Read Culture

Specialized Bicycle Components Turns 50

An anniversary—and a program that endeavors to get one million bikes back on the road by the end of 2025

Katharine Erwin

30 October 2024

In 2024, it seems unfeasible for someone to sell a VW van for $1500 to fund the first chapter of a half-billion-dollar company’s journey, but in 1974, Specialized Bicycle Components founder and former CEO Mike Sinyard did just that. Now, 50 years later, the brand remains an incandescent leader in the bike industry, in part due to their insatiable need for innovation. 

Innovate or die has been one of the rules of Specialized Bicycle Components since the late ’90s when they underwent a soul-searching rumination after an unsuccessful attempt to sell low-quality bikes. The experience was a huge teachable moment that Sinyard describes as one of the biggest mistakes he ever made. However, decades later, the vision established after that era has been the guiding direction ever since and in some ways, it always was. Now, Specialized remains steadfast in its complete devotion to performance.  

“We say that we focus on the rider’s needs to provide technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit,” says Todd Cannatelli, Specialized’s Mountain Program Manager, “but I like to think what sets us apart is the amount that we’re willing to invest in our people and our facilities to deliver on that.”

Specialized has six product/innovation centers around the world—one in Taiwan, two in the US and three in Europe. As high-end bike brands have come and gone, it has been Specialized, the ever-evolving stalwart, that has found the best ROI in investing in R&D and listening to the rider. “Whether it’s here or our off-road office in Auburn or our e-bike development office or innovation center in Switzerland, we put so much into our team and to the facility to be able to do that,” says Cannatelli. 

At the same time, the brand finds the inspiration for the products they are developing directly from the source: the riders. “We definitely pay attention to how people are riding, where they’re riding and what types of trails are being built,” says Cannatelli. “Every riding scene, everywhere you go, there are super-dedicated diggers that are in the woods and they’re always building new features and younger riders are coming up. I’m almost 50 years old, but the stuff I was riding when I was a teenager was so pedestrian compared to what some 12-year-old throws a leg over these days and it’s just nuts.”

The Specialized team that is designing and developing bikes is always asking about what the riders are trying to do with their bikes, and how Specialized might try to be able to solve a problem that riders didn’t know they had. Much of this problem solving is informed by the various Specialized race teams that experiment with products for maximum performance. This input shifts what riders are able to do in various categories and allows them to push the limits. An example of this evolution, and blurring of trail space, is both the Epic and the Stumpjumper series. For years, the Epic 8 was a light, fast and snappy XC racing bike, and the Stumpjumper was the brand’s all around trail bike. 

“Things were sliced pretty clean. You would never take an Epic on a trail ride 10 years ago,” says Cannatelli. “Some Specialized Factory XC Team members specked out the Epic EVO frame last year for some really technical courses.” This resulted in a lot of podiums and the Epic 8 getting much more capable and the Epic EVO becoming even more capable to take on the down country category, “basically taking the place of the Stumpjumper that we had this past year, and the Stumpjumper 15 now really takes the space of Stumpjumper EVO. So these things are all kind of shifting in the spectrum.”

Specialized’s innovation is not limited to performance or even current riders. “For our 50th, our mission is to pedal the planet forward,” says Cannatelli “We’re focusing on the bike and getting more people on bikes. We feel like the solution to a lot of the world’s problems is on the bike.” With the same ethos of Outride, the non-profit organization founded by Mike Sinyard that “provides research, cycling programs, and funding to empower all people to experience the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of cycling,” the ReSpecialized Program endeavors to get one million bikes back on the road by the end of 2025—citing that cycling can contribute to the betterment of the world.

Specialized estimates that ReSpecialized will “light up one million brains, delivering significant social, emotional and cognitive benefits” based on the research done by Outride. With the one million bike aim, the program estimates that they’ll reduce global carbon emissions by 438 million kilograms of CO2, burn 25 billion calories and reduce screen time by 66.6 million hours. 

To get the wheels turning on this mission, Specialized is offering free tune-ups and discounted repairs at participating retail locations worldwide to “any rider, with any bike bike, from any brand.” For a formidable brand like Specialized, the ReSpecialized program is an opportunity to bring innovation into their sustainability and their “the rider is the boss” mantra.

“I think listening is the most successful thing the company’s done,” says Cannatelli. “There’s a culture of curiosity here, and I think a lot of the company’s success is due to that curiosity and to genuinely listening. I don’t think we would be where we are if we thought we always knew the answer.”

