50 years of Specialized: 2 S-Works high-end bikes and 2 helmets for the Specialized anniversary

50 years - that's a long time and when you see the year "1974", it already seems historically old. But that's how long Specialized has been in the bike business and has icons like the "Stumpy" or the Allez for the road bike sector. This S-Works Forward 50 collection, as the name suggests, does not want to fall into a retro frenzy, but rather look to the future. Naturally, the paintwork of both bikes and helmets is full of symbolism.

When you look at the essence of Specialized, it's clear that we were born from a rebellious spirit and an attitude that continues to challenge the industry. That spirit lit a fire in Mike 50 years ago, and it's that same desire and confidence that is now being carried to shape the next 50 years. - Kayla Clarot, Head of Brand Development at Specialised

The gold in the anniversary collection is intended to represent the 50th year and show that the idea of improving life through cycling has lost none of its lustre. According to Specialized, the pink is a reminder of the historic Team Stumpjumper and the rebellious spirit that went into every race. The limited number of pieces in the collection worldwide is also intended to emphasise the "Innovate or Die" attitude that has inspired Specialized over the past 50 years and will continue to drive it in the future.

Race-Fully: S-Works Epic World Cup Forward 50 LTD

The Specialised S-Works Epic World Cup is a specially developed race fullyto win races. The challenge, according to the manufacturer, was to reject the conventional understanding of what it takes to be the fastest. This challenge was met with an unprecedented integrated systems approach to chassis engineering - including a new type of damper design and special riding dynamics. Limited to just 250 units worldwide, the S-Works Epic World Cup Forward 50 LTD comes with Rockshox SIDLuxe WCID shock - the Epic World Cup's 75mm of rear travel is designed to offer the control and performance of a bike with significantly more travel.

Rockshox SID SL Ultimate 3P suspension fork (110 mm travel), Roval Control SL Team wheelset and an integrated cockpit. Then there's the Sram XX SL Eagle Transmission drivetrain with CeramicSpeed DUB bottom bracket, Roval Control SL seatpost and the S-Works Power Mirror saddle. Specs at the highest level to bring riders to the top of the podium.

With a frame weight of 1,765 grams (painted, with shock and all parts - according to the manufacturer), the Epic World Cup outperforms its competitors.

Price: 14,000 euros

MTB helmet: S-Works Prevail 3 Forward 50 LTD

The S-Works Prevail 3 MTB helmet is in the same vein: the helmet is designed for riders who want comfort and performance through perfect ventilation. The conditions that professional riders are exposed to vary constantly, so a bike helmet should be developed that is comfortable to wear in all weathers. According to Specialized, the S-Works Prevail 3 MTB helmet should be the ultimate all-rounder that proves its worth in hot conditions, strenuous climbs or mountainous stages.

Ventilation-blocking "foam bridges" have been removed from the centre of the helmet, creating air channels that increase the ventilation area by 24.5% compared to the S-Works Prevail II Vent helmet. The completely new S-Works Prevail 3 therefore has the largest ventilation area that Specialized has ever been able to offer in a helmet. In addition, the MIPS Node Air technology is integrated directly into the helmet padding. This gives the helmet a slim, low-friction layer that is designed to dissipate rotational forces.

Price: 320 Euro

Road bike: S-Works Tarmac SL8 Forward 50 LTD

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 was developed because you can't win races with good aerodynamics or extreme lightness alone. With the S-Works Tarmac SL8 Forward 50 LTD, Specialized aims to achieve the perfect combination of aerodynamics, lightness, stiffness and comfort - without compromise.

There are only 250 bikes available worldwide from Specialized's high-end S-Works brand. Each one has this individually painted frame, is equipped with Rapide CLX II Team wheels as well as Turbo Clincher, Rapide cockpit and Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed groupset with Ceramicspeed bearings. All this guarantees not only speed, but also a very stylish road bike.

Price: 16,500 euros

Road bike helmet: S-Works Evade 3 Forward 5O LTD

Specialized claims to have completely reinvented the S-Works Evade 3 Forward 5O LTD road bike helmet to make it cooler and therefore faster. After complex tests and wind tunnel sessions, the new rear diffuser was created, which is designed to minimise air resistance and further improve ventilation. At a certain speed, the diffuser sucks 10% more air through the helmet.

Price: 320 Euro