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2014 Specialized Road & Triathlon Bikes – More Disc Brakes & Trickle Down Tech!

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2014 Specialized Road and Triathlon bikes overview

The 2014 Specialized road bike lineup has lots more disc brakes and sees much of the new designs and technology introduced in 2013 trickle down through the line.

The Roubaix and Secteur both get more disc brake options, bringing them down to some very attainable price points. The Tarmac, Venge and Allez remain true to rim brakes, with the first two getting hydraulic brake options and the latter’s impressive Smartweld frame tech expanding to plenty of models. For Triathlon, the Shiv brings back a complete S-Works bike, also with hydraulic rim brakes.

Visually, the Roubaix and Tarmac carbon frames remain the same, but now they’re all SL4 throughout the line. This means all of the frames, from the lowest spec to the S-Works level, get the same frame shaping and size specific layups. The only difference will be the quality of carbon used.

There’s a lot more to the pavement lineup, with some interesting crossover/city bikes and the complete women’s line, plus cyclocross, all of which will be covered in separate posts. Here, we roll through the performance road and tri bikes…

VENGE

2014 Specialized S-Works Venge HRR aero road bike with hydraulic rim brakes

Just like the bike that Cavendish is racing (save for the custom paint), the Venge will now be offered with the new SRAM HRR hydraulic rim brakes. It sits just below the Dura-Ace and Dura-Ace Di2 models, but still uses the S-Works level FACT 11R carbon frame. The S-Works Venge HRR will retail for $8,500, same as the Dura-Ace mechanical version.

2014 Specialized S-Works Venge HRR aero road bike with hydraulic rim brakes

It’ll come with all-new Roval CLX60 carbon clinchers using CeramicSpeed bearing and wrapped in new S-Works Turbo 24c tires. The CeramicSpeed bearings are also used in the OSBB with Spec’s carbon cranks holding SRAM Red 22 chainrings.

Specialized has been using CS bearings, which are handmade in Denmark, in their team bikes’ wheels. Now, they come standard in all Roval CLX wheels for 2014, and this is the first year they’ve put them in the bottom brackets. CeramicSpeed claims they’re 600% smoother, 129% harder and 58% lighter than steel balls typically used on bikes.

A quick side note on the wheels: The new Roval CLX will come in 40mm and 60mm depths, in clincher and tubular, with standard and disc brake hubs on the 40’s. Specialized tested the rims on Flanders’ cobbles and under the team in various races and conditions, with the goal of making them very light and very fast but still durable. Claimed weights are:

  • CLX 60 clincher – 1495g
  • CLX 60 tubular – 1330g
  • CLX 40 clincher – 1375g
  • CLX 40 tubular – 1240
  • CLX 40 Disc clincher – 1475g
  • CLX 40 Disc tubular – 1340

2014 Specialized S-Works Venge aero road bike

This orange looker is the Dura-Ace mechanical model. The Di2 version will retail for $10,500 and come in matte black and red.

Don’t want to wait for trickle down? How ’bout a $3,300 Venge Elite Rival HRR with 10-speed SRAM S-series group and hydraulic rim brakes! Frame is Fact 10R, which until only recently was top of the line.

TARMAC

2014-Specialized-Tarmac-SL4-Elite-105-road-bike

The big news on the Tarmac’s is that all frames are now SL4 designs. This brings size specific layups and shaping to the stays and different tapers to the headtube, ranging from 1.125″ to 1.375″ on the bottom. Now smaller and bigger riders have bikes more thoroughly designed for them throughout the entire price range, even on the $2,600 Elite 105 shown above and the $2,100 Sport 105. The carbon fiber ranges from FACT 9R on the lower end models up to FACT IS 11R on the S-Works jewels, so the top end frames will still be lighter.

Not shown, there’s now a S-Works Tarmac SL4 Red HRR with the hydro rim brakes. Retail is $8,500.

ALLEZ

2014-Specialized-S-Works-Allez-alloy-road-bike

Last year, Specialized adorned the alloy Allez with the S-Works moniker…kind of a big deal for a non-carbon bike these days. It was such a big deal that the 2013 S-Works Allez only had a limited run of 50 bikes. Hit the link to last year’s coverage for tech details and close ups. There was also a blacked out Allez Race that shared the frame and was almost equally hard to get.

For 2014, the Smartweld alloy frames gain two additional models and expand availability considerably. Shown above is the 2014 S-Works Allez that has a TBD price.

