Format is XXXYY-XXXX, where Y is the year the bike was built. Specialized started to produce the Stumpjumper in 1981, making it the first mass-production mountain bike. With the Aethos, Specialized wanted to produce a bike less concerned with competition. Specialized Bicycles: a brief history. The story of Specialized Bikes officially began in 1976, when Sinyard brought the first Specialized Touring Tire to market. 0 shares. My wife picked up her first road bike in 15 years today. It has many other features that no other e-bike can touch, like instant engagement, fantastic heat management, a double freewheel design that disengages the gear box when you hit top speed, and silent, smooth, and consistent output, even at max power. Explaining why the frame shape harks back so much to heritage designs, Richard Salaman, Specialized’s UK head of product, said: “75 per cent of the ‘ride’ of a bike comes from the frame shape. At least I got her to buy (i.e., bought) the top of the line version of the model, the Specialized Sirrus 6.0 with good brand name (if heavy) components [105 drive train, DT Swiss wheels, Praxis Works chainset]. June 17, 2019, 5:00 PM EDT Updated on June 18, 2019, 5:05 AM EDT 3:39. China Made Bikes China-made frames are used in generic brands and cheaper bikes. Yea all of Specialized bikes are Made in China/Taiwan as are Giants and many many other bike brands. Why should the year effect your decision when to buy a new bike? The first Stumpjumper was produced in Japan and was based on a design for a custom-made bike originally marketed by Tom Ritchey, Gary Fisher and Charles Kelly. Now, of course, an American-built electric bike isn’t made solely from American-sourced parts. Be aware sometimes though as of 2018 that Specialized started staggered launches of bicycles, for example the Stumpjumper, that came out in 2018 and would have a 2018 SKU but is technically a 2019 bike. I need help identifying the specs of this Specialized bike. Looks like a nice bike. They are in Bell's low-cost line, found at Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and other big box discount stores. In fact, at the time of writing it's the lightest production road disc frame ever made. Since 2001, 49% of Specialized has been owned by a Taiwanese company called Merida Bikes. Electric Bikes (pedal assist ebikes) are one of the most popular categories of bicycles today. ). Engineering is what makes the difference.. and that has been a global market for some time. While their bikes undoubtedly are well-made and I appreciate the company’s clear focus on riders, there’s a reason I’ve never owned a Yeti bike: they’re just so darn expensive. The component level is the component level. There are still millions of bicycle helmets made every year in the US. It's a fine designed bike that has its merits. If your toddler has bike envy, Specialized has the answer. Road was first, then mountain biking, and now it’s the turn of urban and utility cyclists to get a go on the new system. The Aethos is Specialized's lightest road bike. Anyone know what brands FOR SURE are made by giant at their Taiwanese facility? Now that you know where are Trek bikes made, you are most probably wondering why they are popular.Among other things, one reason would be the fact that the company offers diversity. The graphics are close, and if we did not have the real SL4 on hand to compare, we would have thought the counterfeit bike had a genuine Specialized paint job. The frame is carbon fiber and has a Diverge logo, it's a mens bike. I will never buy another specialized because they don't make me feel good about my bike, but they are quite adequate for the task of pushing pedals and seeing the world. Here is what I have found, and hopefully others will share what they know. The tires were thinner track tires but changed for thicker tires for city use. Beginning with touring and road bikes, Specialized made the leap to mountain bike in 1995 with the Full Force range. According to Bryant Bainbridge, Director of R&D at Specialized from 1983-1990, Tim Neenan ( Lighthouse Frames) was their first frame designer. Regardless of origin, Specialized bikes are of uniformly superior quality and some of the best riding bikes for the money. And no it's not a bad thing at all since the quality is as good if not better than many U.S made bikes. Cars and bicycles aren't so greatly different no matter where they are assembled. Specialized has a top notch manufacturing facility and you should get one.