1974 - 2024
A 50-Year Tradition of Innovation
Specialized Looks to the Next 50 Years
1974 - 2024
A 50-Year Tradition of Innovation
Specialized Looks to the Next 50 Years
Looking back so we can Pedal the Planet Forward together.
1970s
The Birth of the Brand
1970s
The Birth of the Brand
1974
In 1974, Mike sold his VW bus to ride through Europe. During the ride, he seized the opportunity to import hard-to-get parts into the USA. The rest is history.
“In the beginning I made a conscious decision to focus on the Rider’s need for technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit.” - Mike Sinyard
Mike Sinyard
1976
“The Most Important Square Inch on the Bicycle”
The Specialized Touring Tire
After two years of R&D, the Specialized Touring Tire was born—the brand’s first product and the first-ever high-performance clincher.
1976
“The Most Important Square Inch on the Bicycle”
The Specialized Touring Tire
After two years of R&D, the Specialized Touring Tire was born—the brand’s first product and the first-ever high-performance clincher.
Your Ride Depends On This
The legacy of that first Specialized Touring Tire is powerful, with World Championships, gold medals, and countless other victories.
Your Ride Depends On This
The legacy of that first Specialized Touring Tire is powerful, with World Championships, gold medals, and countless other victories.
1980s
Bringing Bikes to the World
1980s
Bringing Bikes to the World
1980
Allez Means Go
The First Bicycles
Mike worked with custom builder Tim Neenan to develop Specialized’s first bikes, Sequoia and Allez—innovative, high-performance steel frames made in Japan.
1980
Allez Means Go
The First Bicycles
Mike worked with custom builder Tim Neenan to develop Specialized’s first bikes, Sequoia and Allez—innovative, high-performance steel frames made in Japan.
An Icon in Alloy
Allez Innovation
From a pinnacle race bike in the ’80s to the young new riders it brings into the sport today, Allez has continued to push the boundaries of alloy.
An Icon in Alloy
Allez Innovation
From a pinnacle race bike in the ’80s to the young new riders it brings into the sport today, Allez has continued to push the boundaries of alloy.
1981
It’s a Whole New Sport
Stumpjumper Debuts
Before the Stumpjumper, mountain biking was an inaccessible fringe. Mike believed that people around the world would love riding off-road. He was right.
1981
It’s a Whole New Sport
Stumpjumper Debuts
Before the Stumpjumper, mountain biking was an inaccessible fringe. Mike believed that people around the world would love riding off-road. He was right.
1988
Doing the Right Thing
IMBA Launches
When trail closures spiked, Specialized wrote the first check that birthed IMBA—protecting trail access for riders ever since
1988
Doing the Right Thing
IMBA Launches
When trail closures spiked, Specialized wrote the first check that birthed IMBA—protecting trail access for riders ever since
1990s
Mountain Bikes Come of Age, Road, & Body Geometry
1990s
Mountain Bikes Come of Age, Road, & Body Geometry
1990
Specialized Wins First MTB World Championship
Overend Pilots Stumpjumper Epic to Victory
Ned Overend and Thomas Frischknecht’s legendary battle at the first UCI XC Worlds saw Ned prevail on his carbon-tubed, ti-lugged Stumpjumer Epic Ultimate.
1990
Specialized Wins First MTB World Championship
Overend Pilots Stumpjumper Epic to Victory
Ned Overend and Thomas Frischknecht’s legendary battle at the first UCI XC Worlds saw Ned prevail on his carbon-tubed, ti-lugged Stumpjumer Epic Ultimate.
Evolution of the Fastest
Since Ned’s first Worlds win, the Specialized Epic has reigned supreme on the XC circuit. Relentless innovation has led to the all-new Epic 8—evolution of the fastest.
Evolution of the Fastest
Since Ned’s first Worlds win, the Specialized Epic has reigned supreme on the XC circuit. Relentless innovation has led to the all-new Epic 8—evolution of the fastest.
1991
Protection Meets Performance
Specialized Helmets
From the first Airforce, to today’s Evade or Gambit, no helmet is better ventilated, lighter weight, or more aerodynamic.
1991
Protection Meets Performance
Specialized Helmets
From the first Airforce, to today’s Evade or Gambit, no helmet is better ventilated, lighter weight, or more aerodynamic.
S-Works TT 5
Developed with Remco Evenepoel, the world’s fastest time trial rider, the TT 5 debuted in 2022 as the fastest helmet ever created. It was so fast that the UCI banned it in 2024.
1992
The Relentless Pursuit of Performance Beyond Reason
S-Works Debuts
Inspired by motocross “works” motorcycles and committed to creating the ultimate performance advantage for our elite racers, S-Works was born.
1992
The Relentless Pursuit of Performance Beyond Reason
S-Works Debuts
Inspired by motocross “works” motorcycles and committed to creating the ultimate performance advantage for our elite racers, S-Works was born.