2014-Specialized-Allez-Expert-Smartweld-SL-road-bike01

Beneath it are the Allez Expert ($2,400, shown, Ultegra) and Race ($1,700, Shimano 105), both with Smartweld SL frames.

2014-Specialized-Allez-Comp-Smartweld-M5-alloy-road-bike

The patriotic looking Allez Comp Smartweld gets a slightly watered down version of the manipulated E5 frame to come in at $1,350 with Shimano Tiagra. If you’re looking to get into a premium aluminum crit frame that’s worth of upgrading, here’s your bike. It’s also available as a frameset for $880 with the Tarmac Comp full carbon monocoque fork.

ROUBAIX

2014 Specialized S-Works Roubaix Red HRD Disc brake endurance road bike

Last’s year’s Roubaix Disc introduction brought in an Expert level bike as Specialized (and the rest of us) waited for the eventual release of SRAM’s hydraulic disc brake groups. With those finally getting real, an S-Works Roubaix Disc became possible.

2014 Specialized S-Works Roubaix Red HRD Disc brake endurance road bike

The cable routing for the rear brakes was clearly designed with hydraulics in mind, and hose routing along the front of the fork is much improved from the early models we saw last year.

2014 Specialized S-Works Roubaix Red HRD Disc brake endurance road bike

Like the Tarmacs, the 2014 Roubaix bikes get SL4 frame across the range and include some HRR hydraulic rim brake builds, too. The S-Works, Pro and Expert models, including framesets, all get the CG-R (aka Cobble Gobbler, though they seem to be downplaying that name this year) seatpost with 18mm of vertical cush.

2014 Specialized S-Works Roubaix Red HRD Disc brake endurance road bike

On the Roubaix, the Zertz inserts are also size-specific tuned.

2014-Specialized-Roubaix-SL4-Sport-Disc-brake-road-bike01

The big news isn’t just the S-Works model – there are a total of FIVE disc brake Roubaix options for 2014:

  • Roubaix SL4 Sora Disc – $1,950 – Shimano mechanical brakes
  • Roubaix SL4 Sport Disc SRAM (shown) – $2,900 – S-Series hydraulic brakes w/ Apex 10-speed group
  • Roubaix SL4 Expert – $TBD – Ultegra Di2 w/ new Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
  • S-Works Roubaix SL4 Red Disc – 8,500
  • S-Works Roubaix SL4 Disc frameset – $3,500

SECTEUR

2014 Specialized Secteur Disc brake endurance road bike

The Secteur, which is Specialized’s alloy answer to the endurance oriented Roubaix, gains an additional disc brake option and a new frame feature. And the prices drop.

The top of the line Secteur Expert Disc drops a Benjamin to come in at $2,000. Below that is the new Elite Disc at $1,400 and the Sport Disc drops $50 to hit $1,200. Standard rim brake options are also still available.

2014 Specialized Secteur Disc brake endurance road bike

Specialized shows a bit more of their metal-working skills with heavily shaped, curved “Compliance Plus” stays on the Secteur to further smooth the ride. The rim brake models have had Zertz inserts in the past, but not the disc brake Secteurs, so this new frame design should help even things out.

SHIV

2014 Specialized SHIV S-Works triathlon bike

Last year, if you wanted the S-Works treatment for triathlon, you had to go with the module and add your own wheels, shifters and derailleurs. For 2014, there’s a complete S-Works Shiv Di2 X2. For $11,000 you get the frame built around a Specialized cockpit, Magura’s RT8TT hydraulic rim brakes, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 with Specialized’s FACT IS carbon crankarms and Roval Rapide CLX60 wheels.

2014 Specialized SHIV S-Works triathlon bike

A new FuelCell sits inside the front triangle to hold snacks, tubes, tools, etc.

2014 Specialized SHIV S-Works triathlon bike

The FuelSelage (get it? fuselage) hides a reservoir inside the downtube and puts the straw within easy reach of your face when you’re in the drops. The TriPod water bottle cage attaches to their new Sitero saddle to hide a bidon in the slipstream of your behind.

Stay tuned for more coverage of Specialized’s 2014 product launch!

All images ©Carson Blume / Specialized, used with permission.

