Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Decode Bicycle Lingo With This Helpful List of Cycling Terms

anatomy of a road bike explained diagram Some terms in the cycling world can be challenging to understand. 


We have made a list of some common technical words and explained them here as simply and accurately as we can.


 

Jargon buster guide

A

    • Alloy: An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, at least one part is metal.

B

    • Bearings: Ball bearings work as a way of letting something spin/rotate freely and smoothly.
    • Bottom Bracket: The bottom bracket is housed in the bottom bracket shell of a bike.
    • Bottom bracket shell: The bottom bracket shell is where the bottom bracket is fitted, it is where the seat-stay, down tube and seat-tube join.
    • Brake levers: Brake levers are the handles/levers mounted on the handlebars used for stopping or slowing the bike.
    • Brake Cable: The brake cable system is made of two parts, the inner cable and the outer cable.

C

    • Carbon fibre: This is a composite that has a very high strength-weight ratio and is ideal for bicycle frames and components.
    • Cantilever brakes: Cantilever brakes are designed to operate in symmetry to touch the rim walls at the same time.
    • Cassette: The cassette is the cluster of sprockets fixed onto the splined freehub on the rear wheel.
    • Chain: The chain transmits the power from the chainring to the rear wheel of the bike.
    • Chain stays: The chainstays exit the bottom bracket shell in a rearwards direction where they meet the rear dropouts.
    • Chromoly: A type of steel that contains chromium and molybdenum. Another name you may see for chromoly is 4130 steel.
    • CX: CX is a short description for cyclo-cross.

D

    • Disc brakes: Disc Brakes comprise of a metal disc attached to the hub of the wheel, and can be operated either by hydraulic fluid or by cable.
    • Down tube: The down tube connects the bottom of the head tube to the bottom bracket shell.
    • Drop handlebar: Drop handlebars are predominantly used on road and track bikes.

E

    • Entry level: The term entry level is often used for first time riders wanting to buy their first bike.

F

    • Fork: The forks connect to the stem/handlebars allowing you to turn the front wheel and balance the bike.
    • Frame: The cycle frame is the main piece of the bike composed of the frame tubes. The wheels and other components are attached to the frame.
    • Freehub: The freehub is a component of the rear hub. It has a ratchet mechanism built into it to allow freewheeling/coasting.
    • Front derailleur: The front derailleur is used to move the chain in a sideways motion to allow shifting between chainrings.

G

    • Gear cables: The gear cable travels from the gear lever to the corresponding derailleur to allow the changing of gear.
    • Gear levers: Gear levers, often called shifters, enable the changing of the derailleur/gear mechanisms.

H

    • Handlebars: Bicycle handlebars are a one piece component fixed to the stem of a bike. The handlebars primary concern is to steer the bike.
    • Headset (Aheadset): The headset is a multi-piece component that is mounted at the head-tube of the bike.
    • Head tube: The head tube houses the headset and the steerer tube.
    • Hubs (front and rear): The hubs on a bike are the centre part of the wheels.

M

  • MTB: MTB is the abbreviation for Mountain Bike.

R

  • Rear derailleaur: This moves the chain from one rear sprocket to another, whilst keeping the chain tensioned.
  • Rear shock: This is a mechanical component that’s purpose is to absorb and smooth out the impact at the rear wheel of a bicycle, usually found on mountain bikes.
  • Rims: The rims are the perfect circular hoops that the tires are mounted onto.

S

  • Saddle:The bike saddle is the most intimate contact point on a bicycle. It’s clamped to the seat-post by the saddle rails.
  • Seat-post: The seat-post is a removable extension that is placed in the seat-tube of the frame.
  • Seat stays: Seat stays connect the top of the seat tube to the rear dropouts.
  • Seat tube: The seat tube is the insertion point for the seat-post.
  • Steel: Steel is an alloy. It’s manufactured by combining iron and other elements.
  • Suspension fork: This is a type of bicycle fork that has a suspension or shock absorbing unit.
  • Spokes: Spokes connect the hub to the rim.
  • Sprocket: A sprocket is another name for one of the individual cogs on a cassette or freewheel.
  • Steerer tube: The steerer tube is the upper part of the bicycle forks.
  • Stem: The stem is the linking component to join the handlebars to the steerer tube of the forks.

