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.

WHY: All-Mountain and Gravity riders need to control their bikes through challenging terrain.

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)

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

2015 Specialized Demo 27.5 - Available in January

All New Specialized FSR Design with Concentric Bottom Bracket Introduced at Crankworx Whistler

(Words and Images by Zach White of mountainflyermagazine.com)

27.5-inch wheels are infiltrating the DH scene for 2015, including one of the industry’s last holdouts of the ‘tweener wheel size in general - Specialized. In addition to their recent 27.5-inch Enduro model introduction, next year’s Demo will now be available with 27.5” wheels, too. And while there have been photos and videos going around for the past few weeks of the new Demo Carbon’s asymmetrical frame design, this week at Crankworx Whistler was the first time media were able to hear the details, and throw a leg over one.


 Zach puts the new Specialized Demo Carbon through its paces on Whistler’s Dirt Merchant trail. - Self Portrait via helper monkeys

Though the latest FSR rendition appears to be an entirely new design at first glance, in reality, it’s just a lower version - with a few tweaks, of course. All pivot points are said to be in the same reference to one another as previous FSR designs, but 3-inches lower. This drop is the culprit for what appears to be a concentric bottom bracket, but Specialized argues shouldn’t be labeled as such due to the pivots on the chainstays.

There will be a slightly less expensive Demo Carbon version available with an aluminum shock link.	Tight tolerances with the carbon frame, concentric pivot point, and frame guard.

Why drop the tried and true FSR pivot design 3-inches? Specialized wanted to see just how low of a center of gravity they could get away with while they were already at the drawing board for a 27.5-inch-wheeled Demo chassis. They also threw out the constriction of needing to design a frame that could be made in an aluminum version as well, which is how the asymmetrical seat tube came about. An added benefit to the single-sided seat support is that shock access is drastically improved for both tuning and removal. Speaking of shocks and accessibility, Specialized and Ohlin have gone to a more standard eye-to-eye measurement that allows use of other shock brands. And, if you’re wondering, Specialized claims the unique design meets all strength requirements.

A look at the bottom bracket without the frame guard.	Specialized is using a standard 10-speed cassette and turning it into a 7-speed on the Demo Carbon’s spec.

An interesting variation from the 142mm industry rear wheel standard is that the new Demo Carbon has 135mm spacing. Specialized says this is for improved heal/ankle clearance that their racers demanded for non-production race bikes over the last couple seasons, so they opted to make it a production spec for 2015.


The new 2015 Specialized Demo Carbon will be available in January.

Specialized says that the chain stay pivot is the reason not to call the latest FSR version a concentric design.	Rear derailleur housing routes through the swing arm.

There will be two versions of the Demo Carbon available this January, though pricing isn’t available, short of being “really expensive” for the S-WORKS version, and “less expensive” for a version that features an aluminum shock link. Both frames and their swingarms will be full carbon, as Specialized states that downhill race bikes are continuously getting lighter and lighter, allowing riders to handle the bikes out on the trail with more precision and less effort.



General consensus out in the bike park was that the latest Demo Carbon design is one sexy machine.

Both brake and rear derailleur housing routes through the main frame via a carbon tube, which should keep mechanic’s headaches to a minimum.	S-WORKS version of the new Demo gets a carbon shock link.

Sizing on the new Demo is now all about length, as the seat tube measurement for a short and medium are the same, and it only grows 20mm for the long and extra-long sizes. For 2015, the current aluminum Demo will carry over, including its 26-inch wheels.

First Ride Impressions

As an ex-downhiller who rarely hops on big bikes these days, it usually takes a few runs to get used to such different beasts when compared to a trail bike. That said, I felt almost too comfortable on the new Demo Carbon in the very first turn of the very first run out on Whistler’s No Joke. All the lowering of pivots and new geometry sounded interesting in Specialized’s media introduction the day before, but what they should’ve done was had us journalists ride the bikes first as it would’ve saved a lot of boring indoor time by letting the bike speak for itself.


The shock’s location gets pushed over to the non-drive side a bit to make room for the asymmetrical seat tube.