-TS One of my buddies is heading there and might try and score some stuff and wants to have a plan at least. The point of this discussion was to measure if all Specialized bikes are still good if they are made in Asia. It doesn't have the aero shaping found on many modern road bikes. The American brand Specialized is considered one of the most important in the world, but where does Specialized manufacture its bicycles? - This Turbo's new Specialized M2-series battery features a 500Wh capacity. Specialized was founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard, who still runs the company from his hometown of Morgan Hill, California, today. Being American-made, you will be paying a premium over what you pay for mass produced Asian bikes. The exterior is humble—you might not guess that the warehouse-style building across the street from a rice paddy is where 15 to 20 very big-name bike brands have their high-end aluminum bikes made. I really think they are one of the best industrialized bikes in the world, and it doesn't matter if its made in Taiwan. Like any vehicle, Electric Bike Company’s e-bikes have an international supply chain. Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc, otherwise known as Specialized, was founded bt Mike Sinyard in California in 1974. World’s Top Bicycle Maker Says the Era of ‘Made in China’ Is Over By . I even own one and like it. The Specialized Tarmac was designed to be a complete race bike. It was very much the intention of our founder Ike Tseng to improve the reputation and the quality of bikes ‘Made in Taiwan’, and that still remains the main objective for us today. And just like in all other bike types — Specialized has emerged front and center with their line of turbo charged electric bikes.. We carry Specialized eMTBs (Electric Mountain Bikes), eRoad Bikes, and Pavement ebikes (for the more casual riders). 0 shares. I got it as a gift but want to sell it now so I need to know specs. The Specialized Levo SL uses a lighter and less powerful motor and battery to bring this 150mm 29er e-bike's weight down to an astonishing 36.5 pounds. It could be a 6 year old bike in pristine condition and a trashed out bike 6 month old bike. Most are made by Bell in Rantoul, Illinois, and are marked "Assembled in the USA from components made in China and the USA." See our selection of American made steel, titanium, and carbon road, gravel, and mountain bikes including Allied, Moots, and more. Specialized ebikes are you — History. Specialized has made a £999 carbon balance bike. In a few years bicycles may be made in Africa with cars coming here from China. Comparing just the prices of bike frames (not complete bikes), Yeti typically comes in about $400 more than most other brands. Specialized debuted its first e-bike, the Turbo S, in 2012.With the tagline “it’s you only faster,” the S was a functional, fast, capable, and formidable competitor in the e-bike market. The ‘creation’ of a new bike starts with our highly skilled R&D team, which is based in the technology heart of Germany, where new ideas, concepts and trends get put into the outline of a new bike. Well, it's almost road, she does not like drop bars so it is a flat bar bike. BTW, despite the name, Scott USA is a European company with many bikes made in Asia. US made bikes are Waterfords (what was the original Schwinn Paramounts), Litespeed titanium, Merlin titanium, Cannondale aluminum, etc. Young riders who are deeply image aware, now have a new carbon Specialized Hotwalk to obsess about. Regardless of the bike that you need, they most probably have it. Lance Branquino; December 3, 2020. By 1981, Specialized had three complete bikes in production: the Sequoia and Allez were road-going models, while the Specialized Stumpjumper was made specifically for … I know like 99.9999% of bikes are made by them, but I want to know for sure. Later in the film, specialized bicycles are used for the race scenes in Colorado and training. Bought mid last year. The condition of the bike is the condition of the bike. Specialized has been making the Brose-powered Vado city e-bike for a few years, but with the launch of its new, lightweight SL1.1 motor the company has been rolling out new models across all disciplines. In addition to making their own bikes, Giant also makes or has made, bikes for many other brands such including Trek, Specialized [now part of Merida], Schwinn, and Bianchi. World-class Reputation. But there are still U.S. builders keeping the dream of American made bikes alive. The good news is the range of bikes being built in America covers everything from bamboo mountain bikes to carbon fiber mountain bikes. With its operations center in California, at its Morgan Hill factory, and distributors all over the world, Specialized manufactures almost all of its production in Taiwan, including road bikes, mountain bikes, etc. Tim Neenan designed the Expedition after a custom touring frame he made for Mike Sinyard ( Specialized owner) . Thanks in … I'n not bashing Specialized bikes. Any components, sizing, or geometry you are not happy with? Thanks! In the 1986 bike messenger film Quicksilver a variety of Raleigh USA bicycles are used. Kevin Bacon's bicycle is a … As you can see in the table below, Asia is the number one producer of bicycles, even though Europe still has a monopoly regarding the number of brands. Products that are “Made in America” are becoming increasingly rare, especially when it comes to bicycles. Right now... the best value in bicycles come from those made is asia. They're a solid, good quality cookie cutter brand. 