Made in Racing
S-Works has enabled more top riders to win more big races than any other brand. We make the same products available to every rider. That’s Made in Racing.
Made in Racing
S-Works has enabled more top riders to win more big races than any other brand. We make the same products available to every rider. That’s Made in Racing.
1993
Yeah, it Works!
Full Suspension Leaders
After Debuting FSR, media and riders quickly heralded Specialized as the leaders in full suspension. ‘Specialized Science Club’ is still leading suspension innovation today.
1993
Yeah, it Works!
Full Suspension Leaders
After Debuting FSR, media and riders quickly heralded Specialized as the leaders in full suspension. ‘Specialized Science Club’ is still leading suspension innovation today.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
Specialized Science Club for the Win
Evidence-Based Full Suspension Performance
Our Ride Dynamics team holistically develops full-suspension bikes for an unparalleled ride. The result? Countless wins and backcountry peak experiences.
1997
Body Geometry
When the world learned that riding could make cyclists impotent, we created the Body Geometry saddle – the first saddle proven to protect blood flow and nerves.
1997
Body Geometry
When the world learned that riding could make cyclists impotent, we created the Body Geometry saddle – the first saddle proven to protect blood flow and nerves.
Identify a Problem, Solve it with Design, Prove It with Science.
Since ’97, we’ve been applying the Body Geometry methodology to solve rider problems anywhere you and your bike become one—shoes, saddles, bars.
Identify a Problem, Solve it with Design, Prove It with Science.
Since ’97, we’ve been applying the Body Geometry methodology to solve rider problems anywhere you and your bike become one—shoes, saddles, bars.
2000s
Coming of Age as a Leader in Road
2000s
Coming of Age as a Leader in Road
2000
Innovate or Die
Racing to Win in Europe
In 2000, our road bikes just weren’t good enough, so we went to Europe to join the pro peloton and learn from the best. This is innovate or die in action.
2000
Innovate or Die
Racing to Win in Europe
In 2000, our road bikes just weren’t good enough, so we went to Europe to join the pro peloton and learn from the best. This is innovate or die in action.
Earning Rainbows
Subtitle Copy Goes Here
We learned fast, winning our first Elite World Championship in 2002. We’ve now won it 15 times, a record unmatched in the modern era.
Earning Rainbows
Subtitle Copy Goes Here
We learned fast, winning our first Elite World Championship in 2002. We’ve now won it 15 times, a record unmatched in the modern era.
Earning Rainbows
We learned fast, winning our first Elite World Championship in 2002. We’ve now won it 15 times, a record unmatched in the modern era.
Earning Rainbows
We learned fast, winning our first Elite World Championship in 2002. We’ve now won it 15 times, a record unmatched in the modern era.
Earning Rainbows
We learned fast, winning our first Elite World Championship in 2002. We’ve now won it 15 times, a record unmatched in the modern era.
Earning Rainbows
We learned fast, winning our first Elite World Championship in 2002. We’ve now won it 15 times, a record unmatched in the modern era.
Earning Rainbows
We learned fast, winning our first Elite World Championship in 2002. We’ve now won it 15 times, a record unmatched in the modern era.
Earning Rainbows
We learned fast, winning our first Elite World Championship in 2002. We’ve now won it 15 times, a record unmatched in the modern era.
2003
One Bike to Rule Them All
The Tarmac is Born
An icon was born in 2003 when the first Tarmac hit the road—the S-Works Tarmac E5. Today, the Tarmac SL8 is undisputedly the fastest race bike in the world.
2003
One Bike to Rule Them All
The Tarmac is Born
An icon was born in 2003 when the first Tarmac hit the road—the S-Works Tarmac E5. Today, the Tarmac SL8 is undisputedly the fastest race bike in the world.
2004
First Roubaix
As bikes got stiffer and racier, Specialized saw the need for a new kind of bike - the Specialized Roubaix - proving that high ergonomics meant high performance.
Future Shock
Our pursuit of “smoother is faster” has led to ground-breaking innovations like the Future Shock, and seven wins at the legendary Paris Roubaix.
Future Shock
Our pursuit of “smoother is faster” has led to ground-breaking innovations like the Future Shock, and seven wins at the legendary Paris Roubaix.
2009
Founding Partner NICA
Because of NICA, high schools across the USA now have mountain bike teams. Specialized wrote the first check that led to NICA’s formation.
NICA Alum to Worlds Podium
NICA has produced countless passionate riders and several UCI World Cup Winners and World Champs, including Christopher Blevins, Haley Batten, and Kate Courtney.
NICA Alum to Worlds Podium
NICA has produced countless passionate riders and several UCI World Cup Winners and World Champs, including Christopher Blevins, Haley Batten, and Kate Courtney.
