We should begin this post with a warning, because there is a very real risk that this list will have you salivating dangerously, packed as it is with the very cream of the 2017 Specialized product crop. From the Venge Vias Disc eTap to the S-Works 6 road shoes, each of the products below are there for a reason; not only do they look simply stunning but they also perform to near-perfection.
S-Works Venge Vias Disc Etap
Everything about this bike screams “speed”, with a ‘Win Tunnel’-tested frame that will have you flying along faster than ever before. The speed this bike can produce is taken to a whole new level thanks to the SRAM Red eTap wireless groupset, paired with SRAM Red hydraulic disc brakes. This future-proof combination makes high speeds effortless while also providing maximum confidence in braking, whatever the weather. This increase in confidence at speed will ensure some of the greatest cycling of your life and will leave you with a smile on your face that lasts well after you’ve returned this ‘Sunday best’ bike to the shed for another week.
S-Works Enduro 650b
650b mountain bikes are at the height of mountain bike fashion and there are few quite as impressive as the striking S-Works Enduro. The smaller, more agile wheel size necessitates a full overhaul of the Enduro frame for 2017. The whole new geometry features a lower bottom bracket, a slacker front end, a lengthened top tube and shorter chain stays. This all contributes to a bike which feels glued to the ground, inspiring unbelievable performance across all terrains.
The frame is wrapped in a full SRAM XX1 Eagle 12-speed groupset, powerful Guide RS Carbon brakes, hand-built carbon Roval wheels, and the Command Post IRcc dropper seat post. The whole specification not only keeps the weight down, but also cements this bike’s position as the pinnacle of performance for any rider from keen amateur right up to the pro ranks.
Roubaix Pro Di2
Why compromise between comfort and speed when there are bikes like the Roubaix that can provide both in abundance? Every year, the Roubaix is subject to bar-raising innovation, which not only increases the comfort but also improves its efficiency on the roughest terrain. It is a machine that demands to be thrashed over cobbles and allows its rider to do so with ease and in comfort thanks to the brand new Future Shock technology in the cockpit. This latest and greatest innovation is a revolution in smoothness, delivering 20mm of vertical travel without compromising speed, handling or comfort.
With the addition of the ultra-reliable and efficient Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and Shimano RS805 hydraulic disc brakes, this bike guarantees the cobble-munching efficiency suited to the race it was named after; the iconic Paris-Roubaix.
S-Works Evade Helmet
With safety at the front of the pack, plus aerodynamics and ventilation close runners-up, the S-Works Evade delivers everything anyone could ever need. The Evade features the Instrap webbing system for ultra-light construction and security, ensuring that the force to your head in an impact would be as low as possible by distributing the impact across a wider area of the helmet.
Where this helmet is statistically most impressive is in its aerodynamic ability. When measured in the Win Tunnel, the helmet was shown to save 46 seconds over 40km compared to a standard road helmet. Furthermore, not only will you look and feel fast in one of the unique designs, but you’ll stay cool thanks to the strategically positioned vents, enabling air to circulate to all areas of your head. Over a long ride, these features will significantly increase your comfort, and paired with the aerodynamic gains, this makes the Evade worth every penny.
Pro Jersey Torch Edition
The Torch jersey is designed to celebrate the heritage of the Olympics through the use of a flame-like design. Though inspired by a 3,000-year-old sporting event, this jersey features all the bells and whistles of modern performance cycling wear. The VaporRize™ knit fabric construction and Cold Fabric technology come together to create a garment which is extremely lightweight, soft against the skin, and keeps you cool without sacrificing the all-important on-bike style.
S-Works 6 Road shoes
The superior performance engineered design and aesthetics have made this shoe a favourite for some of the cycling world’s biggest names, including none other than world champion, Peter Sagan. The shoes were designed to be the stiffest and fastest shoe without compromising comfort or pedalling efficiency. The FACT Powerline™ carbon sole plate ensures that even at max power, the flex in the shoe will be minimal. Finally, the two Boa dials are strategically placed to enable easy adjustment, even when out on the road, enhancing the harmony between rider and machine.