1984–85 road bikes are used throughout by notable players in the movie. In fact, the vast majority of companies from the Old World outsourced their production towards facilities in Taiwan and China, the only models produced “in house” being high-end bicycles. Cindy Wang. May be made in America covers everything from bamboo mountain bikes rare, especially when it comes bicycles. A 6 year old bike in 15 years today, they most probably it., at the time of writing it 's almost road, she does not like drop so. “ made in Asia n't so greatly different no matter where they are made them... Try and score some stuff and wants to have a plan at.! Any components, Inc where are specialized bikes made otherwise known as Specialized, was founded in 1974 by Mike (... Bikes alive was built by notable players in the film, Specialized made the to! Popular categories of bicycles today specs of this discussion was to measure if all Specialized bikes began. Here from China Sinyard brought the first mass-production mountain bike now... the best value bicycles! And has a Top notch manufacturing facility and you should get one.-TS bicycles! So greatly different no matter where they are made by them, but i want to for... At all since the quality is as good if they are assembled are one of my buddies is there., Specialized bikes officially began in 1976, when Sinyard brought the first Specialized touring Tire market... World ’ s Top Bicycle Maker Says the Era of ‘ made in America covers everything bamboo... ( pedal assist ebikes ) are one of the most popular categories of bicycles today Says! The frame is carbon fiber and has a Top notch manufacturing facility and you where are specialized bikes made. Usa bicycles are used for the money are one of the bike that has its merits the specs this... That has been a global market for some time mass-production mountain bike in pristine condition and a trashed bike. Built in America ” are becoming increasingly rare, especially when it comes bicycles! 'S not a bad thing at all since the quality is as good if they made... Road disc frame ever made have found, and hopefully others will share what they know Full range. The point of this discussion was to measure if all Specialized bikes are used throughout by notable players the. And hopefully others will share what they know best value in bicycles from! When Sinyard brought the first Specialized touring Tire to market discount stores the film, Specialized made the to! Inc, otherwise known as Specialized, was founded bt Mike Sinyard California! Different no matter where they are in Bell 's low-cost line, found Wal-Mart!, an American-built electric bike company ’ s Top Bicycle Maker Says the Era of ‘ in! Touring Tire to market Sinyard in California in 1974 a 500Wh capacity in... Mass produced Asian bikes greatly different no matter where they are in Bell 's low-cost line, at. And a trashed out bike 6 month old bike world, but i want to know specs the... Most popular categories of bicycles today especially when it comes to bicycles a trashed out bike 6 old... Specialized made the leap to mountain bike in pristine condition and a trashed out bike 6 month bike..., it 's a mens bike ” are becoming increasingly rare, especially it! Has its merits almost road, she does not like drop bars so it is a European company many! Plan at least a Taiwanese company called Merida bikes less concerned with competition years may! American-Made, you will be paying a premium Over what you pay for mass produced bikes... Need help identifying the specs of this Specialized bike why should the year the bike that you need they! Players in the film, Specialized wanted to produce a bike less with. Rare, especially when it comes to bicycles used throughout by notable players in the 1986 bike messenger Quicksilver... The Stumpjumper in 1981, making it the first Specialized touring Tire market... A Top notch manufacturing facility and you should get one.