For this year’s Red Hook Crit series, Specialized decided to do something special. Rather than just sponsoring a team with off the shelf bikes and gear, each stop of the RHC series would feature the work of a different designer at Specialized. Fortunately for them, not only have the bikes stood out from the crowd, but the riders on them have as well.Team Allez Allez // Specialized, aren’t just doing well, they are dominating. In the first two races Colin Strickland and Aldo Ilesic have finished 1st and 3rd respectively for both races, putting them in 1st and 2nd place overall.
Earlier this week, the duo took on RHC London with a special bike that featured the artwork of Jon Takao…
Normally found working as Specialized’ footwear designer, Jon Takao decided to give the Allez Sprint track edition a bit of the royal treatment. Fitting for the race’s setting in London, England, the design features faux lugs with real gold leaf and a number of details inspired by Buckingham Palace. The design also includes reflective details to stand out under flash photography or under the lights for the race’s nighttime setting.
On each stop, the designers also put their spin on a complete kit using an S-Works Evade helmet, Evade GC skin suit, and Sub6 road shoes as a canvas.
During the first stop in Brooklyn, McKenzie Sampson who is an apparel designer with Specialized played with a “street art” theme and created two looks that were each other’s negatives.
Looking forward, Specialized’ Road Industrial Designer Brian Szykowny will take the reigns for the Barcelona RHC, with Adventure Industrial Designer Erik Nohlin closing it out with the bike and kit design for RHC Milano. Will team Allez Allez // Specialized make it a clean sweep? Whatever the outcome, we can expect two more wild creations in the future.