T

  • Tapered (head tube): These head tubes feature a bigger diameter at the bottom than the top.
  • Thumb shifters: Thumb shifters are very simple gear levers that were very common on MTB’s.
  • Tires: Bike tires fit on the outer circumference of the rims.
  • Top tube: The top tube is the joining tube from the seat tube to the top of the head tube.

www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Beautiful Photos of 2015 Specialized Rumor Evo Mountain Bike





In addition to the new ERA, Specialized presented us with the new RUMOR Expert EVO, a trail bike for the adventurous biker. The RUMOR Expert EVO has 120mm (adapted to the female weight) of travel and will bring more fun on flowy trails and take the fear out of challenging downhills.




The Specialized RUMOR Expert Evo comes in all black






Instead of the front derailleur, the left side of the bars on the 1×11 models feature the new remote lever of the Specialized Command Post.











The RockShox Pike on RUMOR Expert Evo has 120mm travel.





On the new RUMOR you will find the Specialized SWAT system integrated as standard.


The drivetrain is taken from the SRAM X01 groupset.

Instead of a derailleur, a chain guide can be mounted for the 1×11 drivetrain.




The Specialized RUMOR is available in four versions.

Specialized Myth saddle




Besides the two new bikes, Specialized also presented the new MYTH saddle for its female customers, which thanks to its flat and wide shape should be the perfect all round saddle for all mountain bikes. The saddle weighs approximately 285g.







The new Specialized MYTH saddle is fitted as standard on the new ERA.

The saddle is specially adapted to the needs of female riders and available in two widths.

You can find more information about the new products at www.specialized.com.

Words & Pictures: Christoph Bayer





www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Thursday, September 25, 2014

2015 Big Thicket Bike Tour Dates and Location Announced

Come join us on a ride through the beautiful rolling hills of the Big Thicket National Preserve. 

Choose one of six routes from 14 to 100 miles and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch afterwards. Tent, camping sites (w/showers) are available at the Trade Days grounds for $10/night. All proceeds are being donated to the Hardin County Angels of Care program – a nonprofit organization helping the needy children of Hardin County with medical bills and supplies.

Online registration begins on January 1st and ends on March 11th, 2015 at www.active.com.  Riders can also register at either of the locally owned bike shops in Beaumont, TX. (Bike Sports or Kickstand Bike Shop) or register on March 12th or 13th (from 6-9:00pm) at Sertino’s Café at 5657 Eastex Freeway in Beaumont’s Best Buy Shopping Center.  We will also have registration available on ride day beginning at 7:00am.  Packet pick-up is available at Sertinos Café (during the dates/times above) or on site on ride day at the registration table.

All proceeds from this ride are being donated to the Hardin County Angels of Care program – a nonprofit organization helping the needy children of Hardin County with their medical bills, supplies and expenses. 


www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Ride With Us! Third Annual Wheels of Hope Ride

Do It For The Kids 

The third annual Wheels of Hope is right around the corner, and we can't wait to see you there!

Make sure to register! Online registration ends on Thursday, Oct. 9. Register online at active.com or print the registration form! Be sure to register early to get a long-sleeved t-shirt (limited to first 500 registrants).

Can't ride but still want to help out? You can make a general donation or volunteer to help out at this year's Wheels of Hope! Just contact Stephanie or Ali at 337-491-0800.

Thank you for your continued support of St. Nicholas Center, our mission, and our children!


www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Monday, September 22, 2014

Beaumont Bike Ride at Tyrell Park - Saturday October 4th

Beaumont Local Bike Ride!

Meet at: Tyrrell Park
3/4 of the way around the Picnic Loop

Gather: 9 AM
Rides begin at 9:15 AM
New rides depart every 15 minutes
Last ride will depart at 11:15AM

Cost: FREE

What to bring:
- your bicycle
- your helmet
- your water bottle
- snack for the trail
- a responsible adult

We will ride in the man made wetlands area,
it is completely unsupported.
Bicycles, organic ATV's, are allowed in the wetlands area, where other ATV's are not!
Do NOT pet the snakes or alligators.
The Wetlands is a wild area and should be respected as such.
Migrating birds love this area, so be careful & respectful of the birds & Bird Watchers who are sure to be present.


