July 1, 2008 (Morgan Hill, CA) – After four days and over 250km of saddle time on some of Specialized’s top of the line equipment we have a lot to tell you, so grab a jabba and read on. We had the opportunity to put a ton of hours on both the 2009 Roubaix SL2 and the Tarmac SL2 and came back with a great feel for both bikes.

The Roubaix, as reported earlier, has a much more “Tarmac” feel for 2009 and it’s definitely noticeable. Roubaix SL2 is faster and more responsive but hasn’t given up an iota of comfort. More than six hours on roads that Californian tax dollars have obviously bypassed were hardly noticeable as the Roubaix glided over the rough. Some very long, tough climbs and descents really highlighted the Roubaix’s improved lateral stiffness and handling. This is definitely the best version of the Roubaix Specialized has launched.

The Tarmac SL2 remains a stiff and steady, speed demon and did not see as many changes for 2009 as the Roubaix but one noticeable newbie on the Tarmac SL2 is the redesigned rear end. The seat stays, like on the Roubaix, have been triangulated at the seattube and the chainstays are taller, providing even more lateral stiffness in the frame.

There are several other bikes also in Specialized line up for the 2009 season.

– The New Tarmac SL Pro, which uses the same molds as the SL2, features FACT IS construction. Materials and lay-up are modified slightly to allow for a more accessible price point. – The New Tarmac Expert also gets some trickle down from the SL2. It’s new triple monocoque frameset shares the same tube shape with SL2, it has 48 mm chain stays, and uses a 1 ¦ ‘ integrated lower bearing in the headtube.
– TriCross gets the addition of Classique wheelset and new brakesets.
– In the Recreation line you will find the Allez Elite and Comp with new A1 frames. The new Allez Elite actually has greater BB stiffness than the 2007 pro team Tarmac SL.
– The Langster series of Veledrome / Fixed Gear Road bikes are offered up in some amazing “City” customized styles. The bikes come with A1 Chassis with a FACT fork, and flip flop hubs (fixed gear one side, and single speed free on the other). There are several different styles for different cities – Vegas Version, New York Checkered Cab edition, Tokyo edition, San Francisco, Monaco with classic track bar, and the popular Seattle, with green paint, a coffee holder, umbrella logos and fenders.

More than Bikes

Many of the lines, including clothing, shoes, and accessories have seen some changes for 2009 and a few additions. Two new road shorts, the RBX and the SL, offer riders an option when it comes to pad performance. The RBX is suited for longer rides featuring a triple density foam pad and denser, heavier fabric for endurance. The SL features more freedom of movement with its dual density, low weight foam pad, lighter fabric, and mesh panels. Both shorts are available for men and women.

In apparel Specialized introduces the Solar Jet Jersey constructed with UPF 50 factor fabric to provide 2-3 times the sun protection of a typical jersey.

There are a few updates in the shoe department at Specialized for 2009. The S-Works Road at 250 grams is the lightest shoe with a mechanical closure on the market and comes in a new blue colourway. The Pro road has a new, completely redesigned sole and SL buckle, a replaceable heel tread with internal fasteners, torsional box stiffness, and longitudinal stiffening ribs, all at 275 grams. The Comp Shoe also has a new SL buckle for 2009. The Defroster features waterproof upper constuction and snug fit with high collar and insulated toe.

Specialized Programs

Specialized has been supporting women’s health now for years through their Designs for Women program, but for 2009 they step it up a notch with the Komen Designs for Women Initiative.

Specialized will dontate 10% of the retail price of either the Limited Edition Susan G. Komen for the Cure Ruby or Myka FSR bikes, or from any of the Komen-branded products from Specialized. A minimum of $250,000 will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer – for more info visit www.komen.org.

The products include in this program are: Ariel SL Saddle and Ruby Saddle, Riata Mountain and Spirita Road Shoes, BG Sport, and Enduro Glove, and Sleeveless Print Jersey. All products will be offered in a special, pink colourway.

Stay tuned, we’re now heading off into the California mountains to get down and dirty at Specialized’s 2009 MTB camp.We will bring you all the details on the latest fat tire treats Specialized will be serving up around the camp fire.