Specialized / KTM.

[Mr. G]

Hi all.

 

I would like to know from guys who have ridden, serviced and even had warranty claims (which happens with any brand), what makes specialized such a great bike?

 

For the motorbike guys, is specialized like a KTM that is 99% race ready and so much better specced than its rivals?

 

I have cycled for many years but have never owned a specialized.

 

Regards

[MORNE]

Although i have never owned one....the perception i have of spaz bikes is that they are a premium brand and build good quality/high spec bikes throughout their range, so yes...ready to race depending on what your goals are.

 

If i were ever to buy a "cookie cutter" bike...it would most likely be a Spaz. I also think the fact that they have specialised stores (no punn intended) helps, as owners/staff in these stores HAVE to be clued up on the complete spaz product range. I'm pretty sure for them to be a concept store they must adhere to stringent protocol.

 

this is an excerpt from Revolution (spaz concept store) cycles maintenance page for reference:

 

*How do you know if it is older than 11 years old? If it has less than 9 gears on the rear wheel or doesn’t have hydraulic disc brakes (MTB’s), then it is either older than 11 years or one of the types of bikes we generally don’t work on or carry spares for.

**If it is a Specialized branded bicycle, or a bicycle purchased from us we will try to make an exception.

Most importantly, we are an official Specialized dealer and an endorsed Specialized workshop, and are therefore authorised to work on Specialized bicycles without any negative warranty implications"

[MORNE]

^that being said, i think these day it is a matter of choosing what stickers and colors you like best (in certain price ranges). they are so similarly and competitively specced these days you wont for instance get that much of a discrepancy in kit on a 30k spaz vs a 30k cannondale vs a 30k scott etc.....although if you read these forums alot it seems that Giant bikes always seem to offer a bit more value for your Randelas

[Markellis]

My 2 cents before the usual Specialized bashing chops jump onto this thread...most of whome have never owned one.

 

Been riding in some way for +-30 years, owned many different brands and many Spez bikes over the years.

 

For me it was about the right bike for my riding style and needs at the time.

 

I found the build quality to be of a higher standard to other brands that I had ridden and owned. But that is not to say this is still the case.

 

Most I ever paid for a service was about 2.5k when brain had to be serviced.

 

Can't comment on warranty, never claimed.

 

Had the best/ friendliest service from any bike shop I had used from the a Spez concept store.

 

I don't ride a Spez anymore but will have no problem going back to them.

 

People follow people, if you see a hundred people on your trail riding a certain brand chances are you going to look at that brand.

 

Love them or hate them, Spez are doing something right judging by the number of their bikes are being ridden.

 

End of the day, ride what fits your needs. I ride a Pyga now becaue it's what does the job for what I need.

 

I don't think any bike brand making bikes in the mid to high end price range are making crap products anymore.

[dirtypot]

If you think that KTM is the best thing since sliced bread (let me guess, you ride a KTM 300EXC?) then a Specialized bicycle is definitely for you.  Be like all the other sheep and get an Epic.  It'll make you happy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comic sans probably should be used, but I'm also being serious so haven't...

[Ascension]

No, Spez is not like KTM in the motorbike world. You can get a better spec mtb for cheaper than a Spez. I heard some bad stories about Spez warrenty claims where Spez require the customer to pay a large percentage in - I`m not sure if it still like this today. Spez service is very good but so are many other brand bike shops.

[Gr3mlin131]

Isn't KTM the KTM of the bicycle world? I am sure I have seen some bright orange bicycles in the cradle, 

[slickjay007]

Again ... is it Friday yet? 

 

PS: I ride a Spaz and very happy with it.

[Allrounder]

Again ... is it Friday yet? 

 

 

It can be argued that today can be seen as Friday!!

[Thomo]

Remember those 7 years when the only bike on your wish list was Trek.?

Most people are drawn to what they see under the pros and what they see winning races.

[Vetplant]

I ride a Specialized Tarmac, completely in love with it.

 

However, Specialized is only the frame, fork and saddle. So can't put all of it down to Spaz being the holy grail.

 

American Classic Victory 30 Wheels with Tubeless Schwalbe 25C tyres play a Massive part in the ride feel on my bike.

 

Older, but still good, 9 speed Dura-Ace Groupset is rock-solid. Might upgrade to Di2 at some point in the future.

 

Proper Bike-Fit and setup is crucial no matter what you ride. The wrong fit can make a Roubaix ride like a Donkey

[NickGM]

Hi all.

 

I would like to know from guys who have ridden, serviced and even had warranty claims (which happens with any brand), what makes specialized such a great bike?

 

For the motorbike guys, is specialized like a KTM that is 99% race ready and so much better specced than its rivals?

 

I have cycled for many years but have never owned a specialized.

 

Regards

 

In the event that this is a serious question and not trolling:

 

This is a bit like saying "Why is VW the best car brand?" It probably isn't. They're decent and pretty popular, but so are other brands and you can generally get better value for money elsewhere. 

[Mr. G]

If you think that KTM is the best thing since sliced bread (let me guess, you ride a KTM 300EXC?) then a Specialized bicycle is definitely for you.  Be like all the other sheep and get an Epic.  It'll make you happy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comic sans probably should be used, but I'm also being serious so haven't...

 

Never owned a KTM...

[Mr. G]

In the event that this is a serious question and not trolling:

 

This is a bit like saying "Why is VW the best car brand?" It probably isn't. They're decent and pretty popular, but so are other brands and you can generally get better value for money elsewhere. 

 

No trolling involved here..

 

But from some of the answers people are buying the brand before any real tangible benefits.

 

My reference to KTM is because they charge more because of their strong brand, but also have tangible superior accessories on the bike.

[lechatnoir]

Specialized wishes they could be like KTM...

[thebob]

I think your main supposition is wrong. KTM is not superior and does not have superior accessories. They are a premium brand that gives the market what they want, an e-start two stroke, hence their amazing market share. Specialized is also a premium brand, but spec wise, they charge more for a lesser specced bike than say Merida or Giant