Specialized is one of the world's leading bicycle manufacturers and one of the brands that has achieved the most success in major international competitions in both road cycling and mountain biking. Perhaps for this reason, it has become a cult brand among millions of fans around the world, following a case similar to that of Apple mobile phones or Mercedes cars. It is rare to find a group ride or amateur team where there aren't at least a couple of cyclists or bikers riding a Specialized bike. And just as many drivers want to own a Mercedes or a BMW, if you ask your circle of cycling friends what bike they would like to have, a large percentage will tell you a Specialized. But buying a Specialized bicycle is not a simple task. While other brands in its category focus on making bikes for the high-end competition segment, Specialized covers the entire spectrum of possible ranges, from the lowest entry-level models to the highest designed for professionals. If we look at the 2020 season catalog, we find that there are 34 different models and a total of 152 versions of distinct Specialized bicycles. With such a wide range of options, choosing a bike is no longer just a matter of budget. If you have decided that your next bike will be a Specialized, in this article we want to help you choose the most suitable model and version for you based on how you plan to use it and the features that best fit your needs.
➡️ We help you choose your ideal bike
Specialized Ranges by Component Level
Specialized usually groups the different versions of each bike model according to the level of components they come equipped with and the type of carbon used in the construction of each frame (in the case of frames made with this material). In this way, the American brand has different ranges of its main models adapted to the level and demands of each user. It is not the same for a cyclist looking for a road bike to get started and ride 40 kilometers a couple of times a week, as for a racer who competes every weekend and wants to improve their times. The ranges of Specialized bikes, ordered from lowest to highest component level, are as follows:
- Sport
- Elite
- Comp
- Expert
- Pro
- S-Works
The Sport versions come equipped with lower-end groupsets and components. They usually correspond to the entry-level for each category, indicated for those who are new to cycling and are looking for something simple to get started in the sport. With each step up in the range, the components are of a superior level and the materials used to manufacture the bike are lighter.
The most premium versions of Specialized bicycles are those classified within the S-Works range, with high-modulus carbon frames and both mechanical and electronic groupsets of superior category. This difference, obviously, is reflected in the price. That is why, for example, a Specialized Epic Comp costs almost three times less than a Specialized Epic S-Works, even though it is the same bicycle model. These ranges do not apply equally to all Specialized bicycle models. The S-Works versions are reserved only for the top models in each category. Thus, for example, the Specialized Allez from the 2020 season only has Sport and Elite versions, since it is an entry-level road bike model. On the other hand, we have the Specialized Epic EVO, which is only available in Comp and S-Works versions because it is a mountain bike model designed for the highest level of competition. Knowing the range level is important in order not to make a mistake when choosing which version of each model best suits our characteristics and needs.
Road Bikes
The relationship of Specialized with the world of road cycling is very close, and the American manufacturer's road bikes enjoy wide popularity and fame among amateur cyclists of all levels. In the professional world, one of the most prominent figures who has helped position the brand among the most desired is Peter Sagan, whose successes have contributed to making Specialized bikes among the most coveted. Specialized manufactures high-competition road bikes and covers the main geometries of road bikes designed for the main types of use: racing, endurance, aero, and time trial. When choosing one model or another, it is necessary to consider the purpose for which the American brand designed it, beyond colors, equipment, and personal taste. These are the main road bike models from Specialized.
Specialized Tarmac
The Specialized Tarmac is a racing or climbing road bike from the S brand. Bicycles of this type are racing bikes, designed to offer an agile and responsive ride in every situation, whether in competitions or in group rides and training sessions. The geometry of its frame is designed to make the most of every pedal stroke and transmit the power of every change of pace and pedal stroke as efficiently as possible to the road. Specialized uses the lightest components and materials in its Tarmac model, since the goal is to lighten and provide a fast ride both on the flat and when climbing mountain passes or descending a mountain road. There is a model Equivalent to the Specialized Tarmac with a women's frame geometry. It is the Specialized Amira.
➡️ Climbing road bikes or racing type
Who is this bike for? The Specialized Tarmac is a bike recommended for cyclists who participate in road races and are looking to improve their times, as well as for climbers who enjoy challenging themselves on mountain passes.
Specialized Venge
The Specialized Venge is an aero type bike. Just like the Tarmac, it is a model designed to offer race performance, but with the added benefit of an aerodynamic design. Its goal is to provide the greatest aerodynamic optimization possible to allow you to ride as fast as possible. In other words, it is a bike to win in sprints, so if your goal is to ride calmly on the road with a group at an easy pace on weekends, this model is not for you. It is the bike Peter Sagan usually uses in one-day classic races.
