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SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS
Specialized Bicycle Components is a major manufacturer of bicycles and bicycle equipment, based in Morgan Hill, California, USA. Specialized was founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard, and initially produced the Allez racing and Sequoia touring bicycle bicycles. In 1981, the company introduced the first mass-produced mountain bike, the Stumpjumper.
Today, the company produces a variety of gear, including clothing, helmets, and parts, in addition to over 25 lines of bikes. They range from cheaper models such as the Hardrock and the children's Hotrock up to the top of the line S-Works racing series.
Specialized's motto is "Innovate or Die," which seems appropriate considering the innovations that Specialized has come up with. Innovations such as the tri-spoke timetrial/triathlon wheel (in conjunction with Dupont), made famous by Lance Armstrong and the U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team, this wheel is currently manufactured by HED Cycling and is used by professionals in professional bicycle racing as well as professional triathletes. Specialized also developed the "Brain Shock" which is manufactured in conjunction with FOX Racing Shox. The Brain Shock is a rear shock for a full suspension mountain bike that is automatically locked and released depending on the terrain, thus acting like a hard-tail mountain bike on smooth terrain, and a full suspension bike when the trail gets bumpy.
Many riders in recent years have ridden Specialized bicycles in the North American and European UCI ProTour cycling circuit. Currently, the pro cycling team Gerolsteiner (GER) is riding Specialized's S-Works line of bicycles including the Tarmac and Roubaix models.
Riders in the 2005 Specialized Factory Racing mountain bike team include Liam Killeen (GBR) and Sid Taberlay (AUS). Kyle Strait (USA) won the 2004 Red Bull Rampage Freeride event riding a Specialized Demo 9.
Primary competitors in US market
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