The new Demo Carbon is definitely a race bike, as the slack headtube begs to turn into the steepest chutes available, and the tight, low rear end easily whips through tight switchbacks and rock gardens with ease. One noticeable new characteristic is the added contact patch of a 27.5-inch tire that keeps the rear end from skidding quite as easily as a 26-inch version. This isn’t specific to the new Demo, but works well in balancing it’s potentially otherwise too tight of a rear triangle if it did have a smaller wheel. The end result is a very quick handling, yet predictable and precise chassis.


Easy access to the Demo’s Ohlin shock will make racers happy.

Demo’s snappiness also tips its hat to the racers who gave their input into the design as it almost seemed to pout if I didn’t start pedaling out of each turn or throw in a quick spin before a jump. It’s still a big, 37.7-lb DH bike, but one with a focus on speed.

A tapered square rear axle with 135mm spacing keeps the rear wheel on.	With the new frame comes an all new 135mm rear axle.

Ohlin’s TTX shock gives an impressively bottomless and straight-rate feeling out on the trail, yet ramps up nicely when overshooting drops and jumps to avoid a harsh bottom-out. With only a day to ride the bike, it seemed best to keep it out on the trails with the supplied spring, verses trying to fine tune spring rate in 25lb increments. Otherwise, that tight of a graduation in spring options would be greatly appreciated with the time to tune.




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

More on the 2015 Specialized Diverge (Comp Smartweld)

A new early release bike from Specialized is the Diverge.  

Today we are highlighting the 2015 Diverge Comp Smartweld:

When the paved road stops the Diverge Comp Smartweld is just getting started. Whether it's dirt roads or navigating potholes on the road less traveled, the Diverge Comp Smartweld can handle it all. With hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano 105 drivetrain, and tuned frame and fork it's only limited by your imagination.

   - Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum w/ D'Aluisio Smartweld technology, tapered headtube, OSBB
   - Specialized FACT carbon fork for precise handling and steering
    - AXIS 3.0 Disc wheels designed for lightweight performance and durability
    - Specialized Roubaix Pro 700x30/32c tires w/ BlackBelt protection and Endurant casing for any road condition
    - Turn Zayante, BB30 crankset offers bulletproof performance and shifting
    - Shimano 785 hydraulic disc brakes w/ Ice Tech resin pads for supreme stopping power
    - Shimano 685 integrated hydraulic shift levers for crisp shifting and braking



Tech Features

DISC BRAKES



WHAT Powerful disc brakes that provide consistent stopping power no matter the weather or terrain.
WHY In varying terrain consistent and powerful stopping power is paramount. Disc brakes provide that security with less effort resulting in a more confident, less fatiguing ride.
HOW Hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes provide more efficient stopping power regardless of weather or terrain. Every Diverge frame is engineered to be able to withstand the increased braking stresses from disc brakes ensuring you'll be riding safer, longer.

ENDURANCE GEOMETRY



WHAT Optimized endurance geometry for all day comfort.
WHY When nothing is off limits, comfort is a necessity. An endurance geometry keeps your comfortable, longer while still allowing for snappy climbing and quick descending.
HOW A taller headtube and a slightly relaxed angle allows for the ideal position for all day comfort. Keeping the chainstays short while maintaining a low bottom bracket point ensures the type of responsiveness and able descending you desire.

TIRE CLEARANCE



WHAT Front and rear tire clearance for up to a 35c tire (32c with fenders).
WHY From paved roads to gravel fire trails, bigger tires provide more traction and flat resistant to ensure you keep the rubber side down.
HOW Wider tires provide a larger contact and can be run at lower pressures to ensure more traction across varying terrains.



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

[PICTURES] 2015 Specialized Road, Mountain, and Commuter Bikes

MORE PICS of SPECIALIZED BIKES

(Originally Posted on BikeRumor)

2015 Specialized Venge LR “Lunch Ride” 1×11 road bike. Photo: Scott Bellecitti

This year, Specialized skipped their major press event where we usually get to weigh and photo everything and get all the nitty gritty. But, their dealers still had their event, and thanks to the legendary Dale Brown over at Cycles de Oro, we’ve got a huge gallery of images and a few details.