Event Contact
First Name:  Eric
Last Name:  Bender
Email:  lifeisgood@bicyclesports.com
Phone:  409-860-5959 or 409-767-1199


www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Friday, September 19, 2014

2015 Specialized Sirrus Sport - Features and Specs

The 2015 Specialized Sirrus Sport is Powerful, Reliable — A Great Value!


Combining the heart of the world's best road bikes with a flat-bar, urban-friendly form, the 2015 Specialized Sirrus Sport Flat bar Road Bike redefines the notion of versatility. The 27-speed Shimano drivetrain keeps your pedaling efficient over varied terrain while the durable and light A1 Premium Aluminum frame is carefully shaped to provide optimal comfort and efficiency. Double wall rims are strong enough to cope with urban obstacles but light enough to accelerate quickly and the Body Geometry grips and saddle are comfortable and put in an anatomically correct riding position.

   
  -  Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum frame w/ rack/fender mount and wide tire clearance
  -  A1 Premium Aluminum fork w/ fender mounts for sharp front-end handling
  -  Specialized Nimbus 700x32c tires w/ Flak Jacket flat tire protection
  -  Specialized Body Geometry Targa, lock-on grips w/ integrated bar end for no-slip performance
  -  Die-cast alloy V-brake for no-hassle braking performance
  -  Shimano Acera, 9-speed derailleur for reliable and worry-free shifting
  -  Body Geometry Targa Sport saddle w/ steel rails for all conditions comfort


EXPERIENCE-SPECIFIC DRIVETRAINS
WHAT High-performing, experience-specific drivetrains that evolve through the line.
WHY To create high-quality, durable drivetrains that provide the most efficient, intuitive, and smoothest experience for the rider at each level–with an emphasis on wide gear ranges.
HOW As you move through the Sirrus line, the experience changes: the gears move with you. The base model accommodates all riders with a triple crankset with a wide gear range for easier climbing, while the top end has 1x11 gearing for ultimate performance.




FRAME:
Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated butted tubing, integrated lower bearing, fender/rack eyelets
FORK:
A1 Premium Aluminum, Cr-Mo steerer, fender/rack eyelets
HEADSET:
1-1/8" FSA integrated cartridge lower, external sealed upper bearings
STEM:
Specialized 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise, anti-corrosion hardware
HANDLEBARS:
Specialized flat, 6061 double butted alloy, 10-degree backsweep, 4-degree upsweep, 31.8mm
TAPE:
Specialized Body Geometry Targa, lock-on, closed end
FRONT BRAKE:
Alloy V-brake, linear pull, w/ alloy lever
REAR BRAKE:
Alloy V-brake, linear pull, w/ alloy lever
FRONT DERAILLEUR:
Shimano Acera, top swing, dual-pull
REAR DERAILLEUR:
Shimano Acera, 9-speed
SHIFT LEVERS:
Shimano EZ Fire, 9-speed
CASSETTE:
Shimano, 9-speed, 11-32
CHAIN:
KMC X9, 9-speed, reusable Missing Link
CRANKSET:
Forged alloy, 9-speed, square spindle, w/ chainguard
BOTTOM BRACKET:
Square taper, cartridge bearings
PEDALS:
Sirrus, 1.5mm Varus angle, nylon body, symmetric alloy cage, low profile bearing system, toe clip capable
RIMS:
700c, alloy double-wall, CNC sidewalls, pin joint, 32h
FRONT HUB:
Double-sealed, QR, 32h
REAR HUB:
Double-sealed, QR, 32h
SPOKES:
Stainless, 14g, w/ brass nipple
FRONT TIRE:
Specialized Nimbus, 26TPI, wire bead, Flak Jacket protection, 700x32c
REAR TIRE:
Specialized Nimbus, 26TPI, wire bead, Flak Jacket protection, 700x32c
INNER TUBES:
Standard Schrader valve
SADDLE:
Body Geometry Targa Sport, steel rails, 155mm
SEATPOST:
Alloy, 2-bolt, micro-adjust, 12.5mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware
SEAT BINDER:
Alloy, 31.8mm
 

www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Beautiful 2015 Specialized Fatbikes: The Fatboy, Fatboy Pro, and Fatboy Expert

2015 Specialized Fatboy: Built for snow, but also for every day riding.

Last year there were only two models of Specialized Fat Bike, Fatboy and Fatboy Expert. This year Specialized wanted to bring more to the table. They have added additional color schemes, and have introduced a new model: The Fatboy SL. The Fatboy SL is absolutely dialed in as a snow racer, and comes with mostly carbon parts. Specialized also managed to cut 200g of weight by using an anodized paint, bringing the bike's weight down to just over 24 lbs.

