What is the difference between the “regular” Specialized bikes and the Specialized S-works bikes? That is a good question and to understand the answer, you have to understand the difference between the two.
Specialized and S-works are from the same company. You see, S-works is a sub-brand of specialized. It’s more of a premium brand. The main difference between the two is in the frame. S-works is a top-of-the-line model because of its special carbon-layup frame. So, an S-works is a true investment!
But here’s the deal. Before you decide on buying one, there are a few things to consider. This can help you make a satisfying decision!
9 Things You Must Know Before Buying A Specialized S-Works Bikes
I tried out the Epic Carbon 29. It was a gem to ride. But I learned quite a lot of things in my experience with the Carbon 29. Let’s explore them so that you can benefit from them too!
1. S-Works Has Special Dealers
Specialized S-works bikes are not your everyday bike that can be bought anywhere. They are sold by a handful of special dealers handpicked by S-works bike manufacturers. This is the reason you cannot find them at every bike shop. Because of the specialized after-sales care S-works bikes need, their manufacturers are confident in placing them in the hands of experts who would be able to deliver top-notch customer services.
Every part of a S-Works bike is delicate and it must be efficiently aligned with the other parts. Its frames, wheels, and other parts must be in tune for it to be a great bike! That is why it is so expensive. A single mistake in servicing it may bring down its value and usefulness.
Here are a few of the top Specialized S-works bikes:
2. They Are Very Expensive
Many of the Specialized S-works bikes out there are quite expensive. Take, for instance, the mountain bike the S-Works Epic Carbon 29 reportedly costs $10,000! Similarly, Specialized S-Works Venge Super Record EPS Ltd comes with a hefty price tag of $14,000.
Their high-tech features make them expensive. Like the 2013 Specialized S-Works Venge Super Record EPS Ltd has a carbon fiber frame, and its components are graded on a pro level.
Other costly bikes include but are not restricted to the Bianchi Oltre XR Super, which costs a little below $14,000, and the Kestrel RT-1000 SL, which comes with a price tag of $11,0000. These prices are not affordable for everyone!
This might have got you thinking: Can I ever afford a Specialized S-Works bike? Of course, you can. Some sellers offer the bikes in monthly installments, like a car. You may want to divide your payment over, say twelve months. Some sellers offer periodical servicing of your S-Works bike even when you haven’t completed your payment.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and efficient way to commute, check out our list of the best electric road bikes.
3. S-Works Is Built Following Strict Standard
Speaking from experience, S-works bikes are a perfect fusion of innovation and design. S-works bike manufacturers constantly undergo research and development to bring into life well-structured bikes for their customers.
So, anything that falls below standards is never included in the body. If you are going to be paying top dollar for a bike, at least you will be happy to have something of value delivered to you. If you are racing, S-Works bikes are designed to facilitate your speed and put you right ahead of all your competitors.
For instance, S-Works Epic 29 is a very fast bike because of the way it was built:
- Carbon fiber frame provides the required stiffness, strength, and lightweight that will help the bike run very fast and efficiently;
- It has the RockShox RS-1 Brain fork, which is the most sought-after fork in XC racing;
- Its Spike Valve technology streamlines the process of turning corners and running on rough terrain;
- It has 100mm of fine-tunable suspension, which makes it possible for the bike to differentiate the pressure from the rider’s weight from the ones exerted by rough terrains, bumps, and other hurdles while cycling;
- Its Roval Control Sl 29 carbon fiber wheels are lightweight for climbing and durability;
- This bike has the first set of electronic mountain groupsets, which enables precision in shifting gears and makes turning accurate and reliable.
4. These Bikes Are Conversion Friendly
One interesting thing about bikes is that they can be converted into another specialized form. You can improve a regular specialized bike.
5. There Is A Wide Variety Of Frames
Unlike other bikes, S-works bikes have a wide variety of frames. It is true to say that each frame represents a particular model. Some of the most famous frames are Tarmac, Shiv, Venge, Transition, Allez, Roubaix, Epic, Ruby, Stumpjumper (both FSR Evo and Hardtail), Enduro, and Shiv TT. Pay attention to the individual features of these frames. You may discover that some frames may not suit your biking goal.
6. They Have Complex Designs
There are no limitations to the different kinds of designs you can have on your specialized S-works bikes. Your chosen design could depend on the usage of your bike. If you are thinking of using it on the road or mountain, you would have to put in features that strengthen the bike for its proposed uses.
In other words, no designs are considered too extreme. And since it usually costs a lot to do this, specialized S-works bikes are regarded as no-spending-limit machines. This may account for why they are usually expensive.
If you’re new to cycling and looking for a reliable and affordable road bike, look no further than our list of the best entry-level road bikes.
7. They Have A Good Body Geometry Fit
The primary reason for Body Geometry Fit is to help bikers get the right bikes they will be comfortable with. The good about Body Geometry Fit is that it has been ergonomically designed and tested to ascertain its scientific conformity. The purpose of these processes is to guarantee maximum comfort, high performance, endurance, and the possibility of easy customization in the future. The Body Geometry Fit is geared towards improving your three contact points to your bike: your hand, foot, and sit.
