing
The Specialized Zee Cage II is compatible with the company's EMT Cage Mount mini-tool - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized RoadSport tire is designed for high-mileage training with a light tread and Flak Jacket-reinforced casing - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized will offer the 29x1.7in Fatboy slick tire with tan sidewalls for 2014 - James Huang/Future Publishing
Riders that frequently find themselves on rocky terrain can look to Specialized's new Grid 2Bliss Ready casing construction, which augments the existing Control casing with additional sidewall armoring - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized's top-end S-Works road clinchers have advanced leaps and bounds over the past few years. The new version is one of the best high-performance clinchers we've experienced with an ultra-fast roll, excellent grip, and a superb road feel - James Huang/Future Publishing
Roval has not one but two 40mm-deep disc brake-compatible carbon road wheels for 2014: one for tubular tires and one for clinchers - James Huang/Future Publishing
Disc-compatible Roval road hubs use Shimano's Centerlock spline pattern - James Huang/Future Publishing
The Roval Rapide 60 CLX carbon tubular road wheels are said to weigh 1,330g per pair - James Huang/Future Publishing
Internal width on the Roval Rapide CLX 60 carbon clinchers is a modest 17.3mm - and they're not tubeless-ready - James Huang/Future Publishing
Roval's redesigned Control SL 29 mountain bike wheels get new hookless carbon fiber rims plus a higher 32-hole front and rear spoke count for increased stiffness as compared to last year's version. Claimed weight is still just 1,370g per pair - 80g lighter than before - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized says the internal width on the new Roval Control SL 29 carbon mountain bike rims is 22mm - James Huang/Future Publishing
The Roval Control SL 29 rear hubs feature DT Swiss star ratchet internals - James Huang/Future Publishing
We hope you’ve been enjoying our coverage of Specialized's armada of new road and mountain bikes for 2014 so far. Here we walk you through the company's huge collection of parts, accessories, shoes and other gear for the coming season. Should you wish to cover yourself – and your bike – head to toe and tip to stern in S-branded gear, you've got plenty of options.
Last year's Roval Control SL 29 cross-country mountain bike wheels get redesigned hoops for 2014 that help bring the claimed weight down 80g to an impressive 1,370g per pair. The new tubeless-ready carbon rims sport hookless beads that Specialized claims increase strength by virtue of their continuous, uncut fibers and internal width is a useful 22mm.
Hubs are once again made for Specialized by DT Swiss but with a new design that includes bigger cartridge bearings and additional labyrinth and contact seals for improved durability. As before, the rear hub features DT Swiss's proven star ratchet mechanism with the upgraded 10-degree driver rings. Spoke count drops from last year's 32/32h front/rear to 24/28h in an effort to make the wheels more racing-focused.
Roval's redesigned control sl 29 mountain bike wheels get new hookless carbon fiber rims plus a higher 32-hole front and rear spoke count for increased stiffness as compared to last year's version. claimed weight is still just 1,370g per pair - 80g lighter than before: roval's redesigned control sl 29 mountain bike wheels get new hookless carbon fiber rims plus a higher 32-hole front and rear spoke count for increased stiffness as compared to last year's version. claimed weight is still just 1,370g per pair - 80g lighter than before - James Huang/Future Publishing
Roval Control SL 29 mountain bike wheels get a hookless carbon bead
Included end caps allow easy conversions from quick-release to thru-axle fitments and separate bodies are available for use with SRAM's XX1 drivetrain. Retail price is US$1,700.
Most of the attention on the road is directed at three new tubular options: the Rapide CLX 40 disc (1,340g; US$1,900), the Rapide CLX 40 for rim brakes (1,240g; US$2,100), and the Rapide CLX 60 (1,330g, US$2,100). All three feature brand-new 23mm-wide rim shapes with deep recesses at the tire seam and valve stem for more consistent bonds.