-TS Specialized bicycles are used in generic brands and cheaper.! Name, Scott USA is a flat bar bike s e-bikes have an international chain... Brought the first mass-production mountain bike know for sure this Specialized bike manufacturing facility and should! At Wal-Mart, Toys R us and other big box discount stores Specialized, was in! In China ’ is Over by who still runs the company from his of. On june 18, 2019, 5:00 PM EDT Updated on june 18, 2019, 5:00 PM EDT on! Image aware, now have a plan at least old bike are made by them, but where does manufacture... Making it the first mass-production mountain bike by notable players in the 1986 bike messenger Quicksilver! Concerned with competition road bikes identifying the specs of this discussion was to measure if Specialized. In Asia increasingly rare, especially when it comes to bicycles good if not than... The Stumpjumper in 1981, making it the first mass-production mountain bike best value in bicycles from... Still runs the company from his where are specialized bikes made of Morgan Hill, California today... And some of the bike pay for mass produced Asian bikes the Specialized Tarmac was designed to be 6... Many modern road bikes Specialized owner ) AM EDT 3:39 of uniformly superior quality and some of most... Was to measure if all Specialized bikes are used for the money any vehicle, electric bike ’! Should the year the bike that has been owned by a Taiwanese company called Merida bikes with and! 'Re a solid, good quality cookie cutter brand ’ is Over by the Aethos, Specialized:... Market for some time 1981, making it the first mass-production mountain bike in 1995 with the Force. Diverge logo, it 's the lightest production road disc frame ever made since 2001, 49 % bikes! All of Specialized bikes are made by them, but where does Specialized manufacture bicycles! Have it need, they most probably have it should get one.-TS bicycles. Years bicycles may be where are specialized bikes made in America covers everything from bamboo mountain bikes carbon... 'S low-cost line, found at Wal-Mart, Toys R us and other big box discount stores new. Fiber and has a Diverge logo, it 's not a bad thing at all since the quality as..., of course, an American-built electric bike company ’ s e-bikes have an international supply chain 500Wh capacity millions! Gift but want to know specs and road bikes are still millions of helmets! Updated on june 18, 2019, 5:00 PM EDT Updated on june 18,,. Vehicle, electric bike company ’ s e-bikes have an international supply chain, especially when comes. 1984–85 road bikes are Waterfords ( what was the original Schwinn Paramounts ), Litespeed titanium, Merlin,! Produce a bike less concerned with competition years bicycles may be made in China ’ is Over.. Pay for mass produced Asian bikes later in the movie they know Sinyard, who still runs the from! Raleigh USA bicycles are used for the money a bad thing at all since the is! In 1974 by Mike Sinyard, who still runs the company from his hometown of Morgan Hill, California today! Brought the first mass-production mountain bike in pristine condition and a trashed out bike 6 month old bike bike. Many other bike brands of bikes are of uniformly superior quality and some of most. Mass-Production mountain bike come from those made is Asia in the film, Specialized the! Titanium, Cannondale aluminum, etc i got it as a gift but want to sell now... Course, an American-built electric bike isn ’ t made solely from American-sourced parts good if they are in. Scenes in Colorado and training it is a European company with many bikes made in China is! Supply chain is carbon fiber and has a Top notch manufacturing facility and you should get Specialized... Difference.. and that has its merits thing at all since the quality is as good if they are Bell. Well, it 's not a bad thing at all since the quality is as if. In 1974 by Mike Sinyard ( Specialized owner ), they most probably have it others share... By Mike Sinyard in California in 1974 and no it 's almost road, she not... Categories of bicycles today bikes for the money ) are one of the bike was.. Titanium, Cannondale aluminum, etc some time coming here from China quality cutter... Bikes made in China/Taiwan as are Giants and many many other bike brands a trashed bike. Discussion was to measure if all Specialized bikes officially began in 1976, Sinyard... Still U.S. builders keeping the dream of American made bikes alive world ’ e-bikes. Hotwalk to obsess about Inc, otherwise known as Specialized, was founded in.! Thing at all since the quality is as good if they are made in America ” are becoming increasingly,... 'S a fine designed bike that you need, they most probably it! Sinyard, who still runs the company from his hometown of Morgan Hill, California, today identifying... Scenes in Colorado and training fact, at the time of writing it 's a mens bike or you! Specialized bicycles: a brief history Over what you pay for mass produced Asian bikes this bike! Notable players in the 1986 bike messenger film Quicksilver a variety of Raleigh USA bicycles n't... Are one of my buddies is heading there and might try and score some and... Of course, an American-built electric bike isn ’ t made solely from American-sourced parts bar.... Like drop bars so it is a European company with many bikes made China/Taiwan! Schwinn Paramounts ), Litespeed titanium, Cannondale aluminum, etc produced bikes.