Read Style

Interview: Cole Sparrow-Crawford on His Walk Gently Collaboration with Arc’teryx

Seven gender-neutral products born from connection and community

Katharine Erwin

1 August 2024

Walk Gently, a new design platform for Indigenous voices, was created in collaboration with xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) artist and designer Cole Sparrow-Crawford and technical outerwear performance company Arc’teryx. Arc’teryx, was founded on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, a place known today as Vancouver, BC—the same Coast Salish region where Sparrow-Crawford’s ancestors have lived for time immemorial. Walk Gently honors collaboration—the cooperative and respectful relationship between people with land and sea. For it, Sparrow-Crawford incorporates traditions of fishing, canoeing as well as Coast Salish weaving and  ancestral design patterns.  

Though the physical, purchasable tangibles from the Walk Gently collaboration are seven gender-neutral apparel products ranging from footwear, apparel, packs and a blanket (a first for Arc’teryx), the emotional tangibles are connection and community. 

We spoke with Sparrow-Crawford about his journey thus far in the Walk Gently platform. 

For those who haven’t walked among cedar on the coast, can you describe the smell and other senses that you experience?

Being in the coastal elements among the cedar, is an experience that offers an amazing opportunity to connect with the natural world, as well as its history. Throughout the Salish territory the mighty cedar tree is a vital component to our landscape and way of life. This tree displays the history of this land and can be felt when walking among them with the scale/size of the old growth. I also see my own history in this tree. You can walk through the forest and spot harvesting strips that have taken place generations before, and connect my ancestors to this very place, practicing the same traditions we do today with cedar harvesting. This natural element offers a connection to history and who has occupied this land since time immemorial.

Fish, cedar, and berries have been honored in this collection. Can you talk about harvesting in a good way?

For my people, harvesting is an example of how we can be a part of our ecosystem and help it thrive. But some only see harvesting as an act of taking. How we have lived in relationship with the land offers everyone a way of life that emulates reciprocity. A true relationship. Instead of viewing it as an opportunity to take from the land, the way my people have lived shows we can occupy territory for generations and allow it to thrive in abundance alongside us. Harvesting is one of the many traditions in my culture that serves this relationship we carry on from Salish ancestry.

Would you be able to speak to the length of this collaboration and the community approach with HOST Consulting? And how can this approach be seen as an act of decolonization?

To be able to bring in other Coast Salish voices to support the messaging behind Walk Gently, was one of the most meaningful things I experienced in my journey with Arc’teryx. HOST Consulting was a key resource to me and many teams throughout the stages of branding this collection and connecting that to our communities. Arc’teryx was willing to adapt in their process and learn from us on how to work with our people respectfully. This was an act of decolonization within itself.

Working with a company, that since its creation has been a part of an industry that promotes outdoor tourism, they recognize the space they occupy and gave us the space to be valued in that. I believe this sets a precedent for other companies in the outdoor industry.

Is there is a connection to a dugout/canoe taking years to make and this collection?

As I approached this collaboration and continue the platform, and why I chose this name for it, is to reflect our process. We are walking gently together. This definitely connects to the process of canoe building, the patience and commitment it takes to create something that substantial takes time and dedication. And as it is a sign of respect and thanks in my culture, I raise my hands up to Arc’teryx, and every individual I had the pleasure to work with in creating this, as we all put our love and care in to ensuring we were paying the respect to all this represents for both of our communities.

Weaving and carving are so technical. Can you speak to the process and (if there is) connection to synthetic technical clothing?

All throughout Salish history my people have been technical designers. Using the natural resources around us to build gear that was essential for our survival and ways of life. This was why I chose to display those traditions and mix it with the modern technical design Arc’teryx does. We design with the same purpose, to solve a problem and help those using these materials to be out actively on the land, safe in their environment.

Are there some artists in your community or other arts who you have learned from and/or inspire you who you’d like to mention?

There are many artists in my community and throughout my design journey that helped me on my path to representing Coast Salish design in this industry. In my family my aunts Wendy, Debra and Robyn Sparrow, who were also featured as e-commerce models for Walk Gently, are a major inspiration to me through their work in revitalizing Salish weaving. As well as for my aunt Debra for teaching me this tradition. The blankets were made to honor them and all those weavers that continue this practice on today. Vivian Campbell is an esteemed cedar basket weaver in my community in Musqueam that I am so grateful for teaching me this tradition. As well as many other artists in my community that continue our practices that inspire me through their work.

