June 30, 2010 (Keystone, CO) – Day 2 at the 2011 Specialized Global Press Launch was all about equipment and helmets were appropriately at the top of the list. The Prevail helmet was the highlight of the presentation, and was designed with comfort and rider experience in mind. And while it’s at the head of the pack with respect to weight, grams were not the main focus in the design.

The Prevail features some great technology that make this lid a must have for 2011. Maximize cooling is achieved on the helmet with 4D ventilation, which incorporates a mouth port, in-line vents, deep channeling and rear vertical vents. The unique Tactile-dial, double-clutch retention system offers bi-directional, one hand adjustment and 24mm of vertical occipital lobe adjustment.

Straps have been designed to be hygienic and a new Tri-Fix webbing system improves fit on a variety of head shapes and sizes. A wider ear cup allows for better fit around ear and there is now only a single strap under the chin, rather than the standard double.

The pad on the inside of the Prevail is very flexible so it puts no pressure on your head, and it can be removed to be washed. The Prevail is not only at the top of the class in weight at 185 grams, but also in aerodynamics – available this fall.

Tires
Three tires were presented for 2011: the S-Works Renegade 2Bliss Ready; the Butcher DH; and the Hillbilly DH. The S-Works Renegade has been improved, based on feedback from XC World Champ Christoph Sauser, in the areas of cornering and braking, as well as offering more versatility on a variety of terrain. The updates include taller center and side knobs for better breaking and cornering. Sauser is known for running the tires tubeless at pressures as low as 22 psi!

A single compound is used to allow the tire to be run during the hot summer months and not be too soft and this design decreases the chance of puncturing while allowing for better handling. The sub-tread has been reduced to save weight and these tires are now 2Bliss Ready allowing for tubes or tubeless.

Sam Hill (Specialized/Monster Energy Team) was influential in the design parameters for the new Butcher DH and the Hillbilly DH. The Butcher DH offers a world-class tire for freeride, DH performance on dry, and hardpack conditions. The Butcher features 60 TPI, wire bead, and is offered in 26″x2.3 and 26″x2.5 sizes.

The Hillbilly DH is based on the wet weather Storm DH and the knobs have been lowered vs. the Storm, while a harder compound has been chosen to provide stiffness for high speed cornering. Butyl insert Pinch protectors are placed around the wire bead for improved puncture resistance while the casing on the Hillbilly is 60 TPI, dual ply, the tire weighs in at 1,150grams.

The 29er tire line from Specialized is the most complete on the market, with five models represented by the Renagade, Fast Trak, The Captain , Purgatory, and Eskar.

Shoes
Specialized’s focus on shoes and saddles is based on their “being one with your bike” philosophy, or BG for short. Body Geometry (BG) is the driving force behind the harmonious marriage between rider and machine. Specialized has made great inroads with their shoes in the world of pro cycling, with many Pro team riders now adapting Body Geometry principals.

The 2011 BG highlights include the S-Works MTB shoe and the Pro MTB shoe. The S-Works MTB shoe, influenced heavily by Christoph Sauser, has been updated with new Boa dials (4th generation) with two changes – the rotation on the left shoe rotates forward, as does the right shoe, so the dial doesn’t hit things or undo during rides.

Two dials on each shoe fasten laces that are now threaded straight across the shoe, like a strap, to allow for a cleaner path for the lace (mud won’t clog it). A soft, flexible, breathable tongue has been added to spread the load of the laces across the top of the shoe to prevent hot spots when laces are locked down.

At the heel a crank saver layer has been added on the inside of the shoe and at the toe. The plate is like a road shoe, strong and stiff. The lugs are replaceable as are the treads. A stomp guard has been placed at the centre of the shoe to prevent damage to the carbon sole.

The Pro MTB shoe has a traditional buckle closure that fits some feet better than lacing. While the S-Works is a Race focused shoe the Pro MTB is more all-around allowing for some hike-a-bike capabilities. The D-Link provides a low profile, tool-less adjustable, closure system,which is lighter than last year’s system.

There is also a Pro MTB women’s version which has similar features to the men’s shoe, with less volume in the toe box and a heel collar height reduction specific to women’s anatomy.

Saddles
Specialized introduces several new saddles for 2011, all designed with BG principles in mind. Multiple widths and sizes are available to fit each and every rider while biomechanics and bloodflow issues are front and centre with the BG designed saddles.

The Phenom Pro, influenced by Ned Overend, is a huge improvement over last year. Shorts won’t get caught on the back of the smoothed back end of the saddle which also features a more durable material replacing the plastic bumpers of older models.

Padding has also been added at the base of the nose to allow for comfortable shoulder carrying, great for cyclocross and back country riders. Some flex has been built into the base to provide more comfort, but not so much that the saddle gives out over time. Note: only to be used with top mount seat posts, as the rail layout design allows for a 25% reduction in weight.

The Henge Expert is what Specialized calls their “Best Kept Secret” – a saddle that’s geared towards XC and all-mountain, endurance riding. While there is no obvious cutout in the centre of the saddle it still features all of the BG principles. The shell is hollowed out to allow for more foam use over the length of the saddle, providing a sleek profile with maximized comfort. The 2011 Henge also has a lower weight than last year’s model.

Bottle Cages
Two new bottle cages are offered for 2011, the Rib Cage and the Z-cage. The Rib Cage offers nylon and carbon versions snazzed up with new colour schemes while the Z-Cage offers side loading capabilities allowing for easy bottle access on smaller frames.