The 2015 Specialized women's road range advances the brand's continual commitment to women's cycling - David Rome / Immediate Media
This Specialized-lululemon collaboration Ruby may not be for sale, but expect it to be displayed in lululemon stores as Specialized bolsters its relationship with the brand - David Rome / Immediate Media
A closer look at the special-edition lululemon Ruby that is based on the brand's well-known mantra-covered bags - David Rome / Immediate Media
This Ruby frame is covered front to back with lululemon mantras… - David Rome / Immediate Media
…even inside the fork - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Specialized Ruby Pro Disc UDi2 (US$TBC / AU$7,999 / UK£TBC) will headline the new disc-equipped Ruby range - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Ruby Pro features a FACT 9R carbon frame with a women's specific 'endurance' carbon layup and Zertz inserts for riding comfort and control - David Rome / Immediate Media
While some brands (such as Giant's Liv) are using thru-axles with disc-equipped bikes, the Ruby sticks with standard quick releases - David Rome / Immediate Media
Hydraulic disc brakes offer ultimate braking control. Disc brakes are not so much about raw power as they are about being able to perfectly control the bite point - David Rome / Immediate Media
An integrated seat clamp delivers a clean look on the Ruby Pro Disc frame - David Rome / Immediate Media
Internal cable routing further improves the aesthetic of the Ruby Pro Disc - David Rome / Immediate Media
The front brake hose is cleanly routed underneath the fork's Zertz damping insert - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Vita Expert Carbon Disc EQ (US$TBC / AU$2,499 / UK£TBC) sits top of the line in the totally revamped Vita range - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Vita Sport Disc (US$TBC / AU$899 / UK£TBC) is the starting point for disc brakes on a Vita. Like all models in the series, it features a totally new frame design for greater versatility, comfort and confidence - David Rome / Immediate Media
First introduced last year, the Alias is a performance triathlon bike that doubles as a standard road machine. Pictured is the Alias Sport Tri (US$TBC / AU$2,999 / UK£TBC) with a FACT 10R carbon frame and 11-speed Shimano 105 shifting - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Alias Tri models come with these specially designed clip-on aerobars. A single Allen-key bolt (on each bar) is all that's required to install and remove them from the bike - David Rome / Immediate Media
For the price-conscious, the Specialized Dolce Elite EQ (US$TBC / AU$1,599 / UK£TBC) features a brand new frame, which is lighter and – it's said – more comfortable than the old - David Rome / Immediate Media
The performance-focused Amira Comp (US$TBC / AU$3,199 / UK£TBC) offers an 11-speed Shimano Ultegra groupset with Fulcrum S4 wheels - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Amira Comp uses a FACT 9r carbon frame for high stiffness and low weight - David Rome / Immediate Media
Internal cable routing and nice attention to paint detail help give the Amira a pleasing look - David Rome / Immediate Media
It's not very often you call a white bike 'stealthy', but this Amira SL4 Pro Race (US$TBC / AU$6,499 / UK£TBC) looks just that - David Rome / Immediate Media
Sitting between the SL4 Pro Race and the Comp is this Amira SL4 Expert (US$TBC / AU$3,999 / UK£TBC) in a Specialized-lululemon Team Replica paint - David Rome / Immediate Media
A closer look at the team replica paint on the Amira SL4 Expert - David Rome / Immediate Media
If this paintjob isn't your thing, this model is also offered in a gloss charcoal and emerald scheme - David Rome / Immediate Media
Specialized-lululemon team kit to match the bike - David Rome / Immediate Media
Just like what the team use… and this S-Works Amira SL4 Frameset (US$TBC / AU$3,999 / UK£TBC) was being affectionately called 'bad-ass meets girly yoga' - David Rome / Immediate Media
A closer look at the lululemon colours that hide inside the fork and rear triangle - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Specialized Ariel Sport Disc (US$TBC / AU$899 / UK£TBC) is an example of the brand's women's hybrid offerings - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Ariel range is somewhere between mountain and road bike. If you're looking for a fitness bike to ride everything, including the occasional gravel or dirt path, the Ariel is worth a look - David Rome / Immediate Media
Specialized has high reflectivity panels built into its shoes and helmets for added safety - David Rome / Immediate Media
We've showcased them already, but the Cadette shoes will be a popular cycle-fitness choice - David Rome / Immediate Media
Another we've shown before, the Women's Spirita road shoe (US$TBC / AU$129.95 / UK£TBC) looks set to be a popular entry-level item (it's also available in white) - David Rome / Immediate Media
The new Specialized Zante women's shoe (US$TBC / AU$249.95 / UK£TBC) weighs just 215g per foot and offers a carbon/composite outsole, low collar height and micro-adjustable Boa dial. it replaces the Pro Road shoe - David Rome / Immediate Media
The Grail glove places the gel padding in the middle of the palm and is said to flatten the hand surface, reducing fatigue and pain. It also won't increase your reach to the brake levers - David Rome / Immediate Media
You Ride, Your Rules. This is the new women's tagline from the Big Red S - David Rome / Immediate Media
As mentioned recently in our 2015 women’s mountain range highlights story, Specialized continues to show its strong commitment to women’s cycling with even more dedicated models for 2015. BikeRadar recently attended an Australia/New Zealand Specialized dealer launch and there was plenty to see in the widely updated women’s multi-use, fitness and road ranges.
