Mike Sinyard & Ned Overend in an interview: These were the beginnings of Specialized

The name Mike Sinyard stands for innovation and vision in modern cycling like no other. As the founder of Specialized Bikes, he embodies the idea that bicycles are far more than just sports equipment - they are an expression of a lifestyle.

The now 76-year-old was a passionate cyclist from an early age and was characterised by the culture of freedom of his time. He quickly sold his VW bus for a trip to Europe - a move that laid the foundations for his later career. There he made contacts with the Italian cycling scene, including Cino Cinelli, and began importing high-quality components to the USA.

Back in California, Sinyard travelled from shop to shop with his bike and trailer to offer his goods in person - legend has it that in those hippie days, not only bike parts but also certain organic products were traded. In 1974, at the age of just 24, he finally founded Specialized and continued to develop the company with a great deal of commitment and a flair for trends.

Ned Overend has been an important companion of Sinyard for decades. He is one of the most influential figures of the early mountain bike scene and still embodies the spirit of this pioneering era today. The American became the first official MTB World Cross Country Champion in 1990 and was known for his exceptional stamina, technical riding style and unshakeable racing instinct. With his almost ascetic approach to training, Overend set standards - not only in terms of sport, but also in terms of professionalism.

As a long-time figurehead of Specialized Bikes, the now 71-year-old Ned Overend played a key role in shaping the development of mountain biking and remained closely associated with the scene as an ambassador and role model even after his active career.

We met Sinyard and Overend not far from Specialized's Californian headquarters in Morgan Hill, California, and talked to them about the past and future of mountain biking.

Mike Sinyard: Getting more people on bikes

BIKE: Mike, what are the three greatest achievements in the history of mountain biking?

MIKE SINYARD: That's a big question, the answer to which must of course begin with the invention of the mountain bike itself. Another achievement is the evolution of suspension. They have made the mountain bike more or less compatible with the public. And then there is something related to this that was just as true in the early days as it is today: the mountain bike scene invites everyone, old people as well as young people. It's not always just about who is the fastest, but how you can have the most fun.

What are the biggest challenges facing sport today?

I prefer to think of opportunities rather than challenges. Every challenge is an opportunity. I think one of the most important issues is to get more people cycling. This opportunity is really great. We put a lot of energy into working with young people, but also with older people who might be helped by cycling with dementia.

Do you still ride your mountain bike regularly?

Yes, two to three times a week! I would say that I'm still reasonably fit. Every time you go cycling, you think: Oh, I'm never fit enough. But then you just have fun and keep going. That's great!

Ned Overend: From the first suspension fork to the super bike

BIKE: Ned, in 1990 you were the first mountain biker to be crowned cross-country world champion. How has the sport changed since then?

NED OVEREND: The bike I was riding at the World Championships already had a prototype suspension fork from Rockshox. It had about two centimetres of travel. It's just incredible to see how technology has developed to this day. From disc brakes to electronically controlled gears and suspension: The mountain bike has come a very long way and it's so much more fun to ride today. Compared to the past, bikes simply have more control and convey more safety.

We can say from experience: you still ride your bike very fast. What is your secret?

Working for Specialized and helping to develop new products is what keeps me going. Everyone in the company has to be able to ride a bike well in order to actually test new parts. That motivates me and keeps me fit.

What is it about mountain biking that still fascinates you after so many years?

It's just interesting to see how the bike is constantly evolving. Mountain bikes are getting faster and faster. I believe that the level in the World Cup today is higher than it has ever been before. It's unimaginable how demanding the courses are now. The TV coverage of the World Cup is great and I love how the sport can fascinate people.

Conclusion

As the founders of one of the most influential bike companies and the first cross-country world champion, Mike Sinyard and Ned Overend are among the most important figures in mountain bike history. Meeting them in California, the birthplace of Specialized, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that always gives me goosebumps. It's fascinating to see how actively involved they both still are in the bike scene! - Jto Timmermann, BIKE editor