You may have seen a Specialized S Works bike on one of your trips, and you ask if it’s a quality brand.
You realize that the bicycle is expensive, and you can find other brands offering quality bikes at a lesser price.
Many people find it surprising that a Specialized racing bike can be costly. However, they also wonder why it’s expensive.
Fortunately, you’ll get a definite answer from this article. So kindly read on to learn why Specialized bicycles are costly.
1. Innovation and Research
Specialized is famous for solving a cycling issue. Therefore, it invests its resources in innovation and research.
For instance, the company solved problems about saddle numbness and poor posture by producing bicycles that overcome them.
For example, Body Geometry Technology is responsible for producing comfortable bikes that reduce the risk of injuries.
Specialized Company also produces a saddle for women cyclists that won’t cause bike seat numbness.
On the other hand, Specialized Brain Technology is specifically for cross-country Specialized Epic hardtail bikes. It’s able to provide self-adjusting, built-in suspensions for several terrain conditions.
A Specialized road bike uses Superlight and advanced aerodynamic designs, while its load isolation suspension technology provides better comfort and control.
2. Quality
Specialized Company guarantees quality bicycles due to their investments in innovation and research. As a result, the high-end Specialized bicycle components have better longevity, comfort, and performance.
You should know that you’re paying for quality. Specialized bike frames are more robust, stable, and lightweight.
On the other hand, hydraulic disc brakes are more reliable because they’re more responsive and durable. The robust wheels and more precise gears also add value to the bikes.
3. Few Bikes Produced
Specialized only produces a few bikes because it ensures its bicycles are of the highest quality; therefore, it can oversee its production.
A smaller production volume guarantees Specialized provides each quality bike to its customers with distinctive tastes and requirements.
4. Remarkable Warranties
Specialized Company assures consumers about its bike quality by offering impressive warranties.
For example, the bike company offers a lifetime warranty on its frames, chainstays, forks, and seat posts.
On the other hand, frame paints, motors, and other parts have a two-year warranty. In addition, the company offers a five-year replacement warranty on carbon components.
Generally, a company that offers excellent warranties encourages consumer confidence, and if the brand has generated consumer confidence, the manufacturer increases the Specialized bikes prices.
5. Brand Name
Generally, people buy something they know or hear about; therefore, professional cyclists also share the same mindset.
Specialized has over 40 years of experience in the bike manufacturing industry; therefore, they should protect their name.
Consumers often spend more money on a brand famous for its quality products.
6. Greater Demand
Demand also plays a role in the increased prices of Specialized bikes. The price increases if there’s a greater demand.
Price Estimates for Specialized Bikes
| Type of Bicycle | Low-End Price (in $) | Mid-Range Price (in $) | High-End Price (in $) |
| Road Bike | 500 – 2,000 | 2,500 – 5,000 | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Mountain Bike | 500 – 2,000 | 2,500 – 5,000 | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Active Bike | 3,250 – 4,000 | 4,000 – 5,000 |
Should You Invest in a Specialized Bike?
Your decision to buy a Specialized bike depends on your experience level, the bike you want to buy, and the purpose for buying one.
For instance, intermediate bikers may buy a mid-range Specialized bicycle if they have specific qualifications for a quality bike.
How You Can Improve Your Biking Experience Without Spending Much Money
Unfortunately, many cyclists may not have the money to buy a Specialized bike. However, if they don’t want to be bankrupt, they have other ways to improve their biking experience.
Buy a Mid-Range Bicycle
Specialized bikes provide top performance, especially for their high-end models. However, if you’re not a professional cyclist, you may opt for its mid-range bicycles.
The Specialized mid-range bicycles also have the bike company’s innovative technology.
Tweak Your Current Bicycle
You may have biker friends who recently upgraded their bicycles to high-end models but now complain about injuries and physical discomfort.
Generally, you can be better off you tweak your current bike. You may ask experts for opinions on how you can upgrade it before you even make buying decisions.
You may realize that it’s cost-effective to improve your current bike.
Buy a Second-Hand Bicycle
You may also buy a second-hand bike because you’ll save money. However, technology quickly evolves, and you may miss out on some innovations.
Top Information about the Specialized Company
History
Cyclist Mike Sinyard used the $1,000 he got from selling his Volkswagen to participate in a European race in 1974.
Sinyard decided to import the Cinelli stems and handlebars from Italy upon his return to the United States in 1976.
By 1981, Mike had already built two brands – Sequoia and Specialized Allez. By 2009, he used the Globe marketing tool for his Specialized brand.
The Specialized brand currently sells helmets, shoes, and clothes for kids, women, and men from beginner to professional cycling levels.
Where Do Specialized Manufacture Their Bicycles?
You can find the Specialized headquarters in California, specifically in Morgan Hill. It’s the place for bike manufacturing, prototyping, research, product development, and design.
However, the Specialized company has its manufacturing site in Taiwan. Taiwanese manufacturer Merida has had a 49% stake in the brand since 1974.
Specialized Electric Bike Technologies
Specialized Turbo electric bikes offer an outstanding riding experience with their advanced E-Bike technology for beginners and professionals.