It's important to state that these aren’t just men’s bikes with different colours, smaller sizes and women's saddles – Specialized has a large team dedicated to creating women’s products. Compared with the equivalent men’s models, frames are designed to offer precise fit, greater comfort and lower weight in proportion to a woman’s lighter build. Additionally, all contact points are designed for ultimate comfort; and handlebars allow for easy reach to the brake levers with smaller hands.
The specialized ruby pro disc udi2 (us$tbc / au$7,999 / uk£tbc) will headline the new disc-equipped ruby range : - David Rome / Immediate Media
Specialized Ruby Pro Disc UDi2
Following the introduction of the men’s Roubaix Disc, there is a now disc brake equipped version of the endurance road Ruby. This new platform aims to provide increased brake control and confidence from the already comfy-riding model. The top-end Ruby Pro Disc UDi2 (US$TBC / AU$7,999 / UK£TBC) offers lightweight carbon wheels – which, Specialized states, “has all the [material's] benefits without the scary braking”. While the Pro Disc UDi2 is the only disc-equipped Ruby we saw, there is talk of a cheaper SRAM Rival equipped 'Elite Disc' version – but this and availability of other models is TBC.
In addition to the Ruby Disc, all Ruby models now include the CG-R (AKA Cobl Gobl-R) seatpost, which helps to dampen the road vibrations before reaching the saddle.
Dolce
The price-conscious specialized dolce elite eq (us$tbc / au$1,599 / uk£tbc) features a brand new frame, which is lighter and more comfortable than the old : - David Rome / Immediate Media
Specialized Dolce Elite EQ
The Dolce is an entry-level value-orientated range of alloy framed bikes that share the carbon Ruby's handlebar height and reach. For 2015, the frames receive some tweaks that make them lighter and more comfortable, putting up a strong argument against those who claim alloy bikes ride harshly. Excluding the most basic Dolce, carbon forks are provided on all models with vibration-damping Zertz inserts to further improve ride comfort and control.
Models in the Dolce range such as the Elite EQ (US$TBC / AU$1,599 / UK£TBC) and Sport EQ (US$TBC / AU$1,299 / UK£TBC) are sold fully ready to ride with the ‘EQ’ meaning that matching bottle cages and saddle bag are included.
The Dolce Elite EQ features the same Smartweld frame technology as found on the new Allez bikes, enabling Specialized to attain weights more commonly associated with carbon frames. This model offers a wide gear range from its 20-speed Shimano Tiagra parts.
Amira
Sitting between the sl4 pro race and the comp is this amira sl4 expert (us$tbc / au$3,999 / uk£tbc) in a specialized-lululemon team replica paint : - David Rome / Immediate Media
Specialized Amira SL4 Expert in Specialized-lululemon Team Replica paint
The bike of choice for team Specialized–lululemon, the Amira is a performance focused carbon road bike that, according to its maker's boasts, is the world’s lightest and stiffest women’s bike. Despitebeing structurally unchanged from 2014, the S-Works Amira SL4 Frameset (US$TBC / AU$3,999 / UK£TBC) with its team paint scheme gained plenty of attention.
The base-model Amira Sport (US$TBC / AU$2,499 / UK£TBC) receives an upgrade to the FACT 9R carbon frame that’s both lighter and stiffer; combined with a Shimano 11-speed 105 groupset this model raises the value stakes.
Alias
First introduced last year, the alias is a performance triathlon bike that doubles as a road bike. pictured is the alias sport tri (us$tbc / au$2,999 / uk£tbc) with a fact 10r carbon frame and 11-speed shimano 105 shifting : - David Rome / Immediate Media
Specialized Alias Sport Tri
Launched for the 2014 season, the Specialized Alias is a performance road and triathlon bike. It’s a unique, versatile bike for those that are into triathlons but want a bike that can be ridden safety on the road and in groups when not competing.
Most models include specially designed clip-on aerobars for simple one-bolt installation and removal. The Alias’ seating positioning is forward, in line with TT standard operations and to suit the aerobars, but dealers are being encouraged to offer (sell) a second saddle and seatpost setup with a more rearward position so Alias owners can turn their bike into a road bike with a simple seatpost swap and removal of the aerobars.
Vita
The vita expert carbon disc eq (us$tbc / au$2,499 / uk£tbc) is the top of the line in the totally revamped vita range: - David Rome / Immediate Media
Specialized Vita Expert Carbon Disc EQ
Headlining the multi-use range of bikes is the Vita, something that’s pitched as a bike for those that love to cycle, but don’t associate themselves with being a ‘cyclist’. Previously the Vita used a Ruby frame with a flat handlebar – and was criticised for being cramped and skittish. So for 2015 the series gets a complete overhaul with an entirely new, dedicated frameset.
Where last year’s Vita had race-bike width 23c tyres, the new models jump to a confidence inspiring 30c (32c on base models) that also opens the bike’s versatility. Mounts for fenders (mudguards) are included for all-weather riders, and most models now feature disc brakes too.
There are three levels of frame available: a FACT 9R carbon frame with Zertz inserts, E5 Premium alloy and the basic A1 alloy. The carbon models include a matched carbon fork with Zertz inserts, while the tin-frame models receive a matched alloy fork.
No doubt the carbon models will be the most comfortable option, with their Zertz damping inserts front and rear. The Vita Expert Carbon Disc EQ (US$TBC / AU$2,499 / UK£TBC) sits at the top of the range with its 11-speed Shimano 105 gearing, Magura hydraulic disc brakes and super puncture resistant Specialized Espoir tyres. Additionally, all carbon models receive the same ‘EQ’ designation as the Dolce, with bottle cage and saddlebag included.
For a closer and further look at the range, scroll, swipe or click through our gallery at top.
