Amgen tour of California 2012

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Tech feature: Specialized 2010 road preview

  • The 2010 Ruby will be more 'endurance' oriented for 2010 with geometry and handling more akin to a Roubaix.

    The 2010 Ruby will be more 'endurance' oriented for 2010 with geometry and handling more akin to a Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A revised dual radius tread profile still puts more rubber on the road in corners but with a less radical shape that feels more natural as you lean into corners.

    A revised dual radius tread profile still puts more rubber on the road in corners but with a less radical shape that feels more natural as you lean into corners.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The synthetic heel cup liner holds on tight with minimal padding required.

    The synthetic heel cup liner holds on tight with minimal padding required.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Of course, there's the usual Body Geometry footbed.

    Of course, there's the usual Body Geometry footbed.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Open-backed lace guides make it easier to get the shoes on and off.

    Open-backed lace guides make it easier to get the shoes on and off.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new FACT 12.0 carbon sole is supposedly stiffer and lighter than before.

    The new FACT 12.0 carbon sole is supposedly stiffer and lighter than before.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The textured sole offers a solid purchase for cleats and a vent up front brings in cooling air.

    The textured sole offers a solid purchase for cleats and a vent up front brings in cooling air.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Micromatrix upper is now softer-feeling and conforms better to the foot than last year's version.

    The Micromatrix upper is now softer-feeling and conforms better to the foot than last year's version.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • An oversized integrated bottom bracket is used here as well.

    An oversized integrated bottom bracket is used here as well.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The carbon frame uses Roubaix features but with smaller tubing profiles for a ride more appropriate to smaller and lighter riders.

    The carbon frame uses Roubaix features but with smaller tubing profiles for a ride more appropriate to smaller and lighter riders.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The 2010 Ruby uses a straight steerer tube for more comfort.

    The 2010 Ruby uses a straight steerer tube for more comfort.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized claims the new Ruby is almost 10 percent more comfortable than the '09 version.

    Specialized claims the new Ruby is almost 10 percent more comfortable than the '09 version.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Roubaix SL-like seat stays are used on the back of the S-Works Ruby for 2010.

    Roubaix SL-like seat stays are used on the back of the S-Works Ruby for 2010.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized has traded in last year's solid carbon construction for a new hollow foam core configuration.

    Specialized has traded in last year's solid carbon construction for a new hollow foam core configuration.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A new Toupe SL saddle will join the range later this year with a feathery 112g weight.

    A new Toupe SL saddle will join the range later this year with a feathery 112g weight.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Carbon fiber is used for the flex-tuned shell and ovalized rails.

    Carbon fiber is used for the flex-tuned shell and ovalized rails.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Specialized TT2 helmet has gained Snell certification and is now available to the public.

    The Specialized TT2 helmet has gained Snell certification and is now available to the public.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new S-Works road shoe now weighs just 470g per pair (actual weight, sz43.5).

    The new S-Works road shoe now weighs just 470g per pair (actual weight, sz43.5).

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Dual-zone Boa lacing allows for a more tunable fit.

    Dual-zone Boa lacing allows for a more tunable fit.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A new pad set looks to be more durable than the existing version.

    A new pad set looks to be more durable than the existing version.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The oversized bottom bracket houses a FACT integrated carbon crankset.

    The oversized bottom bracket houses a FACT integrated carbon crankset.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized's new women's-specific S-Works Amira is an analogue to the racy S-Works Tarmac SL2.

    Specialized's new women's-specific S-Works Amira is an analogue to the racy S-Works Tarmac SL2.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Amira uses a tapered front end but the lower bearing uses a 1 3/8" diameter instead of the Tarmac's 1 1/2".

    The Amira uses a tapered front end but the lower bearing uses a 1 3/8" diameter instead of the Tarmac's 1 1/2".

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Stout chain stays are paired with slender triangulated seat stays, just as on the Tarmac.

    Stout chain stays are paired with slender triangulated seat stays, just as on the Tarmac.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Specialized Arc-X glasses mates the Arc-II's sleek styling with the convenience of folding temples.

    The Specialized Arc-X glasses mates the Arc-II's sleek styling with the convenience of folding temples.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The minimal stainless steel frame is barely attaches to the lens.

    The minimal stainless steel frame is barely attaches to the lens.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized shoes have become wildly popular among the pros, whether or not their team is so sponsored.

    Specialized shoes have become wildly popular among the pros, whether or not their team is so sponsored.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Phenom is technically in Specialized's mountain bike saddle range but it is has still found favor in the road ranks.

    The Phenom is technically in Specialized's mountain bike saddle range but it is has still found favor in the road ranks.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The second-tier Propero continues to offer excellent value.

    The second-tier Propero continues to offer excellent value.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The S-Works' Pro Fit 360 retention system finds its way into the Propero, replacing the old Pro Fit 270 setup.

    The S-Works' Pro Fit 360 retention system finds its way into the Propero, replacing the old Pro Fit 270 setup.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new Body Geometry Romin saddle is aimed directly at competitive road riders who tend to spend a lot of time in the drops.

    The new Body Geometry Romin saddle is aimed directly at competitive road riders who tend to spend a lot of time in the drops.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Romin is mostly flat like the Toupe but has a slightly kicked-up tail.

    The Romin is mostly flat like the Toupe but has a slightly kicked-up tail.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Toupe carries on but with updated finishing bits that are supposedly more durable.

    The Toupe carries on but with updated finishing bits that are supposedly more durable.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Romin nose is wider and flatter than the Toupe and the central channel carries through the entire length of the saddle.

    The Romin nose is wider and flatter than the Toupe and the central channel carries through the entire length of the saddle.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A new Solar Ray clothing collection offers UPF 50 protection without the need for any coatings.

    A new Solar Ray clothing collection offers UPF 50 protection without the need for any coatings.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The S-Works helmet is mostly unchanged for 2010.

    The S-Works helmet is mostly unchanged for 2010.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A new S-Works Turbo clincher tire uses a supple 220tpi casing.

    A new S-Works Turbo clincher tire uses a supple 220tpi casing.

    Photo credit © James Huang