Specialized Feature
If you’re an avid follower of InForm TM Insight MAKE, you’ll notice that the team race on top-end road bikes made by our sponsor Specialized Bicycle Components.
Based in Morgan Hill, USA, the brand was founded in 1974 by owner and CEO Mike Sinyard.
“Mike saw an opportunity to bring in better components to the US from Europe. He didn’t start by making bikes, he started by making tyres, which was the first opportunity he saw,” Product Marketing Specialist Tim Webster said.
Specialized Founder and CEO Mike Sinyard - Photo by Bay Area News Group.
Five years later in 1979, Sinyard made the first Specialized bike when he started making touring bikes after he returned from Europe. In 1981 Sinyard made the first production mountain bike, which was the Stumpjumper.
“Mike is one of the founding fathers of mountain biking in the world. The Stumpjumper was the first mass production made mountain bike that’s recognised by everyone,” Webster said.
1981 Specialized Stumpjumper - photo by Seb Rogers
Specialized stock a whole range of different bikes such as top-end road bikes, mountain bikes, and high-end E-bikes. They also stock the basics that are required to ride a bike such as stock tubes, tyres, wheels, apparel, and other equipment.
InForm TM Insight MAKE rider David Williams loves the Specialized Tarmac bike, he recalls his reaction when climbing on it for the first time.
“It’s so responsive. Even going down the descent a couple of kilometers later I thought oh my god this is unbelievable. I’ve ridden a few different road bikes but the Specialized bikes stand out,” Williams said.
David Williams racing on the Specialized Tarmac.
Product Specialist Tim Webster believes that the approach of innovation or die and the ability to test bikes using the wind tunnel is what makes Specialized stand out.
“The guys in Morgan Hill are always figuring out ways to put the rider first of what they want and always make sure that there looking to drive innovation,” Webster said.
InForm TM Insight MAKE thank Specialized for continuing to support the team. For all your bicycle needs, please visit specialized.com.
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