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DRC
DRC
10 years ago

Disappointed to see a disc brake Tarmac missing from this lineup. I think Spesh dropped the ball as it seems some big names will be putting discs on their elite racing bikes this year. I don’t want a cushy Roubaix just for discs and rim brakes are rim brakes, hydraulic or not.

I was also expecting a Venge restyle, maybe with some cool integrated brakes a la Ridley Noah Fast or the 695 SL. Nope.

Sardinian Rider
Sardinian Rider
10 years ago

On the opposite I’m glad they did not messed up the Tarmac with a disk brake. If I want a cyclocross bike I’ll just buy one. I don’t think disks will ever be UCI approved,we’re just seeing the dawn of the hydraulic rim brakes,that is the right direction IMHO.

pete
pete
10 years ago

When will CX bikes be released?

RAB
RAB
10 years ago

Can they please fire whoever is responsible for naming their products? FuelSelage? Cobble Gobbler? Sitero? Please give it a rest.

Tyler (Editor)
Tyler (Editor)
10 years ago

Pete – we’ll have CX posted soon. As usual with Specialized, they drop a ton if stuff and it’s easier to digest if we group it by category. That also lets us give each category the appropriate attention.

DeafDaddy
DeafDaddy
10 years ago

@pete

’14 Specialized CX lineup:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/2014-early-launch/crux

It’s part of their ’14 early launch… Enjoy!

DeafDaddy
DeafDaddy
10 years ago

For the impatient readers…

The 2014 Specialized CX bikes have already been posted on Specialized’s website as part of their ’14 early launch campaign:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/2014-early-launch/crux

Enjoy!

DeafDaddy
DeafDaddy
10 years ago

Sorry for the double posts; my browser hiccuped on me and my comments didn’t appear after the 1st refresh.

Tak
Tak
10 years ago

As a casual rider, one of those lower Roubaix disc bikes just might be my next bike.
As a potential buyer that appreciates innovation and not stagnant standards, I will gladly take a little extra weight for modern braking performance.
Great job Specialized!

I’m sure as more of the general population rides discs, the UCI will cave in and approve them in road racing.
It would be embarrassing to have pro riders on race bikes that perform worse than their training bikes.

patrik
patrik
10 years ago

@RAB “Can they please fire whoever is responsible for naming their products?”

Provide alternatives, please.

“Reservoir In Down Tube” RID-T!
“Suspension Seatpost” SS Blitzkrieg!
“Sitero” Aero Boss Saddle!

Robo
Robo
10 years ago

my god those venge’s are good looking

DRC
DRC
10 years ago

I didn’t say all the Tarmacs had to have discs and I really don’t care if my bike is UCI compliant because I’m not on the pro tour. Sram and Shimano both bring out road bike disc setups and many high end road bikes will be sporting discs this year, so I’d think they’d want in on the market instead of waiting yet another year.

I’d love to build up a bike with the new Ultegra Di2 and hydro discs, but I also want a frame that I like to look at instead of having to spend a fortune on a custom bike with disc mounts made of boring straight metal tubes.

lqdedison
lqdedison
10 years ago

That orange Venge is pretty hot. I’d ride that if I could afford it.

kcr
kcr
10 years ago

New Shimano 105. Didn’t think it’d show up for another year. Does it go to 11?

I'm on a boat
I'm on a boat
10 years ago

see their cross bike line up.
no higher end component bikes with canti brakes.
they are forcing you – FORCING YOU – the customer to buy a disc brake cross bike this year.
Especially if you want a carbon frame.
Hideous crux pro frame set – 2200 bux with canti mounts. No other carbon frame options with canti brakes and higher end gear on it….crux sport avail w/ 105.
you want to use disc brakes on your cross bike have at it, feel free to slow down while I pass you this fall in a race. I’ll also be passing you while you are running to the wheel pit and trying to find a way to quickly force your disc rotor into that space between your disc pads.
Or spending more dough to buy extra wheels with disc to fit your cross bike.
Euro’s aren’t racing worlds on disc!

chill
chill
10 years ago

They’re not forcing you to buy anything. If you want cantis you’re allowed to buy something other than the big S.

Psi Squared
Psi Squared
10 years ago

Correct me if I’m wrong, but if Specialized isn’t the only manufacturer of CX bikes in the world, how can they be forcing anyone to buy CX bikes with disc brakes? People still have the option to buy from a different brand, right? Since when does it matter what Euro’s are using right now?

Ok, now that we’ve dealt with the internet histrionics, the orange Venge looks pretty hot.