From what we’re seeing, there’s a bit more excitement on the road side, even with the new 650B version of the Enduro that was just shown in detail. The pavement, or, rather, off-pavement, side is being led by the Diverge gravel bike. At least for those two, we have some pretty solid information and spec.

There’s plenty more to see though, starting off with the new Venge LR (Lunch Ride), shown above. It’s built up with SRAM Force CX1 mechanical shifters for a 1×11 build around Specialized’s carbon crank arms. Retail is around $5,500. That pic’s from Scott at Mike’s Bikes, everything that follows is from de Oro…




Many more 2×11 Venge aero road bikes remain in the line.


The Tarmac line is headed by the limited edition McLaren version that comes with it’s own matching helmet, shoes and stand.


It’s spec’d with some high zoot bits like eeBrakes.


The new Tarmac Disc was also announced earlier this year and has a few different models available.


The whole “rider centric” design is largely based off entirely different tube, layup and shape designs for every size frame. This cutaway shows just how different they really are. Click to enlarge and you can just make out the text.


A matte black Roubaix S-Works Disc with Di2 and hydraulic brakes joins the lineup.


A new S-Works Dura-Ace mechannical/rim brake Roubaix is also available.


The Allez S-Works D’Aluisio Di2 model combines electronic shifting with their top of the line alloy road racing frame.


An alloy race bike for eight grand? Yep. After all, there was already a $7,000 mechanically shifted model for 2014, so why not?


For young espoirs just starting out (or really short folks), the new Allez 650 combines a straight 1-1/8″ steerer with and 650c wheels with their A1 premium butted, formed alloy tubing for a great entry to the sport. The complete bike’s only $770.


The new Diverge gravel/adventure/all conditions road bike got an informal debut already, but here are a few extra looks.


Nice to see rack/fender mounts on a high end carbon bike.



How much do you want to spend to get away from it all?


Fortunately, the design trickles down to less expensive carbon…


…and alloy versions. Note the hydroformed head tube with Smartweld-looking design. Not quite as smooth as the Allez, but still pretty.


Lots of disc brake Crux cyclocross bike options. Graphics scheme looks the same as before, just different colors, and a new Di2/Hydraulic brake build at the top of the heap.


Pretty colors.


The 2015 Shiv Elite gets a budget friendly Shimano 105 build with plenty of adjustability built into the handlebars. Note the drinking tube coming out of the frame and up toward the front, making it easier to drink while in the aero position. Just mount your favorite aero wheels and you’re ready to race.

2015 SPECIALIZED MOUNTAIN BIKES

The S-Works Epic FSR 29 World Cup might seem like the top of the line…


…what with this spec and all. But it’s not likely to be the most expensive:


That honor almost assuredly goes to the S-Works Epic 29 with the new Rockshox RS-1 inverted fork with their Predictive Steering hub laced to Roval Control SL carbon, hookless rims.


It also gets their new XCP short travel dropper post that’s borrowed by the Diverge. It has 35mm of drop with a carbon body and internal cable routing only. That valve at the top is likely to adjust air pressure to affect return speed.


Ultimate.


The new Camber Grom brings their FSR suspension and all-mountain travel to a 24″ wheel for the kids. It’s running Maxxis Snyper tires, a 24″ dirt BMX tire with a 1x drivetrain. Kids these days – they’ve got all the best toys.


Just ignore all that stuff about 29er geo and wheels.


The Crave 29er hardtail gets some new colors and likely the usual spec updates.

COMMUTER, E-BIKE AND MORE

The Specialized Turbo e-bike gets a lower priced model.


This new version comes in $2,100 less than the original and likely sees smaller batteries and less powerful motors. (We’re getting details and will update shortly)


The Vita Carbon Disc provides the ladies with a lightweight, fast and modern city bike.


The Sirrus Disc Carbon does the same for the gents and ladies with the added comfort of Zertz inserts on the fork and seatstays.


If you’re gonna ride to work, you may as well do it in comfort and style.


Lastly, we have a throwback to the early days of Specialized bikes. This steel, lugged Allez has obviously seen some hard miles over the years.






 

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