Founded in 1974 by cycling enthusiast Mike Sinyard, the company started out importing hard to come by cycling parts and components, but soon expanded and developed to produce its own bike parts by 1976

 

Formby Cycles have been working in partnership with Specialized Bikes since the formation of the company 25 years ago. Since then we have consistantly sold a broad range of mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, clothing and accessories. Die hard fans of the brand will be familiar with the names Stumpjumper, Rockhopper, Hardrock, Allez  Tarmac and Roubaix. We Have allways found Specialized Bikes To be good value.Even some of our staff ride specialized Mountan Bikes and Specialized Road Bikes , so if you need to know about Specialized bikes you need to talk to us.

 

Specialized Bikes was formed in 1974 by Mike Sinyard. In 1981 Specialized introduced the worlds first major production mountain bike - the stumpjumper. Since then the brand has gone from strength to strength with the Rockhopper, Hardrock, FSR range, Enduro, Pitch, Tarmac, Allez, Roubaix, Transition and Langster to name but a few.

 

As expected the 2012 range of Specialized Bikes look really great. Once again Specialized have released a broad range of bikes to cater for every need.

 

Areas of particular interest this year include the introduction of 29er mountain bikes in both hard tail and full suspension. 29er mountain bikes are big news this year and Specialized are fully committed to the concept. For road bikes there is a more affordable Ultegra Di2 equipped road bike this year. Demand for these is likely to be massive so don't contemplate for too long!

The 2012 Carve is a 29er specific hardtail which, fits in between the Rockhopper and Stumpjumper HT. Specialized will offer two models of the Carve (Comp approx.£999.99 and Pro approx. £1499.99; note that the prices haven't been finalized yet, these are merely estimates). Pictured above is the Comp model.


The frame is created from Specialized's M4 alloy tubeset. The front end on the Crave features a taped head tube (1-1/8 to 1-1/2). Hydraulic disc brakes are spec'ed to provide great stopping power.


The slim seat-stays are tuned to increase vertical compliance, aimed at providing riders with a more comfortable ride.


The Camber Pro Carbon 29er features 110mm of travel front and rear. The bike is accompanied by a high-end SRAM XX component spec and and is aimed for trail riders who are seeking a more cross-country experience. The Camber fills a void in-between the Epic and the Stumpjumper FSR.


A Fox Float RP23 Adaptivelogic shock with Kashima coating keeps the rear end in check. Internal cable routing is used for adjustable height seatposts.


Instead of a 15mm Thru Axle, Specialized has opted for a 9mm quick release fitted with their over-sized end caps on the hubs.


A "mini-riser" handle bar is used to keep the front end in check on many of the 29er full-suspension bikes. It features a width of 720mm and a 10mm rise.


The 2012 Enduro remains largely unchanged with the exception of the 143mm thru axle and component spec differences. A mix of XO and XX components make up the drivetrain. Top end Fox Factory suspension components keep the Enduro's travel buttery smooth.


The new Specialized Command Post BlackLite is controlled by a slick push-button lever, which is integrated into the lock-on grip.


New for 2012 is the S-Works Stumjumper FSR 29er. It features 130mm of travel front and rear. The frame features a press-fit BB30 bottom-bracket with ISCG 05 mounting tabs. 142mm rear axle keeps the rear end nice and stiff. It features the same high-end SRAM XX component spec as it's 26-inch counterpart.


While you can't see it, there are o-rings in-between the bearing of the suspension linkage. Which are designed to help keep contaminates out and extend the life of the pivot bearings. Specialized new AutoSag feature is utilized to simplify suspension setup.


Introducing the Fate, the first woman's specific carbon hardtail 29er. The Fate is intended for both racers and enthusiast trail riders alike who demand both performance and comfort. The engineers worked hard to create a high-performance hardtail 29er that will fit and cater to a woman's proportions. 


An 80mm RockShox Reba with a custom offset and tapered steerer tube makes up the front end.


Specialized mountain bikes have come a long way in the past 30 years. Hope you enjoyed the latest batch of goodies, now get out and ride your bike.