You will need some Body Fit products like gloves, footbeds, shoes, and saddles to help you ride farther, more comfortably, and faster. These Body Fit products have already been scientifically proven and tested. The essence of the Body Fit Geometry and products is to make sure there is harmony between the bike and the rider.
Ask yourself the question When is the most appropriate time to get a Body Fit? You may need a Body Geometry Fit when buying a new bike, setting a new biking goal for yourself that requires a change in your bike’s features and when you have improved your fitness and need something faster, of higher performance, and better aerodynamics.
8. They Are Non-Gender Specific
Allow me to debunk the rumor that specialized S-works bikes are mainly designed for male riders. This is not true at all. Specialized S-works bikes are for everyone!
The only concern about this kind of bike is that it is status-based. You must be rich or capable enough to fork out about $10,000 or more for a bike before you can own one. So, people who do not have the means and are struggling financially may find it hard to shell out such a huge amount of money on just a bike.
Apart from that, anyone who can afford it can own a specialized S-works bike. But because of its speed and delicateness, S-Works bikes may not be suitable for small kids. It is a high-speed bike and they might lose control of it.
Looking for a gender specific bike? Read our guide on men vs women bike differences to know what you should keep in mind.
9. They Don’t Have A Different Insurance Policy For S-Works Bikes
Some would-be owners of Specialized S-Works bikes are worried whether they will be asked to pay more insurance premiums for their S-Works bikes. However, investigations reveal that the insurance companies treat all bikes almost the same, irrespective of their costs. You are likely going to be paying the same premium as for your current regular road bike.
From the invention of the bicycle to the first Tour de France, our guide to the 58 milestones from bicycle history you must know is a must-read for any cycling enthusiast.
Buying A Specialized S-Works Bike- What To Consider
So what should you look for before buying an S-works bike?
1. What Kind Of Frame Do You Need
Ask yourself: What kind of frames will be good for the purpose I want to use them for? Selecting the best frame type for your S-Works bike will help you achieve your cycling goal. You may not be able to do this assessment on your own. That’s why I recommend that you contact a reputable dealer of Specialized S-Works bikes around you and arrange a meeting with him or her. They can help you decide the kind of frame you need.
2. The Kind Of Wheels You Want
What kind of wheels will be appropriate for me? S-Works bikes are specially worked on to make them great and very useful. So, you can choose the best set of wheels for your S-Works bike. Road bikers’ wheels must be, as you know, different from a triathlon biker’. You certainly don’t want to regret choosing the wrong wheels!
3. The Kind Of Bike Dealer
The last and the most helpful piece of advice is that you must choose an experienced specialized S-Works bike dealer. This will save you a lot of headaches. If you are not sure about which S-Works bike to go for that’s why consulting a knowledgeable dealer in this field will save you time and money.
In my experience, choosing an S-Works bike that does not align with your purpose can become a headache. More so, a good dealer can help you find an S-Works bike at a reasonable price!
How To Get A Proper Body Geometry Fit
You will have to go through the following procedures if you want to make sure that your Body Geometry Fit is properly done:
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-Fit Interview | Have a pre-fit interview with the Body Geometry Fit expert to assess which areas of your cycling can be improved through the process of re-designing some parts of your bike. |
| Product Selection | The next stage is product selection, which is carried out by the fitting expert who will have to measure your hand, foot, and seat size to recommend the most appropriate products like shoes, footbeds, and saddles that will make your points of contact to the bike firmer and more relaxed. |
| Ride Analysis | The fitter will also assess your ride analysis: This entails checking your ride style to identify the best position for you. The fitter may likewise carry out some measurements on your body to see how your riding experience could be improved. |
| Using Technology | The fitter may use some technology in a Body Geometry Fit studio to further analyze your riding style. This is usually done with 3D motion capture or Video Capture technology system which makes the simulation of your riding analysis possible. The report or video emerging from the studio may be shared or stored as a document for future reference. |
| Carrying Out The Body Geometry Fit | The last step is, of course, carrying out the Body Geometry Fit on your bike. You may also be required to visit the fitter once a week to assess the efficiency of the fitting. |
FAQs
What does Sworks stand for?
Sworks is short for Specialized Works.
What is the range of the S Works road bike?
An S-works road bike can cost anywhere between $6,000 – $15,000 USD.
Who owns Specialized?
Specialized is owned by Mike Sinyard.
What speed bike is best?
The best speed bike depends on your riding preferences and your budget.
Recap
Buying an S-Works bike is just the first step, maintaining it requires having a well-savvy dealer that knows the right things for your bike. Remember, the relationship between you and your dealer must be mutually exclusive so that you can continue to enjoy your best Specialized S-Works bike.
Now that you are fully informed about S-Works Bikes, will you consider buying them? Let me know in the comments below!
Also Read
3 thoughts on “9 Things To Know Before Buying Specialized S-Works Bikes”
BIg trivia question – what year did S-Works bikes first release? My guess is 1995….
I bought an M2 frame in 92.
Can help me check my frame original or not A00906712.