Specialized are unveiling their new range of bikes for 2009 at the 08 Cycle Show in Earls Court this week. The new extensive line up will be displayed along cross-country World Championship winning bikes and state of the art pro peloton road bikes. The latest Body Geometry (BG) equipment and clothing will also be on show on the Specialized stand as well as on stage during the fashion show.

Specialized UK’s MD, Richard Hemington talks about the new 09 line up and explains that “Everything in the 2009 line starts with our founding principle to focus on the riders need for technically advanced products that provide a true performance benefit. Every Roubaix and Tarmac, except the entry level, receives a new, upgraded frame. Our Hardrock line is by far the lightest in the industry and has already been selling extremely well. The totally reinvented Sirrus family will blow away your expectations and the FSRxc continues to redefine “performance to the people”. The all-new Big Hit and SX Trail platforms will delight the gravity addicted”.

The following are a few of the headliner bikes and equipment areas that Specialized have been working hard to develop and deliver.

Epic - The Brain of the Operation

Totally redesigned for 2009, the new Epic are the fastest Competitive XC mountain bikes ever created. Total suspension integration and a no-compromise approach to engineering and development have made these amazing bikes a reality. No other competitive XC bike has boasted a better combination of light-weight, incredible efficiency (thanks to FSR suspension, BRAIN technology front and rear as well as incredible BB stiffness) and unsurpassed control (derived from FSR, proven geometry and enhanced torsional rigidity).

Roubaix SL2 – Nothing is Smoother and Faster

Watching Tom Boonen win Paris-Roubaix in April on his prototype Roubaix SL2 was simply incredible. Together Specialized and pro athletes have been pushing to change cycling so that high ergonomics means high performance. The 2009 Roubaix SL2 is the outcome. With all of the vertical compliance of previous Roubaix, vibration damping of Zertz technology and lateral and torsional rigidity approaching the Tarmac SL2, this bike is performance and ergonomics incarnate.

GLOBE – Powered By Apples and Bananas

With environmental and wellness concerns and soaring fuel prices, there most certainly are clear problems. And, as we know, bikes are the solution! Following on their success with the Innovate-or- Die contest, Specialized have innovated with a totally redesigned GLOBE offering, focused at getting people out of cars and onto bikes. Its category-leading, light weight, ergonomic touch points, dialled in geometry and flat resistant tyres perfect are perfect for utilitarian riding. The Globe is an exclusive line available only to Specialized dealers.

Designs for Women

Specialized road families and mountain bikes have independent, experience specific families that allow for even further frame and specification tuning - just for women. As the Ruby and Dolce have been free to develop exclusively based on the needs and wants of women, the 2009 Designs for Women mountain bikes have been created from a clean sheet of paper so they fit, perform and ride as well as possible for women.

Body Geometry Shoes

Body Geometry technology has proven to increase efficiency and power output. Specialized continue to work with Dr. Andy Pruitt to advance the shoe range which not only offer all the benefits of Body Geometry, also have the world’s lightest shoe with a mechanical closure (the S-Works Road). The key models to watch out for are the new Pro Road and Mountain models.

Apparel

Specialized’s apparel business has been growing at a very brisk pace. Engineered down to the finest detail and purpose built to deliver an optimal riding experience.

BG F.I.T.

In conjunction with our close partner Dr. Andy Pruitt EdD, PA, we continue to refine and improve BG Fit Integration Technology (BG F.I.T.). This system integrates bike fit training, bike geometries and key components such as adjustable stems and handlebars and key equipment categories like shoes, saddles, apparel, gloves and bar coverings. The BG F.I.T. intensive dealer fit training program through SBCU has been a great success with over 20 technicians completing this course.

Andy Pruitt will be on hand talking about Specialized's unique BG FIT system.