Specialized has launched its own custom bike builder, but it’s a bit different than, say, Trek’s Project One.
The twist is there’s no online configurator. Instead, you’ll head into your local Specialized dealer to order the bike, providing them the opportunity to use the company’s Body Geometry fit program to help you select the right size and shape saddle, stem, handlebar and crank arms, as well as the right frame size. The parts will be pulled from the vast library of Specialized cockpit options, tires, wheelsets and cranks, leaving only the brakes and drivetrain up to you and your dealer.
Not only will you get a bike dialed to your body, but you’ll get the option of a few special colorways unavailable through their stock offerings. Currently, the program is only for the S-Works editions of the Tarmac (regular or disc) and Epic FSR. No, they’re not cheap, but they are likely to finish up under the halo $10K+ S-Works models…
The program sticks to preset frame colors and designs, but you get to pick things like saddle and bar tape color, the shape and width of the handlebar, stem length, saddle width and model, etc. The bikes are sold at a set price for the complete frameset with cockpit, wheels and tires, then the dealer orders the drivetrain and brakes to complete the bike. Of course, you’ve got the option of upgrading wheels and other items at additional expense. This structure keeps Specialized from having to stock myriad drivetrain parts and/or limiting your options…which means you can put anything you want on there, even parts you’ve already got.
Tarmac colorways include Kwiato…
… Team Saxo (clockwise from top left), Satin/Gloss Red/Carbon/White, Satin/Gloss Carbon White, and Satin/Gloss Carbon Clean…
…S-Build Mean and S-Build Lean…
…and Nibali Celebration.
The S-Works Epic will be available in WC and standard frames. Above is the WC Gallardo Orange. All come with the Fox Auto-Sag rear shock, forks are either the RS-1 or a Brain-equipped SID.
S-Build Mean and S-Build Lean.
Satin Carbon Magenta.
Satin Carbon/White/Light Blue/Bright Yellow (top), Satin Carbon White and Satin/Gloss Carbon. You can also pull from any of the inline (stock) frame color options for these models, too.
The BG Fit is an additional cost, but if you’ve already got bike fit numbers, you can plug those in. Once ordered, it’ll ship to your dealer for assembly, then you’re off to the races.
Check out the S-Build custom program homepage here.