Speshy
Speshy
10 years ago

Do the SL4s come with a redesigned fork or the same metal sleeve insert that made buying last years SL4s so disappointing. I love Specialized products and their customer service but that was a real snafu.

Speshy
Speshy
10 years ago

Also pretty stupid to see Aero frames with hydro brakes that look like an old bench vise strapped to the nose. Also disc brakes do not belong on road bikes…period.

askar larkinyar
askar larkinyar
10 years ago

@I’m on a boat, since when are euro’s on the front side of inovation or even change.

the market practically had to force 29ers down their throats, now look at them. they are used when the course dictates that bike will be faster(which is more and more).

i like hydro disc brakes on high end road bikes. now make the rims lighter(no need for extra material from rim brakes) and keep the weight closer to the hubs, down low for better handling. it’s a win win situation, unless you don’t like change for the good.

Chris
Chris
10 years ago

“I’ll also be passing you while you are running to the wheel pit and trying to find a way to quickly force your disc rotor into that space between your disc pads.”

Ummmm…if you’re really THAT competitive you’d have a B bike.

That said, I still prefer cantilevers myself – at least for the time being.

Gravity
Gravity
10 years ago

@kcr – That’s regular ten-speed 105. We won’t see 11 speed 105 until 2015 model year, if not later.

2Slo4U
2Slo4U
10 years ago

Great…just more cool bikes and accessories that we won’t be able to get. Sorry mr. consumer but those wheels, shoes, pretty much anything spesh stocks” are backordered. If spesh could get their delivery right, then they could sell all kinds of goods. I hear a project manager can help!!!!

greg
greg
10 years ago

2slo4u:
that’s odd. my shop has most of the stuff most of the time. it could be an issue with poor preseason planning?
speshy:
the inserts that were added to the sl4 forks were carbon, like the rest of the fork.

dimitar
dimitar
10 years ago

I expected new tarmac s-works , SL 5…………..

Woof
Woof
10 years ago

Great job Spesh ! I’m glad to see disc brakes on your road bikes !

I’m a big guy that rides in the mountains and I’m SO glad to see disc brakes on road bikes.

Also, that Roubaix looks very nice… and my 2005 Roubaix is in need of an upgrade…

GRITSinNYC
GRITSinNYC
10 years ago

What about the ladies? Any reports on ladies road and mountain bikes?!

brian
brian
10 years ago

Does anyone have info on the 2014 Shiv (non-TT) models that will be available and the specs associated with each model?

Frank
Frank
10 years ago

Wow – bar angle and lever placement are really out on some of those …

lesalpes
lesalpes
10 years ago

Enough! Ok, I get that Specialized is a huge company with a dominant position in the industry. What, have there been like five features on Specialized stuff in the last half day? I come to this site to read about new, innovative and unique (i.e. not backed with a multi-million dollar marketing campaign and an army of bullying copyright attorneys) products from companies I may not have heard of, not be manipulated by a public relations machine.

Ben
Ben
10 years ago

Hope you like black (carbon) and red…..again.

Ben
Ben
10 years ago

Oh look, more black and red bikes….so exciting?

Danimal
Danimal
10 years ago

I just took delivery of my 2014 Specialized Roubaix Comp SL4 Ultegra in Red on Friday. Rode it
85 miles yesterday – a slice of heaven.

Jantzen
Jantzen
10 years ago

@Tak, I’m all over disc brakes, but I will never say that they are superior to rim brakes in a road application except in the most severe service applications: peeing rain. Even a very lengthy mountain decent I’d rather ride on a roadie with rim brakes (as long as dry).

My mountain bike, my cross bike, my commuter all have discs. I like the looks of them too. I like that the rims can be made lighter in a disc application compared to same using rim brakes.

I have to contend that rim brakes are superior on a roadie in the dry. I road ride for training and pleasure when not mountain biking. When it’s pissing rain out I’m not riding on the road.

The XT’s I’m running on my mountain bike are exceptional but their braking performance is not superior to my road Ultegra rim brakes. The modulation and power (more power than you’d ever need for the little roadie contact patch) is every bit as good or better than the mountain hydros I’m running.

If a disc manufacturer could make a disc that was as silent and smooth as a rim brake along with the power, that would be ideal. The biggest benefits to discs are their performance in the dirt and the wet. Two place not many folks take their road bikes.

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