Apparently not satisfied with dominating the bike market, Specialized are launching components and apparel that get better every year. Here are BikeRadar’s picks of the mountain bike range for 2013.
[Editor's note: US pricing is not yet available, but will be added here ASAP.]
Tactic helmet
The Tactic lid has had a complete overhaul for 2013, coming packed with great features for about £60 – it should be a bargain.
The rear of the helmet now offers extended coverage, and with gravity enduro racers wearing goggles more, Specialized have ensured that the lid is fully goggle compatible.
The Headset SL fit system makes getting the right fit easy, with four height positions and a micro-adjust click dial for ease of adjustment. There’s also plenty of venting and a decent-length peak to keep the rain off.
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the Tri-Fix strap system. This is essentially a wide, fixed ear loop strap to help keep things super simple.
Roval Traverse SL carbon all-mountain wheels
It seems there’s no getting away from carbon wheels these days. Although these Rovals are specced across the Specialized range, the company are keen to make sure that people are aware they’re available as an aftermarket upgrade.
The Traverse SL carbon wheels are designed specifically around all-mountain riding, and use a 22mm internal width in order to accept wider tyres (all the way up to 2.5in).
In terms of compatibility, they’ll just about fit anything. Up front, they’re switchable between QR, 15mm and 20mm axles, depending on your fork. Out back, they’ll fit a 135mm or 142mm rear end.
The front wheel’s spoke pattern is built in a 2:1 ratio (two spokes on the disc side to every one on the non-disc side) in a three-cross pattern using 27 spokes. The rear uses a 1:1 ratio, due to the various loads in a three-cross pattern, using 32 spokes.
Spokes are nothing but the finest – DT Swiss Super Comps with Pro Lock nipples.
Claimed weight is 1,500g for the pair of wheels, which is impressive.
Purgatory tyre
Using their Adaptive Tread technology, which allows each individual knob structure of the tyre to be analysed, Specialized have honed their established Purgatory tyre to perfection.
The new tyre now claims to be more robust and better for carving and braking, and has a lower rolling resistance. It comes in 2.3in rather than 2.2in, and is claimed to roll 23 percent more efficiently.
Gloves
In a bid to keep things simple yet effective, three new glove models will be offered by Specialized in 2013, in 11 different styles.
The focus was to ensure they’re touchscreen compatible and don’t bunch when gripping the bar. This is thanks to the ‘Life Line’ seam, which skirts around the base of the thumb.
The three models are the Enduro (a tougher, more robust glove), the XC Lite (a minimal cuff, lightweight summer option) and the LoDown (which manages to be robust without being overbuilt).
Specialized's Enduros are at the tougher end of the new glove spectrum
Prices on all products are to be confirmed.
