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Specialized 2006: Upping innovation, dropping weight

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By Cycling News published 23 September 2005

With the show season in full swing, James Huang takes a look at what California-based bike maker...

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Image 1 of 32

Like the Roubaix(Image credit: James Huang)

Specialized is so devoted(Image credit: James Huang)

Zertz vibration dampers(Image credit: James Huang)

I don’t know about you but this certainly wasn’t the view out of my dorm room when I was in school…(Image credit: James Huang)

The curved top tube of the Tarmac actually lends some vertical compliance to the frame. The “figure-8” tube profile also serves to maximize lateral rigidity.(Image credit: James Huang)

Specialized’s new Az-1 technique wraps layers of carbon around preformed and mitered carbon tubes. Each layer is sequentially cured before the next one is applied, and the whole structure is cured at the conclusion of the process to ensure a homogeneous structure.(Image credit: James Huang)

All sorts of yummy road bike goodness in a sub 15 lb package. I know this is a cliché, but yes, it does look fast even standing still.(Image credit: James Huang)

New lighter weight S-Works carbon fiber post still incorporates the vibration-absorbing Zertz elastomeric pads for a buzz-free ride.(Image credit: James Huang)

The new Toupé saddle incorporates all of Specialized’s innovative Body Geometry principles for hours of trouble-free riding. The saddle is available in two widths to fit different-sized riders. In spite of its minimal appearance, it actually really is quite comfy!(Image credit: James Huang)

Specialized’s FACT carbon crank uses stiff carbon fiber arms and a massive center-splined aluminum bottom bracket spindle. Sorry, but although it’s allegedly 165g lighter and 11% stiffer than Dura-Ace, you’ll need an oversize bottom bracket shell to install it.(Image credit: James Huang)

Bigger, better, faster, more!(Image credit: James Huang)

From the rider’s perspective the stem is just huge. Just like it says in your sideview mirror, this thing really is larger than it appears, but it is also tremendously stiff when cranking on the bars.(Image credit: James Huang)

They’re back! Ok, well maybe it’s really more in name than anything else, but Specialized did actually track Claude Lehanneur down in France to consult him on this project and get his blessing before using the Roval name.(Image credit: James Huang)

In spite of its somewhat mundane “Endurance Road” title, many pro riders (and even some sprinters) choose the stabler handling of the Roubaix over the more Type A Tarmac.(Image credit: James Huang)

The slight headtube extension on the Roubaix can provide for more upright positioning should you so desire without running a mountain of spacers. Rest assured, though, that you can still go just about as low as you want.(Image credit: James Huang)

According to Specialized, the Ruby frame is the most advanced women’s-specific road frame currently available from a major manufacturer.(Image credit: James Huang)

Like the Roubaix the Ruby wears a slight head tube extension to allow for a more upright position if so desired.(Image credit: James Huang)

Specialized is so devoted to accommodating the fit needs of women that it even molded a women’s-specific oversize carbon fiber handlebar that makes for a short reach to the levers when you’re in the drops.(Image credit: James Huang)

Zertz vibration dampers are also incorporated into the Ruby seatstays to kill fatigue-inducing vibration before it can get to the rider.(Image credit: James Huang)

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