2010s
Setting the Stage for the Future of Cycling
2010s
Setting the Stage for the Future of Cycling
2010
A Victory Ten Years in the Making
First Tour de France Victory
In 2000, Specialized committed to making the best road bikes in the world and winning the Tour de France. In 2010, it happened on a Tarmac.
2010
A Victory Ten Years in the Making
First Tour de France Victory
In 2000, Specialized committed to making the best road bikes in the world and winning the Tour de France. In 2010, it happened on a Tarmac.
2011
50 Years of Blowing Away Barriers
Aero is Everything
We’ve been fighting aerodynamic resistance for almost 50 years, and in 2011, we changed the direction of road cycling forever with the very first Venge.
2011
50 Years of Blowing Away Barriers
Aero is Everything
We’ve been fighting aerodynamic resistance for almost 50 years, and in 2011, we changed the direction of road cycling forever with the very first Venge.
The Win Tunnel
We built our own Win Tunnel in 2013 to make our riders, bikes, and equipment faster and more efficient than ever. It’s our laboratory for fast.
The Win Tunnel
We built our own Win Tunnel in 2013 to make our riders, bikes, and equipment faster and more efficient than ever. It’s our laboratory for fast.
2012
It’s You, Only Faster
Turbo Launches
When we electrified the bicycle, we called it Turbo, and it was the most powerful, super-naturally smooth, and decidedly high-performance bike on the planet.
2012
It’s You, Only Faster
Turbo Launches
When we electrified the bicycle, we called it Turbo, and it was the most powerful, super-naturally smooth, and decidedly high-performance bike on the planet.
The Future Is Now, and It’s Electric
Media and riders have lauded the Turbo electric bike as best in class. With models for trail, road, transportation, and gravel, there’s a Turbo electric bike to elevate every ride.
The Future Is Now, and It’s Electric
Media and riders have lauded the Turbo electric bike as best in class. With models for trail, road, transportation, and gravel, there’s a Turbo electric bike to elevate every ride.
2014
Helping Humans Thrive By Bike
Outride Founded
Mike Sinyard, self-diagnosed with ADHD, found solace in cycling. He started Outride in 2014 to bring cycling's social, emotional, and cognitive benefits to everyone.
2014
Helping Humans Thrive By Bike
Outride Founded
Mike Sinyard, self-diagnosed with ADHD, found solace in cycling. He started Outride in 2014 to bring cycling's social, emotional, and cognitive benefits to everyone.
Outride's Riding for Focus program promotes youth well-being through school cycling. It's partnered with 300+ schools, impacting 50,000+ young people every year.
Raising Awareness
Outride's pioneering research proves cycling's neurological benefits for young people in the face of a growing mental health crisis. Outride’s next chapter will be expanding its research to understand the power of cycling to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s in aging individuals, and sharing its research and methods worldwide to inspire more people to improve their lives, no matter their age, through the power of pedaling.
Raising Awareness
Outride's pioneering research proves cycling's neurological benefits for young people in the face of a growing mental health crisis. Outride’s next chapter will be expanding its research to understand the power of cycling to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s in aging individuals, and sharing its research and methods worldwide to inspire more people to improve their lives, no matter their age, through the power of pedaling.
2015
Women of Specialized
From Team Stumpjumper riders like Sara Ballantyne to Tour de France and Worlds winners Demi Vollering and Lotte Kopecky, women on Specialized have led the way.
2019
Peter Sagan: 3 World Championships and Seven Green Jerseys
Beyond the incredible victories, Peter Sagan brings an infectious irreverence and personality to cycling that makes him cycling’s ambassador to the world.
2020s
Innovate or Die
2020s
Innovate or Die
The Kids are Alright
Creating the Next Generation
Over 50 years, we’ve had the great fortune to partner with iconic riders. Today, a new generation is ready to take up the mantle of inspiring the next.
The Kids are Alright
Creating the Next Generation
Over 50 years, we’ve had the great fortune to partner with iconic riders. Today, a new generation is ready to take up the mantle of inspiring the next.
2024 - 2074
The Bike Saves the World
Pedal the Planet Forward
There is no problem the bicycle can not solve—mental health, physical well-being, sustainability. That’s why we’re committed to getting 1 million bikes back on the road by the end of 2025 through our ‘Reduce, Reuse, ReSpecialized’ initiative launching August, 2024.
We don’t care what kind of bike you ride—just ride.
2024 - 2074
The Bike Saves the World
Pedal the Planet Forward
There is no problem the bicycle can not solve—mental health, physical well-being, sustainability. That’s why we’re committed to getting 1 million bikes back on the road by the end of 2025 through our ‘Reduce, Reuse, ReSpecialized’ initiative launching August, 2024.
We don’t care what kind of bike you ride—just ride.
It took us 50 years to get ready for this moment.
Let’s get started.
It took us 50 years to get ready for this moment.
Let’s get started.