➡️ See aero road bikes
Who is this bike for? This is a bike for racing, not for comfortable riding. We recommend this model if you practice Olympic triathlon or want to participate in road races that are not long distance and are mostly on flat terrain.
Specialized Roubaix
While the Tarmac and Venge models are designed to shave off every second on the road by sacrificing comfort for speed, the Specialized Roubaix bike is just the opposite. It is the endurance (or gran fondo) model from the American manufacturer. This type of bike is designed for long-distance rides and events on roads that have an irregular profile or not-so-good asphalt. For example, it is used to ride on the rough cobblestones of the Paris-Roubaix classic (hence the bike's name). Its design is intended to provide a more comfortable riding position and absorb irregularities in the terrain. The equivalent model for women is the Specialized Ruby.
➡️ See gran fondo road bikes
Who is this bike for? We recommend the Specialized Roubaix if you're looking for a bike that provides race-level performance on long-distance rides or if you're going to ride on roads with poor or irregular asphalt.
Specialized Allez
The Specialized Allez is a versatile bike, designed to do a bit of everything but without being a specific model for racing, aero, or gran fondo. That is, it is a road bike for the average enthusiast. In general, we can say that it is a Specialized Tarmac cheaper, with more affordable components and an aluminum frame.
Who is this bike for? We recommend the Specialized Allez if you are looking for a road bike that works for everything: training, riding with your group, and participating in some events and routes without the pressure of competing and seeking the best possible performance. It is also an excellent option as a first road bike.
Specialized Shiv
The Specialized Shiv is one of the most popular time trial bikes on the market. It is designed for professional competition in long-distance triathlon events (Ironman, Ultraman, etc.) and in time trial stages of the major road cycling tours.
➡️ See road bikes for triathlon or time trial
Who is this bike for? This bike is for you if you are thinking of starting out in long-distance triathlon.
gravel and cyclocross bikes
The gravel is a cycling discipline that has been gaining followers in recent years. These are bikes similar to road bikes with a geometry very close to endurance bikes, but adapted to ride on unpaved sections.
➡️ What is a gravel bike really for?
Cyclocross, on the other hand, is an off-road competition discipline. It is very popular in countries like Belgium. Similarly to what happens with gravel and endurance, bikes very similar to road bikes with racing geometry are used, adapted for use on dirt and mud circuits. Within the Specialized bike range, you can find specific models for each of these types of use.
Specialized Diverge
The Specialized Diverge is the gravel bike from the American manufacturer. It is designed for fun on forest tracks, paths, and unpaved terrain. But it is not a bike that can replace a mountain bike. That is, on technical trails and paths its effectiveness is limited. Also, don't forget that it does not have specific suspension components. Let's say it's the most comfortable way to go on paths with a road bike. This bike is recommended for touring cyclists who like to ride fast on dirt tracks and paths on mostly flat terrain.
Specialized CruX
The Specialized CruX is a cyclocross bike designed for competition. While the Diverge aims to provide a comfortable ride on off-road sections, the CruX is built to win cyclocross races. Specialized has added a third model to its range of off-road road bikes: the Specialized Sequoia. This bike is designed for those who simply want to enjoy routes alternating between pavement and unpaved sections in a comfortable way and without any demands.
Mountain bikes
Specialized was the brand that launched the first mass-produced mountain bike on the market, the Specialized Stumpjumper. Since then, its range of models and lines has diversified to cover all mountain biking disciplines. Currently, some of its models are even sold with front suspension and full suspension versions. These are the main mountain bike models from the Specialized brand that you can buy.
➡️ How many types of mountain bikes are there?
Specialized Epic (XC)
The Specialized Epic is one of the most iconic mountain bikes from the American manufacturer and one of the best-selling full-suspension bikes on the market. It is a competition machine for cross country and marathon (also called XC or rally) that has won several world championships. In addition, the Specialized Epic is innovative by incorporating in its top-of-the-line versions the Brain rear suspension system, which automatically activates or deactivates the shock lockouts depending on the terrain profile, so the cyclist does not need to operate it manually from the handlebar.
There is a model called Specialized Epic Hardtail with front suspension designed for those who don't want to sacrifice a single second due to having a rear shock. This model features the lightest frame in the entire Specialized bike portfolio. There is also a variant of this model called Specialized Epic EVO, which is characterized by a frame geometry and front suspension that provide greater comfort on routes that are halfway between marathon and trail, such as major races like the Titan Desert.