Then, there's the Fatboy Pro. Comes with Pluto suspension up front, and comes with an excellent frameset. This bike in particular is built to be your all-season bike. Hit the sand in the summer, and the snow in the winter.

Check out these tech specs.

Fatboy Pro

_Fatboy_FINAL_USA-2
_Fatboy_pro

Fatboy Expert

_Fatboy_FINAL_USA-1
_Fatboy_expert

Fatboy

Fatboy
_Fatboy_spec

www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Friday, September 12, 2014

2015 Specialized S-Works Era 29 Women's Specific Bike

Racy women will consider selling every expensive possession they own for the experiences this high end, and surprisingly versatile bike, offers on the trails.

The Era is Specialized’s women’s-specific, cross-country whip, sporting 100 millimeters of travel and a carbon-fiber frame built around 29-inch wheels.

(Photo from Bikeradar.com)

Compared with the Epic, the Era’s most noticeable difference is in its significantly lower standover height, with a size small measuring in at just 726mm tall. In a unique feature (not just to women’s bikes), the bottom bracket height increases by 5mm with each frame size.

Suspension wise, the Era keeps the Epic’s Brain system, with its ‘locked-out until you hit a bump’ technology. We’re told the suspension kinematics and shock tuning is modified for a lighter-weight rider compared with a men’s bike, but the exact details were vague. While the medium and large frame sizes will offer 100mm of travel, the small has 90mm to allow for a lower standover height.

The S-Works version–there is also an Expert at $6,300 and a Comp at $4,200, both with carbon frames–wears many fancy parts including a full XX1 11-speed drivetrain, shifters and crankset. It also dons the new RockShox RS-1 fork customized with a top-mounted BrainFade adjuster and rebound dial and a 15-millimeter thru-axle. The size small frame comes in a 90-millimeter-travel version, while medium and large have 100 millimeters of front travel. The rear shock is a Fox/Specialized remote Mini-Brain with Autosag for easy set-up with 95 millimeters of travel. The flat, carbon bars are a respectable 680 millimeters wide. It also included the SWAT Top Cap Chain Tool, a cool addition.

Come check out all the newest and coolest products from Specialized at Bicycle Sports!
We'll be waiting!


www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Thursday, September 4, 2014

2015 Specialized Epic Expert Carbon World Cup Review | Bicycle Sports

Turn your go-fast dreams into reality! Specialized 2015 Epic Expert Carbon World Cup is the machine to make it happen. 

(photo from Flowmountainbike.com)

It rocks 95mm of Brain-controlled FSR rear suspension and a 95mm SID fork for unprecedented climbing and confident descending. The state-of-the-art FACT 10M-carbon frame is not only light, it's also super stiff for lightning-fast accelerations and pinpoint handling. Plus, this XC-rocket is equipped with a stellar component package: a full SRAM X01 1x11 drivetrain for flawless, lightning-fast shifting, featherweight Roval Control carbon wheels, and a set of wonderfully powerful Magura MTS disc brakes. And, don't forget about Specialized's grippy tires that keep you hooked up to the trail no matter how hard you rail the turns.


With 29-inch Roval Control Carbon wheels, FACT 10m carbon frame with World Cup Geometry, and Brain inertia valve damping technology in both the FOX/Specialized shock and custom 95mm-travel RockShox SID fork, the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup has the speed to tame any cross-country terrain.
  • FACT 10m carbon, 95mm-travel, FSR frame w/ World Cup Geometry for the ultimate XC race machine
  • Specialized/FOX Brain shock w/ AUTOSAG knows the difference between smooth and rough terrain
  • RockShox SID fork w/ Brain damping and 95mm travel for race-ready XC performance
  • Roval Control Carbon 29 wheelset w/ Zero Bead Hook and 142+ spacing for greater control
  • 2Bliss Ready S-Works/Control Fast Trak tyre combo for high-traction and fast-rolling speed
  • SRAM X01 11-speed, carbon cage rear derailleur for premium shifting performance
  • SRAM XX1 11-speed trigger shifters for efficiency and simplicity on the trail
  • 11-speed SRAM cassette and drivetrain for ultimate shifting efficiency and simplicity
  • Lightweight and compliant Specialized alloy seatpost