Additional features include DT Swiss-made hubs with star ratchet freehub internals and 11-speed compatibility, straight-pull DT Swiss Revolution stainless steel spokes with external nipples, carbon fiber front hub bodies, and CeramicSpeed bearings throughout.
Tires to match
Specialized continues to make major inroads in the performance road clincher category with the current S-Works version being one of our favorites in terms of rolling resistance, road feel, and grip thanks to its ultra-supple casing and novel Gripton rubber compound. New for 2014 is a 220g, 26mm-wide option to go along with the current 24mm version as well as a 24mm tubeless variant with a 240g claimed weight.
Cyclocross treads carry on unchanged from 2013 with the exception of new tubeless-ready options for the fast-rolling Trigger, the all-purpose Tracer, and the mud-specific Terra.
Riders that frequently find themselves on rocky terrain can look to specialized's new grid 2bliss ready casing construction, which augments the existing control casing with additional sidewall armoring: - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Grid 2Bliss Ready casing is built for rocky terrain
Likewise, there are no new mountain bike treads for 2014 but riders who typically find themselves in rockier environments or just want more durability will take interest in the new Grid 2Bliss Ready casing. Essentially an armored version of Specialized's popular Control-level tires, Grid 2Bliss Ready adds an additional layer of sidewall protection to ward off cuts while only adding 15-40g per tire depending on size.
Specialized will offer Grid 2Bliss Ready models in the Fast Trak, Ground Control, Purgatory, and Butcher models.
Shoes: New S-Works XC and more
2014 will be a big year in terms of shoe introductions from the big 'S' with nine new men's models and four women's-specific ones.
Topping the cross-country spectrum is a new S-Works XC model (for both men and women), which essentially pairs a slightly armored version of the equivalent road shoe upper (complete with thermobonded materials and dual Boa S2-Snap reels) to an off-road specific full-length carbon fiber sole. The thermoplastic tread is intentionally minimal to reduce weight, nor are the blocks replaceable. Dual toe spikes lend additional traction when needed and they're slightly offset for what Specialized claims is a more natural toe-off when on foot.
The new specialized s-works mtb shoes (left) and pro mtb shoes (right) both feature stiff and lightweight carbon fiber sole plates plus replaceable boa reels: - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Specialized XC shoes feature BOA reels at the top two levels
Claimed weight is 310g each for a size 42 and retail price is a whopping US$400. If that's a little too steep, there's the Pro XC version (or the equivalent women's-specific Cascade XC) with a more conventional single Boa upper and stitched materials plus a slightly heavier carbon sole for US$275.
Performance-oriented trail riders looking for XC-like efficiency but a little more durability, grip, and versatility can instead look to the new S-Works Trail shoe, which uses a similar full-length carbon plate as the S-Works XC but with a full-coverage tread made of real rubber. Up top, the unique upper boasts a hard plastic toe cap to guard against rock strikes, the outer edge is lightly armored to protect against scrapes, and the inner side is raised to provide some cushioning for your ankle.
Despite all that protection, Specialized says the new S-Works Trail shoes are the same weight as last year's S-Works Evo MTB model at 370g each – and they're slightly cheaper, too, at US$350 per pair.
The new specialized s-works trail shoes pair a super stiff, full length carbon fiber sole with a thermobonded upper. extra forefoot volume lends a little extra room on landings, the toe box is armored with hard plastic, and the inner side is raised to protect your ankle: - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new S-Works Trail shoes
One step down from there are the men's Comp MTB and women's Motodiva shoes, which use similar outsoles but with a softer fiber-reinforced nylon plate. Much of the upper armoring remains but with a more conventional ankle height and a single Boa reel. Claimed weight is 365g each (size 42) and retail price is US$160.
Rounding things out are the men's Sport MTB and women's Riata off-road shoes with triple Velcro straps and more minimal armoring just around the toebox. Suggested retail price is just US$100.
