June 27, 2010 (Keystone, CO) – Specialized’s 2011 Press launch kicked into high gear on Saturday wayyyy up at the Keystone Resort in Colorado – and we mean wayyyy up! Media from around the globe have gathered well above 9,000 feet to breath in what mountain air there is and take in all the new 2011 offerings from the Big Red S.

An early morning start after an air thin, sleepless night soon brought us all to life. Mountain and road presentations are being run simultaneously in separate areas with Pedal’s Paul Newitt (that would be me) covering MTB and Sandra Walter covering road.

Day one was a full of bike presentations and playing on bikes with an introduction that began with Specialized announcing its goals for the new season defined by “Smoother is Faster.” First out of the start gate was the women’s line.

Women’s MTB
The highlight for the 2011 women’s line is the introduction of two new platforms, the Safire and the Myka HT 29er, offering improved fit, comfort, and efficiency.

The 2011 Safire now has inline, rear suspension, and the stand-over has been lowered over last year’s model to 688mm. The ability to achieve the lowest stand-over in the industry is thanks to new technology introduced by Specialized, which sees the top tube created in three parts. The central piece actually integrates the suspension into the frame!.

The 2011 Myka HT 29er is an innovative new design that offers women under 5’5″ a 29er experience. Specialized has kept stand over on this big wheeled bike at 687mm, and reach at 381mm. Stack height up front is one of the lowest in the industry at 599mm, thanks to an integrated headset, flat bars, and an 80mm travel fork. The new Myka is available in three sizes – 15″ for women 5’1″ to 5’4″, 17″ for riders 5″4’ to 5″7’, and 19″ for women over 5″4’.

Men’s MTB
The men’s line was second up and began with a stunning introduction of a 21lb full suspension 29er! The 2011 Epic S-Works 29er is the poster child for Specialized’s Smoother/Faster program, representing the lightest 29er dualie in the galaxy (according to Specialized engineers) – at only 9.67kg (21.27lbs) we don’t doubt them.

The Epic S-Works 29er is half a pound lighter than last year’s 26″-wheeled Epic. This weight achievement is the result of several innovations, including the introduction of new Roval Control SL Carbon wheels. The wheels have integrated oversized end caps and a carbon rim. The Epic’s rear end also gets overhauled with wider all carbon through axle spacing. The benefits mean easier wheel removal and replacement and an increase in stiffness which also allowed Specialized to lighten up the seat and chain stays.

Specialized is also introducing the new Camber for 2011. This little rocket of a bike is nestled between the Stumpy and the Epic and represents a whole new platform geared towards “Pure Fun”!The Camber is an excellent MTB pure bred model for those wanting a price-practical trail bike without all the bells and whistles. It was a blast to ride through the trails at Keystone. We took it up 2,400 feet of climbing and then ripped it down the same distance and it performed better than expected.

The Camber offers 120mm of travel (100mm on the 29er model), front and rear, with an inline FSR layout (same as the Stumpy and Epic. The frame is hydroformed, so it looks amazingly sculpted and allows for integrated pivot points. Specialized’s engineers told us you can pretty much pull this entire bike apart with a single 5mm Allen key! Gearing is geometry specific, with a double up front and a 24-38 on the 26″ bikes, and 24-38 on the 29ers. The Camber Pro weighs in at 26.5lbs and the 29er at 27.25 lbs.

Also worth mentioning is the introduction of EVO models in both the Stumpy and Enduro lines that are tricked out the way the top riders at Specialized like them – wider bars, bigger tires, beefier wheels, and a command post on the Stumpy. There are also EVO R models that have been tweaked for the racer in you, decked out with carbon parts, faster rolling tires, and custom chain guides.

Stay tuned for more to come on Day 2!