Specialized Bicycle Components is one of the most recognized names in the bicycle industry. Beginning in 1974 near San Jose, Calif., as a small bicycle parts importer/distributor, founder Mike Sinyard would lay a foundation for the fourth-largest high-quality bicycle manufacturer in the U.S. Specialized is now known worldwide for high-end bicycles and components with top athletes and countless innovations.
Specialized Introduces Own Tires
When Specialized Bicycle Components founder Mike Sinyard saw a need for quality tires in the touring market, he met it with Specialized's first product. The tire, called the Turbo, was the industry's first foldable tire, and it was equipped with a Kevlar bead, both now industry standards. This led the way for complete road racing bicycles and touring frames. By 1981, Sinyard was onto to a new trend: Mountain bikes.
The Stumpjumper
The introduction of what were called ATBs, or all-terrain bicycles, created a flurry of activity in the bicycle market. Specialized was among the first companies to market an off road bicycle, "a bicycle for all reasons" as it was advertised, and the company only sold its products to bike shops. According to a report by FundingUnverse.com, "Specialized's practice of selling their products exclusively in bike shops created a loyalty between the shops and Specialized." The Stumpjumper line is still in bike shops as of March 2010.
Famous Partnership
While building a reputation on quality products and customer loyalty, Specialized sponsored a bicycle racing engine mechanic from Durango, Colo., named Ned Overend. Overend has maintained his affiliation with Specialized. "I help Specialized in its advocacy efforts both in Washington, D.C., and here in Colorado. I also work closely with our marketing department in negotiating contracts with our teams and riders," Overend said in an interview with bikeradar.com.
Innovation
Over the years, Specialized maintained its mantra, "Innovate or Die," and continues introducing components that redefined the industry's potential. Working with Du Pont, the company fabricated composite wheel sets that shaved significant weight off contemporary products. In 1990, it introduced M2, a ceramic impregnated alloy used to construct strong lightweight frames for many of its high-end bicycles. Full suspension technology continued to develop, and Specialized contributed with its Brain, a suspension shock that has an activation threshold and performs under certain amounts of force. Like the Turbo tires and the Stumpjumper, these innovations would have huge impact on the mountain biking industry.
Customer Loyalty
Specialized claims in its company philosophy that it wants to help everyone enjoy mountain biking as much as it does, and it supports that with a personal approach. Also, according to Specialized.com, it has comprehensive warranties and a guarantee on certain products like suspension shocks.
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