Outside of my community I’m very grateful for those at the Cutting Room Design Academy in Vancouver, for allowing me to learn with them there about technical design for two years before going to Parsons for Fashion Design. As well as those in New York that helped me in learning the industry and arts outside of my culture. There are so many inspirational and wonderful individuals I’ve had the pleasure to learn from, and as I continue in this journey, I find more every day. Especially those indigenous artists today creating representation for their people and ways of life in their respective industries. In the arts and beyond.

Is there anything you’d like readers to know about you and this collaboration that hasn’t been asked yet?

I hope this collaboration helps people that interact with it and feel they can represent it themselves. Whether Indigenous or not, Walk Gently is a platform for everyone to come together to do just that. To think about our relationships with the land and all the life we share it with and learn from those that have been here before us, on how to live in reciprocity.

In terms of something I would like readers to know about me, is that I’m also learning how to do that. I hope to continue to connect with those in the indigenous community as well as the design community to learn more.

Are there more collections in the works with you or other artists?

I will be continuing with Arc’teryx and collaborating with them to build the Walk Gently platform. I’m very much looking forward to what the future has in store. More importantly, to bring this to other Indigenous communities and creatives that would be willing to collaborate.

Read Design

French Ski Brand blackcrows’ Ghost Resort Limited Edition Capsule

A three-piece collection that nods to deserted ski resorts

Katharine Erwin

16 January 2024

“There is a culture where everyone sort of all goes in the same direction at once,” says Mikio Katagiri, president of the Japanese ski resort Nozawa Onsen’s operating company, in the film the ghost resorts, chapter 3 – Japan. The series,  produced by the French ski brand blackcrows, documents three deserted ski resorts that once had a unique culture in their heyday, in the golden age, but have since been taken back by powder. This last chapter explores the boom and bust of Japan’s ski resorts of the ’80s and ’90s, and how the one constant in Japanese ski culture is the spirit of the snow.  

To celebrate the film series and skiing in Japan, blackcrows is releasing a limited edition capsule that includes the Ghost Resort Draco Freebird, Ghost Resort Duos Freebird Poles and Ghost Resort Dorsa 27 X-Pac Backpack. Like the ghost resorts, the Ghost Resort Limited Edition Capsule will only be available for “an evanescent, shadow-like duration” of one week. 

The Draco Freebird is blackcrows’ latest touring ski in the Freebird collection and is the only double tip ski in the touring range. The Draco is a lightweight, hard charging yet playful touring ski that can be skied in various conditions. It has a 110 waist and a 21m radius. It is, in short, a dream ski. The Ghost Resort design features a digi camouflage of black and white chevrons (the blackcrows’ logo) and was inspired by the “evolving on the threshold of space-time.”

The Dorsa 27 X-Pac Backpack from the Ghost Resort Limited Edition Capsule is made with a new X-pac fabric that is not only stealthy but more durable. The Ghost Resort Duos Freebird Poles are also improved for the limited edition, with a strengthened second tube in aluminum alloy carbon 7075. 

The design evokes the essence of skiing in Japan and reflects blackcrows’ own culture, which is undoubtedly a hallmark of their success. The brand’s ability to stay true to what they think is beautiful and important while only abiding to their inner knowing is the antidote to the world’s trend-driven culture that is dictated by engagement rather than integrity. 

As a tribute and an act of commitment to supporting ski communities, a percentage of the Ghost Resort Limited Edition Capsule profits will be donated to one of the oldest ski clubs in Japan, Ski Club Nozawa. The club supports local skiers and promotes the rich ski culture of Japan. 

Read Design

Riding the Liv Intrigue Advanced Pro 29 1 in Southern Yukon

The latest version is one of the brand’s best yet

Katharine Erwin

2 October 2023

Liv Cycling wasn’t the first women’s specific cycling brand, but they are certainly one of the most industrious—with a huge line of bikes that spans from road to kids and nearly every two-wheeled disciple on earth. Along with this huge offering of bikes, Liv champions women riding with the brand’s various community-building events, like clinics, social rides and other meetups. While some might scoff at the likes of these events as marketing tools, Liv authentically supports women riding simply by making great bikes. 

One of those great bikes is the Intrigue. First launched in 2014, the Intrigue was applauded by riders as being a solid women’s specific, all mountain bike that gave women a fairly comparable bike to Giant’s Trance for men (Giant Group is the parent of Liv Cycling). Things have only gone up from there. While other bike brands have moved away from the women’s specific geometry, Liv has doubled down their commitment and is the only women’s comprehensive bike brand. Liv’s geometry is informed by the pro-women who ride their bikes. Literally designed by women, for women—when riders buy a Liv, they’re supporting women mechanics, designers, athletes, marketers and the women’s riding community.

