Nic Sims is back to show us Stijn Devolder’s Tour of Flanders winning S-Works Tarmac SL2 and a Saxo Bank colorway SL2 you can pick up at your local LBS.

2009 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2

“FROM THE SPRING CLASSICS to the Grand Tours, the Tarmac has proven itself to be the professional rider’s bike of choice. A world championship and a Tour de France green jersey lend proof to our claim that no frame is lighter and stiffer.”

• The S-Works Tarmac SL2 (with standard geometry) features our top-of-the-line, superlight and strong 11r carbon, with our FACT IS construction for a super-efficient frame that simply exudes speed.
• The S-Works FACT carbon monocoque fork has an oversized race for incredible strength and precision.
• The S-Works Mindset headset comes with ceramic cartridge bearings for the smoothest action imaginable.
• The S-Works SL FACT carbon seatpost features an integrated Zertz insert for a seatpost that’s light and stiff, but forgiving.

More information from Specialized here.

Nic from Specialized shows us Tom Boonen’s Roubaix, which he used to win the famed Paris Roubaix race last year. According to Nic, Specialized worked in conjunction with Tom in the development of the new Roubaix, asking the sprinter what he needed to win. Tom’s feedback included a longer wheelbase and a super stiff bottom bracket to help with the sprint. The result is the Specialized Roubaix SL2, a bike that you and I can go and buy at our local LBS. A direct copy of the bike Boonen won Paris Roubaix with…

Specialized Roubaix SL2

• Mavic’s new R-SYS wheels use tubular carbon spokes working in both traction and tension on the wheels allowing for lighter and stiffer wheels. Ti QR’s for even further weight reduction.
• The S-Works FACT 10r carbon frame features our FACT IS construction, Zertz inserts, and an oversize BB, which means it’s light, comfortable, and super-efficient.
• The S-Works FACT carbon fork features an oversize race for an unwavering front end; the vibration-absorbing Zertz inserts are there to take the edge off.
• The S-Works Pro-Set stem uses a carbon-wrapped top cap and front cap with Ti front bolts—light, but with no strength penalty.
• The S-Works SL FACT carbon handlebar is light, strong, and comfortable; the short-reach drop keeps your hands right where you want them.
• The S-Works SL FACT carbon seatpost is light, stiff, and tough. And thanks to its Zertz insert, it’s forgiving, too.
• The comfortable and scientifically proven Body Geometry Toupé Gel saddle features a carbon-reinforced base for stiffness and hollow Ti rails for minimum weight.
• The redesigned for ‘09 Dura-Ace crankset takes Shimano’s top-of-the-line road components to an all new level of 10-speed performance with minimal weight.

More info at Specialized.com
Own one? Write a review here!

Specialized Designs for Women will be the brand of choice for the ValueAct Capital Women’s Professional Cycling Team in 2009. Specialized will be the official bike, helmet, shoe and optics sponsor for the team.

“We are so excited to be partnering with Specialized,” commented team director, Lisa Hunt. “Specialized and the Designs for Women brands are a perfect fit with the programs we’ll be doing to promote women’s cycling.” The team plans on conducting group rides and women’s cycling clinics at Specialized dealers across the country. “There is real momentum in women’s cycling. They love to ride, but there’s an intimidation factor: what gears do I use? How do I change a flat? What kind of bike should I buy?” commented Hunt. “By teaching them some of the basics and the skills, we can help alleviate this issue.”

“We couldn’t be more proud to have ValueAct Captial join the Specialized family. With their amazing team roster and their passion for growing women’s cycling, it was an easy choice for us to make. We look forward to their victories in 2009,” says Tara Moeller, USA Marketing Manager.

The VAC team will be racing on the S-Works Ruby SL, equipped with SRAM Red components; and will also ride the Transition Time Trial bikes. In addition, the team will be wearing the S-Works Helmet, Women’s BG Pro Road Shoes and the Roulette Adaptalite Racing Glasses.

The team will be gathering for its training camp on February 10-18 in Sonoma County, CA, and will be racing at the Women’s Amgen Tour of California in Santa Rosa on February 15th.

Women’s Deflect Vest Pro Review - By Karen Cooper

• Lightweight polyester material is wind and water resistant for protection from the elements
• Mesh back panel for additional breathability and light weight
• Relaxed waist construction allows jacket to drape naturally
• Reflective trim on the back for visibility
• MSRP: $60
• Size tested: medium

The Specialized Deflect Vest is the perfect lightweight vest to that packs easily in your jersey pocket for when you need extra warmth or protection from the elements. It’s wind and water resistant and has a mesh back panel for breathability.

This garment has since become my favorite vest and I get a lot of compliments from other female riders who like the shape and the color combo. The vest is form fitting with slim looking lines and a silicon gripper along the back waist to keep it in place and the stretchy fabric makes it easy to move around in. I also like that it doesn’t flap around in the wind and rolls up small when I need to take it off. There are no pockets on this vest but I found that the other features mentioned above outweigh the lack of pockets so I don’t miss them at all. The vest has reflective trim on the back for visibility but as with the other Specialized garments; I personally feel it could have a little more reflective trim, especially since the colors are so dark.

Pros:

• Lightweight & packable
• Form fit that doesn’t flap in the wind

Cons:

• No pockets
• Could use more reflective trim

Overall rating:
5 -hands down favorite vest

Value rating:
5

Specialized Women’s Eureka Element Jersey Pro Review - By Karen Cooper

• Winterweight FIELDSENSOR™ fabric provides more warmth for colder conditions with its moisture-transfer function
• Soft shell protective panels have a water resistant nylon/spandex outer layer
• Therminal stretch fabric on side panels for form fit
• Full-length external zipper construction is smooth against the body
• Zippered, reflective cuffs provide easy on-and-off
• External zippered security pocket on the back
• Reflective trims on the neck and back pocket provide additional visibility
• MSRP: $150
• Size tested: medium

The Eureka Element jersey is perfect for cold weather, super foggy and windy rides. This tester was impressed with the fit, being tailored for a women’s body, it’s contoured and form fitting with sleek lines and isn’t bulky. I found it to be very comfortable with the right amount of stretch thanks to the Therminal stretch fabric panels on the back and sides. The color combo is aesthetically pleasing with contemporary stitching details that give the jacket a hip look.