CARBON FRAME
 
WHAT The FACT IS carbon frame features a concentric shock linkage for optimal pivot FSR location and suspension movement, two water bottle mounts with SWAT compatibility, internal cable routing, tapered head tube, PF 30 bottom bracket, and 142mm rear hub spacing. The World Cup Epic features 95mm of rear wheel travel, while the standard Epic retains 100mm of suspension.
WHY It’s all about the fastest ride. The frame is lighter than ever, has clean lines, better suspension action, and can carry everything you want right on the frame.
HOW Our engineers and frame designers spent countless hours refining this frame to squeeze every bit of performance from the ride, cut every non-essential gram, and reworked the tube shapes and locations to make room for the ground breaking SWAT technology.
 
 
MINI BRAIN REAR SHOCK WITH XC TUNE
 
WHAT Externally tunable, trail-sensing rear shock with AUTOSAG, pioneered by Specialized and manufactured by FOX.
WHY The only shock that knows the difference between rider and trail induced bumps, the Brain thinks for you and delivers the smoothest, most efficient ride.
HOW When a rider encounters bump forces, the Mini Brain’s inertia valve disengages, allowing oil to flow and the shock to immediately transition from firm (efficient) to fully active (compliant) suspension settings. The external Brain Fade dial allows riders to fine tune their suspension.
 
 
SWAT
 
WHAT Fully integrated emergency repair kit, featuring storage, water bottle holder, air canister, and multi-tool. Stage 3 SWAT standard on Epic Expert and up.
WHY Gives riders the ability to solve any minor mechanical problem on the trail, and eliminates the need to wear a pack.
HOW SWAT items are strategically integrated into the frame at the water bottle and organized by location and weight for easy access.
 
 
XCP COMMAND POST
 
WHAT Designed for specifically for XC racing, the XCP fits 27.2mm seatpost diameters, features a carbon constructions, and has two ride positions, with a 35mm drop position.
WHY Optimised saddle height for XC racing is crucial for maximising output to the pedals when climbing. However, lowering the saddle height with the XCP lowers a rider's centre of gravity for improved handling and control when they need it most—descending technical trails.
HOW By integrating the proven Command Post IR technology into an XC race platform designed for bikes with a 27.2 mm seatpost diameter. The carbon construction saves weight for riders concerned with the added features of the component, while the ability to actuate and raise or lower the XCP on the fly gives riders the optimised positions for both climbing and descending with the ease of a handlebar-mounted lever.
 
 
XC RACE GEOMETRY: EPIC VS. EPIC WORLD CUP
 
WHAT Two uniquely tuned and designed bikes for competitive XC racing and endurance XC racing.
WHY Riders’ needs vary based on terrain. Epic riders demand a race bike that can tackle a variety of course conditions. They are looking for a wide gear range, water carrying capability, and repair item storage. Epic World Cup riders demand explosive power and tight geometry necessary to dominate the race circuit. Weight and stiffness are top-priority for this rider.
HOW Epic models are built around a double chainring chassis and 100mm travel. Epic Expert models and above come equipped with SWAT. For riders looking for the most competition-focused XC race bike, World Cup models are built with a dedicated single-ring chassis featuring short 439mm chainstays, more aggressive geometry, and 95mm of travel. World Cup models are SWAT ready.
 
 
HAND-CRAFTED ROVAL WHEELS
 
WHAT Ultralight Roval Control SL 29 wheelset with Zero Bead Hook technology on S-Works models, Roval Control Carbon 29 wheelset on Marathon and Expert models, and Control 29 alloy wheelset on Elite models.
WHY Zero Bead Hook technology creates a lightweight and impact resistant wheel. The lightweight wheels improve climbing performance and acceleration out of corners.
HOW Roval engineers designed the lightweight carbon and alloy wheelsets with a hookless rim that is stronger and stiffer, so the wheels remain in-true longer, and absorb impact better. Zero Bead Hook simplifies the rim manufacturing process, resulting in a lighter-weight rim that with edges more resistant to sharp rocks and rough terrain.
 

