The PR and marketing crew at Specialized has been quite coy over the past few months as they have taken to social media showing bits and pieces of their new bikes. First it was the 2015 Tarmac and now it appears to be an all-new gravel grinder or perhaps a new 2015 Roubaix. Have a look.
We’re talking some interesting stuff here. From the above image I’m seeing:
- Very large tires in the 30 to 33cc range (still road slicks)
- Thru axles front and rear
- Race geometry is retained (check out the tucked-in rear tire and short wheelbase — not something you’d find on a grinder)
- Shimano Di2 drivetrain
- Disc only options
- All-new frame that is unlike the current Roubaix
- Zertz inserts in the seatstays and forks
- Extra wide clearance forks
- An interesting shock absorbing or adjustable seatpost — could be a new ultralight dropper?
Whatever it is, they are hauling it all over the Bay area. Just yesterday, they went on a long ride that included an ascent of Mt Tam. We’re talking miles of not-so-perfect dirt and gravel roads on this bike.
The extra wide tires (likely 30 or 33mm) are still slicks and not treaded like CX tires, so it makes me wonder if it could be a new Roubaix. That said, the gravel grinding market is heating up with several bikes and lots of popular races. Specialized is poised to release its 2015 product line in the coming weeks, so the official unveiling of this new mystery Roubaix or gravel grinder will be coming very soon.
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