Specialized uses their FIELDSENSOR™ fabric to provide more warmth and moisture transfer keeping you warm, cozy and dry, even going up that intense climb while the Therminal Velocity Soft Shell Wind panels will help keep you dry on the outside with a water resistant outer layer, just in case you get caught in a light rain or ride in the fog.

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Specialized Women’s BG Pro RBX Knicker Pro review - By Karen Cooper

• Unique Specialized Therminal fabric on the front panels for loft and insulation
• FIELDSENSOR™ fabric on back transports moisture away from the skin and disperses it for fast evaporation
• Unique Women’s BG Pro RBX chamois uses high density foam in key areas to relieve pressure during cycling
• Sleek panel construction is functional and flattering
• Custom Specialized logo silicone gripper at the calf holds the leg in position
• MSRP: $165
• Size tested: medium

The Specialized BG Pro RBX Knicker is essential for cool weather cycling. Specialized uses Therminal insulating material on the front panels to keep you warm and the Fieldsensor fabric on the back panels wicks moisture away and keeps you dry. I found the fabric to be very soft and comfortable with flat lock seams that give the garment a flattering look and a sleek, smooth feel. The silicone gripper at the calf holds the legs in place. I also liked that the waist is high which provides more coverage on chilly days.

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Specialized Women’s Deflect Hybrid Jacket Pro Review - By Karen Cooper

• Lightweight polyester in a stretch woven construction for form fit comfort
• Wind and water resistant material for protection from the elements
• Zip-off sleeves and shoulder yoke converts jacket into a vest
• Single back zippered pocket securely packs essentials
• Silicone gripper on back of waist to hold the jacket in position
• Velcro closure at the wrist for custom fit
• Reflective trim on the back for visibility
• MSRP: $120
• Color tested: Dark Blue
• Size tested: medium

The Specialized Deflect Hybrid jacket is fully water and wind resistant and has been redesigned with removable sleeves, making it lean and versatile. The thing I like best about this jacket is the sleeves are all in one piece with a zipper and snap closure that makes it easy on/off and you can roll it up and stash it in the back pocket and not worry about it any more, also preventing getting your sleeves mixed up, or worse… losing one. The other part of the brilliant design is the lightweight stretchy fabric and form fit making it easy to move around without a bulky look; a plus for gals in multiple winter layers. It also has a nice length – just past the waist with the back being slightly longer to cover your tush from the elements and a silicon gripper along the back waist holds the jacket in position.

Bicycling has become a major adult sport over the past 20 years. However, the men are having most of the fun. PV Bicycle Center is opening a new store with the goal of attracting more women to the sport. The networking begins November 21 at 7:30 pm

Specialized Bicycle Company is sending its Designs for Women demo team to offer a clinic on cycling from the woman’s point of view. Diva Night will take place at the brand new PV Bicycle Center store in Rolling Hills Estates. There will be plenty of opportunity for those who attend to establish new friendships and set up future meetings, rides, or events. Refreshments will be served. Pro cyclist Anna Lang from Aaron’s Pro Women’s Cycling Team will lead road rides Saturday and Sunday morning, and the women’s demo trailer will also be available from Friday through Sunday for test rides on the full line of Specialized women’s bikes.

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Cyclists from Southern California and all over the world visit the Palos Verdes Peninsula area to enjoy the great roads and trails and the amazing ocean views. PV Bicycle Center now adds another great reason to visit this part of LA’s South Bay.

The most difficult part of riding a bicycle in the Palos Verdes Peninsula is staying on the road. Not because the roads are poorly paved. They are beautifully groomed and maintained. Not because of irate motorists who don’t want to share with those who are motor-free. PV residents are well known as being at peace with runners, cyclists, and horseback riders. And not even because of the hilly, winding terrain, since most of the roads are wide and well banked. The difficulty comes because your are distracted by the unparalleled vistas and spectacular seaside panoramas, not to mention some of Southern California’s most amazing homes.

Now, adding to this idilic bicycle world is the newest Specialized Concept Store in the US, PV Bicycle Center. Into this extraordinary community comes a cycling store so beyond the ordinary that it is the perfect fit for its environment. The careful design and plan of this retail jewel could only have been accomplished by an artist. In this case a musician who could carefully craft a melody into the chords and rhythms of the concerto that was already in place. Enter Steve Bowen, stage left.

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As of 2009, Riis Cycling / Team Saxo Bank and Specialized will embark on a new partnership that will mean a completely new and exiting setup for the team in terms of bikes and shoes. This partnership will see a new legacy in the development of high-end bikes and state of the art materials.

“I am really exited to start this new partnership and I think that we can create great things together with Specialized. We have had a lot of different possibilities in terms of equipment for the coming years, including working together with our existing partners, but we have chosen to embark on a new project and we are ready to take the next step with Specialized. There has been a clear mutual understanding and a good business-fit between the two companies from day one and I am convinced that it will become clear to everyone that these are two highly ambitious organizations that are going to collaborate closely in this deal. I chose Specialized based on our common vision, their excellent bikes and equipment combined with their ability to develop future materials that will help us win. I have taken multiple trips to the Specialized headquarters in the past months to ride their bikes and speak with their engineers and I am hugely impressed with what I have seen”, says Bjarne Riis.

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