Come in today to see the hottest 2015 Specialized Bikes! We'll even let you take a test ride!
See you soon!

www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

2015 Specialized 2FO Shoes - All-New for All-Mountain, Trail, Enduro, and Gravity Riders

This new Specialized 2FO shoe has a lot of great features built into the shoe that many of you will enjoy.

article from sicklines.com

The Intended 2FO users: All-Mountain / Trail / Enduro / Gravity

When it comes to cycling shoes, there have been many contenders in this space and Specialized seeks to make their mark here.  We took their 2FO shoes for a week in Whistler and got to experience how well they worked in the bike park.



The 2FOs address a lot of rider complains when it comes to shoes. The SlipNot rubber provides a good amount of grip and comfort while the toe-protection and overall light weight also will have many riders cheering for joy.



The low-profile 2FO shoe design has some clean styling to it and the Slipnot sole is designed mechanically to give more grip in key riding positions as well which we enjoyed.  Specialized has a lot of experience with tires and they employed the help of their teams to help with the rubber compounds used in these 2FO shoes.

Fit is importnat and Specialized has custom SL footbeds as well that make these fit even better.  We’ve visited their facility before and they are big on fitment to say the least.  You can also get a similar experience at your local bike shop if they’ve got all the accessories to help identify which sole is best for you.  The arch-o-meter below shows which of the 3 SL footbeds you should consider using with their shoes.





The low-profile 2FO shoe design has some clean styling to it and the Slipnot sole is designed mechanically to give more grip in key riding positions as well which we enjoyed.  Specialized has a lot of experience with tires and they employed the help of their teams to help with the rubber compounds used in these 2FO shoes.

Fit is important and Specialized has custom SL footbeds as well that make these fit even better. We’ve visited their facility before and they are big on fitment to say the least.  You can also get a similar experience at your local bike shop if they’ve got all the accessories to help identify which sole is best for you.  The arch-o-meter below shows which of the 3 SL footbeds you should consider using with their shoes.

Body Geometry Fit


If you’re comparing 2FO stickiness to a 5.10 stealth rubber we feel they’re not quite as sticky but this doesn’t mean that they’re not a viable option to consider as there is more than just stickiness to consider when picking a shoe.  Mobility is also key and this eases movement of the foot on the pedal when the needs arises mid-trail.


To aid in grip Specialized has manipulated the sole of the shoe to help get mechanical grip out of the sole’s design and it certainly helps this shoe grip.  It’s hard to say if we’d give up the familiarity of the sticky 5.10 stealth rubber at the end of the day, but we didn’t have any problems with the grip these shoes offered in comparison.

Structurally, the toe protection is top notch and provides some nice protection against rock strikes and impacts.  We felt that the 2FO flat shoe was pretty sturdy overall but the overall design isn’t as laterally rigid as some cycling options out there. The 2FO clipless shoe has a nylon plate infused in the sole partially  as well to give adequate pedaling stiffness but is still usable off the bike if you need to walk. Specialized includes a shoe lace garage strap to secure your laces after you’ve tied them on the tongue.



The smooth outer materials used also help to aid in shedding mud and water off the shoe quickly.  As a result this shoe dried quickly when wet in our and considering the intended audience this is a great thing.

Often clipless riders who transition onto clipless after riding flats will position their cleats closer towards the middle of their sole to have a familiar foot position.  Specialized has adjusted the cleat box so that it gives riders more cleat adjustment positions.



You can read more about the Specialized shoes below from Specialized that provides a lot more details.
Riders need the ability to get their feet on and off the pedals quickly and easily,

HOW: For 2FO Flat, our Slipnot rubber is tuned to provide pedal grip and durability, and uses a directional “sharkskin” profile for additional grip when riding with dropped heels. The hexagonal tread pattern is tight in the pedal zone to provide consistent feel and uses a more open pattern in the toe and heel for off the bike traction.
2FO Clip focuses on the shoe/pedal interface with a dual durometer Slipnot sole specifically tuned to make clipping in and out effortless. Our “Landing Strip” design uses a firmer durometer rubber and low-profile tread design around the cleat pocket to help guide rider’s feet into the pedals quickly and easily.

