Specialized’s lead designer Robert Egger says many of the ideas and themes you find on Specialized’s high end bikes originates in the women’s line because their product managers tend to be more open minded about trying new shapes or ideas. For instance, the cobra-shaped headtube was first used on the Ruby, and the 2013 collection introduces several more features that are sure to find their way to the men’s bikes soon.
That said, the big changes largely mirror the men’s lineup. The women’s version of the Tarmac, the 2013 Amira SL4 frame carries forward unchanged with the tapered (1-1/4″ to 1-3/8″) steerer, FACT IS carbon construction and one-piece carbon fork.
The Pro gets a Specialized Lululemon team replica paint scheme, shown above, and the S-Works model gets the new Roval Rapide CLX40 wheels. The European market will get the replica paint scheme, too, but on a different trim level.
Adding sub-$2,000 carbon framed Amira and Ruby, and a slightly more expensive Ruby and Amira Sport. This gives them four low priced bikes that use the same molds as the higher end models just with a lesser carbon.
Left to Right: Amira Pro (14lb 2oz) and Amira Expert (16lb 7oz). The S-Works model had non-production parts and couldn’t be weighed.
The frame, however, came in at 900g even. A top level Amira tipped the scales at 17lb 0oz with SRAM Red, DT Swiss wheels and FSA SL-K cranks.
The 2013 Ruby borrows many of the updates from the new Roubaix, including the COBL GOBL-R seatpost at the S-Works level. The new frame gets improved geometry based on dealer and rider feedback. Stack and reach variations between the five available sizes is more gradual. The smaller sizes get a slacker seat angle to help make them easier to fit.
The seatpost clamp is quite a bit smoother than the Roubaix’s. New FACT TM construction minimized joints to reduce carbon overwraps, which saves weight. The fork is a straight 1-1/8″ fork with a new full carbon bearing race, the first for Specialized, with a monocoque construction all the way through the dropouts.
Like the Roubaix line, lower level Ruby bikes keep the older Zertz inserts and layup. Here, a visual comparison:
Left to right: Ruby Expert (17lb 3oz) and Ruby base level (19lb 8oz). The S-Works model had plastic show-only Dura-Ace 900 bits on it and couldn’t be weighed.
The alloy version, Dolce, remains in the line. A big part of Specialized’s womens presentation was the inclusion of color matched gear and riding accessories. This Dolce Elite w/ Works Kit came in at 21lb 10oz. The kit includes matching bottle cage, seat pack, computer and mini pump (the last two weren’t on this bike, but a second bottle cage was).
MOUNTAIN BIKES
The Fate finally gets the S-Works level that Rebecca Rusch and Lea Davison (will race it at the Olympics) have been racing for almost two years. The Fate S-Works uses their lighter FACT IS 11m carbon versus the 8m on the Expert and Comp models. The complete bike gets a mostly XTR drivetrain and brakes with SID Brain fork and the Roval Control SL carbon wheels.
Left to right: Fate S-Works (19lb 14oz) and Fate Expert (21lb 11oz).
Jett becomes a 29er only because they were outselling the 26″ Jett two to one. There’s a new base level Jett at $850, and the US will now get the Expert model with a few spec upgrades over the Comp. This one came in at 26lb 11oz with Deore.
The 120mm Safire FSR gets Autosag shocks and the Expert model gets a Fox TALAS fork that’ll go from 140 to 110 and keeps the Command Post. The Myka FSR stays the same for 2013 save for spec updates. No, there aren’t any full suspension women’s 29ers in the line…yet. Hold tight.
Left to right: Safire (26lb 9oz) and Myka Elite (28lb 4oz)
Missing from the collection are women’s specific triathlon and cyclocross bikes, but Amy Shreve, Specialized’s women’s gear product manager, is about 4’7″ and raced the smallest Crux to a handy win over Rebecca Rusch at the Snowbird ‘cross race, so it’ll fit a small person (she’s seen above holding the Safire & Myka bikes on the scale).
GEAR
New SL clothing collection with BG Gel Gloves, S-Works road shoe and lightweight jersey. All are color matched with white, silver and light teal.
The color coordination carries over to the components, too, on the Works Kit (bottle cage, pump, seat bag & computer), mentioned above. The helmets get a revamp with new ponytail friendly Hairport retention system, covered here.