Who is this bike for? It is a competition bike with which to push every section of the route to the limit. It is a very responsive bike for riding fast on circuits, rides, races, and both short and long-distance events.
Specialized Chisel (XC)
The Specialized Chisel is to cross country what the Specialized Allez is to road cycling. That is, it is a competition model with a more relaxed geometry designed for amateur cyclists who do not need such a fine-tuned racing machine. Its components are more affordable and the frame is aluminum instead of carbon, which makes it cheaper.
Specialized Stumpjumper (trail)
The Specialized Stumpjumper is one of the best-selling trail bikes in history and one of the flagship models of the Californian brand. In the 2020 range, it is sold in three versions: Stumpjumper, Stumpjumper ST, and Stumpjumper EVO. Climbing, descending, riding... trail bikes are built to do what most amateur cyclists do, with no other goal than to rack up kilometers and enjoy the sport. These are not bikes for racing, but rather to adapt to the different terrain profiles we may encounter on both short and long rides without major technical or competitive demands.
The main differences between the different versions or submodels of the Specialized Stumpjumper are in the suspension travel and the head angle. In this way, Specialized has adapted this trail bike to the various profiles of what is called all mountain, that is, a bike that serves for almost everything. The Stumpjumper has dual suspension and can be purchased with 29" or 27.5" wheels and a suspension travel of 150mm both in the fork and the rear shock. This is enough to ride comfortably on trails and technical descents among rocks, branches, and other obstacles. The Stumpjumper ST has a shorter travel (130mm), designed for those who prefer good maneuverability on long rides but without major technical demands. As for the Stumpjumper EVO, it is a bike halfway between the trail and enduro, as it features a more aggressive frame geometry and a longer head angle to provide greater stability on descents full of obstacles.
Who is this bike for? We recommend this bike if you are going to do long routes on trails and sections that require great maneuverability and technical skill to overcome obstacles such as rocks, branches, or very bumpy areas both uphill and downhill. Depending on the type of technical trails you ride, you can choose one version or another (Stumpjumper ST for long routes of lower technical difficulty and Stumpjumper EVO for paths and descents closer to enduro).
Specialized Fuse (trail)
The Specialized Fuse is a trail hardtail bike that takes over from the Carve model sold until 2019. Its main feature is that it comes with 27.5" Plus wheels. This wheel size provides greater width and a larger volume for better grip on the terrain.
➡️ What are 27.5" Plus wheels?
Who is this bike for? The Specialized Fuse is a trail bike designed for comfortable riding with good traction on mostly flat trails and uneven terrain.
Specialized Rockhopper (trail)
The Specialized Rockhopper is the entry-level bike for trail from the American manufacturer. It is a model built to meet the needs of the average enthusiast who is trying mountain biking for the first time and does not need a specific XC machine nor is going to tackle technical rock gardens. It uses a frame geometry very similar to cross-country bikes and has the maneuverability typical of trail. It is fast, safe, and has a lower price than the Specialized Fuse.
Who is this bike for? We recommend this bike if you simply want to go out and ride on trails and do rides and routes that are not long distance or technically demanding to tackle winding trails and rock gardens with steep gradients. In other words, it is a bike for conventional mountain biking.
Specialized Enduro
The Specialized Enduro, as its name suggests, is the model specifically designed for this type of mountain biking. What enduro is about is enjoying both climbing and descending technical trails full of obstacles and terrain difficulties without losing speed. There are even short circuits set up for this purpose.
This model has a longer wheelbase and more suspension travel than other mountain bikes in order to maintain speed on technical trails and descend over jumps, branches, roots, rocks, and other uneven elements of the terrain. It is available with both aluminum and carbon frames, and with 27.5" and 29" wheels. As for the suspension, the 2020 range offers two variants: 160mm and 170mm of travel in both the fork and the rear shock.
Who is this bike for? We recommend the Specialized Enduro if your thing is climbing and descending hills, doing jumps, and overcoming obstacles. Also, if you are looking to do routes that alternate between different types of rough terrain with medium and high technical difficulty.
Specialized Demo
The Specialized Demo is not a bike for comfortable riding on routes and trails. Don't expect good performance climbing either. And, of course, don't take it to a cross-country race. This bike is not made for riding a few kilometers in the mountains, but for practicing downhill cycling at full speed down a hill. The frame geometry is designed to compete at full speed in downhill events. It features 27.5" wheels and 200mm of suspension travel.
Who is this bike for? We recommend this bike if your thing is high-speed descents with continuous jumps and turns. In other words, it's a bike for doing what you see in RedBull videos.