Specialized are riders – that fact has guided very decision that the business has made since 1974 and is why they’ve become one of the most recognised and respected names in the world of cycling.
Specialized can be found across all disciplines of cycling, and the prowess of their bikes has been proven at the highest levels of racing, from Downhill and XC MTB to Road and beyond.
Starting with the very first Stumpjumper (which still appears on their line-up to this day, though thankfully looking a bit more modern), Specialized have been there since the dawn of MTB and have blossomed through the ages into one of the biggest bike brands in the world.
Below we look at 4 top picks from the 2022 Specialized Collection, as well as our top Specialized helmet picks!
Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp Alloy Full Suspension MTB
We had to kick things off with the Stumpjumper. As we touched on above, the name itself is extremely important to the world of mountain biking, having been there since the conception of the sport.
The Stumpjumper Evo Comp Alloy is one of the latest additions to the Stumpjumper line-up, following on from its carbon siblings and knocking a fair chunk off the price in the process. The Evo version of the much loved Stumpjumper features more travel and a slacker (adjustable) head angle than its standard counterpart, enabling you to tackle even the rowdiest trails!
Components-wise, the comp model comes with Fox Suspension at both ends, sturdy Specialized 29” wheels, a 1×12 SRAM drive train and SRAM Code R breaks – this bike is ready to shred straight out the box.
Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon Gravel Bike
Gravel is a blossoming discipline in the UK, fuelled in part it seems by 2 years of global pandemic and forced exploration of what one’s local area had to offer while travel was off the cards.
Whether you’re looking to explore your local back roads and bridleways, or drop the hammer at your favourite gravel race, the Specialized Comp Carbon Gravel Bike can do it all. Specialized say the new Diverge represents everything they’ve learnt over 40 years of riding road, gravel and dirt and may just be the most fun bike they’ve ever made.
The Diverge boasts Specialized’s Future Shock 2.0 technology, providing 20mm of travel to reduce rider fatigue and allow for a smoother, faster ride. Components wise on the Comp model you’ll find the same FACT 9r carbon frame, and Future Shock 2.0 technology as the Expert version but with SRAM’s mechanical shifting Rival 1×11 gravel groupset and alloy DT Swiss G540 wheels.
An extremely good looking and fantastic handling gravel bike!
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ Hybrid Bike
We are huge advocates for the use of electric bikes for commuting (of course!) but the Specialized Turbo Vado SL truly is a standout model in its class. The SL version of Specialized’s popular electric hybrid features a fully integrated 320Wh battery and it’s lightweight 240W / 35 Nm motor provides 2x you rider amplification – up to 180% assistance!
What this essentially means is that the bike weighs considerably less than your standard e-bike, which balances out the smaller battery/motor and gives you just as much, if not more range. Plus it comes with the added benefit of it being much easier to manoeuvre if you need to carry the bike up any steps/into it’s storage location etc.
This bike also features built in lights enabling you to see and be seen outside of daylight hours, plus DRYTECH fenders for keeping water and road spray away. If you’ve got lots of luggage the standard rear rack is ready for your bags and panniers.
We love this bike and think it’s a perfect go-to for local transportation.
Specialized Kenevo Comp Electric Mountain Bike
The Specialized Kenevo is one of the most capable eMTB’s on the market. 180mm of travel front and rear means this bike is ready to take the biggest hits and shred the gnarliest trails you can find.
A 500Wh battery provides plenty of range, and with Specialized’s mission control app you can handle battery management automatically, meaning your battery will last as long as you need it to! (No-one likes that feeling of battery anxiety when on a big days riding). The ultra-smooth and lightweight 2.2 motor can double your pedal power for when you really want to blast up or down the trail and the addition of 12 speed gearing from SRAM makes even the steepest climbs feel easy.
The Comp model is loaded with a smart mix of components – the Fox Float X Performance shock offers a plush ride and adjustable low-speed compression and rebound damping and the Marzzochi Bomber Z1 fork features the proven Fox GRIP damper. A simple, reliable suspension setup that will help you dial in your ride to suit the terrain.
The Specialized Kenevo Comp is an excellent choice for anyone looking to blast up the climbs and bomb it back down the trails – your very own personal uplift service!
Specialized Helmets
Years of knowledge in the bike industry has allowed Specialized to branch out beyond just the world of bicycle production. Specialized does it all – from tyres and components, through to head-to-toe riding kit!
As Specialized are currently running their Helmet Amnesty Program (Up to 50% off selected helmets when trading in your old one), we thought we’d take the time to discuss a few of our favourite helmets that are available on the promotion.
Unfortunately the Helmet Amnesty is currently available in-store only, so if you’re reading this from further afield than our 12 stores in London & South East then huge apologies! But, promotion aside, Specialized Helmets are worth consideration regardless – so keep reading to find out more.
Specialized Align II MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
The Specialized Align II sits at £45 RRP – a bit of a bargain for a helmet that looks that good! Plus, it features revolutionary Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which helps protect against rotational forces should the worst happen.
Also featured in this helmet is Specialized’s 4th dimension cooling system which optimises ventilation and keeps you cool on warmer days. The Align II comes in 3 universal sizes with a micro-adjustable dial that allows riders to perfectly adjust the fit to suit their individual need.
A feature rich helmet that leaves some money in the bank!
Specialized Echelon II MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
Another road ready helmet equipped with MIPS technology. The Specialized Echelon II has a sleek, fast looking profile and increased ventilation (and of course exceptional fit and comfort).
As above, the Echelon II features the 4th Dimension cooling system that optimizes ventilation, and the composite matrix internal reinforcement allows for larger vents for greater cooling.
The fit system of this model is also ANGi crash sensor ready. Specialized’s ANGi crash sensor will detect a crash, and send an alert to your selected contacts with your last known GPS coordinates and a message that you’re in need of help. (It will give you a countdown before this happens, so if you’re ok you can cancel and keep on riding).
Specialized Tactic 4 Mountain Bike Helmet
The Specialized Tactic 4 only recently joined Specialized’s line-up of helmets and it’s proving to be a big hit with trail and enduro riders!
The Tactic 4 is also ANGi ready and certified to the NTA 8776 standard meaning you’re safe whether you’re on an “analogue” or electric mountain bike.
This helmet features a MIPS Evolve system, which again protects against rotational forces, but provides additional style, comfort and fit. It was also designed to provide extra coverage of our occipital area (the bone in the back lower part of your skull) and the integrated visor allows for a seamless fit with goggles or glasses.
Specialized Shuffle LED MIPS Youth Helmet
A MIPS equipped cycling helmet for keeping your children safe while out on two wheels! The Specialized Shuffle LED MIPS helmet features an integrated LED tail light for increased visibility both in bright and low-light conditions and child-oriented sizing provides an optimized fit.
An in-moulded shell improves the strength of this helmet, while reducing weight for extra comfort and comes with the same 4th dimension cooling system as it’s adult counterparts mentioned above!
Stylish, youthful designs complement Specialized’s bike graphics and colours.
If you made it here to the bottom of this post – thank you! We hope you found it an informative and helpful read. Which models from the Specialized line-up are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!