These bikes are famous for providing the quietest, most powerful, and smoothest bottom bracket engines.
Specialized Company uses built-in belt drives and integrated freewheels.
Specialized Mountain Bike Performance
Specialized Stumpjumper mountain bikes are famous for delivering the best performance. You may wonder why. Here are the top reasons.
Speed, Control, and Effectiveness
A Specialized Roubaix mountain bike provides ultimate comfort on all terrains because of its advanced suspension design.
This bike delivers an outstanding balance of pedaling performance, speed, shock, and bump absorption.
Faster, Stronger, and Smarter
Specialized Brain bicycles are durable and efficient mountain bikes. They’re capable of smooth transitions from one terrain to another.
Flawlessly Balanced
Specialized Enduro mountain bikes have a suspension frame and shock fully customized for a faster and more enjoyable ride.
Specialized Bike Categories
Road Bike
Specialized Diverge road bicycles use the following technology:
- Rider-First Engineered™ for flawless frame performance
- Aero is Everything ethos for designing the fastest and lightest road bikes
- Future Shock suspension technology for a smoother and quicker ride
Mountain Bike
Specialized bikes are a trailblazer in the mountain biking category. With 20 years of experience, the Specialized Company has developed suspension systems.
- FSR suspension technology for immense efficiency, control, and comfort
- Brain technology for blocking oil flow in the shock to create an efficient pedaling platform on smooth terrains
Pavement and Path Bike
Path and pavement bikes are for casual, commuters, and active cyclists.
Electric Bike
Specialized electric bikes are becoming popular, and the company offers turbo-charged e-bikes.
Kid’s Bike
Specialized kid’s bikes are durable and safe. Children will have fun riding them.
Which Is Better: Specialized vs. Cannondale vs. Trek?
| Specialized | Cannondale | Trek | |
| Pros | Excellent entry-level bike componentsMountain bikes are the most popular bike typeIdeal suspension systems for smooth cycling | Superior traction for more comfortOverall excellent performance for different terrains | CustomizableMountain and road bikes are trendy bicyclesSeveral bike typesOutstanding suspension system |
| Cons | Relatively sticky Gripton tire | Not suitable for derailleur | Slightly damp Bontrager stock post |
Which Is Better: Specialized vs. Giant Bikes?
Price
Generally, Specialized bicycles are more expensive than Giant bikes because they provide higher-quality components.
Moreover, Specialized bikes have a higher resale value, while Giant has several bicycles and provides better bicycles at low-end and mid-range price points.
Frames
The choice of bike frame depends on the proper geometry fit; therefore, you should first try a bike before buying it.
Moreover, Giant makes bike frames, but Specialized gets its structures from several manufacturers.
Performance
Performance depends on the bike’s price and type. For instance, a high-end bicycle is better than its budget counterpart.
However, brands with the same price point may not offer equal performance. They vary in minor details.
Components
Giant has better components if you buy low-end and mid-range bikes because the bike company manufactures its bike frames.
Moreover, Giant buys its parts in huge volumes from other makers, such as Shimano and SRAM.
Design
Although the bike’s look doesn’t affect its performance, many cyclists still consider the design and color in choosing their bicycle.
Specialized has better designs than Giant.
Reputation
Some cyclists don’t like Giant bikes because the company offers several bicycles that dilute its brand.
Giant is a perfect choice because its bikes are reliable. However, some people don’t like that it’s a Taiwanese company.
On the other hand, cyclists perceive Specialized as an exclusive brand even if the company outsources its production.
Specialized offers a small range of bicycles, but its bikes are of a higher quality. Moreover, it owns several patents on its innovations.
FAQs
Are Specialized Bikes Good?
Specialized bikes have quality components, providing reliable and durable performance. In addition, they’re customizable with impressive suspensions and warranties.
Where Does Specialized Manufacture its Bikes?
Unfortunately, Specialized bikes aren’t from the United States. Instead, the company has a manufacturing plant in Taiwan.
However, the Specialized Company’s headquarters in Morgan Hill, California, handles the development, design, and research.
Are Specialized Bicycles Overpriced?
Specialized bikes are more expensive but not overpriced because they’re of the highest quality.
The bicycles have high-quality components, guaranteeing durability and better performance. In addition, the company uses advanced technology to make bikes.
Is it Hard to Buy a Specialized Bike?
You may find it hard to buy Specialized bikes because the company doesn’t produce bicycles in large volumes. More customers prefer to buy them.
Moreover, you can only buy Specialized bikes from its website. They are not available in many bike retailer shops.
Which is Better: Specialized or Trek Bikes?
Trek and Specialized bikes are both high-end bikes. They also sponsor professional cyclists to world cycling competitions.
Therefore, it’s challenging to pick the better company between them. Generally, Trek offers more bikes, while Specialized has more entry-level bicycles.
Who Owns a Specialized Company?
Mike Sinyard owns Specialized.
Is a Specialized Bike Worth My Money?
You can buy a quality Specialized bike featuring high-end parts guaranteeing durability, comfort, and better performance. Moreover, you’ll like its impressive warranties.
