BikeRadar recently attended Specialized's 2015 Australian/New Zealand dealer launch on the sunny Gold Coast. With so much new stuff for 2015, we've compiled a mega gallery of items that grabbed our attention – for whatever reason. While the gallery has all the details, below we discuss some key items.
Here’s some of our previous 2015 Specialized coverage, in case you missed it:
- Specialized Diverge – first look
- Specialized S-Works Demo 2015
- Specialized launches gravity shoes
- Specialized 2015 Enduro – first look
- Specialized unveils 650B Stumpjumper FSR Evo models
- Specialized core road range 2015 - first look
- Specialized women's mountain range 2015 - first look
Being the giant company that Specialized is, there’s still more to be unveiled…
Command Post XCP dropper seatpost
Just 35mm of travel makes this one for the cross country and cyclocross racers
Something we teased recently is Specialized's new cross-country focused dropper seat post. This part-carbon 380g post offers just 35mm of travel and will be available in a 27.2mm diameter. As well as being sold separately, this post will feature on a few 2015 models including the S-Works Epic 29 and top-end Diverge adventure road bike.
Flux lights
Specialized is getting into lights with its Flux range
More than a few Specialized employees mentioned to us that visibility and cycling safety is something that's too often overlooked. With the aim of addressing this, Specialized is introducing the new Flux range of lights – which have been aerodynamically tested and, it's claimed, add zero drag with their 'below the bar' mount. Both the front and rear USB rechargeable lights are designed for day and night usage, with the rear light boasting a 180 degree range of visibility.
Grail glove
The Grail glove puts the padding in the center of the palm
The Body Geometry Grail glove is a lightweight option, available with short or long fingers, packing a new take on gel padding placement. Specialized has placed the gel in the middle of the palm, to flatten the hand's surface and reduce pressure on important nerves and arteries. An added bonus is that the glove is kept low profile, so reaching brake levers and other controls isn't affected.
S-Works TT helmet
S-Works TT helmet with shield
The new S-Works TT helmet (US$TBC / AU$399.95 / UK£TBC) is effectively what was previously known as the S-Works + McLaren TT helmet. Where Specialized previously stated that the helmet was quicker without a visor, the new S-Works TT helmet includes an optional shield with the claim to 'maintain or improve' aerodynamic drag coefficient. Two shields will be included with each helmet – clear and smoke tinted.
Updated saddles
The new S-Works Toupe saddle
The S-Works Toupe receives an updated and lightened carbon construction for a 155g claimed weight, along with low-friction panels to improve comfort and riding efficiency. On the mountain bike side, the Phenon receives an S-Works version that Specialized says is 14 percent lighter than the previous top-end option.
Grid 2BR mountain bike rubber
The Specialized Butcher 2.3in; available in 26, 650B and 29in sizes
Offered in the new Butcher and Slaughter series, along with many other popular models, the Grid 2BR casing claims to increase tyre sidewall stiffness and stability along with offer increased cut resistance over Specialized's Control casing. The new sidewall adds 30-50g per tyre to models such as the Fast Trak, Ground Control and Purgatory. Heavier-duty models such as the Butcher, Slaughter and Hillybilly use the Grid 2BR casing bead to bead, adding 150g per unit.
Pitch 650b
The all-new Pitch 650b
Where the Hardrock was previously Specialized's go-to entry-level hardtail, the Pitch 650b is a new mid-wheeled range that will likely see the Hardrock and its 26in wheels eventually fade away. All Pitch models feature an A1 alloy frame and disc brakes, and the better two models also offer Specialized-exclusive 'Multi-Circuit Damping' for superior suspension performance. The Pitch is the men's version of the recently announced Jynx.
For a closer look at what's coming for 2015, scroll, swipe or click through our mega gallery (more than 60 photos!) at the top.