There have been a few iterations since that first launch of the Intrigue, but the latest 29er version seems to be one of the best yet. This Intrigue comes in an advanced-grade composite material frame (aka Carbon.2) and is equipped with a Fox 34 Factory Live Valve 140mm set and 125mm Maestro suspension in the rear. As such, the Liv Intrigue Advanced Pro 29 1 is still a remarkable allrounder whose mission is versatility. There might not be a better place to test that versatility than the Yukon. And like Liv, the Yukon mountain biking scene is focused on community and blending riding with purpose. 

Starting out on the Dream Trail, on the Traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dün and Ta’an Kwäch’än, is a 6.5 km out-and-back trail with a 650-meter climb that puts you on top of Grey Mountain overlooking Whitehorse. Developed by the Youth Achievement Centre (YAC) and the City of Whitehorse, the Dream Trail was a community project built over a five-year period and features a burly yet manageable climb to the alpine, where it opens up, and also ridiculous scenic alpine segments that rival some of the better known mountain biking destinations in the world. After cruising the uphill due to the balanced nature and firmer suspension from the Live Value, the Advanced Pro 29 1 was able to keep up with more gravity-specific bikes playing on the slab at the true summit of the Dream. 

Further south in Carcross on Montana Mountain are community-made world class trails. Carcross Tagish First Nation, Montana, managed by Carcross Tagish First Nations with their land claims (read more on the Yukon First Nations land claims and how the Yukon is on the forefront of self-governance in Canada here), is home to Singletrack to Success (S2S), a nearly two-decade-long community trail building and riding organization for First Nations youth. With the goal to keep youth engaged, S2S has hand-built and restored over 40 km of single track on the 2,205-meter mountain. S2S now has three generations of builders that work in mentorship models to support future generations of trail builders. S2S’ work is so successful that they do contract work outside for various clients, like Yukon Parks, and have collaborated with the likes of Mt Sima, the local ski hill in Whitehorse.

There are a variety of trails on Montana from long, flowing XC green and blue trails that have breathtaking views of Bennet and Nares Lakes to heavy black trails that have earned the respect and have challenged some of the most talented riders. Many people choose to shuttle to Montana since there is an access road. And, those who are lucky enough to visit Icycle, (the Yukon’s premier bike shop) on a slower day at their Carcross location, could be treated to a shuttle in an F-150 Lighting. However, since the Advanced Pro 29 1 can climb, why not try the newer up tracks designed for self-powered ascents. While hitting big drops wasn’t on the menu for this tester, smaller drops, jumps, slabs and rock gardens were. The Advanced Pro 29 1’s beefy and grippy Maxxis Minion DHF tires really excel in technical sections where you want good balance and cornering. 

Back in Whitehorse, on the Mount McIntrye (Mt Mac) XC trails, is where the Advanced Pro 29 1’s Live Valve system got to perform. The Live Valve system is designed to provide real-time and automatic adjustments via sensors to suspension settings based on the terrain and rider inputs, enhancing both climbing efficiency and descending performance. On the long and root-laden flatter trails at Mt Mac, the Live Valve worked overtime to create the smoothest ride. These are the same trails where the 2023 Canadian XCM MTB Championships were held and on the more gnarly double black trail Rock Lobster, the Advanced Pro 29 1 handled all the steep rolls and slabs, proving once again its versatility. Whether you believe that women’s specific bikes should be made or not, one thing that no one can dispute is that Liv Cycling is putting in effort and listening to what their riders want.

Read Travel

Surf Sister’s Welcoming, Inclusive School in Tofino, Canada

This all-women team teaches all genders, ages and skill levels every day of the year

Katharine Erwin

12 November 2021

In November, the average temperature of the water in Tofino is 50 degrees, and it rains a lot—more than any other month. But for these reasons, November is actually one of the best times to visit the island and the surf capital of Canada. “One of the brilliant things about here is that when it’s sunny, it’s epic and there’s so much stuff to do,” says Krissy Montegomery, owner of Tofino-based Surf Sister—a surf school that offers daily group and private lessons, multi-day camps and surf-centric trips abroad. “But when it rains here, it’s actually when our surf is usually the best, because our dominant wind then becomes an offshore wind making our waves better.”

Montgomery fell in love with Tofino—which is within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth people—when she was a teenager and made the journey from Nanaimo (on the east side of Vancouver Island) on the weekends to surf. “As soon as I turned 19, I just stayed,” she says. “I have been there ever since.”