Additionally, the rounded edge of the outsole reduces friction while engaging the pedals.

WHAT: Slipnot compound is used in both 2FO models and is specifically tuned based on the rider’s pedal preference. The different rubber blends have been developed with the compounding experts on
our tire team.

RIDER COMFORT

WHY: Riders need footwear that is comfortable in variable conditions and terrain, both on and off
the bike. Whether lapping the bike park or out for an all-day ride, comfort and efficiency can make or break the ride.

HOW: 2FO is built on a new last with our relaxed fit that provides riders with a balance of pedal feel and off-bike performance. The upper and tongue are constructed with an “air mesh” material that has the cushioning of foam, but is highly breathable and does not retain water. This material allows the shoes to keep riders cool and keeps the wet weight of the shoes light and aids faster drying times.
Like all Specialized mountain bike shoes, the 2FO family is built with our Body Geometry system, that decreases fatigue, increases comfort, and improves pedaling performance by supporting the riders arch and balancing the foot and knee for optimal pedaling efficiency. The clip version uses an extended 4mm cleat slot that allows for a rearward (Body Geometry Neutral) cleat setup.
Riding with the included Body Geometry footbeds allows riders to position their cleats rearward for increased comfort without sacrificing pedaling performance.
2FO Clip uses our “Lollipop” sole construction; a 3/4 nylon plate in the pedaling zone that is dropped into the EVA sole. This construction allows for efficient pedaling performance, while providing impact absorption and flex in the toe and heel for hiking.

WHAT: The fit, performance, and Body Geometry features found in all Specialized shoes built into a platform perfect for the on and off bike needs of All-Mountain and Gravity riders.

PROTECTION

WHY: Riders want confident protection in technical, rocky terrain, allowing them to focus on their lines, instead of worrying about injuring their feet.

HOW: At the front of the shoe, 2FO uses an injection molded toe bumper that protects riders against anything from rock strikes to trail obstacles. Over the forefoot, an anti-tear polyurethane coated mesh provides ventilation without sacrificing durability. At the cuff, the shoes use an increased collar height on the medial side to deflect crankarm and chainstay strikes.

WHAT: Toe to heel protection and durability features that provide confidence without a weight (Clip 450g / Flat 395g) or breathability penalty.

2FO Clip Highlights
  • Landing Strip cleat pocket is optimized for effortless foot-out riding style with platform clippedals. Dual durometer sole uses firm rubber to control clip-in, and softer rubber for toe and heel traction
  • Stiff LollipopTM 3/4 cycling plate for high performance pedaling sits in a bed of EVA to soften landings and keep off-bike traction high
  • Injection molded toe kick, anti-tear toe, and high side cuff for lightweight armoring
  • Air mesh upper construction adds protection while quickly shedding water weight
  • Smooth thermobonded upper for lightweight durability and a snag-free profile
  • Cushioned EVA midsole is sealed with a protective skin for support and tear resistance
  • Body Geometry equipped to optimize comfort and performance
  • LacelockTM elastic keeps laces in place and clear of snags. Extra set of color laces included
  • Relaxed-fit for a balance of pedal feel and off-bike comfort
  • 2-bolt cleat pattern for compatibility with all major pedals
  • Approximately 450g (1/2 pair 9US/42EU)
2FO Flat Highlights
  • Slipnot (TM) rubber compound developed in our tire lab to optimize shoe to pedal connectivity
  • Directional sharkskin tread profile grips pedals, with open rear hex pattern for traction
  • Injection molded toe kick, anti-tear toe, and high side cuff for lightweight armoring
  • Air mesh upper construction adds protection while quickly shedding water weight
  • Smooth thermobonded upper for lightweight durability and a snag-free profile
  • Cushioned EVA midsole is sealed with a protective skin for support and tear resistance
  • Body Geometry equipped to optimize comfort and performance
  • LacelockTM elastic keeps laces in place and clear of snags. Extra set of color laces included
  • Relaxed-fit for a balance of pedal feel and off bike comfort
  • Approximately 395g (1/2 pair 9US/42EU)

www.bicyclesports.com


Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com