What’s better than a special edition? How about 3 new limited edition bikes released every month? That’s exactly what Specialized is doing with their new Specialized Edition. Each new bike will be a one-time production with a limited global quantity somewhere between 200-400 frames or complete bicycles. The new bikes will all have an increased attention to detail with the paint and prep, and possibly some new designs or tech not seen before on Specialized bikes. Each bike will also have a Specialized Edition aluminum badge with the individual frame number inscribed as well as an accompanying certificate of authenticity with the signature of Mike Sinyard and the product team member responsible for the design.
Specialized mentioned that the bikes in the future could be something crazy like a Robert Egger Edition MTB where Robert would have control over the paint and spec of the build. Bikes would be outside the control of the typical product and paint selection, where the market typically drives the final decisions. Instead, the Specialized Editions are a chance for Specialized to see how the market reacts to some truly unique designs. Above are hints at future designs, with Tom Boonen’s bike on the left, and we’re assuming Alberto Contador’s on the right.
Starting in May, 3 designs will be released per month for a total of 16 different models that will cover the entire range of the Specialized brand. The two models currently out include the Ruby Comp 10-Year complete and the Stumpjumper FSR Carbon EVO Troy Lee Designs Frameset. See both of those, plus get a sneak peek at the S-Works Tarmac Nibali and S-Works Amira Specialized-Lululemon which are the next two models to be released after the break.
The Ruby 10-Year Comp celebrates the 10th anniversary of Specialized’s women’s specific product, and features a custom paint job and premium spec. Only 125 individually numbered framesets will be offered once it is released in April in sizes 44-57.
Released in March, the TLD StumpJumper EVO has already been covered here, but its paint job is worth a second look. Built to have fun and go fast, the TLD paint job certainly makes it stand out . Limited to 200 framesets, 100-26″ and 100-29″, in S, M, L, and XL.
As one of the next Specialized Editions to be released, the Nibali Tarmac SL4 is adorned with gorgeous paintwork paying tribute to the Italian superstar. Personal touches to the frame include inspiration from his birth place – the strait of Messina as well as a shark and blue paint for the beauty of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. Limited to 300 individually numbered framesets in 49-61cm frames, available in May.
Finally, without giving too many of the new Specialized Editons away, there is the Specialized-Lululemon S-Works Amira (but you can see something very similar here that’s been available outside the US) and the Expert level that is. Honoring one of the strongest teams in the women’s peloton, the Lululemon Amira will be limited to 170 numbered frames in 44-57cm frames also available in May.
Stay tuned as Specialized continues to roll out the Editions!