Founded in 1999, Surf Sister began as a small venture—with a few surfboards and a pick-up truck—and now, with over 30 team members, is one of the largest surf schools with an all-women staff. “It started off as women-only—instructors and students—but soon we made our classes co-ed and for families,” says Montegomery. “We realized that we had a different style of teaching than everyone else; nurturing and no ego. Everybody wanted that.”

On a typical day with the Surf Sister, the instructor will meet the students in the parking lot of the beach that’s best suited to their skill level, taking into consideration wind and surf conditions. Equipped with wetsuits and boards stowed in brightly colored vans, the instructors lead the students to the shore. Beginners are first taught water safety basics, like how to manage and exit a rip current, as well as the Three Ps: pick (how to pick the best wave), paddle (how to effectively paddle to catch a wave) and pop (how to stand up on the board). Surf Sister also offers lessons for intermediate and more experienced surfers, focusing on stance, style and advanced maneuvers. There are also options for those who want to enter competitive surfing.

The Surf Sister’s approach is pragmatic, supportive and encouraging, and leads to tangible results. It’s clear from their coaching style and enthusiasm that the instructors love what they do. “One of our perks is that we get professional coaching for our staff—surf coaching,” Montegomery explains. “Shannon Brown, who is an Olympic Canadian surf coach, coaches us.” Taking care of employees is an important part of the tourism industry—especially in 2021. For a place like Tofino where real estate is soaring, Surf Sister provides quality accommodation for their staff and offers perks and support (including the aforementioned coaching) and lead by example.

With a 5.4mm wetsuit and an open schedule, it is easy to be enamored with Tofino. The lush flora and fauna of a temperate rainforest drapes the two-lane road into the town, and there’s plenty of adventures to be had there. On sunny days, visitors can do everything from sea kayaking to fishing trips, whale watching, hiking and bear watching. Just make sure to save the rainy days for the beach.

Images courtesy of Surf Sister

Read Design

Test Ride: Canyon’s New “Grizl” Gravel Bike

This user-friendly bicycle proves its capabilities in the Canadian Rockies

Katharine Erwin

28 July 2021

Bikepacking is undeniably having a moment, with every element—from bikes to bags, tents and apparel—not only improving, but also transitioning from fringe to the mainstream. Part of this mini revolution is Canyon’s new Grizl gravel bike, the second dedicated gravel bike offered by the German company. Their first was the Grail (released in 2018) which has a longer, lower, more race-geared geometry, whereas the Grizl has a tighter, higher geometry that gives the bike a beefier and more adventurous capability—not to mention a more sustained comfort level.

Equipped with three water bottle mounts on the triangle and two handy “anything” mounts on the forks, the carbon frame means the rider needn’t rely solely on velcro-fitted accessories. (Speaking of velcro-fitted accessories, bikepacking bag brand Apidura collaborated with Canyon to create sleek, lightweight and waterproof bags that fit perfectly on the frame.)

Since gravel rides and bikepacking bicycles are highly personal, the Grizl offers loads of versatility. The adjustable headset allows for a more comfortable upright position, while the seat post features a leaf-spring design that provides plenty of flex for riding over tech-y and bumpy trails. In North America, there’s also an option to add a dropper post. Even if you aren’t a bikepacker yet, the Grizl is a fantastic entry-point bike that’s well-suited to single tracks, fire roads or even a daily commute that has a little dirt.

While the Canadian Rockies might not be the first place people think of when it comes to gravel-riding, there’s some important bikepacking history associated with the area. Perhaps most significantly, Ryan Correy—a pioneer of the sport, who passed away in 2018—wrote about routes in the guide book Bikepacking in the Canadian Rockies and founded Bikepack Canada. With this in mind, we head out on this showstopper bike to the Canadian Rockies on Treaty 7 Territory—home to the start of the definitive bikepacking trail in North America, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.

On an easier trail around the iconic Lake Minnewanka, the bike handles beautifully and catches the attention of many. Other rides, like Kananaskis Country’s High Rockies Trail, which people may assume they need a mountain bike for, are no problem for the capable Grizl.

It also proves ideal for round-trip rides like the Goat Creek trail—from Canmore to Banff by way of a wide dirt trail on the backside of the iconic Mount Rundle, and back via the paved Legacy trail. On this ride, the bike handles the rough sections of the trail, but also offers a fast, comfortable ride on the paved return. Not only appealing in terms of function, Canyon’s Grizl is an eye-catching bike for gravel-riding enthusiasts.

Hero image by Sherri Castiglione