Finally, there's an updated Defroster Trail winter boot with 400-gram 3M Thinsulate insulation, a neoprene collar, and a seam-sealed internal liner to help keep your feet both warm and dry. The roomier fit is designed to accommodate heavy socks without cutting off circulation, too, and the single Boa reel supposedly lends an evenly snug fit throughout while still being easy to operate with gloves.
Suggested retail price on the Defrosters is US$200.
New mountain and aero road helmets
We've already covered Specialized's new S-Works Evade aero road helmet but nevertheless, we learned a few more details at the company's recent global product launch. Designed in conjunction with the company's McLaren time trial helmet, the Evade sports a very similar profile that Specialized aero guru Mark Cote claims yields the same aerodynamic performance as its full-blown TT2 model. Vents were an integral part of the design from the start and according to Cote, the rear exhaust ports are intentionally larger than the intake ones so as to help actively suck air through the liner. In fact, Cote insists that the Evade is slower with its vents taped over than with them fully exposed.
We've now got one on hand so stay tuned for a first ride review shortly.
New on the off-road side is the mid-range Dissident Comp, which mirrors the top-end carbon fiber Dissident's features but with a more economical fiberglass shell. As with the Dissident, the Dissident Comp includes compatibility with the Eject system to prevent further damage in the event of a neck injury and flow-through vents for decent airflow at speed. Suggested retail price is just US$150.
The new specialized dissident comp full-face helmet offers the same features as the top-end dissident but substitutes a fiberglass shell instead of a carbon fiber one: - James Huang/Future Publishing
The new Dissident Comp brings the Eject system to a more reasonable pricepoint
Coming in at the entry level are the new Chamonix and women's-equivalent Duet, both with a sleek exterior shape, fixed Tri-Fix strap splitters, and a convenient, one-handed retention system – that's ponytail-friendly in the case of the Duet. Retail price is a very reasonable US$50 but both are only offered in a one-size-fits-all shell.
Saddle range gets colors and gel padding for 2014
Aside from the TT/tri-specific Sitero most of Specialized's saddle line will look familiar with the exception of several new casual options for 2014. Specialized has, however, added gel inserts to some of its most popular models – such as the Toupe Expert and Romin Expert – for improved comfort on longer rides. A few saddles also get more flexible edges that allow the shells to move slightly as you pedal – similar to what fi'zi:k does with its Wing Flex design.
Color palettes have expanded beyond the usual black and white, too, with some models being offered in brighter green and blue hues if you prefer something with a little more pop.
Tired of being limited to just black or white saddles? problem solved: - James Huang/Future Publishing
Specialized saddles remain largely the same, with the addition of new colors and flexible edges
SWAT – Storage, Water, Air, Tools
Specialized is making a big deal out of bike-mounted accessories for 2014 with its new SWAT (Storage, Water, Air, Tools) concept. Essentially, the idea is to remove extraneous saddle bags, tape, and straps whenever possible in favor of directly mounting everything directly on to the chassis.
Examples include the Shiv-specific Fuelcell, which provides an handy pseudo-open topped plastic box that mounts atop the bottom bracket shell to store tubes, energy gels, and repair items. Likewise, the new Keg Storage Vessel accomplishes the same goal but fits in a standard bottle cage.
Speaking of cages, new side-access Zee cages now come with an extra hole at the bottom for mounting the new EMT Cage Mount mini-tool. Compatible 2014 mountain bike frames can also use the new MTB XC kit, which adds a small plastic box below the down tube bottle cage to store a spare tube, CO2 inflator, and tire lever.
Inside the swat box, there's room for a standard specialized turbo inner tube, a tire lever, and a 25g co2 inflator: - James Huang/Future Publishing
The SWAT MTB XC kit
A new Top Cap Chain Tool conveniently provides a chain breaker and spare link inside your steerer tube, too, while the Reserve Rack adds bottle storage and sockets for mini-pumps, CO2 inflators, and tubular repair canisters for Sitero-equipped TT/tri bikes.
