Specialized Bicycle Components has always worked to provide riders with more than just new products, instead choosing to elevate the rider’s experience with technically advanced products that provide real-world performance benefits. To this end, Specialized built its very own Win Tunnel in 2013, and since then, has been pushing the limits of aerodynamic engineering and design. And now, Specialized is proud to introduce an aero ecosystem of five best-in-class products that, individually, lead their respective fields in aerodynamic advantage, but together, shatter the mold of aero possibility by saving the rider more than five minutes over forty kilometers.
S-WORKS VENGE ViAS: 120 Seconds Saved Over 40 Kilometers
Born in the Win Tunnel, every tube shape, trailing edge, and design cue of the S-Works Venge ViAS was made to be faster. It faced intense scrutiny during its development, leading to it being 120 seconds faster than a Tarmac SL4 over 40 kilometers. To achieve this, Specialized had to develop special headset bearings and spacers in order to internally house all cable routing and brake lines, which resulted in the elimination of anything being left exposed. Additionally, proprietary integrated brakes create the perfect blend of aerodynamics and power. There’s zero additional drag and best-in-class stopping power and modulation, with the front caliper completing the fork’s trailing edge, and the rear brake drafting off of the seat tube and bottles where wheel deflection is at its lowest.
Aerodynamic performance doesn’t come at the expense of fit, however. The Aerofly ViAS cockpit features a negative 17-degree stem in order to provide the optimal aerodynamic profile. And to balance out the aggressive position, the Aerofly handlebars feature a positive 25mm rise. The fork’s lateral rigidity has also been increased by 30% for sharper, more precise handling, while the frame and fork are both Rider-First EngineeredTM to ensure consistent performance, regardless of frame size.
S-WORKS EVADE HELMET: 46 Seconds Saved Over 40 Kilometers
The S-Works Evade helmet mimics the profile shape of Specialized’s S-Works McLaren TT helmet, drastically reducing aerodynamic drag. In fact, compared to a S-Works Prevail, the Evade saves 46 seconds over 40 kilometers. And to blend performance with comfort, the helmet features strategically positioned air vents that draw-in air around the head, channeling it out at the rear exhaust ports in order to create a cool microenvironment. Specialized also included its Trifix web splitter fit system, which is combined with a height adjustment and ultra-light Mindset micro-dial, to ensure that finding the perfect fit is intuitive, easily obtainable, and completely foolproof.
S-WORKS 6 SHOES: 35 Seconds Saved Over 40 Kilometers
The S-Works 6 shoes were scientifically tested by the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine to improve acceleration to peak power over its predecessor. It features a Powerline carbon outsole that’s asymmetrically optimized, and with a Stiffness Index rating of 13.0, it’s Specialized’s most rigid shoe offering. Complimenting this is an all- new PadLockTM heel that combines a drastically tapered, engineered heel cup with molded pads that lock the foot into place. Further promoting energy transfer to the pedals, portions of the upper are constructed from a non-stretch, aerospace-grade material, Dyneema® Cubic TechTM, that’s so lightweight and powerful that it’s literally used in parachutes to slow down spacecraft.
At the upper, Specialized utilized a one-piece Stroble construction method that eliminates the variables that contribute to fit abnormalities. There’s also a perforated synthetic microfiber that’s lightweight, durable, and highly breathable, plus a dual proprietary BOA® S2-Snap closure system for precise, secure closure.
S-WORKS EVADE GC SKINSUIT: 96 Seconds Saved Over 40 Kilometers
An imprecise fit results in fabric bunching, and this contributes to lost seconds. To remedy this, the S-Works Evade GC Skinsuit comes in eleven sizes in order to provide a next-to-custom level of fit. There are also cuff-less welded sleeve openings to further ensure enhanced aerodynamics, while Dimplex fabric at the shoulders features a dimpled texture, like that found on a golf ball, to significantly reduce pressure drag.
Specialized also developed a patent-pending shoulder construction that eliminates the need for seams, greatly enhancing the suit’s aerodynamic profile, comfort, and overall fit. Engineered woven fabric is also used selectively on the leg and back panels in order to decrease weight, while simultaneously increasing fatigue-reducing compression. And to further ensure the optimal blend of comfort and performance, the suit includes a full- length front zipper and Cold Fabric technology that reflects heat rays typically absorbed by dark colors in order to reduce surface temperatures.
CLX 64 WHEELS & S-WORKS TURBO TIRE: 44 Seconds Saved Over 40 Kilometers
The Roval CLX 64 wheelset and S-Works Turbo tire were jointly engineered in Specialized’s Win Tunnel, resulting in the fastest balance of aerodynamics and low rolling resistance ever created. In comparing rolling resistance alone, the S-Works Turbo tire has been proven to save 35 seconds over 40 kilometers versus its closest competitors, while compared to a standard aluminum wheelset, the CLX 64s are 44 seconds faster over 40 kilometers. And in a crosswind, they’re 104 seconds faster.
In terms of stability and traction, the 21mm tubeless-ready internal rim width further increases tire volume, in turn creating a larger contact patch. The wheels also utilize butted and bladed spokes, and Specialized also created its own proprietary hub shapes in order to achieve the best possible aerodynamic performance.
Visit the Specialized 5 Minutes website here for more information.
for sure the unfair advantage...lol