Specialized Bicycle Components
Specialized Bicycle Components is a major manufacturer of bicycles and bicycle equipment, based in Morgan Hill, California, USA. Specialized was founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard, and initially produced the Allez racing and Sequoia touring bicycle bicycles. In 1981, the company introduced the first mass-produced mountain bike, the Stumpjumper.
Today, the company produces a variety of gear, including clothing, helmets, and parts, in addition to over 25 lines of bikes. They range from value models such as the Hardrock and the children's Hotrock up to the top of the line S-Works racing series.
Creations of the company include the tri-spoke timetrial/triathlon wheel (in conjunction with Dupont), made famous by Lance Armstrong and the U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team (Now owned by HED).
Many riders in recent years have ridden Specialized bicycles in the North American and European UCI ProTour cycling circuit. In 2007, the pro cycling teams Gerolsteiner (GER) and Quickstep-Innergetic (BEL) will ride Specialized's S-Works line of bicycles including the Tarmac and Roubaix models.
Riders in the 2007 Specialized Factory Racing mountain bike team include Liam Killeen (GBR), Christoph Sauser (SWI), and Kyle Strait (USA).