What’s the difference between Specialized and S-Works?
Specialized tiers explained.
When it comes to bikes and gear, Specialized has something for everyone. But with so many products, it can be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for. Fortunately, Specialized uses standard naming conventions that can help us to better understand the products.
S-Works
Specialized’s highest tier of bikes and equipment, the S-Works logo indicates that a product has been designed for professional-level performance. S-Works bikes are the best in their class – outfitted with the top components on the market and optimized with the latest technologies. An S-Works road bike will be light and aerodynamic, an S-Works mountain bike will feature the newest advances in suspension design, and an S-Works e-bike will have the finest motor system available.
The S-Works guarantee of performance goes beyond just bikes. S-Works helmets, shoes, saddles, and tires all boast the best technologies and designs on the market.
What makes S-Works better than Pro?
The lightest possible components and race-level specs on everything. S-Works frames are usually lighter than the lower tiers too.
Common S-Works Components:
Roval CLX Wheels, Shimano Dura-Ace, SRAM Red, Shimano XTR, SRAM XX Eagle
Pro
One notch down from S-Works, Specialized’s Pro series offers a mind-blowing ride experience without the mind-blowing price tag. Pro-level bikes will generally perform nearly as well as S-Works but may feature some slightly heavier components. Some riders prefer this lower tier of bike as the heavier parts are often more durable than their ultralight counterparts.
What makes Pro better than Expert?
Weight savings and some small performance benefits.
Common Specialized Pro Components:
Roval CL Wheels, Shimano Ultegra, SRAM Force, Shimano Deore XT, SRAM X01 Eagle
Expert
The “working man’s bike,” Specialized Expert still retains the core design principles that trickle down from S-Works. Expert bikes utilize the latest trends in cycling technology; however, the components will be slightly heavier than their higher-tier counterparts.
Depending on the bike there may be some performance tradeoffs such as reduced braking modulation, wheel aerodynamics, or derailleur speed; however, these drawbacks are relatively minor. Unless you are competing at the highest levels of cycling, an Expert-level bike has everything you need to get the job done.
What makes Expert better than Comp?
Expert-level bikes are often the first tier to include carbon fiber wheels and are sometimes made from a lighter grade of carbon fiber.
Common Specialized Expert Components:
Roval carbon fiber wheels, Shimano 105, SRAM Rival, SRAM GX Eagle (Sometimes SRAM X01 Eagle)
Comp
At the Comp level, the focus shifts from racing performance to providing the best bike for the cycling enthusiast. Comp-level frames are sometimes a little heavier and the stock rims will usually be made from aluminum rather than carbon fiber.
On some Comp models, Specialized will use legacy frame designs from previous generations of the bike. All told this makes for a more value-oriented bike that is perfect for anyone who simply wants to enjoy riding without the need for pure speed-focused tech.
What makes Comp better than Elite?
Comp bikes often utilize trickle-down technology from the top tier such as electronic shifting on road bikes or better suspension on mountain bikes.
Common Specialized Comp Components:
Aluminum Wheels, SRAM Rival/Apex, SRAM NX Eagle, Shimano 105
“Braking the Bank”
When it comes to Elite, Sport, and Base models, the brakes play a huge role in the performance of the bike. At the higher level, hydraulic disc brakes will provide the best stopping power. With a similar amount of stopping power but slightly less control, cable-actuated disc brakes offer some cash savings. At the lower end, tried-and-true rim brakes offer easy maintenance but do not stop as quickly – especially in wet weather.
Elite
The Elite level represents the higher end of what is considered an “entry-level” bike. These bikes are well-made and super capable; however, they usually use aluminum frames and more basic (sometimes older) components. Specialized Elite bikes are the perfect upgrade from an old clunker – as the more modern components are sure to improve the riding experience.
What makes Elite better than Sport?
Generally, the Elite bikes will use newer components and standards – making them easier to upgrade.
Sport
Designed to get people out on bikes, Sport level bikes are perfect for introducing new riders to the sport of cycling. While these bikes may use slightly older or heavier components to keep costs down, they still provide all the benefits of a modern bicycle. For a cyclist who rides once or twice a week and isn’t yet concerned about having the fastest equipment, Sport bikes and gear will do the trick.
What makes Sport better than Base?
While it varies from model to model, the Sport version will generally use the same frame as the base model, just with slightly better components.
Base
For riders on a budget, Base model bikes provide a no-frills, entry-level option. These bikes are great for getting riders out on two wheels; however, they may leave something to be desired for riders who are starting to get serious about cycling.
Other terms
EVO
When Specialized adds “EVO” to the name of a bike it represents an “Evolution” or change in the model. For mountain bikes, this usually implies that it got more suspension or became slacker than the original model.
SL
Short for “Superlight,” SL indicates that a bike was designed to maximize weight savings. Sometimes it is followed by a number to indicate the generation of the bike – such as with the Tarmac SL8
Turbo
Specialized e-bikes use “Turbo” to indicate that they are electric bicycles.
LTD
When a bike is only available for a short time, Specialized adds “LTD” to the title to indicate that it is a limited edition.
Materials
Sometimes the frame material is included in the title to show that a bike is different from other models. Common material names include carbon, alloy, and E5 (aluminum).
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